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Most Popular Live Music Bars in the Houston Area

Houston is a city that loves its live music, and people come from all across the globe to experience it. 

There’s something for everyone, from honky tonks to blues clubs to jazz bars, and I’m here to help you find the best live music bars in Houston.

So whether you’re looking to catch a big-name act or discover a new local band, there’s a place in Houston for you. Check out my list of the best live music bars in Houston below!

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McGonigel’s Mucky Duck

2425 Norfolk St, Houston, TX 77098
Phone: (713) 528-5999
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McGonigel’s Mucky Duck is one of Houston’s most iconic live music venues. Located in the heart of Montrose, the Duck has been hosting some of the best blues, country, and folk music in Houston for over 30 years.

The atmosphere is laid-back and intimate, with a large outdoor patio perfect for enjoying a cold beer on a warm night.

The Duck also has a full bar and a menu of delicious pub food like Shepherd’s Pie.


Rudyard’s

2010 Waugh Dr, Houston, TX 77006
Phone: (713) 521-0521
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Rudyard’s is another great option for live music in Montrose. This British-style pub has many musical acts, from rock and roll to jazz and blues. 

The atmosphere is lively and fun, with a large dance floor, a great sound system, and nightly events. Rudyard’s has an extensive list of beers on tap, cocktails, whiskeys, and ciders.

Also, check out the menu of elevated pub fare like pizza, nachos, and sandwiches ranging from meat to veggie.


The Continental Club

3714 Main St, Houston, TX 77002
Phone: (713) 529-9899
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The Continental Club is a popular spot for live music in Midtown. They feature nightly music and are famous for their Beatles tribute bands, but you can also catch shows of any genre, from disco to country.

The atmosphere is upscale and trendy, with a large dance floor and a state-of-the-art sound system. Enjoy retro music on the speakers or visit in the evenings for a concert.

The Continental Club offers drinks and a menu of small pub bites. 


Dan Electro’s

1031 E 24th St, Houston, TX 77009
Phone: (832) 499-5235
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Dan Electro’s is a unique live music venue in the Greater Heights neighborhood of northwest Houston.

This indoor-outdoor music venue highlights local Houston artists and is a great place to experience the city’s music culture.

The place has been a Houston staple since 1988, and the atmosphere is vintage and laid-back, with a large stage and speakers throughout the venue.

There are also food trucks where you can buy dinner and drinks like barbeque, beer, and cocktails.


Notsuoh

314 Main St, Houston, TX 77002
Phone: (713) 321-0824
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Notsuoh is a great place to catch live jazz and blues in Houston. It’s an intimate venue in Downtown Houston near Market Square Park, and Notsuoh features a rotating lineup of talented musicians.

The atmosphere is quirky and offbeat, with performances like poetry readings and local performing arts.

Visit in the evening for a concert and order my favorite drink, the Apple Empress French, a gin beverage with Prosecco, apple, and lemon. Also, try the signature Hibiscus Mule vodka.


The Rustic

1836 Polk St, Houston, TX 77003
Phone: (832) 321-7799
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The Rustic is a popular spot for live music in the Heights. This outdoor venue has a large stage, a dance floor, and a beer garden.

The atmosphere is lively and fun, with a great view of the Houston skyline. The Rustic also has a full bar and a menu of Tex-Mex food and sandwiches.

I usually order a spicy agave drink like Rustic Water with hibiscus or Margarita with jalapeno and mango.


Axelrad Beer Garden

1517 Alabama St, Houston, TX 77004
Phone: (713) 597-8800
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Axelrad Beer Garden is a great place to catch live music and enjoy a cold beer on a warm day. This outdoor venue in Midtown has a large stage, a beer garden, and a food truck park.

The atmosphere is relaxed and casual, with a great view of the Houston skyline. Axelrad Beer Garden also has a wide variety of craft beers on tap. 

Consider a Sprung On You gin or an Upside Dawn golden ale.


Last Concert Café

1403 Nance St, Houston, TX 77002
Phone: (713) 226-8563
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Last Concert Café is an intimate concert venue in the First Ward. It’s by the Buffalo Bayou River, across from the University of Houston Downtown.

The venue hosts private events only, so purchase a show ticket in advance. They have family-friendly concerts, rock events, emo parties, and tribute performances.

Check out the venue and order a cold beer or a mixed drink. Last Concert Café sometimes has limited food offerings, usually Tex-Mex specialties like tacos.


Dosey Doe – The Big Barn

25911 Interstate 45 N, Spring, TX 77380
Phone: (281) 367-3774
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Dosey Doe is a great place to catch live country music in Houston. This vintage venue dates to the 1840s and is in Spring, near the Woodlands in the north of Houston.

It features a large stage, a dance floor, and a full bar.

The atmosphere is lively and fun, with a great view of the Houston countryside. Dosey Doe also has a menu of delicious Southern food, and I recommend ordering a plate of barbeque paired with whiskey.


The Big Easy

5731 Kirby Dr, Houston, TX 77005
Phone: (713) 523-9999
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Head to Rice Village and visit The Big Easy, a chill, laid-back place that features blues music. This intimate venue is near the Houston Zoo, and it’s a great way to end your day after touring the zoo and park.

The Big Easy features a rotating lineup of talented musicians, from local bands to guest artists.

The atmosphere is relaxed and sophisticated, with a full bar and a menu of New Orleans-inspired food, wine, and bottled beer.


Scott Gertner’s Rhythm Room

5535 Memorial Dr g, Houston, TX 77007
Phone: (832) 804-9046
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Scott Gertner’s Rhythm Room is a great place to catch live tunes in Houston, like blues, R&B, and jazz.

It’s a live music supper club with late kitchen hours, and the place is in the Rice Military District, near the Hogg Bird Sanctuary off Memorial Dr.

The menu features Louisiana cuisine, and you can try specialties like hot chicken sandwiches, spicy wings, lamb chops, and steak with vegetable sides.

Also, order some colorful, fruity cocktails or a cold beer.

Please drink responsibly, be fully accountable with your alcohol consumption, and show others respect.

Written by Rocco

Rocco is a Florida State University alumnus with years of bartending and hospitality experience. From slinging hundreds of vodka sodas a night in jam-packed college bars to serving carefully crafted cocktails in upscale restaurants, there’s not much he hasn’t done behind a bar. Now, Rocco shares his knowledge and passion for all things alcohol-related here on My Bartender for bibulous readers everywhere to enjoy.

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