19 Of The Best Cocktail Bars in Houston

Houston’s cocktail scene is a true reflection of the city’s vibrant and eclectic nature. From sophisticated classics to innovative concoctions, there is something to satisfy every taste bud in this city. In this article, we unveil our carefully curated list of 19 top-notch cocktail bars everyone should visit in Houston. Each bar boasts its own unique twist and atmosphere; from tropical tiki havens and vintage-inspired speakeasies to chic, modern lounges and cozy, intimate settings, Houston has it all.

Anvil

Established in 2009, by the renowned mixologist Bobby Heugel, and beer connoisseur Kevin Floyd, Anvil Bar has earned its reputation as not only one of the best cocktail bars in Houston, but in America.

Perhaps most iconic, is the bar’s “100 List of Classic Cocktails”. Initially created as a training guide for bar staff, it covers essential cocktail recipes that every bartender should know. The list eventually made its way onto the menu due to popular demand, with all bartenders knowing how to make each one by heart. It is no surprise that the bar has also become an incubator for cultivating talented mixologists.

The bar is open daily from 4 PM to 2 AM, but many patrons suggest getting there early before 8 PM as it can get busy fast.

Lei Low

This cozy Tiki Bar may appear tucked away and unassuming from the outside, but as soon as you enter, you will be transported into a tropical oasis. The bar’s ambiance is made up of beautiful Polynesian decor, bamboo accents, and dim lighting, creating an intimate and tropical vibe—perfect for a date.

True to the theme, the bar serves a wide range of classic tiki cocktails, such as the Mai Tai, Zombie, Singapore Sling, and popular Painkiller. The drinks are also beautifully presented inside large tiki mugs and coconut cups with adorable little umbrellas, adding a touch of Polynesian flair.

Clarkwood

Featuring a U-shaped bar bedecked in candles, this chic and elegant wine and cocktail bar combines Mediterranean panache with Old Hollywood charm. Make sure to dress the part and come in an outfit that matches the elegant and refined theme while enjoying their signature house cocktails, such as the Clarkwood Espresso Martini.

This trendy establishment is an ideal choice for those looking to make a lasting impression on their date while savoring exquisite cocktails.

Julep

Winning the 2022 James Beard Award, and being voted among the best 50 bars in North America, Alba Huerta’s Julep is a top spot along Houston’s Washington Avenue.

Her menu features an extensive range of classic and contemporary handmade cocktails incorporating unique flavors of herbs, spices, and fruity zest. One standout choice is the Morning Call, which combines Tequila, Lime, Agave Nectar, Tonic, and a touch of Hibiscus-infused Mezcal.

The kitchen also serves up some delicious small plates like oysters, duck confit flatbread, baked brie, and truffle cheeseburger sliders.

Every Monday through Friday from 4 PM to 5:30 PM, Julep has a Happy Hour that includes 50% off all house cocktails and wines by the glass.

Captain Foxheart’s Bad News Bar & Spirit Lodge

Also called the Bad News Bar, this cozy, dimly lit, speakeasy cocktail bar is a no-nonsense, high-quality experience with a reputation for serving some of the best cocktails in the downtown area. Be sure to take advantage of their happy hour specials every day from 5:00 to 6:30 PM to get half-price on select cocktails, including their Old Fashioned, which is highly recommended. The bar also has a fantastic outdoor mezzanine patio that provides a great view of the lively Main Street—a perfect spot to relax and wind down after a busy day at work.

Aye Candy

Tucked away behind a vintage candy shop in Spring Branch, one of Houston’s most vibrant dining neighborhoods, this speakeasy is a hidden gem that offers an elegant, luxurious, and intimate experience.

As you step inside, you will be welcomed by the nostalgic charm of a room designed to look like a vintage candy store. From there, you will make your way into the more opulent, and refined bar area. The plush velvet lounge seating, gold-framed artwork, modern lighting and decor finishings, and live music create an ambiance that mirrors the underground bar scene in Mexico City.

The drinks menu features a variety of wines and innovative cocktails. One in particular, the Watermelon High, is a refreshing blend of tequila, fresh watermelon, lime juice, and fire bitters. Then there is also the Cocosol, a delightful tequila cocktail made with coconut cream, lavender syrup, and mint.

Jethro’s

Tucked away on the east side of Montrose near Midtown, this 2,200-square-foot space features a walk-up bar, lounge seating, and an airy patio.

The menu consists of a handful of curated options, including 11 specialty cocktails, 7 classic cocktails, 4 beers, and an option for each type of wine. The “10 Out of Ten” is a crowd-pleaser that combines the smoothness of Flor de Cana Rum with the refreshing flavors of strawberry, thyme, orgeat, and lime. Another one of their more interesting concoctions is the “You Fancy”; made from Rum, Whiskey, Pineapple, Coconut Cream, Lemon, Nutmeg, Chartreuse, and Creme de Noyaux, a pink, sweet almond-flavored liqueur.

PDA

Another one of Houston’s hottest new cocktail lounges, PDA offers one of the most lively, sophisticated, and luxurious drinking scenes in the city. With its French-inspired decor, mid-century paintings, art deco-style furniture, and lush floral installations, the lounge exudes opulence.

Along with an elite menu of cocktails, wine, and champagne, you can also expect live music, DJs, and dancing, as part of the line-up at PDA. So make sure to dress your best and get ready to show off your moves on the dance floor!

Double Trouble Caffeine & Cocktails

Coffee bar by day and cocktail bar by night, this incredible duo of coffee and cocktails come together to create one of the largest coffee cocktail menus in the city. The bar is also famous for its frozen drinks, like the Suffering Bastard, which packs quite a punch.

This proudly female-owned bar has a casual and relaxed vibe. Its decor is a subtle blend of bohemian and tiki influences, incorporating bamboo, wood accents, and charming vintage chairs set against a captivating turquoise backdrop. It is also conveniently located at the Ensemble/HCC train station in Midtown and neighbors some other local spots like The Continental Club and Winnies, giving you an array of options for a fun night out.

Diversión

Diversión Cocktails in Houston is a must-visit destination for cocktail aficionados, offering a unique and innovative menu showcasing mixology’s artistry. This full bar is celebrated for its inventive drinks, which combine high-quality, house-made ingredients with imaginative presentations.

One of the bar’s indulgence offerings is the “Antoine Gibson,” an inventive cocktail featuring a carefully curated blend of gin and vermouth. This drink is taken to a whole new level with the addition of caviar and accouterments, along with an interesting twist of caramelized onion.

Refuge

Another establishment under Bobby Huegel’s resounding portfolio. Refuge Bar & Coffeehouse is another one of Houston’s finest watering holes for cocktail enthusiasts. The charming 50-seater bar located on the 2nd floor (coffeehouse downstairs) presents a sophisticated and enchanting ambiance with its soft lighting, charismatic bartenders, and elegant neo-art deco design.

Drawing from the bar’s coffee affinity, the Espresso Martini’s and Carajillo’s are some of their crowd-pleasing specialties. Refuge also has a fantastic weekday happy hour from 5 to 6 p.m., where you can enjoy their delicious menu cocktails at half price. In addition, on Tuesdays, the bar offers a variety of martinis from different parts of the world as part of their Martini Tuesday event.

Wooster’s Garden

Patrons absolutely adore Wooster’s Garden for its incredible craft cocktails, wide selection of craft beer, and thoughtfully curated wine options. The bar is all about using fresh local ingredients in their house cocktails, which adds a raw and authentic touch to their drinks.

Wooster’s Garden offers a stylish and modern ambiance, blending chic design elements against an industrial backdrop. With its exposed brick walls, spacious layout, high ceiling, glass doors, and cozy lighting, the space creates a warm and inviting atmosphere that is ideal for any kind of get-together.

Better Luck Tomorrow

If you’re looking for a simple and casual meet-up spot with great drinks, well, Better Luck Tomorrow. This approachable bar has a lively and casual ambiance, and when it comes to cocktails, you can expect the same quality drinks as Anvil and Refuge, because, you guessed it, the bar is also one of Bobby Heugel’s brainchildren.

The bar also has a delicious food menu with some great all-day, and brunch options like classic bacon and egg breakfasts, grilled cheese sandwiches, cheeseburgers, pancakes, and more.

BLT has a Happy Hour that runs every weekday from 2 PM to 5 PM.

Rosewater Clear Lake

Rosewater is situated outside the city center and is a great option for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city while enjoying some expertly crafted cocktails.

As the name suggests, Rosewater’s signature cocktails are infused with the delicate flavors of roses and other floral and aromatic ingredients. Specifically, the Rosewater Sour is a delightful concoction of Roku Gin, rose, orgeat, lemon, red wine syrup, and egg white. The “Namaste at the Bar” is another aromatic cocktail that blends rhubarb, lavender, and black pepper bitters with black tea-infused Marker’s Mark.

Rosewater also has Happy Hour every week from Tuesday to Friday between 4 PM and 6 PM.

Permission

With over 400 whiskeys from around the world, Permission Whiskey Bar is a one-of-a-kind experience for those with an affinity for whiskey and cocktails. This bar fully embraces the vintage Whiskey bar aesthetic, featuring oak wood furnishings and charming Wooden Barrel decor elements.

It also comes as no surprise that the Smoked Old Fashioned—a whiskey-inspired cocktail that blends Elijah Craig Bourbon, Turbinado, Angostura, and Cherrywood Smoke—is one of the most highly praised by patrons. Although the Espresso Martini is another popular choice from the menu.

The food menu is exquisite, featuring options like oysters, charcuterie boards, and artisanal cheeses that truly elevate the drinking experience.

Johnny’s Gold Brick

Heights’ favorite craft cocktail bar, Johnny’s Gold Brick, has been a local favorite for almost a decade. The menu is simple, featuring classic cocktails like the Tom Collins, Cuba Libre, Frozen Margarita, and Manhattan. However, you can also request a cocktail off the menu.

On Thursdays and Fridays, you will not want to miss the amazing pop-up food truck, where you can savor mouthwatering tacos while sipping on fantastic cocktails.

Monkey’s Tail

This vibrant bar features a sophisticated cocktail menu that you would expect at an upscale speakeasy while presenting a laid-back, casual vibe similar to bars like BLT and Johnny’s Gold Brick. Monkey’s Tail has a strong tequila and mezcal influence, with cocktails like the refreshing Santa Muerte, which blends hibiscus-infused pueblo viejo, beet-infused verde memento mezcal, lime, and tiki-spiced agave nectar.

The food menu at the bar is also inviting; it has enough variety to please even the most discriminating palates, with options ranging from build-your-own pizzas to fajita tacos, wings, burgers, and aguachiles.

Under the Volcano

Named after the classic novel by Malcolm Lowry, Under the Volcano was the first craft cocktail bar in Houston and has been captivating patrons for over 30 years with its stunning Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) theme. All the art, décor, and furniture are imported from Mexico, creating a truly authentic, immersive experience that will make you feel like you’re in the heart of Mexico.

Embracing its Latin American theme, expect beautifully presented cocktails like the Strawberry Basil Margarita, Paloma, Añejo Old Fashioned, and Caipirinha crafted using freshly squeezed juices and fresh herbs and spices.

The Mexican-inspired menu features favorites like Empanadas, Tacos, made-to-order Guacamole, Queso Dip, Baja Marisco, and Carne Guisada.

The bar is known for its themed weekly events, such as Steak Night every Monday, Taco Tuesdays, and live music every Wednesday. Additionally, they offer Happy Hours on weekdays from 2 PM to 7 PM.

Kanpai Club

Kanpai Club is the sister bar of one of Houston’s top sushi restaurants, Hando. This Japanese-themed bar uses only premium Japanese spirits, whiskeys, and liqueurs to craft their spectacular house cocktails. The Tokyo Layover is a popular choice that combines Mezcal, Aperol, Vecchio, Lemon, and Yuzu Kosho creating a smoky, bitter-sweet, and tangy mouthfeel experience.

You will find a delightful selection of small plates inspired by Japanese cuisine on the menu. Including mouthwatering Wagyu Gyoza, the classic Edamame bar snack, and succulent Beef Teriyaki Skewers, to name a few.