Rocco
Although many people love visiting Houston’s art and science museums, like Space Center Houston, Space City offers one of the most immersive nightlife experiences in the nation.
The city offers plenty of dive bars to explore if you prefer bars with a small, low-key atmosphere and cheap drinks. They’re a nice change of pace to most of the city’s excitement.
So if you’re looking for a great spot to grab a drink during your stay in Space City, check out my list of the best dive bars in Houston.
Lola’s Depot
2327 Grant St, Houston, TX 77006
Phone: (713) 528-8342
Conveniently located near the Montrose neighborhood, Lola’s Depot is one of the best places to go out in Houston. This dive bar has a casual atmosphere and dim lighting.
They have an outdoor patio for anyone who prefers enjoying drinks while enjoying the fresh air and a few pool tables to pass the time.
This dive bar’s drink menu offers refreshing daily specials, but I prefer ordering a frozen margarita or a Lonestar Tallboy.
Poison Girl
1641 Westheimer Rd B, Houston, TX 77006
Phone: (713) 527-9929
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Located in the heart of Montrose, Poison Girl is one of the best dive bars in Houston that offers guests plenty of fun things to do.
You can’t miss its bright pink exterior. It has a laid-back vibe, striking red walls, and a few arcade machines. They have an outdoor patio area perfect for any occasion.
Their bar menu includes beer on tap, liquor, and American and international whiskey. My go-to drinks are Pine Belt Pale Ale, Elderflower Liqueur, and More Cowbell IPA.
Sunny’s
902 Capitol St, Houston, TX 77002
Phone: (713) 224-3200
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If you’re looking for fun places to get drinks near the Downtown District, stop by Sunny’s for an unforgettable night.
Besides having a casual, buzzy atmosphere, they offer games like pool and darts. Sunny’s has a few TV screens for watching local sports games.
Although they don’t have an expansive bar bite menu, they offer free popcorn to pair a beer, cocktail, or jello shot. I usually order a Swamp Water, Vegas Bomb, or Leg Spreader.
Big Star Bar
1005 W 19th St, Houston, TX 77008
Phone: (281) 501-9560
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You can find Big Star Bar in The Heights area of town. Its casual, low-key vibe appeals to anyone looking for a relaxing place to enjoy a drink with friends while jukebox music fills the room.
The bar offers a few pool tables and a dog-friendly outdoor patio with fire pits, making the venue more immersive.
I love stopping by during their happy hour for drink discounts on domestic beer and spirits. Don’t miss out on their Deep Eddy Lime Vodka or Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey.
Grand Prize
1010 Banks St, Houston, TX 77006
Phone: (713) 526-4566
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Grand Prize is one of the top fun places to go out for anyone traversing the Museum Park area. This two-level bar offers an excellent rooftop view of the neighborhood. Colorful lights enhance this laid-back, dark destination.
Like most of the best dive bars in Houston, they serve quality beer and rotating cocktails with savory bar bites. Their Sazerac or Karbach Sympathy Lager tastes great with an order of fried green tomatoes or grilled cheese.
Lil’ Danny Speedo’s Go Fly a Kite Lounge
823 Dumble St, Houston, TX 77023
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One of the best dive bars in Houston you should consider visiting is Li’l Danny Speedo’s Go Fly a Kite Lounge, located in the Greater Eastwood neighborhood.
Besides having a dog-friendly outdoor patio, they offer a few pool tables for patrons. The bar’s neon lighting enhances its no-frills ambiance.
Many of their draft beers and rotating cocktails are inexpensive, so consider trying their Martin House Strawberry Salty Lady or Stiegl Cherry Radler if you’re in the mood for something different.
The Shiloh Club
1321 Studewood St, Houston, TX 77008
Phone: (713) 880-2401
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Since 1971, The Shiloh Club has become one of the most popular dive bars near The Heights. Its casual atmosphere is perfect for enjoying late-night libations.
They have plenty of outdoor seating once the venue gets packed with late-night patrons.
Besides beer and cocktails, The Shiloh Club serves tacos, steak, and wings that taste great with any drink. They also let guests bring outside food. I recommend visiting on Sundays for a mimosa or Bloody Mary.
Neil’s Bahr
2006 Walker St, Houston, TX 77003
Phone: (713) 237-0644
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Another one of the best dive bars in Houston is Neil’s Bahr, a casual, gamer-themed bar in the Eastern Downtown area. It has a lively atmosphere that anyone can enjoy.
They have ping-pong tables and board games, karaoke on Mondays, gaming tournaments on Wednesdays, and plenty of comic books to ensure non-stop fun.
They have a creative selection of beer and cocktails. I order a Shiner Bock or Stella Artois whenever I visit this dive with my friends.
Sassafras
5022 Pinemont Dr, Houston, TX 77091
Phone: (832) 804-9079
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Sassafras is a relaxed, low-key dive bar in the Oak Forest neighborhood. Their spacious patio offers a great place to enjoy drinks and the fresh air during the afternoon or evening.
I love listening to their jukebox music while sharing drinks with my friends.
I love stopping by for their happy hour from 4 PM to 8 PM and ordering a Yellow Rose IPA or Astral Rye’d Or Die. They also have rotating food options, like chicken wings and burgers.
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