In our Where to Happy Hour series, we search Houston’s vast array of neighborhoods for the very best libations.
One of Houston’s must-see gems, the 160-acre Buffalo Bayou Park stretches from Shepherd to Sabine between Allen and Memorial, running along the Buffalo Bayou all along the way.
Even following the damage from Hurricane Harvey, much of the Park is in prime condition. It boasts running and hiking trails, a skate park, and plenty of other opportunities for fun, making it a choice destination before or after happy hour.
Where to Happy Hour Near Buffalo Bayou Park
- Batanga – The east side of the park provides easy access to Downtown, where you can pop over to the nearby Market Square Park and hop right along to Batanga. On nice days, there’s no better place to be than sitting on the charming patio with $3 beers and $5 sangria, mojito or house wine in hand. Take it down alongside $2 chicken, fish, and beef tacos, $6 duos of poblano sliders, $5 nachos plump with chipotle queso and adobo chicken or carne asado; and $6 flatbreads topped with things like mushrooms, rosemary, and truffle or Argentinean sausage, peppers, and onions. Monday through Friday 3pm to 7pm. Click here for directions.
- Beer Market – Walk up Studemont and you’ll find this rad craft beer pub, which rotates through 24 taps and houses a killer bottle selection in its beer vault. Join the Mug Club with the purchase of a mug and you can unlock $3 beer specials on a selection of craft drafts, any time of the day, any day of the week. Other daily happy hour specials include Local Mondays & Wing Night, with 50-cent wings and $3 local suds from 2pm to 11pm; $2 Taco Tuesdays with $3 Texas drafts from 2pm to 11pm; Steak & Brew Wednesdays with $14 ribeyes and beer pairings from 4pm til the kitchen runs out; and $4 ‘N $6 Thursdays, with 4-buck select cans and 6-dollar cheeseburger and fries. Kick the weekend off with $16 ribeyes and international beer pairings beginning at 4pm, and continue with Saturday and Sunday brunch. Weekday happy hour is also offered, featuring $1-off beers and $2-off signature cocktails. Monday through Friday 2pm to 7pm, plus daily specials. Click here for directions.
- The Dunlavy – Overlooking Lost Lake at Buffalo Bayou Park, this beautiful, chandelier-lit glass treehouse is the perfect way to unwind after a walk along the bayou. When the space is not closed for an event at night, it hosts pop-up happy hours featuring bar bites like green goddess hummus, spinach turnovers, prosciutto and pate plates, and cheese boards rocking selections from Houston Dairymaids. Wash it all down with $8 boozy refreshments, from the spiked agua fresca to a spicy paloma, or try out the fan favorite tequila basil smash for $12. Days vary (follow along on Facebook for updates). Click here for directions.
- The Pass & Provisions – Killer cocktails await at the bar and patio of this cool kid’s spot. Sip perfectly poised margaritas, Moscow mules, and old fashioneds for just $6 a pop during happy hour, or try the $5 punch and daily selection of Cava and red and white wine. and his rocks a bar and patio happy hour worth. Beer fans can ask what’s on tap, with pours for $4; and happy hour eats include $2 oysters, the $8 ham o’ day, $12 margarita and sausage pizzas, and a $10 po’ boy inspired by The Original Antone’s. Monday through Saturday 2:30pm to 6pm (bar and patio only). Click here for directions.
- Other great options – Hit up happy hour at the fan favorite Beaver’s on Decatur, which has gone fishin’ for the time being but will reopen near year end; sip a selection of $3 Texas drafts and $5 cocktails alongside small plates like harissa hummus, confit chicken wings, and local cheese boards at Piggy’s Kitchen & Bar (right off Dunlavy); get early bird and afternoon happy hour specials at Black Walnut Memorial; and look out for the reopening of Brenner’s on the Bayou, which temporarily closed after Harvey.
