As a city that’s home to a diverse array of nightlife, Houston offers residents and visitors a wide variety of options to explore. Those who prefer handcrafted cocktails, wine or beer have a lot of exciting options to choose from.
Some of these bars offer a little more than a crafty drink. From a bar featuring whimsical designs in the modish Midtown neighborhood to a brewery with expansive outdoor space in vibrant EaDo, Houston venues are providing truly unique experiences.
We highlighted six bars that are transforming Houston’s nightlife.
8th Wonder Brewery & Distillery
Located just a few blocks away from BBVA Stadium., 8th Wonder is an H-Town gem. Co-founded by Ryan Soroka and Aaron Corsi in 2013, the brewery has since developed a reputation of Houston-love, drinks, diversity and fun. With an elaborate calendar of events and special dates, the brewery hosts people of all backgrounds, offering a variety of drinks at their expansive venue. The brewery was named in honor of the once-dubbed “8th Wonder of the World,” the Astrodome.
“We love to pay tribute to the city," said Soroka. "Houston is home."
Cidercade Houston
Since the cashless bar’s arrival to Houston’s Second Ward in January of 2021, it’s become a hotspot for young adults and families seeking a fun daytime experience. The Dallas-based bar offers over 275 arcade games and 48 taps to pick from. Whether you wish to try their popular ciders, revisit a childhood game or explore a new hobby, Cidercade Houston is an ideal choice for a summer night out.
“We break the monotony of the bar and club scene,” Hunter Eichberger, director of marketing, told the Partnership. “We’re the perfect spot to gather and have a fun, safe, memorable night out with friends or family.”
Wonder Bar
Visitors of this Midtown bar can find a statue of David, a patriotic ball pit, an astronaut and a ‘secret’ door behind a painting of the Mona Lisa holding the so-called "Baby Yoda" at Wonder Bar, an aesthetically whimsical experience. The venue combines a classic drinks-and-music setting with unusual exhibits that incite curiosity and wonderment. One of the bar’s latest offerings is serving drinks in ice-sculptured cups, making this an ideal place to stop by in hot Houston summers.
La Grange Houston
Located where Houston’s famous gay bar, EJ’s, once stood in Montrose, La Grange boasts an appealing atmosphere for any crowd. While respecting the history of the 100-year-old building, the bar has added a patio that offers a two-story space for events, live music, DJ, as well as a secondary outdoor bar. The cantina offers tequila and mezcal specialties that keeps visitors coming back.
“This is what hospitality is about,” La Grange Manager Chris Cusack told the Partnership. "It is an easy place to be…not just for one crowd.”
White Rhino
“Our building is like a forest."
That's how co-owner Bobby de la Rosa describes the atmosphere of White Rhino, alluding to the building’s hi-tech European paint that purifies the air. Named in recognition of the animal by the same name that’s classified as "near threatened," this environmentally-friendly bar recycles its glass bottles with pulverizing in-house machinery to turn into sand to spread over their patio. The East End green bar offers plenty of drink options as a neighborhood bar for young professionals.
Lei Low
The rum and tiki bar located in the Houston Heights neighborhood introduced its ‘tiki-activities’ in February 2014. The cocktails and Hawaiian tunes ensure customers are immersed in a truly unique atmosphere.
“There's a specific palate in Houston when it comes to cocktails and we wanted to adapt our offerings to a Southeast Texas taste,” co-owner Russell Theode told Eater Houston.
While the local nightlife options continue increasing, some locations establish a steppingstone to what places can achieve and convey as a spot to drink and socialize.
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