Deals go down smoothly at the best watering holes
There’s a lot of business that transpires at the OTC conference, but, let’s be real, some of the best deals are finalized after hours with a relaxing drink.
Looking for a place to seal the deal? Here’s a sampler of some of Houston’s most popular watering holes, ranging from iconic icehouses to classic cocktail bars.
Anvil Bar & Refuge:
Looking to find some of the best cocktails in the country? Look no further. Anvil is the place for true cocktails. Anvil mixes the old way, with fresh ingredients. You’ll get an expertly prepared drink that will make any cocktail snob happy. Just know that perfection takes time, so take along some patience. 1424 Westheimer, 713-523-1622
Flying Saucer Draught Emporium:
Regulars at this popular bar — part of a national chain — are known as beer knurds. Their goal: make their way through at least 200 of the brews on the menu. It’s worth a visit just to see the pub’s lengthy tap wall. 705 Main, 713-228-9472
Julep
One new of bars the in mostthe country celebrated from bartender Alba Huerta, named one of the best bartenders in the United States. The art of the fine Southern cocktail is taken to new heights in this neardowntown Washington bar. 1919 Washington, 713-869-4383
OKRA Charity Bar:
With every drink purchase at this not-for-profit establishment, patrons get a vote to cast on one of the month’s spotlight charities. At the end of the month, the charity with the most votes gets that month’s profits. So drink here and feel good about it. 924 Congress, 713-237-8828
Moving Sidewalk
A thinking drinking man’s bar in the thick of downtown’s busy stretch of easy alcohol availability. 306 Main
Nightingale Room
An intimate drinking spot as serious about its cocktails as it is about its vinyl music selection. 308 Main, 713-226-7522
The Pastry War:
This downtown spot, named for a three-month conflict in 1838 between Mexico and France, specializes in tequila and mezcal. Fun décor and well-crafted cocktails made with only the freshest ingredients make this bar hum. 310 Main, 713-226-7770
Reserve 101:
The bar is lined with more than 100 whiskeys and, trust us, the bartenders are well versed in the traits and histories of every bottle. Reserve’s location near Discovery Green, House of Blues and the Toyota Center means it draws a crowd as diverse as its whiskey selection. 1201 Caroline, 713-655-7101
Sanctuari Bar at Triniti
Indeed a sanctuary for spirits devotees, Sanctuari is the bar that pushes the boundaries of modern mixology with intoxicating results. 2815 S. Shepherd, 713-527-9090
The West End:
This Galleria-area tavern takes its inspiration from Stanley Kubrick’s “A Clockwork Orange.” A huge patio seats 400. A large selection of beer on tap, as you might expect, and house-made crisps. 5320 Westheimer, 713-590-0616
Wooster’s Garden
Midtown’s hip new outpost for creative cocktails; it’s got the right swagger and a drinks menu that aims high. 3315 Milam, 713-520-0015