Top Rated Nightlife in Houston

The Etro Lounge is one of Houston's best places to get your 80's dance fix. Spread out over two floors, the place has a chic and modern decor. Not only will you find your favorite 80's hits playing here, but there's usually video accompaniment to transport you to that era of neon teased hair. Etro attracts a crowd that knows how to have fun on the dance floor.

Numbers is one of the oldest and most popular venues for alternative music in Houston. You'll find a diverse crowd dancing to 80's music or goth favorites. Don't be surprised if you see people here wearing Halloween-inspired attire. They sometimes have live performances from groundbreaking artists. On nights that don't feature a live act, you still can dance the night away to music and videos from Houston DJs.

Just around the corner, tucked away in a quiet neighborhood, is a surprising little jumping joint. Driving by, this ordinary one-story brick flat seems fairly unassuming. Inside, it’s a colorful scene decked out with local art and mod furnishings that are perfect for lounging with friends for a happy hour or well into the night. DJs jam lively tunes that inspire movement on the mini dance floor. Outside on the sprawling patio, switch modes and mind the noise and the neighbors - no music is allowed. No worries, quiet your mouth with better than average bar food, including Jamaican empanadas and jerk wings, pizzas and Vietnamese egg rolls. -Gemma Amato

Big Star is a small neighborhood haunt with everything to entertain the young working type - beverages, pool table, video games, magazines, jukebox, fire pit, hula hoops, etc. The drinks are cheap and strong, the service is quick, and the crowd is lively. The bar is dimly lit with random lamps and lights. Atop a checkerboard floor sits a range of simple chairs and tables. A more lounge-like corner holds oversized, oddly shaped psychedelic furniture. When the weather's not sweltering or otherwise wet, patrons tend to hang outside at picnic tables under an industrial-looking cover. No frills, just good times here. -Gemma Amato

With friendly staff, awesome DJ nights and arguably the best LGBT crowd in the city, Ripcord has turned out to be a popular partying and meeting place for the gay community in Houston. Talented male performers at this nightclub have somewhat of a celebrity status among their patrons and constantly attract a large crowd from across the city. Make sure to ask for the bar's daily drinks specials and reap the benefit of their exciting discounts. Ripcord nightclub stands strongly as a symbol of gay pride in Houston.

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.