Best Cocktail Bars in Downtown

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Regions

Houston

Neighborhoods

BellaireDowntownGalleria / UptownHeights / WashingtonMid WestMontrose

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

James Beard Award

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

28 restaurants available nearby

1. Bandista

4.9

Exceptional(242)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Cocktail Bar • Downtown

Booked 13 times today

Nestled discreetly within the Four Seasons Hotel Houston, Bandista offers an unparalleled Bar, Lounge, and Bottle Service experience that transports you to a modern-day speakeasy with a decadent Latin flair. Guests rave about the "amazing mixologists" who create "exceptional cocktails" with a creative twist, ensuring each visit is a unique adventure. The intimate 20-seat setup provides a "very fun, romantic, entertaining experience," perfect for a special night out. With its "secretive, exclusive vibe," Bandista guarantees a memorable escape into a world of sophisticated elegance, where the service is as "superb" and "attentive" as the drinks are "phenomenal."

2. Bayou & Bottle

4.8

Exceptional(136)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Cocktail Bar • Downtown

Booked 7 times today

Bayou & Bottle in downtown Houston offers an unparalleled Cocktail Bar experience, blending sophistication with the vibrant cultural fusion of the city. This chic bourbon bar is a haven for cocktail enthusiasts, boasting over 200 whiskies and expertly crafted drinks that leave patrons raving. “Great service and even better craft cocktails” is a sentiment echoed by many, highlighting the establishment's dedication to quality. Each bartender is a Certified Bourbon Steward, ensuring each cocktail is a masterpiece. With engaging events like bourbon tastings and the unique Topgolf Swing Suites, Bayou & Bottle stands out as a must-visit for an extraordinary evening.

A photo of Hearsay on the Green restaurant

3. Hearsay on the Green

4.6

Exceptional(1396)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Cocktail Bar • Downtown

Booked 25 times today

Hearsay on the Green offers an exceptional American dining experience right in the heart of Downtown Houston. This restaurant stands out for its "fantastic food and service," consistently delivering dishes that captivate both locals and visitors alike. The menu combines classic American flavors with a modern twist, such as their "delicious" cheesesteak eggrolls and the much-praised "Crab Crusted Redfish." With a charming vintage atmosphere, it’s a perfect spot for everything from casual lunches to elegant dinner dates. Diners rave about the "excellent professional service" and the exquisite cocktails, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic American cuisine.

A photo of Sophie Cocktail and Terrace Bar restaurant

4. Sophie Cocktail and Terrace Bar

3.3

Good(168)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Cocktail Bar • Montrose

Booked 31 times today

Sophie Cocktail and Terrace Bar in Montrose, Houston, is the quintessential destination for Cocktail Bar enthusiasts. With a chic, artistic ambiance reminiscent of the South of France, it’s no wonder guests rave about its "incredible cocktails" and "fantastic atmosphere." The bar offers an impressive array of signature and presentation-based cocktails, praised for being "a perfect balance of booze and flavor." Guests love the dual experience of the intimate downstairs speakeasy and the expansive open-air terrace, making it ideal for both lively nights and relaxed evenings. Whether for brunch or a night out, Sophie is a "must-visit" for cocktail aficionados.

5. Julep

4.3

Awesome(95)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Cocktail Bar • Heights / Washington

Booked 14 times today

Julep Bar stands as an illustrious recipient of the prestigious James Beard Award, celebrated for its exquisite blend of craft cocktails, thoughtfully curated bar bites, and an enchanting ambiance. The menus, ever-evolving to mirror the changing seasons, captivate with their meticulous emphasis on fine ingredients and flavors. Located on Washington Ave between Sawyer and Silver St. The neighborhood is full of restaurants and B&B Butcher's Steak House is within walking Distance. We always take walk-ins so shoot us a texas or stop by and see us if you don't see a table available.

A photo of Guard and Grace - Houston restaurant

6. Guard and Grace - Houston

4.7

Exceptional(1963)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Cocktail Bar • Downtown

Booked 80 times today

Guard and Grace in Downtown Houston offers an extraordinary seafood experience, showcasing the finest flavors from the gulf and beyond. Diners rave about the "melt-in-your-mouth perfection" of their Alaskan black cod and the "delicious" crab fried rice. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a casual meal, the seafood dishes here are crafted with expertise and a keen eye for quality. The ambiance complements the culinary offerings, providing a refined yet welcoming dining atmosphere. With attentive service and a menu that highlights the best of seafood, Guard and Grace is a must-visit for any seafood enthusiast.

A photo of Birraporetti's - Theater District restaurant

7. Birraporetti's - Theater District

4.4

Awesome(3389)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Cocktail Bar • Downtown

Booked 48 times today

Nestled in the vibrant Theater District of Downtown Houston, Birraporetti's is renowned for its exceptional Cocktail Bar cuisine. This beloved establishment, with its storied history dating back to 1974, invites guests to savor its signature concoctions, particularly the famed Frozen Bellini and Irish Coffee. Diners rave about the "phenomenal" drinks, describing them as a perfect complement to the lively atmosphere filled with gentle jazz. The ambiance is often likened to stepping onto a movie set, enhancing the dining experience. Whether you're visiting for a pre-theater drink or celebrating a special occasion, Birraporetti's promises a memorable cocktail experience that keeps patrons returning time and again.

8. Flora

4.7

Exceptional(890)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Cocktail Bar • Montrose

Booked 65 times today

Flora, nestled in the vibrant Montrose neighborhood of Houston, shines as a beacon for cocktail enthusiasts. This exquisite cocktail bar is celebrated for its "stunning brass and marble bar," which provides a dazzling backdrop to the expertly crafted drinks. The selection of tequila and mezcal is unparalleled, promising an authentic taste of Mexico with a Texas twist. Diners rave about the "amazing food and drinks," highlighting the bar's ability to complement its flavorful dishes with equally impressive cocktails. Flora's commitment to quality and innovation makes it a must-visit for those seeking a memorable cocktail experience in a "beautiful and lively" setting.

A photo of Hearsay Market Square restaurant

9. Hearsay Market Square

4.5

Awesome(2524)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Cocktail Bar • Downtown

Booked 22 times today

Hearsay Market Square in Downtown Houston is a shining beacon of authentic American cuisine, celebrated for its delectable menu and vibrant atmosphere. Nestled in one of Houston's historic buildings, the restaurant serves up eclectic American dishes in a chic, antique setting that transports diners to another era. Patrons rave about the “outstanding service and food” and the “delicious” culinary offerings that consistently deliver. From the expertly crafted crab-crusted redfish to the indulgent creme brûlée French toast, each dish is a testament to the chef’s prowess. The ambiance, complemented by excellent service, makes it an ideal spot for both casual and special occasions.

10. Private Client

4.0

Excellent(3)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Cocktail Bar • Downtown

Located in the heart of East Downtown, steps away from George R Brown and other local hot spots. Private Client is an intimate place for happy hour, dinners and large parties. Join us for a good time with great food, drinks and no fuss!

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

M
Mike
Houston •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
The “street food” style fish taco’s were ok, but out of place given the overall quality of the other items offered on the menu for lunch. Two larger tacos with a nice piece of fish would have been preferred vs the 3smaller tacos which seemed more like a snack than a lunch . I probably would not have ordered this dish if it had been identified as “street food” style tacos with underwhelming mass produced grocery store tortillas. A craft style tortilla would have been nice touch. My guests appeared to like their food.
More info
Hearsay on the GreenPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Downtown
•
4.6
N
Nickoke
Houston •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Amazing all together with no problems and the food was delicious
More info
Sophie Cocktail and Terrace BarPrice: Expensive• French• Montrose
•
3.3
OT
OpenTable DinerVIP
Houston •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Burrata salad with shrimp was amazing! Our waitress was great and remembered us when we returned.
More info
Bayou & BottlePrice: Expensive• Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service• Downtown
•
4.8
R
Ryan
Houston •1 review
5.0
Dined on Mar 1, 2025
Wonderful experience we were service quickly and the cocktails were amazing.
More info
JulepPrice: Expensive• Cocktail Bar• Heights / Washington
•
4.3
B
Bianca
Houston •1 review
5.0
Dined on Mar 1, 2025
Very much an immersive experience. A true cocktail connoisseur wonderful!
More info
BandistaPrice: Moderate• Cocktail Bar• Downtown
•
4.9

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