Texas Bars & Nightlife

Don't come to Public Services expecting the frills and invention of modern experimentation—this is a classic whiskey and wine bar.

The neon sign upon entry warns you straight-up: no pastries. But tamales—and tequila and mezcal—are fair game.

Here's how this works: Every drink purchased at OKRA's Charity Saloon qualifies as a vote toward one of four charities at the polling station against the wall.

Midwest native Chris Shepherd embraces his adopted home, Houston, with deep love, so expect some Southern comfort with your order: deep-fried pickle slices, peanut-butter-and-jelly wings (we weren't sure either, until we tried them, then we were damn sure), and a really solid burger.

Grab a beer and sip it swinging in the comfort of one of the outdoor hammocks strung across Axelrad's backyard.

Anvil's cocktail menu can be intimidating to the uninitiated. Or for that matter, to the initiated.

The city’s first dog-park/restaurant mashup is absolutely packed on beautiful days—dogs can run off-leash in the one-acre park while owners hang out in the outdoor beer garden. The laid-back restaurant is popular in its own right: The menu focuses on burgers and hotdogs, and adorably, there are options for the canines, too.

It’s hard to tell that behind this Deep Ellum three-chair barbershop business there’s a really fantastic bar. During the day, cuts and shaves come with a free beer. At night, down a winding hall, a large, dimly lit back-room bar offers Prohibition-era-inspired cocktails and a stage where local musicians play everything from country rock to rap. The off-menu special—a vaporized shot of vodka—is potent and, oh yes, worth trying.

There are many reasons to visit the Grapevine: potent Tangaritas (frozen margaritas mixed with Tang), pickup games on the basketball half court, and the rooftop with amazing views of the downtown skyline. The laid-back dive bar straddles a few neighborhoods, so it’s almost always busy with an interesting crowd—perfect for people watching.

Exactly what you want in a dive bar: nice bartenders mixing strong drinks, a jukebox, and a huge dog-friendly yard. There’s live music in the vein of Mumford and Sons on the weekends. And sitting by the fire pit in the fall is absolute heaven.