While breweries and wineries seem to be getting all the fuss lately, there’s nothing quite like going out for a great cocktail. A well-made mixed drink can help you relax or perk up, and make any occasion that much more special.
Whether you’re looking for a great happy hour to end the workweek, a pre-show libation before a night out in the Theater District, or just a start to a date night, this is where to find the best cocktails in Houston.
01
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The Pastry War
Direction
310 Main St, Houston, TX 77002, EE. UU.Get directions
Telephone
+1 713-225-3310
Web
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Before you get your hopes up, cakes aren’t really on the menu for Cake Wars. But tequila is. And a lot of that. This downtown bar specializes in agave liqueurs, such as tequila and mezcal, which are made by family-owned Mexican distilleries. The owners claim to know the families personally and pride themselves on being highly selective about what they serve.
From the décor to the snacks, homage to Mexican traditions is paid throughout the bar. They even accept pesos, seriously. But nowhere is that clearer than in your cocktail options. House margaritas come in different flavors, including a spicy habanero and serrano option that pairs really well with the fries and cheese.
Its interesting atmosphere and great deals make it one of the best places for happy hour near downtown Houston. Pass between 4 p.m. M. And 6:30 p.m. M. Any day of the week and get half of tequilas and mezcals, free pool games and complimentary fresh waters.
02
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Mongoose versus snake
Direction
1011 McGowen St, Houston, TX 77002-9117, EE. UU.Get directions
Telephone
+1 713-650-6872
Web
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As if the name didn’t give it away, Mongoose Versus Cobra is a bit eclectic to say the least. For starters, there is a literal mongoose fighting a king cobra, both stuffed, of course. And the delicious oddities don’t stop there. The large open space is filled with long tables and benches perfect for communal drinking, with the occasional board game.
There are over 40 beers on the table, but its original craft cocktails are what make it one of the most popular bars near downtown. Sure, you could order a margarita here, but why would you want when you can get Exley’s Mule Variation # 2? This refreshing blend of vodka, citrus, and ginger ale is just one of more than a dozen specially crafted “adulterated spirits” on the menu.
If you’re hungry, you can choose from a truly interesting collection of dishes, including pumpkin seeds, a peanut butter and bacon sandwich, and chocolate chip cookies. True story. However, if those don’t satisfy your appetite, don’t worry. Mongoose Versus Cobra is within walking distance of some of the best restaurants in Midtown.
03
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Double trouble
Direction
3622 Main St, Houston, TX 77006-9502, EE. UU.Get directions
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Double Trouble was a hipster before he was a hipster, or at least that’s the vibe. Waiters rock “jorts” in style and play a virtual mixed tape of music in the evenings. At any moment you’ll find patronage as diverse as Houston itself: students sit crammed alongside gabb co-workers enjoying happy hour, couples huddle on the patio as a family sits bouncing a child nearby.
This Midtown bar serves caffeine in addition to cocktails, hence its name, and spiked coffee and coffee cocktails are its specialty. Local favorites include Oaxacan coffee, mezcal with creme de cacao, and double agent, which mixes citrus vodka and creme de cacao into a fresh espresso.
In addition to the stellar drinks available, Double Trouble is in a great location. Its covered patio area overlooks the Ensemble / HCC METRORail Red Line train stop, and is adjacent to some of Midtown’s favorite spots, such as Tacos A Go Go, home to one of the tastiest breakfast tacos in town. . Food trucks are often parked outside, and it is recommended that BYO-food is not only allowed at the bar.
04
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Eight Row Flint
Direction
1039 Yale St, Houston, TX 77008-6989, EE. UU.Get directions
Telephone
+1 832-767-4002
Web
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Although technically an ice house, Eight Row Flint is anything but a dive. Instead of dirty picnic tables and draft beer, this Heights area beer garden has stylish decor and tons of fancy cocktails, including refreshing frozen and carbonated concoctions to help make Houston’s hotter months a breeze. little more tolerable. Favorites include a frosé, a frozen rosé with flavorful add-ons, and the award-winning bourbon-and-citrus, Cash and Ice.
Eight Row Flint is also a popular Happy Hour spot for Inner Loopers. From 2-6pm, Monday through Friday and Wednesday all day, you can get $ 5 cocktails and $ 3 tacos, and tacos are really a must try. All food is prepared in a food truck adjacent to the bar with a variety of Tex-Mex snacks. The menu isn’t extensive, but it’s a fun mix of flavors that are great for a cocktail pairing. While the Brussels sprout tacos are arguably the most popular, the Gulf shrimp tacos with fruit salad and beef cheek tacos are among the best in the Heights.
However, if you don’t feel full, you can always opt for snack. The $ 3 appetizer is a great launch of sweet and savory snacks like Fritos, Teddy Grahams, Corn Nuts, and Caramel Corn.
05
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Anvil Bar & Refuge
Direction
1424 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77006-2617, EE. UU.Get directions
Telephone
+1 713-523-1622
Web
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Anvil Bar & Refuge opened its doors in 2009 with one thing in mind – beautifully made classic cocktails. This Montrose area bar uses only high-quality spirits and fresh ingredients to prepare its cocktails and serves them in a relaxed yet friendly atmosphere that seems to make hospitality its mantra.
A hallmark of Anvil’s menu is the 100 List. What started as a list of 100 classic cocktail recipes every bartender should know by heart has become a go-to list of cocktails every customer should try. The list is divided into seven sections, which classify drinks such as the sidecar and daiquiri as “Sour and Short,” and manhattans and mint juleps as “Boozy and Alluring.”
In addition to the 100 List, a selection of seasonal cocktails are available, as well as some original Anvil staples. You can pair these with some light meals, but don’t expect the standard greasy fare. Like their drinks, Anvil’s food options are elegant – the olives are topped with orange zest and the quail eggs are pickled.
