Paul Kushner
Howdy, y’all, and welcome to Houston!
With a homegrown personality that’s very “Southern charm with a cosmopolitan flair,” H-Town is one of my favorite long-weekend destinations.
There’s always something new to do or see, whether wandering around a museum or visiting a highly-recommended hole in the wall.
In my adventures, I’ve discovered my fair share of hidden gems tucked inside some of Space City’s luxury accommodations, so let’s take a tour of my picks for the best hotel bars in Houston.
Monarch
5701 Main St, Houston, TX 77005
Phone: (713) 527-1800
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In the famous Hotel Zaza in Houston’s Museum and Medical District, Monarch is an opulent lounge-style bar with a breathtaking terrace overlooking the Mecom Fountain.
The diverse menu includes a bit of everything from tapas-style small plates to Ahi tuna poke bowls and lamb lollipops.
Monarch has about a dozen locally-brewed craft brews, including my personal favorite, Southern Star Bombshell Blond hailing from Lake Conroe.
Their cocktail menu is even more impressive, with sips suited for even the most discerning palates.
Main Kitchen & 806 Lounge
806 Main St, Houston, TX 77002
Phone: (713) 237-1111
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The Downtown JW Marriott hosts Main Kitchen & 806 Lounge is one of the best hotel bars in Houston for unwinding after a show at the House of Blues or grabbing a drink after a busy day of business meetings.
Pair your classic Americana fare with nostalgic pre-Prohibition cocktails or a glass of wine from their massive in-house collection.
I tried their Jar of Apricots–Aperol, citrus, egg white, cranberry bitters, and apricot syrup– and haven’t stopped thinking about it since.
Giorgio’s
1080 Uptown Park Blvd, Houston, TX 77056
Phone: (713) 418-1000
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Next time you find yourself near the Galleria, you must stop by Giorgio’s in the Hotel Granduca for small plates and cocktails.
The plush little seating area is all relaxed elegance with mismatched chairs and heavy drapes that embrace the “upscale Grandma” style (in a good way).
The last time I was there, I had a lovely and light patio lunch of saffron risotto and an Old Fashioned made just how I like it, not too sweet or strong.
Bayou & Bottle
1300 Lamar St, Houston, TX 77010
Phone: (713) 276-4715
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Another spot I adore is Bayou & Bottle in the Downtown Four Seasons Hotel, within walking distance of Discovery Green Park and the Convention Center.
Bayou & Bottle is an upscale bourbon bar boasting more than 160 curated whiskey selections that span the spectrum from sweet and succulent to deep and peaty.
Their bourbon locker program, where you can store your bottle for your next visit, is such a fun and clever way to attract repeat customers– not that they need a gimmick to keep you coming back.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Houston Memorial City Area
11080 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77043
Phone: (713) 465-1700
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The Fairfield Inn & Suites is one of my favorite places to stay in Houston because it’s right off the Katy Freeway at the intersection of Upland and Old Katy Road.
I can pull out of traffic, check in, and have a drink in my hand in 15 minutes, tops.
It makes my ranking for the top hotel bars in Houston because it’s small and comfortable, perfect for winding down with a simple cocktail after a long trek into town: nothing fancy or special, just good vibes and a cold drink.
The Remington Bar
1919 Briar Oaks Ln, Houston, TX 77027
Phone: (713) 403-2631
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The St. Regis in the River Oaks neighborhood is home to The Remington Bar, a favorite date spot for my partner and me.
It makes us feel like Southern royalty, so we get dressed up in our Sunday best for a quiet evening of watching someone tickle the ivories while we sip dry martinis or G&Ts.
I understand if you think that sounds like the most ridiculous date night ever, but don’t knock it ’till you try it.
Courtyard by Marriott Houston Downtown/Convention Center
916 Dallas St, Houston, TX 77002
Phone: (832) 366-1600
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Marriott hits another one out of the park at their Downtown Courtyard location, conveniently located amidst Minute Maid Park, the Toyota Center, and the Theater District.
Their little Bistro has the best of both worlds– coffee, and cocktails.
The menu’s small, with a decent wine selection and plenty of domestic beers, but I appreciate the little twists they give to their cocktails, like the Black Cherry Maker’s Mark Old Fashioned and Tanqueray Gin Southside.
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