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.
Down On Main Street is a trendy and upbeat bar that still manages to be casual and welcoming. Come down on Thursday nights and be part of the karaoke session, or put on your dancing shoes and get on the dance floor to the groovy beats of the DJ. If a cocktail is your beverage of choice, the talented mixologists can cook something up for you, or if you are a person who enjoys simpler pleasures, a cold beer and some snacks should do the trick. Overall, this bar is a local favorite and the friendly owners ensure it stays that way.
A nice and relaxed vibe is what this patio bar exudes to be known as one of the favorite hangout spots in the neighborhood. They serve an extensive list of cocktails and craft beers in a fun atmosphere. The spacious interior space boasts high ceilings, warm lights, and massive HD TVs and projection screens for the ultimate entertainment of the guests. Other features include arcade games and a huge shaded terrace with outdoor seating arrangements. Offering an impeccable service, Post Oak Ice House is a great stop to enjoy a live sporting event with friends.
Spend an evening at MKT Bar (short of Market Bar) relaxing yourself after your hectic day at work. The energy of this place never goes down with the activities happening here. You are bound to have a good time with the live music and board games at MKT Bar. This bar offers an extensive wine list along with other spirits. In case you get hungry, this bar serves some delectable world food cuisines. Unwind yourself this weekend by sipping some refreshing cocktails as you catch up with your friends at MKT Bar.
Situated in the eastern end of downtown Houston, Houston Undergrnd offers one of the best underground concert settings around. A favorite amongst the locals, the former warehouse is heavyweight in the city's nightlife and music scene. Food trucks parked outside the venue sell a wide range of fast food items at reasonable rates. DJ nights featuring top local and traveling DJs and various theme parties organized at Houston Undergrnd are worth a visit if you want to spend the night dancing, downing drinks and partying while in the city.
Four enthusiastic Houston-based locals joined forces to set up The Secret Group, a lively comedy venue in the heart of the city's Downtown neighborhood. This multi-faceted spot juggles between a lively bar, a thriving music spot and a comedy club with equal ease. On-site DJs spin some foot-tapping numbers, while live music lovers have a lot to look forward to. True to its name, The Secret Group occasionally throws in some surprise acts by up and coming musicians and comedians.