Kyle Green
Houston is not only one of the largest cities in Texas, but it is also the fourth largest city in the United States. Bordering Galveston Bay, Houston is home to more than two million people. Famous for its space center with astronaut training and flight control building, Houston has been at the forefront of space exploration via NASA for decades.
Other attractions include the Houston Grand Opera and Houston’s Historic District, home to many high-end restaurants and lovely 19th-century architecture.
The city’s cultural diversity is apparent in every aspect of the community. For instance, Houston is the most diverse metropolis in Texas and one of the country’s most ethnically diverse major cities.
Caracol Restaurant
2200 Post Oak Blvd #160, Houston, TX 77056
Phone: 713-622-9996
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Caracol Restaurant is an upscale cafe with an artsy vibe. The bright decor and many high-top tables give it an elegant feel.
Located in the Uptown neighborhood, Caracol Restaurant serves Mexican seafood dishes and offers items from an oyster bar. The restaurant is open between Tuesday and Sunday, with happy hour from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
The spicy pineapple Paloma and the mojito clasico are two great discounted cocktails during happy hour. I would recommend trying the signature red wine sangria and the mini brisket sliders with Chihuahua cheese, avocado, greens, chipotle mayo, and beans. The trio of quesadillas is also a great option for a happy hour snack.
Eunice
3737 Buffalo Speedway Suite 100, Houston, TX 77098
Phone: 832-491-1717
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Eunice serves seasonal Cajun and Creole cuisine and cocktails near Levy Park in the Greenway neighborhood. Notably, Eunice was named a 2020 Diner’s Choice restaurant by OpenTable. If you’re wondering about the name, Executive Chef Drake Leonards named the restaurant after his hometown in Louisiana, where he was first inspired to join the culinary field.
Happy hour is Monday through Friday from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The bar serves discounted classic cocktails, beer, and select wines by the glass. Try the Sazerac or the Pimm’s Cup. I enjoyed the Cajun Duck Poppers, the Crispy Brussel’s Sprouts, and the Cornmeal Crusted Oysters on the food menu.
Around the Corner
1510 Hutchins St, Houston, TX 77003
Phone: 346-444-6699
Around the Corner is a cozy coffee shop and cocktail lounge with a spacious patio. The kitchen prepares refined small bites to pair with coffees and cocktails. You can find it in East Downtown, near Graffiti Park and the Houston Graffiti Building. With free wifi, many people find Around the Corner a great place to work and to hang out.
Happy hour is between 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm from Monday to Friday, and each night lists a different special. On Monday, it’s pint night, so try a local beer. Tuesday is twenty-dollar wine bottles, and you get a complimentary flatbread with your order! My favorite night is Wednesday, when Texas beers and wings are offered!
NettBar
4504 Nett St, Houston, TX 77007
Phone: 832-991-8610
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NettBar is situated in a historic building and sells craft beers, cocktails, and tasty bites. The bar hosts games and offers outdoor seating on a patio. What’s great is that your four-legged friend can visit with you since the space is dog-friendly. NettBar is open Tuesday through Sunday near the Rice Military district.
When I visited NettBar, I enjoyed Tito’s Frozen Lemonade. On Wednesday night, the bar offers a special on steak that the locals rave about. Additionally, I’d recommend ordering the quesadilla or the tacos. The bar hosts trivia nights and bocce tournaments for guests who enjoy an activity while drinking a tasty beverage.
Upstairs
2356 Rice Boulevard fl 2, Houston, TX 77005
Phone: 713-523-8652
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Upstairs borders Rice University and offers a casual neighborhood hangout space with an upstairs terrace. The kitchen serves small plates, pizza, and the bar crafts delightful cocktails. Upstairs opens at 3:00 pm during the week with extended weekend hours. Happy hour extends from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm every day.
Try one of the draft beers, and all are five dollars during happy hour. I also recommend looking at the signature cocktails – like the basil gimlet – that are cheaper during those hours. The homemade hummus with pita bread and carrots is delicious; so is the green chile shrimp ceviche, both of which are on the happy hour menu.
Wooster’s Garden
3315 Milam St, Houston, TX 77006
Phone: 713-520-0015
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You can find Wooster’s Garden in Midtown Houston, near MATCH, the Midtown Arts and Theater Center of Houston. Wooster’s Garden is a modern restaurant that serves gourmet versions of classic dishes. Follow the restaurant’s social media pages for up-to-date information about special dishes. It’s a fun place to grab one drink or hang out with friends for a few.
I enjoyed my visit to Wooster’s Garden for happy hour. I would recommend the Midnight Oil cocktail with bourbon and orange bitters. I also enjoyed the sweet potato tots, the chicken sandwich with dill aioli, and the Woo Dog bratwurst. Try one of the Boilermakers like Maker’s Mark paired with Long Pine Yellow Rose.
Blanco Tacos + Tequila
5115 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77056
Phone: 346-250-1900
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Blanco Tacos + Tequila is a contemporary Mexican eatery with vibrant decorations. The kitchen serves traditional dishes, and the bar offers a wide range of tequilas. The restaurant is in Uptown Houston in The Galleria, a mall filled with various department stores. Happy hour at Blanco lasts from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm between Monday and Friday.
The happy hour menu offers numerous tasty options like guacamole or warm queso. I recommend ordering a few of the tacos like the slow-cooked BBQ pork, the chicken pastor, or the grilled avocado. The frozen Paloma is a cool cocktail for a warm day, but my favorite drink is the blackberry sangria.
Loch Bar
4444 Westheimer Rd Suite G110, Houston, TX 77027
Phone: 832-430-6601
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Loch Bar is a modern restaurant serving New England cuisine, including a raw bar and an extensive whiskey list. It’s located in the River Oaks neighborhood, near Interstate 610. Happy hour runs from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm and from 10:00 pm to 1:00 am on certain days.
When I visited Loch Bar, I enjoyed the Jasmine cocktail with gin and lemon as well as the Bourbon Renewal with bitters. Try the local oysters and the buttermilk hush puppies. I also enjoy the chicken and andouille sausage gumbo. The Loch Bar is a great place for a casual date.
Ambrosia
2003 Lexington St, Houston, TX 77098
Phone: 713-393-7211
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Ambrosia is a comfortable restaurant located near Houston’s museum district and Interstate 69. Ambrosia serves small plates and traditional entrees from Asia, while the bar offers Eastern-inspired cocktails. The restaurant opens every day except Tuesday. Follow the restaurant on social media for more information about specials during happy hour.
My favorite menu item is the Thai Chicken Flatbread with tomato chutney and yellow curry on homemade naan. I recommend the Basil Crab Fried Rice and the Maharaja Shrimp. For a beverage, I enjoyed the Red Cactus cocktail with vodka and raspberry liqueur. The Cucumber Collins is also delicious!
Nobu Houston
5115 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77056
Phone: 832-987-2599
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Come find Nobu Houston within The Galleria in Uptown Houston. Chef Nobu Matsuhisa is an Iron Chef, and he prepares Japanese delicacies for the Houston area. The chef’s partner and the restaurant co-owner is actor Robert De Niro! Currently, the restaurant has about twenty locations globally.
The “tanoshi” hour occurs between 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm in the bar and lounge. For happy hour, I most enjoy ordering the shishito peppers and jalapeno yellowtail. My favorite cocktail is the Hibiscus Sour with gin and hibiscus syrup, but you can order wines, beers, or sake by the glass.
Better Luck Tomorrow
544 Yale St, Houston, TX 77007
Phone: 713-802-0845
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Better Luck Tomorrow is a cozy yet modern bar known for serving inventive cocktails and elevated comfort food. The space offers both indoor and outdoor seating. The restaurant lies adjacent to Houston Heights Bird Sanctuary and Reservoir, and it’s open between noon and midnight almost every day.
Happy hour is every weekday before 5:00 pm, and every drink is half off! Better Luck Tomorrow even offers weather specials; for instance, when it is raining, Hurricanes are half-off. Any time you visit, try the Spa Day cocktail with vodka, aloe, and Mediterranean Tonic. I’d also recommend the fried pickles for a snack.
Bacco
Multiple Locations
Bacco has multiple locations in Houston on Montrose Boulevard, Yale Street, and Dincans Street. Bacco is open from 4:00 pm to 12:00 am between Monday and Saturday. It is a great place for a romantic date night or a night out with friends.
On Tuesdays, the restaurant offers a pizza and wine special, and on Sunday, happy hour lasts all day. Try a pint of the 312 Goose Island or the Mosaic IPA. The Texas Titan has Deep Eddy Grapefruit Vodka and is very tasty. I also enjoyed the Hercules pizza with Italian sausage and mozzarella.
The Community Bar
2703 Smith St, Houston, TX 77006
Phone: 713-526-1576
The Community Bar is near Midtown Park, and it’s open between Tuesday and Sunday from 5:00 pm to 2:00 am. Happy Hour extends until 7:00 pm Wednesday through Sunday. Visitors enjoy the hip vibe, with a painted black bar and low ambient lighting. I definitely loved hanging out here with my friends!
Wednesday is wing night, and Thursday is burger night. Other nights of the week also have their own theme, so check out the entire menu and plan your visit. Try the potstickers or the cheese fries from the happy hour menu. I enjoyed the Mezcal Old Fashioned. I also found it interesting that the bar can add liquid CBD to any cocktail on the menu!
Eight Row Flint
1039 Yale St, Houston, TX 7700
Phone: 832-767-4002
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Eight Row Flint is near Greater Heights, Houston, by Milroy Park. The bar specializes in rare bourbons, craft beer, and expertly-mixed margaritas. Tacos are served from a food truck, making them even tastier – if possible. The eatery opens daily at 11:00 am, and you can search #whiskeybeertacos on social media for posts about Eight Row Flint.
Try the Green Chile Ranch Water with Señor Sotol Blanco, Ancho Reyes Chile Liqueur, and Topo Chico. The Eight Row Mule with bourbon and peach vodka is also delicious. The Cheddar Chicharrones are a perfect small bite but order some tacos. I enjoyed the Orange-Glazed Gulf Shrimp tacos most!
The Brass Tap
922 Holman St Suite A, Houston, TX 77002
Phone: 281-501-0319
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Located in Midtown, Houston, The Brass Tap is a festive pub that serves various beers and wines. It’s a great venue to watch sports since the place is full of televisions, and when the game isn’t on, the bar is likely to have live music playing! It is open from 11:00 am until at least midnight daily, and happy hour runs from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
When I visited The Brass Tap, I enjoyed the Bells Two Hearted Ale and the Galveston Bay Tiki Wheat beers. Also, try some of the local brews like the Saint Arnold Texas Winter IPA or the 8th Wonder Cougar Paw Red Ale.
Boheme
307 Fairview St, Houston, TX 77006
Phone: 713-529-1099
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Boheme is a bar with an artsy vibe that serves wine, cocktails, and pizzas. The space has lots of outdoor seating, making it the perfect place for a drink on a warm day. Happy hour lasts from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm Monday through Friday, and every Sunday, the restaurant hosts a drag brunch!
I most enjoyed the frozen mojito and the Cuban sliders when I visited Boheme. Other popular menu items include the frozen pina colada, the 512 pecan porter, and the Bombay spinach dip. Notably, the restaurant has a $35 deal where you can order a bottle of wine and a pizza!
Julep
1919 Washington Ave, Houston, TX 77007
Phone: 832-371-7715
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Julep is near Downtown Houston and operates as a neighborhood cocktail bar. The laid-back vibe helps guests feel immediately welcome when entering the space. The cocktails and spirits list covers multiple pages, so everyone can find a favorite to enjoy or something new to try!
The French onion dip with caramelized onions is delicious, and I also enjoyed the pimento cheese dip. Also, get one dollar off raw oysters during happy hour. My favorite dish is the lobster roll–it’s perfect for lunch or dinner. The Blue Hawaiian cocktail with rum and blue curacao is so tasty.
Social Beer Garden HTX is missing from your list.
Located in Midtown Houston, TX
Happy Hour Mon-Fri till 7pm
$5 old fashions +1$ for smoked
$5 frozens
$8 flight of craft beer
$1 off all beer
Quite possibly the best craft beer selection in the city.