Judges, newspaper reporters, college students and artists all rub elbows here at Warren's Inn on a nightly basis. The dim lighting and over-sized mirrors may inspire an initial chuckle, but everything about the place seems to grow on guests. Grab a table and enjoy the jukebox. You will hear everything played from Tijuana Brass to 10,000 Maniacs. The cocktails are masterful, especially the award-winning martinis, and the draft beer comes flecked with ice.

Woodrow's, and it's brothers: Little Woodrow's, are a collective social nightlife institution in Houston. Perhaps the best one of all has recently opened downtown near Minute Maid Park and Dynamo Stadium and near the Warehouse Live music venue. Stop in an hour before your concert starts and relax at the beautiful Texas bar; or grab a table in the beer garden. Watch several games on flat screens while lounging in the insanely comfortable sofas. Unlike other locations, this one makes cocktails to go along with their Woodrow's-standard dozens of beers on tap. This place has everything you need, so stop by after work. -Adam Rosen

This eclectic drink stop is a throwback to very old times, from the antique furniture and delicate drinking vessels to the meticulous mixing of their old-fashioned spirits. This intimate bar is always crowded at night. Standing bar-side is best to view the true mix masters in motion. For those not keen on bitters, vermouth, gin and the possible egg white, Anvil offers a dizzying assortment of bottled and tap beers. They also feature high quality bar fare to stave off any hunger. Patrons can enjoy meat and cheese plates, soft pretzels and small pita sandwiches.

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

Re-opened in 2007, Armando's is a renewal of the classic Mexican offerings refined. The founder Revised this iconic Houston restaurant seven years after closing the original which was frequented by celebrities and local socialites.

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

Come dressed to impress at this sleek Uptown Park nightclub and bar. The vibe at Belvedere personifies the cosmopolitan blend of culture and fashion. Designed to exude an elusive feel, old-worldly stucco architectural charm shares space with the modern gleaming beauty of aluminum and chrome. Happening DJs spin an eclectic mix and get the crowd grooving until the wee hours of the morning. Weekly salsa is a popular favorite. The lounge draws in the rich and the famous, and is a great place to experience Houston's buzzing night scene.