The Dirt Bar situated in the heart of Houston is popular for its eerie ambiance, rock and roll playlist and fairly priced drinks. Popular local metal bands play at this bar on a regular basis drawing a decent crowd. After performing for fans in the nearby Toyota Center, members of popular bands and singers stop by at The Dirt Bar occasionally to grab drinks and connect with their fans. Dim red lights, loud metal music being blasted through big speakers and a mainly metal loving crowd at this bar makes visiting it a must for fans of rock and roll while in the city.

Saint Dane's is a cool place. It has a great mix of all American bar meets London street pub. The bar is pleasantly small with tables and drinkers spilling into the small parking lot out of the garage door-style entrance. The patio is a spot that wraps around the back of the pub. Definitely go there to watch a game, as sports is part of its identity. You're even liable to be a part of a local sports radio broadcast if you stop by after work. A good pub has delicious pub food, and Saint Dane's fare is unbelievable. Each day has a different discounted food special, like their wings on Thursdays or half off wraps on Wednesdays. It's super convenient from Highway 59. -Adam Rosen

Seldom does such an intrinsically cool place don the matching atmosphere to go with it. Among the ever-lively Washington Ave's super trendy bars, pubs, and clubs, Pearl Bar takes the cake. Pearl has 2 different areas working in beautiful nightlife harmony with one another. The inside is a buzzing modern sanctuary of beautiful young people and crowded mingling, while the outside is just a stupendous backyard party. The bartenders are seasoned veterans of mixology and they handle the overflowing weekend crowd well. Stop in for less crowded happy hour with great drink specials. -Adam Rosen

Central Texas is a relaxing place. If you don't have the time to make a road trip, treat yourself to Canyon Creek Cafe. With such a laid back atmosphere and friendly folks, you're liable to go for lunch and stay through happy hour. Enjoy good ole American classics and Texas faves, like insanely good burgers and fat sandwiches. The choices seem endless and the taste is heavenly. Feel like something lighter? The salads rock and roll, like the Gonzo Garbonzo with plump chickpeas, avocado, crisp sprouts, and tangy feta. Choose from over 30 beers to wash it down while watching a ballgame and chatting with friends. They're open early for breakfast on the weekends too. -Adam Rosen