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| A Guide to Houston's Nightlife |
In our last issue, we detailed the thriving nightlife scene of the Washington Corridor. Now with an established jitney system of its own, there’s no denying that Washington is the current hotspot for young professionals to dine, enjoy Happy Hour and party on the weekends. But Houston has always been a city about diversity, and that holds true when it comes to the city’s nightlife.
As every thirty-something knows, “the scene” in Houston is always changing locations. Since today’s thirty-two-year-olds became legal, the “place to be” has shifted from Richmond to downtown to Midtown to its current residency on Washington Avenue. While many Houstonians long for an established nightlife district akin to Austin’s Sixth Street, the nomadic nature of the city’s glitterati has resulted in a slew of exciting and still relevant venues located throughout the city.
The in-crowd may always be on the go, but fortunately for people who like to mix things up on the weekend, great bars and nightclubs always remain right where they are. And when great bars stay in business, there’s bound to be some newcomers that pop up nearby, which essentially makes every area of the city a fashionable place to mingle and play.
Meetings & Events Houston has put together this list of 10 Houston hotspots that always show their clientele a good time. From Midtown to Highland Village, these ten watering holes represent the best of Houston’s Inner Loop. We love Washington Avenue just as much as the next bar hopper, but we’re also about choices. So make this weekend a walk on the wild side by checking out some new venues around town and some classics that never get old. There’s a whole world of bars, lounges and dance clubs just waiting to be explored.
1. Mercer Lounge and Nightclub
[Highland Village]
Every club seems to fall into one of two categories: upscale and snotty or welcoming and downtrodden. What if you could take the best qualities of each group and create the perfect combination, an establishment that’s just as accessible as it is inspired? The result would mirror what the team at Mercer Lounge and Nightclub has created, a haven for young professionals looking for a place to socialize and network in style. The club’s sophisticated image is epitomized by its spacious outdoor patio and gorgeous 35-foot water wall. Beautifully furnished interiors provide every guest a VIP experience. Mercer is also a great venue for both social and corporate events.
2. Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar
[Houston Pavilions]
You’re not a true Texan if you haven’t partied at Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar at least once. The Houston location offers the same live music entertainment and casual fun that made the original Austin establishment one of the city’s must-visit bars. The show is a sing-along, clap-along extravaganza that’s unique among Houston nightlife venues. Each night, four piano players take their seat at two grand baby pianos and alternative in two-person rotations each hour. These top-tier entertainers perform hits from every genre and era imaginable, including the songs of Billy Joel, Willie Nelson, Frank Sinatra, the Beatles and Lenny Kravitz. Even the waitresses and bar staff get in on the action and take the stage to delight the audience. If fun can be measured, then a night at Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar is sure to be one for the record books.
3. Anvil Bar & Refuge
[Montrose]
It’s always great to visit a bar with a mission, and the team at Anvil Bar & Refuge have made it their goal to bring back the popularity of the New York-style cocktail to Houston. The bartenders at Anvil don’t just make cocktails, they craft them. Every cocktail is made with fresh and locally-sourced ingredients, and is prepared with careful attention to detail. The bar also features a list of 13 ever-changing American micro-brews, along with an equally hard-to-find wine selection. Anvil Bar & Refuge is housed in a renovated tire store with design elements that are packed with local history. The result is an elegant environment that’s perfect for the discerning cocktail connoisseur and those that are ready to learn about the intricacies of this great bartending tradition.
4. Howl at the Moon
[Midtown]
Howl at the Moon is Houston’s original piano bar, and still continues to draw one of the most diverse and energetic crowds in town. The show is built around audience participation, providing an engaging night of songs, games and gratuitous adult humor that’s sure to put a smile on even the most stern-faced of patrons. And the fun doesn’t have to stop at the Midtown location. “Howl at the Moon also offers the option of having the show at a different location,” says Sales and Events Manager Kira Tentser. “The special ‘Piano Show to Go’ allows our musicians to go to other venues and bring a sense of excitement and uniqueness to any event.” With a capacity of 350 guests, Howl at the Moon is also a great place for company parties and socials.
5. Red Room
[Upper Kirby]
When you have Beau Theriot, the creator of Café Adobe and The OASIS in Austin, spearheading a new concept, it’s sure to be golden. That’s certainly the case at Red Room, an upscale New York-style retreat that’s noted for its peaceful atmosphere and lavish environment. The red hued interiors complement the tranquil music and delicate lighting that permeates the venue. Red Room seats only 80 guests, providing an intimate lounge experience that emphasizes the signature drink and martini lists. An extensive list of bubbles, reds and whites further enhance the already enticing drink selection. Red Room returns a sense of high-end sparkle to Upper Kirby and makes for one memorable evening of cocktails with friends and colleagues.
As every thirty-something knows, “the scene” in Houston is always changing locations. Since today’s thirty-two-year-olds became legal, the “place to be” has shifted from Richmond to downtown to Midtown to its current residency on Washington Avenue. While many Houstonians long for an established nightlife district akin to Austin’s Sixth Street, the nomadic nature of the city’s glitterati has resulted in a slew of exciting and still relevant venues located throughout the city.
The in-crowd may always be on the go, but fortunately for people who like to mix things up on the weekend, great bars and nightclubs always remain right where they are. And when great bars stay in business, there’s bound to be some newcomers that pop up nearby, which essentially makes every area of the city a fashionable place to mingle and play.
Meetings & Events Houston has put together this list of 10 Houston hotspots that always show their clientele a good time. From Midtown to Highland Village, these ten watering holes represent the best of Houston’s Inner Loop. We love Washington Avenue just as much as the next bar hopper, but we’re also about choices. So make this weekend a walk on the wild side by checking out some new venues around town and some classics that never get old. There’s a whole world of bars, lounges and dance clubs just waiting to be explored.
1. Mercer Lounge and Nightclub
[Highland Village]
Every club seems to fall into one of two categories: upscale and snotty or welcoming and downtrodden. What if you could take the best qualities of each group and create the perfect combination, an establishment that’s just as accessible as it is inspired? The result would mirror what the team at Mercer Lounge and Nightclub has created, a haven for young professionals looking for a place to socialize and network in style. The club’s sophisticated image is epitomized by its spacious outdoor patio and gorgeous 35-foot water wall. Beautifully furnished interiors provide every guest a VIP experience. Mercer is also a great venue for both social and corporate events.
2. Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar
[Houston Pavilions]
You’re not a true Texan if you haven’t partied at Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar at least once. The Houston location offers the same live music entertainment and casual fun that made the original Austin establishment one of the city’s must-visit bars. The show is a sing-along, clap-along extravaganza that’s unique among Houston nightlife venues. Each night, four piano players take their seat at two grand baby pianos and alternative in two-person rotations each hour. These top-tier entertainers perform hits from every genre and era imaginable, including the songs of Billy Joel, Willie Nelson, Frank Sinatra, the Beatles and Lenny Kravitz. Even the waitresses and bar staff get in on the action and take the stage to delight the audience. If fun can be measured, then a night at Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar is sure to be one for the record books.
3. Anvil Bar & Refuge
[Montrose]
It’s always great to visit a bar with a mission, and the team at Anvil Bar & Refuge have made it their goal to bring back the popularity of the New York-style cocktail to Houston. The bartenders at Anvil don’t just make cocktails, they craft them. Every cocktail is made with fresh and locally-sourced ingredients, and is prepared with careful attention to detail. The bar also features a list of 13 ever-changing American micro-brews, along with an equally hard-to-find wine selection. Anvil Bar & Refuge is housed in a renovated tire store with design elements that are packed with local history. The result is an elegant environment that’s perfect for the discerning cocktail connoisseur and those that are ready to learn about the intricacies of this great bartending tradition.
4. Howl at the Moon
[Midtown]
Howl at the Moon is Houston’s original piano bar, and still continues to draw one of the most diverse and energetic crowds in town. The show is built around audience participation, providing an engaging night of songs, games and gratuitous adult humor that’s sure to put a smile on even the most stern-faced of patrons. And the fun doesn’t have to stop at the Midtown location. “Howl at the Moon also offers the option of having the show at a different location,” says Sales and Events Manager Kira Tentser. “The special ‘Piano Show to Go’ allows our musicians to go to other venues and bring a sense of excitement and uniqueness to any event.” With a capacity of 350 guests, Howl at the Moon is also a great place for company parties and socials.
5. Red Room
[Upper Kirby]
When you have Beau Theriot, the creator of Café Adobe and The OASIS in Austin, spearheading a new concept, it’s sure to be golden. That’s certainly the case at Red Room, an upscale New York-style retreat that’s noted for its peaceful atmosphere and lavish environment. The red hued interiors complement the tranquil music and delicate lighting that permeates the venue. Red Room seats only 80 guests, providing an intimate lounge experience that emphasizes the signature drink and martini lists. An extensive list of bubbles, reds and whites further enhance the already enticing drink selection. Red Room returns a sense of high-end sparkle to Upper Kirby and makes for one memorable evening of cocktails with friends and colleagues.
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If accepted, your submission will be edited for length and clarity. There is no monetary payment if your item is used; instead, you can publicize yourself through a five-line biography with your contact information that will appear at the end of the article.
Send submissions to
editorial@MeetingPlannerResources.org. We will contact you if your submission is chosen.