Our city has had a renaissance of drinking establishments over the past few years. Here are 23 must-visits that cater to serious drinkers of nearly every taste. For much, much more on the Houston drinking universe, see the June-July edition of My Table, now on newsstands or available digitally here. Looking for the Foursquare list for future reference? We’ve got it right here.
13 CELSIUS Everything centers on wine here, including the small but well-considered menu of small bites and paninis. The wine list is well-organized and the selection appeals to both the adventuresome and novices. (Midtown)
ANVIL BAR & REFUGE You know something pretty exciting is happening in Houston when four-year-old Anvil starts looking like the elder statesman of cocktail bars. Anvil set the standard for craft and quality in Houston cocktails and helped grow a new generation of bartenders who now own their own businesses. (Montrose)
CAPTAIN FOXHEART’S BAD NEWS BAR The newest cocktail bar in Houston has the best balcony, and the interior is elegant and understated. It’s upstairs on Main near Congress, just across from the rail line. (Downtown)
COTTONWOOD Cottonwood, with its outdoor benches and big pavilion, feels a bit like the kind of venue that would be good for a community barbecue. There actually are quite a few events hosted there, including bartending competitions, live bands and showcases by spirits producers. (Garden Oaks)
DOUBLE TROUBLE CAFFEINE & COCKTAILS The combo of Greenway Coffee espresso and WiFi makes Double Trouble a perfect morning hangout for telecommuters and students. In the afternoons and evenings, they turn out Tiki-inspired cocktails as well as several of the classics. (Midtown)
DOWN HOUSE Down House is great for breakfast, lunch and dinner and has an appropriate cocktail to go with each. You can bring your mom here and still feel good about it. (The Heights)
EL GRAN MALO Fun and funky El Gran Malo has dozens of tequilas infused with just about anything you can imagine: cinnamon, beets, ghost peppers, you name it. The hearty Mexican food helps balance out any overzealous consumption. (The Heights)
GORO & GUN One of the best features of Goro & Gun is its large bar, wide variety and skilled bartenders. It offers a full range of cocktails, beer, sake and shōchū, a Japanese clear spirit distilled from barley, sweet potatoes or other base ingredients. (Downtown)
GRAND PRIZE BAR The two-story hangout has become a favorite of those who work in the industry for those rare times when they have a chance to relax and socialize. The upstairs deck is a coveted spot on balmy Houston nights. (Museum District)
LIBERTY STATION This is one of the better things about Washington Avenue, but “better” doesn’t necessarily mean “fancy.” The laid-back former gas station has a judicious selection of beers and cocktails at any given time and it’s ideal for a game of cornhole on a sunny day. (Washington Avenue)
MAX’S WINE DIVE At Max’s, you’re encouraged to pair their wines with the menu of next-level comfort food, like truffled macaroni and cheese and Kobe hot dogs. (Washington Avenue)
MONGOOSE VS. COBRA Come here for the interesting selection of craft beers pulled from a space age-looking preservation system. They go great with the food, which includes top-notch breads, cheeses and charcuterie. There’s a full bar and plenty of cocktail offerings as well. (Midtown)
PETROL STATION This neighborhood hangout draws in beer nerds from all over the city who are seeking the judicious selection of sought-after beers as well as local favorites. The burgers and vegetarian offerings garner rave reviews, too. (Oak Forest)
PHIL’S WINE LOUNGE The bar on the ground floor of Philippe Restaurant has one of the best selections of rosés in town. Hit up happy hour to take advantage of 50% off open bottles. (Galleria)
POISON GIRL Tucked away in the middle of a small Montrose shopping center, Poison Girl has pinball machines, cheap Lone Star and good whiskey. (Montrose)
RESERVE 101 If you like whiskey and you haven’t been here yet, you need to get on the bus. Reserve 101 has the most extensive collection of whiskeys in Houston … more than 200 of them. (Downtown)
SONOMA These wine bars are comfortable neighborhood spots for enjoying a glass or a bottle. The newer Heights location also has an outdoor second-story patio, perfect for catching a breeze. (Upper Kirby and The Heights)
THE FLYING SAUCER This downtown joint is serious about beer and caters to those who feel the same way. The walls are covered with brass plates earned by diehards (here they’re referred to as “Masters of the Universe,” thank you very much) who tasted 200 beers. (Downtown and Sugar Land)
THE HAY MERCHANT There are about 100 beers on tap and five cask selections here every day. The big, open space and hearty food make for a winning combination. Visit during happy hour from 3 to 6:30 pm for $3 craft beers and “Fatty Hour” from 11 pm to 1 am for some $3 food selections. (Montrose)
THE ORIGINAL OKRA CHARITY SALOON There’s nothing to not love. It’s housed in a beautiful old building. During the day, lots of light comes through the skylights. (The cover of our current issue of My Table was shot in this lovely place.) Each month, proceeds from purchases go to one of four charitable causes that the guests have voted on. It’s staffed by professional bartenders, the wines are chosen by respected sommeliers and there are some great beers to choose from. (Downtown)
THE TASTING ROOM There are now three Tasting Rooms in Houston, and the concept has spread from here to other cities. Good food, too, at the bigger locations in Uptown Park and CityCentre. (Uptown Park, Upper Kirby and CityCentre)
THE WINE BAR AT UNDERBELLY The tongue-in-cheek, illustrated wine list dares you to rethink all of your assumptions about wine. There’s something here for everyone, whether you like sparklers, rosés, sweet, not sweet, Old World or New World. (Montrose)
VINE WINE ROOM This Memorial-area refuge is practically one big comfy living room, overseen by proprietor Joe Rippey. It is one of the city’s original wine bars. (Memorial)