Raising the bar for the holiday
There’s this belief that everyone leaves town on Memorial Day weekend, using the extra day to get away from home.
Not true. Well, not completely true.
Sure, a legion of Houstonians will be getting out of town, or Texas, to take advantage of a federal holiday. But the majority of us will be here, simply enjoying the fact that Monday is one of the rare times when waking up at the start of the work week means not having to get ready for work.
But just because we’re home doesn’t mean we don’t want to have a good time. With that in mind, maybe it’s time to revisit Houston’s downtown bar scene.
Downtown saw a resurgence just a few years ago, when a number of bars opened on Main Street. Then the Super Bowl compelled the city to polish its entertainment options, making it a fine time to venture into Houston’s heart and taste its elixir.
You’ll find an area packed with establishments serving craft cocktails with house-made ingredients, as well as flashy, big-budget nightclubs and some spots that can make you feel like nostalgia is more than just a cozy feeling.
Here’s an idea of what to expect, from bars that are growler-friendly to a spot that might include a ghost.
OKRA
Where: 924 Congress What: A charitable bar that donates proceeds to a different organization every month. Aside from that fun twist, the spot has a warm feel, with a lofted ceiling sporting wood and brick. Captain Foxheart’s Bad News Bar and Spirit Lodge
Where: 308 Main
What: Smart cocktails in an elegant setting with a balcony overlooking downtown’s busy Main Street.
Tongue-Cut Sparrow
Where: 310 Main (enter in the back of The Pastry War)
What: Owner Bobby Heugel and general manager Peter Jahnke set up the new Tongue-Cut Sparrow bar in a matter of months. It has limited seating — only 25 people at a time — but those who get inside are treated to fine service and finer drinks. Make a reservation, or walk in and try your luck.
Reserve 101
Where: 1201 Caroline What: This place is a muststop for whiskey lovers, as the whiskey list separates varieties by state or country. So, it’s no surprise they boast one of the largest scotch and whiskey collections in the city.
The Nightingale Room
Where: 308 Main What: This live-music venue is also fine without a band, as a library of vinyl records provides a soundtrack to a spot named after Houston singer Sippie Wallace. Oh, and the drinks are great, too.
La Carafe
Where: 813 Congress What: The oldest commercial property in the city that has been in continuous use since it opened. It’s a romantic place with a unique setting — candlelight atmosphere and ghosts, maybe.
Moving Sidewalk
Where: 306 Main What: Elegant interior with smart cocktails infused with house-made syrups. Supposedly named after the band Billy Gibbons was in before ZZ Top.
MKT Bar
Where: 1001 Austin What: On the ground floor of Phoenicia Specialty Foods, this bar offers great food (try the pizza) and a well-curated selection of local beers, and Wednesday nights are reserved for local DJs. It also, on occasion, hosts art shows.
Flying Saucer Draught Emporium
Where: 705 Main What: Large selection of craft beer and extensive menu of hearty dishes that pair well with what’s on tap. Frequently hosts special pint nights and drink specials with local breweries. It has a sibling location in Sugar Land.
Public Services Wine & Whisky
Where: 202 Travis, Suite 100 What: Wine and whiskey bar housed in the historic 1884 Cotton Exchange building. The charcuterie boards and small bites are great, and the wine list is smartly edited.
Rose Gold Cocktail Den
Where: 2301 Main, Suite 200 What: Lively new bar/nightclub setting with cocktails, beer and wine. There’s some swank in this place.
El Big Bad
Where: 419 Travis What: Downtown Mexican cantina with unique margaritas made with infused tequila. A wraparound balcony offers great views of the city.
The Dirt Bar
Where: 1209 Caroline What: Dive bar known for hosting musicians who perform at the House of Blues. This is the place to go if you like to rock.
The Pastry War Where: 310 Main What: A tequila bar serving agave-based spirits: tequila, mezcal and sotol.
Little Dipper Bar
Where: 304 Main What: Owned by the proprietors of Montrose’s whiskey spot, Poison Girl, this bar is well stocked with quality spirits and DJs serving sound.
Batanga
Where: 908 Congress What: Pan-Latin tapas influenced by some international flavors, great drinks and a large outdoor patio where there’s usually live music.
Houston Watch Company
Where: 913 Franklin What: Low-key cocktail bar in the lobby area of the Bayou Lofts. The space used to be a watch shop, in case you were wondering.
Craft Beer Cellar Houston
Where: 907 Franklin What: Wide selection of beers, with plenty local breweries on tap, this spot also has several bottles to take home. Growler fills welcome.