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.

Like the Austin original, Houston's Continental Club sports the green and pink neon sign out front, the steel sign with the 1950s script lettering behind the stage and the "Mercury Man" hanging over the door frame. The club features home grown talent with roots, jazz and rock artists booked regularly. The main room has a capacity of 200 and is decorated with murals by Jacque de Lamar which depict scenes of Venice, Rome and Paris. Affixed behind the bar are pictures from the club's early years, when the Tommy Dorsey and Glenn Miller orchestras played there. The back room holds a 22-foot shuffleboard, along with pool tables and a second bar.

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.

McGonigel's Mucky Duck is a great little pub located in the Upper Kirby District. Its diners are treated to a menu of genuine pub food and drinks, as well as an ecclectic mix of live music. Sporting a packed calendar, entertainment in the dimly lit cosy pub is always terrific, only matched by their consistently great food and beer.

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.

If you are in downtown Houston, and feel like relaxing over some tapas and beer, then Batanga is the place to go. Located in close proximity to the Market Square Park, this cool and casual restaurant serves up some fantastic cocktails and bites, in a laid-back ambiance. With a huge patio of 3600 square feet (334.45 square meter), Batanga seems to attract many hungry tourists and locals. With happy hours being available on drinks, this place remains choc-a-bloc during evenings. Grilled Panela Cheese, Duck Confit Arepas, Cuban Mojo Chicken Skewers and Grilled Hangar Steak remain to be popular dishes among most of their customers. A good range of cocktails accompany the delicious food, while Thai Me Up, One Beat Samba and Patio Cooler remain to be the crowd-pleasers.