Houston, it’s Time to Party

Incorporate a little fun into your life and mix up your typical routine

Unwind with Jazz
57 West Jazz Café
Bring your bottle of wine, sit in an intimate setting and listen to big-name jazz acts at this BYOB café. 5757 Westheimer, (713) 520-Jazz
Old Quarter Acoustic Café
Visit this well-known establishment, known for showcasing local acoustic musicians, to hear a variety of musical styles. Great outdoor seating and an affordable happy hour featuring a diverse list of drink specialties make this Galveston spot a haven for music lovers. 413 20th St., Galveston, (409) 762-9199

Dance the night away
Blanco’s Bar &Grill
Fittingly named Blanco’s, this white wood building on West Alabama is perfect for those looking to put on their cowboy boots, grab a hat and dance ’till their country heart’s content. Many artists have graced Blanco’s stage, which provides some of the best quality country music in the city. The bar’s spacious patio serves as the perfect location when it’s time to cool down after two-stepping with your favorite dance partner. 3406 W. Alabama, (713) 439-0072
Sammy’s at 2016 Main
Considered one of the best spots in the city to get your groove on, Sammy’s has a packed house most nights of the week. Rock out to ’80s favorites performed by The Spazmatics on Thursday nights and MoTown tunes by Faye Robinson and the Mid City Players Fridays and Saturdays. Be sure to get there early to reserve your spot on the dance floor — this Midtown hot spot fills up fast with young Houstonians. 2016 Main St., (713) 751-3101

Toast with wine
The Wine Bucket Boutique and Bar
The Wine Bucket features more than 50 wines by the bottle and 30 wines by the glass in a comfortable, laid-back atmosphere fit for decompressing from daily stress. Taste a wine flight or try the wine of the day. Quiet and inviting, this spot provides guests with the opportunity to enjoy their company and drink of choice. 2311 W. Alabama St., (713) 942-9463
The Tasting Room
The young owners of The Tasting Room know wine and are passionate when explaining the aromas and ingredients in each selection. Buy wine by the bottle to stock up on gifts for friends and family or have a seat in a private room following a romantic dinner. Multiple locations, (713) 993-9800

Drink with a view
Skyline Bar &Grill
For an unforgettable night out, visit Skyline Bar. You surely will not be disappointed when first laying eyes on Skyline Bar &Grill’s panoramic view of downtown Houston. With exceptional cocktails, a tasty menu and mouthwatering desserts, visit this place on a special occasion or to impress out-of-town guests. 1600 Lamar St., 24th Floor of Hilton Americas-Houston (713) 739-8000
702 Patio Bar
You can’t go wrong with 702. The bar offers something for everyone, including a patio with downtown views, a special section for smokers and food to snack on during the course of the night. Drink a cocktail while the guys watch the big game on the bar’s many flat screen TVs. 702 W Dallas St., (713) 654-8040

Hit the gay scene
South Beach
South Beach is as hot as the city. This racy club is crawling with good-looking men and women looking to party all night long. With adult videos playing and music blaring, you are sure to have an X-rated time. Bring your lady friends for a night out without the husband and kids and enjoy watching male exotic dancers at every corner of the bar. 810 Pacific St., (713) 529-7623

Have a happy hour
The Black Swan
Located in the Omni Hotel, this swanky, upscale lounge has a dark granite and copper bar with green LED lighting that offers ambiance unlike any other. Stop by for a drink after work for the happy hour specials and snuggle up in seating nooks called “snuggeries” with co-workers or friends. 4 Riverway Drive, (713) 871-8181
The State Bar &Lounge
Enjoy the elegant lounge at The State Bar &Lounge with people from out of town who want to experience one of Houston’s staples. Sit on the patio, look at the skyscrapers and marvel in the nostalgia. The bar’s character is sure to please when you’re seeking an after work drink. 909 Texas St., Ste. 2A, (713) 229-8888
Boondoggles
Every Thursday night this Clear Lake establishment offers the freshest crawfish and Alaskan king crab legs in the area. It is usually packed with people looking for food, beer and happy hour specials. Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere on the outdoor patio with views of the Gulf, or stay inside and enjoy one of the 100 beers on hand. 4106 NASA Road 1, Seabrook, (281) 326-2739

Go upscale
Hotel ZaZa Monarch Restaurant
Hotel ZaZa is the hippest place in Houston. The hotel’s restaurant, Monarch, is filled with socialites looking to enjoy the trendiest place in the city. Enjoy cocktails and food under a tree-shaded terrace, or reserve a private area for VIP service. Either way, your night will be memorable. 5701 Main St., (713) 527-1800

Lounge about
Deco
In the middle of Houston’s thriving Midtown, Deco fits right in with its modern decor and selection of cocktails. Visit this place to mingle with friends in a glamorous, yet tranquil atmosphere during the week when it is less crowded. 510 Gray St., (866) 435-3653
Lounge at Benjy’s
This hidden jewel is a great place to visit when looking to have meaningful conversation over drinks. Retro couches and ottomans offer comfortable places to sit and enjoy an expansive drink menu. Nicely dressed professionals relax on the sofas while bamboo paper lanterns cast soft glows onto their faces in this Rice Village spot. 2424 Dunstan St., (713) 522-7602

Enjoy it with a twist
Zimm’s
Impress your friends at this posh martini bar that has a great selection of smooth concoctions to choose from. Have a seat on one of the leather chairs or sit outside and relish the night sky on the wonderful patio. Kick up your heels and revel in Zimm’s private seating for intimate conversations. 4321 Montrose Blvd., (713) 521-2002
Davenport
This small martini bar has a retro feel — from the cool décor to the Rat-pack era style of music. With more than 42 different single-malt scotches and 35 vodka varieties, this place does not disappoint when looking to try something new. Expect to get hit on if accompanied with girlfriends because this place is packed with men on the prowl. 2115 Richmond Ave., (713) 520-1140

Watch the big game
Nick’s Place Italian Sports Bar and Pizzeria
Nick’s Place is perfect for boys who love TV, sports, carbs and beer. If food and beer aren’t enough, then play shuffleboard, pool or Golden Tee Golf. Order a pitcher and expect to get rowdy at Nick’s. Rockyridge at Westheimer, (713) 780-8338
Griff’s Shenaningans Café and Bar
Griff’s Shenaningans Café and Bar, AKA Griff’s, is the home plate for sports fans. Because of Griff’s reputation and the constant presence of one of the owners, Griff’s is a must-do pub in Houston. Beer choices consist of the usual suspects and the menu is tasty, but the atmosphere of Griff’s is what makes this place charming. Don’t miss St. Patrick’s Day at this establishment; it’s one for the books. 3416 Roseland St., (713) 528-9912

Drink a beer
Little Woodrow’s
Little Woodrow’s is considered second home to most locals. All four locations are clean with a friendly, delightful staff that is unpretentious. The establishment offers more than 100 beers, with 22 on tap, including daily specials for beer connoisseur. This is the type of place to kick back, melt in the summer heat and enjoy beer with good friends. Multiple locations, (713) 661-5282
Ginger Man
Beer, beer and more beer! Ginger Man is the place to be for the beer lover in you. With a huge selection of draft and bottled beer, this tavern allows one to be adventurous and try different varieties from different origins. If you are looking for a place where jeans and flip-flops are staples, then this quaint pub is ideal. 5607 Morningside Drive, (713) 526-2770

Have a girls’ night out
Tony’s Corner Pocket
Leave the men at home when visiting this place. Tony’s Corner Pocket allows the ladies to have fun while ogling sexy, muscled men participating in amateur strip contests. If wanting to have fun is on the agenda, visit this place. 817 W. Dallas St., (713) 571-7870
Amazonia Discoteque
Sassy ladies looking to shake their hips all night long should visit Amazonia Discoteque. Throw on your best dress, put a flower in your hair and salsa dance all night long. Don’t feel intimidated if you are not sure how to dance — someone here is willing to show you how to move. 11449 I-45 North, (281) 260-9885

Visit something old, something new
La Carafe
La Carafe is intimate, romantic and welcoming. It is one of the few places in Houston that is decorated with personality instead of style. La Carafe occupies one of the oldest buildings in Houston, which makes it the oldest bar in the city. Even the building leans to emphasize its age. As the name implies, La Carafe knows wine and has a myriad of wine offerings. 813 Congress St., (713) 229-9399
Pi Lounge &Bar
If you want to see and be seen, Pi Lounge &Bar is the perfect place to people-watch. This place is crawling with urban professionals that just left work and are looking to wind down and relax. However, it is a meeting place for people looking to start their evening in style; as the night moves on, so does the crowd. 911 Franklin St., (713) 228-2990
Firehouse Saloon
Grab a longneck and sway to the live music that is constantly performed at this large music club and bar. The Firehouse features a jukebox, video games, outdoor seating and a stage for live music that ensures you will have fun. 5930 U.S. 59 South, (713) 977-1962
Palapa’s
If you want to try a place off the beaten path, then experience Palapa’s — Kemah’s best kept secret. This hole in the wall offers dollar beers every night, with live music on Friday nights. Sit back and relax on the two-story patio or put on your dancing shoes and let the salty air cool you down. 608 6th Street Kemah, (281) 334-3746