In our Where to Happy Hour series, we search Houston’s vast array of neighborhoods for the very best libations. Originally published in 2017, we are now refreshing, updating, and adding to this series, including new neighborhoods and destinations.
The ever-vibrant walkable Midtown district houses mixed-use development and has a fantastic restaurant, bar, and arts scene—so it’s no surprise that it draws a hip crowd, especially during happy hour.
Note: For the purposes of this list, Midtown is defined by this map.
Where to Happy Hour in Midtown
- Axelrad Beer Garden – On nicer days, there’s nowhere better to hang out than in the sprawling yard at this craft beer garden, which rocks hammocks, communal tables, board games, and a next-door pizza joint in addition to a solid roster of brews, wines by the bottle, and craft cocktails. Happy hour means you can enjoy $4 wells, $5 frozens, and $1-off wines, plus a $3 beer special available all day, every day. Look out for fun happenings from movie nights to food trucks. Monday through Friday 2pm to 7pm. Click here for directions.
- Brennan’s of Houston – This Creole fine dining spot isn’t just for power lunches, fancy brunches, and romantic dinners; it boasts a must-hit happy hour, too. The courtyard bar’s 7-7-7 menu features seven appetizers, seven wines, and seven cocktails for $7 each. The menu rotates, but expect things like the Lemonade Roselyn (with fresh lemonade, cream sherry, and a spritz of soda), crispy honey-roasted duck and “jazzmen” rice, and wood-grilled oysters with jalapeño breadcrumbs. Daily 2pm to 7pm (not available in December, returns in mid January). Click here for directions.
- Izakaya – This Japanese gastropub offers outside-the-box happy hour eats along with boozy specials, including $3 Japanese beers, $3.50 drafts, $4 spirits, $5 hot sake, $8 sake flights, $7 select cocktails, and half-off all wines by the glass and bottle. Bring a crew and nosh on $2 to $6 eats from bao and yakitori chicken to edamame and gravy fries. Monday through Friday 5pm to 7pm (plus 9pm to 11pm on Thursdays); Sunday 11am to 4pm. Click here for directions.
- Oporto Fooding House + Wine – With an intimate, modern space, this Portuguese tapas bar makes for a sultry social hour. Sip house reds, whites, sangrias, and caipirinhas for $6 a glass (or $32 for a wine carafe); then share plates of crispy piri piri wings, mushrooms a la plancha, picante pizettes, and grilled chorizo. Monday through Friday 3pm to 6:30pm. Click here for directions.
- Wooster’s Garden – Happy hour is offered Monday through Saturday at this totally chill craft cocktail and beer garden. Snack on charcuterie and cheese plates, herbed fries, and pretzels with house mustard as you quench your thirst with $3 select beers and half-off all craft cocktails and wines by the glass. Brews run from the hoppy and bitter to the tart and alluring, while 42 impressive house cocktails—which pack things like bitters, syrups, and flames—are refreshing and spicy, tropical and tiki, and spirit-forward. And don’t miss similar fun at the sibling establishment Holman Draft Hall, which rocks a super cool space with plenty of seating (including plush velvet couches and swings). Monday through Saturday, 4pm to 6pm. Click here for directions.
More Great Bar Options in The Heights
Sit at the bar at Piola, where you’ll find small bites on the house during happy hour, hit the bar at The Blue Fish to dine on happy hour sushi samplers, sake, and more, and grab a seat at Weights + Measures‘ bar area for deals on drinks and food; look out for wine specials at sultry wine bar 13 Celsius and sip craft brews and get the giant pretzel at Mongoose Versus Cobra; feel the neighborhood vibes at Leon’s Lounge, The Gypsy Poet, Two Headed Dog, and Community Bar (check out Tuesday steak night); sing your heart out at Glitter Karaoke and Howl at the Moon; chill out at low-key bars like Komodo Pub and The Dog House Tavern; chill in the beer garden at Oakmont Houston; pop into newer bars like The Brass Tap, Jack & Ginger’s, Electric FeelGood, and fresh-faced rooftop bar 77 Degrees; go dancing during Sable Gate Winery’s free Bachata Tuesdays; and check out the happy hours and other daily specials at local sports bars and watering holes including Beer Market, Belle Station, Christian’s Tailgate, The Dogwood, Front Porch, and Little Woodrow’s, where you’ll find in-season turtle racing on Thursdays.
