Houston Nightlife: The Best Bars in Arts District Houston

An outdoor bar patio at sunset with people sitting at table under a string of lights
Sip suds with a view of Downtown at Sawyer Ice House in Arts District | Courtesy of Sawyer Ice House

Houston comes alive at night, with dives, cocktail bars, and nightclubs dotting the city. In our Houston Nightlife: Best Bars, we’ll cover the best night owl watering holes in each neighborhood.

Formerly known as the Washington Avenue Arts District, the re-branded Arts District Houston enriches the culture of Houston via arts and creative studios and galleries, public art installations and more.

And nearby, you’ll find plenty of great spots to grab a drink or three.

Note: Centered around Washington Avenue, the area is roughly bound by the Memorial to the south, Spring Street to the north, Houston Avenue to the east, and Sawyer to the west.

The Best Bars in the Arts District Houston

An empty covered outdoor patio with wooden furniture
Courtesy of Henderson Heights Pub

Henderson Heights Pub

Looking for a low-key vibe?

You’ll get it at the bright red Henderson Street watering hole Henderson Heights Pub, where you’ll find a shaded outdoor space, dog-friendly patio, and indoor lounge lined with TVs for big games.

Nosh on bar pies, quesadillas, and loaded tots while you imbibe.

The exterior of Holler Brewery at night
Courtesy of Holler Brewery

Holler Brewing Co.

Over in Sawyer Yards, local taproom Holler Brewing Co. brews suds from tropical hazy I Dream of Juicy IPA to the malty and crushable Pub Crusher.

Lookout for a lineup of special events, including Bingo Nights to holiday happenings.

The brewery is open until 10pm Sunday through Thursday, and 11pm Friday and Saturday.

The interior bar of Julep with shelves of liquor, a mound of shaved ice, and two drinks on the bar
Courtesy of Julep

Julep

Southern charm is in full effect at Julep, the stylish cocktailery from cocktail queen Alba Huerta.

Drink your way through the South via creations like the Ramos Gin Fizz, Cherry Bounce Sour, and riffs and classic renditions of the bar’s namesake Julep.

Sip through the stellar list alongside bites from oysters and caviar-topped french onion dip to lobster rolls and truffle sliders.

A crowd of people in green shirts celebrate in a brewery taproom
Courtesy of Platypus Brewing

Platypus Brewing

The brainchild of two Aussie blokes and a Texas gal, Platypus Brewing has Texan heart and Australian soul.

Here, the suds are crafted with rare Australian hops, and the eats come in the form of wings, fish n’ chips, and Aussie specialties like meat pies and sausage rolls.

Pop in for weekly happenings including Thursday Gamer Night with video game comps upstairs in ‘The Burrow’ lounge and Saturday night live music.

A bar's patio filled with people and the Downtown skyline in the background
Courtesy of Sawyer Ice House

Sawyer Ice House

You’ll find 40 taps, fire pits, and a slice of Americana at the quintessential gathering spot Sawyer Ice House.

There’s also fun stuff like bucket deals, Ranch Waters, spicy margs, and smoked old fashioneds, plus hot wings, because those are fun, too.

More Great Bar Options in Arts District Houston

Pair seriously good bar pies and cocktails at Betelgeuse Betelgeuse; grab grub and cocktails at casual hangout Breakfast Bar HTX; play adult-friendly mini golf at Puttery; throw some darts at R Bar; check out fresh-faced sports bar SoHou; and look out for coffee and cocktail bar Maven, coming soon to Sawyer Yards.


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Brooke Viggiano
Brooke Viggiano is a food and lifestyle writer residing in Houston. When she's not contributing to publications like 365 Things to Do in Houston, Thrillist Houston and the Houston Press, she's on the hunt for the coolest happenings in the city. You can follow her musings on Twitter @BrookeViggiano .