Halloween season has arrived and Houston is here for it. Among bars at haunted houses, actually haunted bars, to local Houston haunts that have transformed into an entirely different beast – like a werewolf during a full moon – for the spooky season with over-the-top decor, enchanting elixirs, and more, here’s where to find the most festive bars in Houston through October.
1. Nickel City
Opened earlier this year, Nickel City is a neighborhood dive and rum-focused patio whose flagship is located in Austin. Throughout the month of October, Nickel City is transforming into an over-the-top Black Lagoon pop-up. Here, Halloween enthusiasts can enjoy themed libations and spooky tunes in an immersive atmosphere.
📍2910 McKinney St Suite 500
2. Wonder Bar
Revel in the extravagant, eerie, and Instagram-ready decorations of Wonder Bar. From a clown wall, smashing pumpkin installation, life-sized cauldron, series levitating eyeballs, levitating witch hats, spooky neon – not to mention themed cocktails and more – Wonder Bar is a must for basic witches this Halloween season.
📍2416 Brazos St.
3. Poison Girl
Just like its atmospheric interior with its rich crimson walls, dim lighting, and collection of spirits, the Westheimer haunt provides a moody setting for drinking experiences of all sorts.
Whether you seek to unwind after a long day at the office, fully immerse yourself in your thoughts, ease first-date nerves, or simply enjoy a pleasant evening with friends, Poison Girl accommodates all these drinking moods.
📍1641 Westheimer Rd B
4. The Cursed Cauldron at Aero Cocktail Co.
This October, Aero Cocktail Co. is hosting The Cursed Cauldron. The limited-time cocktail experience combines the mystique of witchcraft with mixology artistry.
Open from 4 pm to 2 am nightly, The Cursed Cauldron at Aero Cocktail Co. transports patrons to enchanting realms of otherworldly decor, ancient apothecary artwork, and mesmerizing live entertainment.
📍2031 Westcreek Lane
5. Houston Terror Dome
The “Scariest Haunted House in Houston” is a multi-faceted Halloween experience comprising of a haunted house, zombie paintball, axe-throwing, pumpkin patch, and more.
Located at 16030 East Freeway in Channelview, the Terror Dome also features a resident bar, the Nightmare Alley Selfie Saloon, where patrons can fuel up on liquid courage before facing their fears.
📍16030 East Freeway
6. La Carafe
Nestled on 813 Congress Street, with two modern gastro lounges nearby in the outskirts of Market Square Park downtown, is the candlelit La Carafe wine tavern.
La Carafe Wine Bar is an enduring establishment housed within a building that has been a part of Houston for over a century, proudly claiming the distinction of being the city’s oldest structure.
Even now, it preserves its cozy and softly illuminated ambiance. Adorned with a chandelier, candles with wax-crystallized patterns, vintage artifacts from bygone eras, and a classic jukebox, visitors can leisurely explore this candlelit historical treasure and relive the Houston of yesteryears.
📍813 Congress Street
7. 13th Floor
In addition to a quartet of chilling haunted house experiences, axe-throwing, and escape rooms, 13th Floor – one of the ‘Top 5 Most Terrifying Haunted Houses In U.S.A.‘ also features a couple bars on site.
Whether you want to settle your nerves before or after the haunted house experiences, 13th Floor visitors can stop by Bar 13, to imbibe themed libations and/or purchase concessions. Either/or, visitors can also slink into The Hideout, the area haunted house speakeasy.
📍7075 Farm to Market 1960 Rd W Ste 20
8. Scream Fest
Scream Fest in Houston is the largest horror-themed amusement park in Texas. It includes five distinct haunted house experiences as well as a midway filled with spooky carnival games, vendors, a big screening with horror movies on repeat, and bars.
In addition to the above, as well as live music, the chance to take out the walking dead at their Night Ops paintball attraction. Oh by the way, did we mention that tickets come with free drinks?
📍1500 Elton St
9. AGR Adventure Park
Indoor paintball, axe-throwing, tactical laser tag, and gastropub – all wrapped up in a single venue at AGR Adventure Park. This October, the multi-purpose facility has put a Halloween theme at all of its attractions, a la zombie paintball. Plus, there’s a fully stocked bar on site.
📍830 Katy Fort Bend Rd Suite 200, Katy
📍1300 E 40th St
10. Popfancy Dessert Bar
While not a bar bar, Popfancy Dessert Bar is one of the most festive places to spirit this October. Until November 10, Popfancy is hosting a Zombie Apocalypse Cafe in which – on top of completely immersive decor – the dessert bar is featuring themed (non-alcoholic) beverages, potion-making classes, and live entertainment on weekends.
📍9393 Bellaire Blvd a6