If you need an easy, accessible, and tasty way to cool down, you can get a refresher at our favorite cocktail bars in Houston. Located across the city, be it tucked behind hidden bookshelves, nondescript law offices, or out in the open for all to see, await the best cocktails in Houston. Read on to discover Houston’s best cocktail bars.
1. Julep
Recently named one of the best bars in North America, Alba Huerta’s the bar’s reflects Huerta’s utmost interest in Southern spirits – particularly bourbon.
In addition to bourbon-based drinks, see its dual Julep cocktail sections as well as Whiskey and Whiskey list, the bar features vodka, gin, agave, rum, cognac, and low-alcohol options.
📍1919 Washington Ave
2. Anvil Bar & Lounge
Anvil Bar & Lounge is a low-lit haunt ideal for taking refuge on a stormy night, or any other night. The first project of mixologist maven, Bobby Heugel – owner of The Pastry War, Squable, Better Luck Tomorrow and the new Anvil sister bar, Refuge – Anvil Bar & Lounge features an extensive list of 100 classic cocktails as well as 8 rotating seasonal libations.
📍1424 Westheimer Rd STE B
3. Captain Foxheart’s Bad News Bar and Spirits Lodge
Captain Foxheart’s is a definitive hidden gem. Located on Main Street, the nondescript speakeasy is tucked away behind a deceptive “Attorney at Law” door. Here, the bartenders know what they’re doing and will set you up right with your drink of choice. As for their second story patio, you could definitely do worse.
📍308 Main St
4. Lei Low
Known as the tiki bar that started a movement in Texas, Lei Low is an over-the-top Hawaiian haven tucked inside a strip center in The Heights. At Lei Low, Hawaiian shirts are encouraged, and rewarded come happy hour, with a menu that covers all rum-soaked surfside favorites. Be sure to swim over to Lei Low on Wednesdays for a steel guitar performance.
📍6412 N Main St C
5. Bandista
Located in a secret passageway tucked inside Four Seasons, Bandista is a reservation-only cocktail lounge reminiscent of the 1920s. With a maximum capacity of 18, Bandista puts a creative spin on classic and contemporary cocktails with artistic flair.
Using top shelf ingredients in their cocktails, such as WhistlePig 12-year rye and Highland Park 15-year Viking Heart, Bandista divides the menu into classic and modern cocktails.
📍1300 Lamar St
6. Diversion
Margaritas, Gin and Tonics, Mai Tais – we love ’em, heaven knows, but sometime curiosity has us looking for something completely out of the box; or at Diversión for instance, inside the bowl.
Ever wanted to spice up your breakfast? Well they have a bowl of Frosted Flakes topped with bourbon and cognac-infused milk. But that’s just a starter, see what else the chemists of Diversión have brewing in their laboratory of spirits.
📍7202 Long Point Rd
7. Better Luck Tomorrow
Better Luck Tomorrow is a festive and colorful cocktail hangout from Bobby Heugel. Located in The Heights, Better Luck Tomorrow’s cocktail lists features a multitude of original, classic, and brunch cocktails. Its notable Happy Hour special runs from 2 – 5 pm on weekdays and features half-off house cocktails, beer, and wines. Additionally, the bar and restaurant offers a number of non-alcoholic mocktail options.
📍544 Yale St
8. Eight Row Flint
Now with two Houston locations, Eight Row Flint renowned for their tacos, spacious patio hangs, and extensive cocktail list. As for the latter, Eight Row Flint’s libation list is heavily-whiskey based, while also featuring carbonated, classic, and frozen options. Be sure to pop by for happy hour from 2 – 6 pm on weekdays for $6.50 margs!
📍Multiple locations
9. Double Trouble Caffeine & Cocktails
Get your buzz fix at Montrose outpost, Double Trouble Caffeine & Cocktails. Parked next door to Sig’s Lagoon Record Shop, the bar serves a splendid variety of (as the title suggests) coffee and cocktails. Their vibe-y libations include its Frozen Suffering Bastard, made with bourbon, gin, lemon, angostura and ginger beer. If need a little extra in your morning pick-me-up, DT also offers a perky mix of coffee-infused cocktails.
📍3622 Main St Suite D
10. PDA
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PDA is an upscale cocktail and caviar lounge on Travis St. Open from Thursday to Sunday, the chic new cocktail bar in Houston mixes up craft (Instagram-ready) cocktails in an elegant atmosphere, complete with a piano booth, DJs, glowing blue bar, and caviar!
📍 3030 Travis St