In our Where to Happy Hour series, we search Houston’s vast array of neighborhoods for the very best happy hour food and drink deals. Originally published in 2017, we are now refreshing, updating, and adding to this series, including new neighborhoods and destinations.
Though River Oaks is truly a 1,100-acre residential community, most locals consider its boundaries to expand beyond the homes. The classy neighborhood is home to a wealth of restaurants and shopping destinations, beautiful gardens, and a classic theater. So it’s no surprise the bustling ‘hood is a great place to be during happy hour.
Note: For the purposes of this list, River Oaks is bound by Memorial to the north, Westheimer to the south, Dunlavy to the east, and Willock/Weslayan to the west.
Where to Happy Hour in River Oaks
- Backstreet Cafe – At happy hour, this charming Houston institution offers discounted drinks and a menu of bar bites. Relish a bottle of half-off rosé, $6 select wines and $24 select bottles, $5 sangria ($22 bottles), and $5 to $6 classic cocktails. Or go for the gold with the Burger and Bottle special—that’s Hugo’s avocado and chipotle aioli-packed Chihuahua cheeseburger and fries paired with a half-bottle of wine for $32. Also on the menu: mini lobster rolls, curried carrots, grilled salmon tacos, and tomato-prosciutto flatbread. Monday through Friday 3pm to 6:30pm. Click here for directions.
- Blu at Brenner’s on the Bayou – While enjoying a steak dinner at the charming lodge restaurant is always a great idea, so is happy hour at Blu Bar, the chic patio bar set along the lush Buffalo Bayou. Enjoy picturesque views and take in the fresh air while you sip on $4 craft beers, $7 wines by the glass, and $8 cocktails and martinis. The bar bites menu features deliciousness like duck confit empanadas, parmesan frites, roasted Gulf oysters, tuna tartar tacos, and Angus beef sliders. Monday through Thursday 5pm to 7pm. Click here for directions.
- Doris Metropolitan – Sitting just below Westheimer, you’ll want to enjoy happy hour at this swanky, Israeli-inspired steakhouse. That’s when you can dig into burgers & truffle frites, tuna tartare, Moroccan tomato salad, and beef kabob at wallet-friendly prices. Wash it all down with $7 cocktail and $8 to $9 wines by the glass. Daily 5pm to 7pm. Click here for directions.
- Shun Japanese Kitchen – Putting a creative spin on seasonal Japanese fare, this trendy spot sits just south of Westheimer off Shepherd, offering reverse happy hour on Tuesdays in addition to happy hour specials Wednesday through Sunday. Quench your thirst with sake cocktails, Japanese highballs, and beers as you dine on bites from ceviche and poke to Gulf shrimp tempura and chicken thigh yakitori. Tuesday 7pm to 10pm; Wednesday through Saturday 5pm to 6:30pm; Sunday 5pm to 9pm. Click here for directions.
More Great Bar Options in River Oaks
Slurp $1 oysters in the oyster room at State of Grace; nibble on curried chicken wings alongside pints of beer at Red Lion British Pub; sip wines, beers, and cocktails and enjoy happy-hour priced appetizers at Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille; hit social hour at the White Star Bar at Frank’s Americana Revival; and enjoy a bayou-side drink and charcuterie board at The Dunlavy.
