50 Best Cocktail Bars in Houston

“This is my favorite bar in the U.S. (I’ve hit most of the big ones from LA-NO-CHI-NY-etc). I haven’t even been to The Anvil in 3-4 years (do not live in Houston) but I still think about this place. Like, a lot. Maybe even too much. I don’t even drink anymore and I think about this damn bar.

I have been on a chill weekday night, a packed house weekend, and an afternoon where it was only my friends, a couple of other guests, and the owner sitting at the bar- loved each unique experience. Their other concept, The Pastry War was equally amazing and one of the most beautiful bars in the country. Thank you for the amazing hospitality and memories Anvil, cheers to you!“

“Great cocktail bar. Excellent selection of liquors.“

“My boyfriend and I love coming to Karne. Not only is the food amazing, but we’re always lucky enough to be sat in Tim’s section. He never fails to take great care of us and he’s so fun to talk to!“

“Wonderful menu, service and location. Highly recommended.“

“Wow just wow! Very nice romantic place in Houston that I honestly would like to go back to try everything on the menu. The food was excellent along with the presentation. The staff was superb and very elegant.“

“We had an amazing experience at Balboa! Starting with the complimentary valet, which was quick and friendly service. The entry to the restaurant was super nice and a great photo opportunity spot. Kyrah took excellent care of us during our visit, and we loved the team style service. It felt like we had a team serving us, and they are so quick and quiet that you can continue to hold conversations and visit but someone is always near if you need anything. Kyrah took special care to "refresh" our cocktail glasses when we finished about half of our drinks, and made excellent recommendations. The food was absolutely amazing. Our table tried the fried shrimp, oysters, spicy ahi tuna roll, crab cake, Post Oak ribeye with pureed potatoes, salmon with the most delicious and unique salad, and heirloom tomatoes. The cocktails were delicious, including the Gold Rush, Rum Dum, and el Guero. The restaurant vibe is romantic but fun and sophisticated and has an open kitchen concept where you can see the food being made if you care to watch. I will most definitely be back and can confidently recommend this place to anyone!“

“Amazing food! The flavors just explode in your mouth. Pork vindaloo and roasted cauliflower were the favorites. Service was spectacular.“

“Wow! An amazing hidden gem! Came for our 1 year anniversary and had an amazing experience. The food was perfect and the drinks as well. The music and the decorations were on point as well. This will become a regular spot for us. Thanks chef Angelo and his staff. ?“

“Wild is a very dreamy/Cozy coffee shop, CBD bar. Very Relaxing.“

“Would definitely come back! Came here with my cousins on a weeknight and it didn’t disappoint. I absolutely love beef tartare and the fact that this was wagyu made it all the better. We arrived too late and the Lobster and Leek Pot Pie was no longer available but I’ll be sure to try that the next time around.“

“this place is such a vibe. The ambience, the drinks and the amazing staff. Special thank you to Ian for going above and beyond to ensure such a pleasant experience :)“

“The staff is amazing! The drinks were beautiful and the decor was never ending. 10/10 will visit again.“

“Love this bar! It’s my new regular spot“

“3rd best ramen in Houston. Can handle bigger crowds“

“They have the Best drinks and they cost from $6 -$12. Which is not bad at all. I had the pleasure of meeting TJ and he made this drink. Man when i tell you I couldn't even finish it !! This place is a must go, oh and if you do be sure to check out crave burgers, it's a burger place but baby they have the best fried chicken !!“

“Just a killer place to hang!“

“MATT my bartender was amazing“

“Super cool hang out with funky vibes and awesome bartenders. Their whiskey selection ain't too shabby either!“

“Goodness gracious I love this place. I visit every time I’m in town and try to bring a new friend who’s never been. The folks here are friendly and the music is A1. The kitchen pass through window is a delight, much like the food that comes through it. Seems like a fun place to work. If you like whiskey and/or sake, there’s a good collection here. Can’t go wrong.“

“Fun atmosphere and unique drinks.“

“Beautiful experience! Every bite was delectable and the beverage pairings were on point. The chefs and sommelier were so welcoming and personable. A truly unique dining experience.“

“Wondering if you sell t-shirts to help your saving of the rhinos?“

“Great for small private party! VERY yummy unique cocktails! And there is a SPA downstairs!“

“The dude filing the racial discrimination lawsuit is a personal injury attorney. Get the picture?“

“Hector was so attentive. One of the best espresso martinis I’ve ever had. I had to ask what the secret sauce was. The food did not disappoint either. The kitchen stays open later than most. The lobster dumplings and truffle pasta are a must have. Chill & good vibes“

“It’s was great experience , It’s an excellent food hall/bar, the food selection is an international mix- so many great choices to choose from, not to mention they have great parking!! A must go too and give it a try, I promise you won’t be disappointed. I had the bulgogi rice bowl and the kimchi fries a must try no regrets here lol, from Seoulside Wings and Rice Tried out the dessert strawberry tres leches from Luv ‘em, it was ok it was a little overpriced in my opinion. $8.50 for slice Over all experience was excellent!“

“A classic cocktail bar with a welcoming vibe, large leather booths that seat 8 men comfortably. Great music stream. Vintage decor with old tavern feel. Cocktail drinks were creative and the classics were right-on, with dried fruits and garnish was artful. My favorite Dark & Stormy!“

“Love this place really laid back and friendly staff“

“Had the urge for some good sushi and ended up at koi. Was greeted with a warm welcoming by the host at the front. Sat at the sushi bar. The service by Daniel and Chef Masa was spectacular. Started with a chawanmushi to warm up and moved on to their gyoza’s. For my mains I had the mega dragon and Otoro nigiri’s which are by far my favorites. For drinks I had a Tokiball and matcha made in heaven. Delicious cocktails. Came in on a Sunday which was quiet … but after a long week that is what I needed. Will be coming back“

“I recommend you go back over and over again so you can get a little bit of greatness each and every time you visit. Great food, great atmosphere, great service, and a great time will be on your mind when you leave there.“

“LumbarJust celebrated a birthday and had a fabulous meal and outstanding service--will be back soon--a great Ion location.“

“It's definitely a vibe. Mini golf for the grown and sexy!“

“Had an amazing experience here yesterday. We just got drinks and appetizers (crab hush puppies were our fav). We had a fantastic waitress Candace who was funny, pleasant, and attentive for the entire time we were there (6 hours!). Would highly recommend. Will be back to try more food“

“Great drinks, food and staff. Relaxing atmosphere“

“Great place to eat for a lovely atmosphere and wonderful service! A bit over priced however our server made our dinner service very enjoyable!“

“Great food and overall service. One issue, tried to get in touch to let them know we were running late - they have a 15-minute grace period. The call went to voicemail. Then texted to let them know. We arrived right at 15 minutes late, but the hostess was not up front and we waited for her to return to the front. Then, she said it was past 15 minutes and our table was no longer available but we could sit at the bar. Pretty ridiculous.“

“My husband and I celebrated our 41st anniversary. Delicious tomato beginning, perfectly grill fillet for the middle, and an OMG tiramisu ending. Attentive staff and generous wine list made a wonderful evening.“

“Peak dive bar mood. No nuts on any dishes I tried (cheese curds, tots, fries).

Honestly just showed up on a Friday night for drinks and it hits every spot. Bar food, unique cocktails, cheaper beer, and awesome happy hour and weekday dinner specials. Can't ask for more. A perfect example of why Houston stands tall in late night options.

Frozen Irish Coffee goes hard on humid summer days and the pIzza Negroni is a favorite in our group.“

“Great restaurant in a lovely neighborhood. The food was delicious and the happy hour charcuterie board was great followed by a 3 meat pizza. The chocolate cookie is amazing.“

“Amazing quaint atmosphere with amazing food, drinks, and staff, that are as friendly as they are helpful! Would recommend to anyone in Bellaire, but also anyone else just looking for a nice place to eat that is super inviting and approachable, but food that makes you keep craving your next visit! Absolutely recommend!“

“My sisters and I stopped by here while making a stop to Lotus across the street. The daiquiris and Jell-O shots were great. Michelle showed excellent customer service as well.“

“Everything started out absolutely extraordinary. The waiters and Service was over the top. The staff was extraordinary, super friendly, and really unmatched. Amazing. Unfortunately my entrée which was the fresh fish of the day was very bland and slightly overcooked. The leeks that came with it were beautiful, but very tough and not really edible. The side dish which were fried potato balls were also very bland and not that tasty despite being fried twice and served with a garlic sauce. Otherwise the entire experience was great. Beautiful place and great music I would like to see them use ingenuity to make the dishes healthier instead of just pouring on lots of cream, cheese and/or butter. Some of the most delicious meals are simple, profound combinations of ingredients that add amazing flavor without over buttering, cheesing or sugaring. The best thing on the menu was the gnocchi appetizer.“

“Great Service Great Drinks Great Food“

“Wild is a very dreamy/Cozy coffee shop, CBD bar. Very Relaxing.“

“Great service and food! Wine recommendations were on point. Loved my experience here!“

“Corinna and Sage are the most fabulous people I have ever had the pleasure of ordering a drink from. They are extremely knowledgeable, helpful, and nothing short of excellent. This type of service is hard to come by. They remember my order, regularly check-in, and make you smile on a tough day. Echoes is my new favorite spot and I can not stop recommending it to my friends and family. This place is such a gem.“

“What a vibe this place has! Great beer selection and prices are low! Friendly atmosphere for my lgbtq friends. Invited them because I felt it was a very inclusive place when I stopped there by myself for a drink about 2 months ago.

I got 2 amazing dark beers for 3 dollars each last night. That is like a needle in a haystack situation to me. The girls loved their cocktails too and we stuck around longer than we had intended and played a round of pool. I feel comfortable at this bar, very homey. I stopped in last time and the taco kitchen was in. Can't remember what I had but it was really dank and fairly priced. They share a kitchen with a few different food truck type folks, so you can get different food on site depending on what day of the week you come in! Music was on point for the vibes with the disco balls and rainforest backdrops.

3 hour free parking on the street the bar is located on!

If you live close by this place, consider yourself lucky, you may just have found your home away from home!“

“Delicious food, great spot“

“Great food and drinks. Nice music and outdoor seating. 100% recommend.“