Paul Kushner
When visiting H-Town (a common nickname for Houston, Texas), you will most definitely want to check out the local happy hour scene.
The city has many establishments where you can partake in an afternoon drink, a common event in this part of the state.
Houston is known for many things, so tourists flock to visit.
As a local, I have spent my whole life cultivating my top-ranking locations list for best happy hour in Houston events, which I share with you below.
Loro
1001 W 11th St, Houston, TX 77008
Phone: (713) 930-2326
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As an Asian steakhouse and bar, Loro sees an influx of guests throughout the day.
However, their happy hour specials are where you need to concentrate your efforts.
You can find the bar on the corner of West 11th and Lawrence. A bus stop takes you to the exact corner where the establishment resides.
The restaurant and bar are known for their boozy slushees, so make sure to try one.
You can also grab an appetizer to munch on as you socialize and drink with friends or colleagues.
Happy Hour Deals: Weekdays from 2 PM to 6 PM – $5 to $8 specialty bites, $7 to $8.5 sandwiches, $5 boozy slushees, $5 special sips, $4 to $5 beer, $5 wine + sake (on tap) and $22 wine bottle.
Trash Panda Drinking Club
4203 Edison St, Houston, TX 77009
Phone: (832) 582-5659
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Sure, the name is a funny one. But I can guarantee you will never forget it or their superb happy hour offerings.
Located right off the central throughway Irvington Boulevard, you can easily reach the restaurant by car or public transportation.
On the happy hour menu, you can find an assortment of cocktails (my personal fave is “The Bees Knees”) as well as draft beer and wine by the glass.
If you’re hungry, you are in luck, as the menu also offers appetizer specials.
Happy Hour Deals: Weekdays from 4 PM to 7 PM – $6 OG cocktails, $7 highballs, $6 wine, $5 draft beers, $6 mini quesabirria tacos and $6 mini chicken tacos.
Eight Row Flint
1039 Yale St, Houston, TX 77008
Phone: (832) 767-4002
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This location is one of the top places to check out for happy hour specials.
Not only is it incredibly easy to find in the Greater Heights neighborhood, but the quality of their drinks and food is fantastic.
You can spend the happy hour on the outdoor patio with ample seating and tables.
I love nothing more than gathering a few friends to enjoy the great outdoors with an Eight Row Mule or a frozen margarita.
Another bonus is the watermelon salad served during that time.
Happy Hour Deals: Weekdays from 2 PM to 6 PM – $6.50 cocktails and $4 beers.
Hugo’s
1600 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77006
Phone: (713) 524-7744
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Many visit Hugo’s for their down-home cooking and atmosphere. Those are both great reasons, but you don’t want to rule out their happy hour.
Hugo’s delivers exceptional drinks during this time you don’t want to miss out on.
Hugo’s is in the Montrose neighborhood, just a short walk from Cherryhurst Park.
You will also find many boutiques and shopping centers nearby. Trust me when I say that you need to order the Hugo Rita. You will love every sip!
Happy Hour Deals: Tuesday to Friday from 3 PM to 6:30 PM – $8 spirits & cocktails, $6 to $25 happy hour wine, $4 to $5 happy hour cerveza, $9 to $32 bocadillos, $4.50 to $6 taco hours and $4 happy hour tamales.
Oporto Fooding House & Wine
125 W Gray St #500, Houston, TX 77019
Phone: (713) 528-0115
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If you are a fan of Portuguese food, then you are in for a treat at Oporto!
When you pop in for their happy hour, you can try out their fantastic appetizers and signature drinks, all of which will have you immediately making plans to come back again.
You can find Oporto at the fork of West Gray and Webster Streets.
I recommend you try the avocado and salmon tartine as well as a Caipiroska.
However, you can’t go wrong with any of their happy hour menu options.
Happy Hour Deals: Monday to Friday from 3 PM to 6:30 PM – $8 to $11 happy hour bites and $3 to $20 happy hour drinks.
Monkey’s Tail
5802 Fulton St, Houston, TX 77009
Phone: (713) 842-7188
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Within the North Loop area of Houston is a local hidden treasure called Monkey’s Tail.
While you will find an extensive food and drink menu, be sure to concentrate your efforts on their happy hour offerings.
I routinely make my way to this location with a couple of close colleagues to take advantage of the warm and inviting atmosphere.
My group frequently opts for a Tommy’s Margarita, and we pair it with one of their many amazing appetizers.
Happy Hour Deals: Monday to Friday from 4 PM to 7 PM – $7 las viejitas nuevas cocktails & small frozens, $1 off bottled canned beer and $2 off all wine.
The Rustic
1836 Polk St, Houston, TX 77003
Phone: (832) 321-7799
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The name of this eatery and bar is aptly named for the feeling you get when you walk into it.
As you step through the doors, you will feel like you’re in someone’s old home, surrounded by people and excitement through an open garden and frequent live music.
You can see The Rustic from the 69 freeway, making it easily accessible and convenient by car or public transportation.
The menu offers something for everyone, including wild boar meatballs and Rustic waters.
Happy Hour Deals: Everyday from 3 PM to 6 PM – 50% off wines, 50% rustic waters and 50% off bites.
Blanco Cocina + Cantina
5115 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77056
Phone: (346) 250-1900
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Access to Mexican food never disappoints, hence the reason why Blanco is on my top list of happy hour spots in Houston.
This restaurant and bar actually offer locations in other states within the US, so if you are outside of Houston, you should see if one is near you.
Blanco is in the Galleria Mall, so parking is never an issue due to the attached garage.
The Happy Hour offerings rotate, but you can always find various tacos and flavorful drinks to enjoy.
Happy Hour Deals: Monday to Friday from 3 PM to 6 PM – $7 to $8 main, $6 tacos, $7 wine, $8 cocktails, $5 las cervezas and $9 shots.
Loch Bar
4444 Westheimer Rd Suite G110, Houston, TX 77027
Phone: (832) 430-6601
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Walking into Loch Bar is an experience on its own. You will feel transported back in time with leather seating and high ceilings.
This bar is located down Westheimer Road near the River Oaks District Mall.
There are various bus stops nearby if you decide to take public transportation to happy hour.
While there, be sure to order the Secret Garden cocktail or Aunt Mel’s slushy.
You can’t go wrong with either choice. You should also opt for the buttermilk hush puppies for an afternoon snack.
Happy Hour Deals: Sunday to Friday from 3 PM to 7 PM. Sunday to Monday from 10 PM to 1 AM – $8 to $10 cocktails, $10 slushy, $5 draft beer, $7 wine, $2 oyster shooters and light bites.
Ambrosia
2003 Lexington St, Houston, TX 77098
Phone: (713) 393-7211
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With a location right off of the Southwest Freeway, you can easily spot Ambrosia and make it your destination for your next happy hour meetup.
While it is one of my favorite fun places to go out, the building is a bit inconspicuous, so don’t miss it.
When visiting, check out their drink menu and appetizers that they offer during happy hour.
The staff changes up the rotation occasionally, but you can always find something that will satisfy any craving or appetite, with an amazing drink to wash it down.
Happy Hour Deals: Sunday to Friday from 5 PM to 7 PM. Monday from 5 PM to 9 PM. Friday and Saturday from 9 PM to close – $5 wasabi shui mai, $5 popodoms and raita, $6 yusheng salmon crudo, $6 karaage a’la orange, $6 ribeye tataki, $tom yum shishitos, $feature wine and $8 librations.
Present Company
1318 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77006
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Another one of my favorite happy hour places to go out to is Present Company.
Located between California and Westheimer Rd, you can easily walk to the restaurant and bar if you live or work in the area.
If not, there is ample parking available nearby. You will love the happy hour menu that the establishment provides.
Each time I go, I order something new and have not been disappointed.
Whether going with friends or coworkers, you are guaranteed a great time with incredible food and drinks.
Happy Hour Deals: Monday to Friday until 7 PM – $5 select house wines, $15 select bottles of wine, $1 off drafts, $3 domestics, $6 select apps and $7 select pizzas.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are a resident of H-Town or just visiting for a few days, you likely want the inside scoop on the best happy hour in Houston.
In this article, I give you the perspective of a lifelong resident on where to get a drink, as well as a listing of the best bars and places to go out with friends or colleagues.
Do you know of other fun places to get drinks in Houston that aren’t on the list? Let us know in the comments!
Note: Happy hour times and specials may vary by day and location, so it’s always a good idea to check with the bar directly for the most accurate information.
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