The Absolute Best Cocktail Bars in Houston [Updated 2023]

I've gone around to numerous local establishments, sampled their decorations and drinks, and got lots of knowledge from the bar staff. After visiting seven different cocktail bars here in Houston, I'm excited to share my findings on some of the best places for cleverly crafted cocktails and creative atmospheres.

Whether you're looking for a laidback spot to enjoy a relaxing drink or an energetic spot to get your night started, this article will inform you of some of the best places in Houston that could match any occasion. And who better to help guide you than someone who has lived in Houston their entire life? So join me as we explore some great cocktail bars!

Captain Foxheart's Bad News Bar & Spirit Lodge

The atmosphere is incredibly inviting; with the old-school decor and well-curated cocktails, it creates the perfect setting for a night out with friends. The bartenders are knowledgeable and friendly, and quickly make you feel at home.

The cocktail offerings here are second to none. Featuring a wide selection of classic craft cocktails with artful tweaks, Captain Foxheart's is sure to have something for every palate. From the classic Old Fashioned made with house-made black walnut bitters to the Urban Empress crafted with lemon-ginger shrub and Beefeater gin, these cocktails will surely delight.

And if you're feeling peckish after a few too many of these delicious drinks, be sure to try one of their famous street tacos from the kitchen! There's something for everyone here - from vegan options to meat lovers' treats - so it's easy to find a snack that fits your taste.

In conclusion, I highly recommend Captain Foxheart's Bad News Bar & Spirit Lodge as one of the best cocktail bars in Houston. There's something for everyone here - amazing drinks, delicious snacks, and great company - this is definitely one place you don't want to miss!

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High & Dry

I've been to many bars in my day, but High & Dry stands out for its high-quality cocktails and unique atmosphere. The drinks are made with precision and care—right down to the smallest detail. Every single one of their craft cocktails is uniquely crafted, and none of them feel like just another drink.

The ambience of High & Dry perfectly matches its cocktail selection. From the dim lighting to the interesting decor, guests get a feeling that they enter a hidden wonderland every time they walk through the door. And don’t even get me started on their live music! It elevates everything to the next level, creating an unforgettable experience that only High & Dry can deliver!

Overall, I highly recommend checking out High & Dry if you want one of the best cocktail bar experiences in Houston!

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SOHO Garden HTX

The atmosphere of the place is inviting and cozy and the bartenders are friendly and knowledgeable. They make unique, incredible cocktails that are always fresh and flavorful. The drinks never disappoint and the selection is vast!

I'm personally a fan of the Lavender Gimlet (made with gin, lime juice, lavender syrup, bitters) but their Ginger Sage Margarita (tequila, lime juice, ginger syrup, orange liqueur, sage leaves) is also a must-try.

The music selection is on point with a mix of classic jazz and soul songs that add to the laid-back vibe. Every time I've gone by myself or with friends for happy hour after work, I have been welcomed warmly by both staff and patrons alike.

In my experience SOHO Garden HTX truly stands out among other similar bars in Houston for its attention to quality ingredients in all of their drinks. It's definitely become one of my go-to spots when looking for the best cocktail bars in Houston!

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Julep

From the moment you walk in the door, you can feel the care and attention to detail that has gone into creating the perfect atmosphere. The design is modern yet classic, flowing from one area to the next. Every element comes together in a way that creates an inviting and cozy environment, making it a great spot to bring friends.

The bar menu is quite impressive – they have something for everyone! Whether it's a classic whiskey sour or something a bit more adventurous like their cucumber-pineapple mint julep, they have plenty of options to choose from. The bartenders are knowledgeable and helpful – they really know their stuff!

The food menu at Julep is a perfect accompaniment to the cocktail bar experience. The kitchen serves up some unique dishes – my favorite being their Cajun-style deviled eggs! They also have delicious charcuterie boards which are perfect for sharing with friends.

But what I love most about Julep is how skilled and creative their bartenders are at making incredible cocktails. From customizing drinks based on your preferences to creating new spins on old classics, I guarantee you will be impressed by what they can do with mixology.

Overall, Julep is easily one of the best cocktail bars in Houston. It has everything you could ever want in an upscale bar setting and more!

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Bar No. 3 - La Colombe d'Or

From the moment I entered, I was impressed with the atmosphere. The walls are lined with paintings from esteemed local artists and the antique decor adds a touch of class to the establishment. The staff was friendly and attentive, always checking in on me and ensuring I had everything I needed.

The drinks menu had something for everyone with a wide selection of cocktails, wines, and spirits. I tried their house specialty Gin & Tonic - it had just the right amount of sweetness that made it really stand out.

My overall experience at Bar No. 3 - La Colombe d'Or was great! It surpasses many other cocktail bars in Houston and should definitely be in your rotation if you're looking for an unforgettable experience.

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Miss Carousel

I was immediately blown away by the attention to detail in the décor and atmosphere of Miss Carousel. From the moment I stepped in, the vibe was inviting and cozy.

The menu offers a wide variety of classic cocktails, as well as some unique interpretations of old favorites. Every cocktail I tried was expertly crafted and delicious. The bartenders were friendly and knowledgeable about their offerings, offering great advice when it came time to choose my drinks.

It's clear that Miss Carousel takes pride in its quality ingredients; each drink had layers of complex flavors that showed off the bar's expertise. It's also worth noting that their prices are reasonable for such high quality cocktails.

In short, if you're looking for one of the best cocktail bars in Houston, Miss Carousel should be at the top of your list!

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Double Trouble Caffeine & Cocktails

The atmosphere is amazing, with a cozy and inviting interior and great music playing in the background. The drinks are expertly made, starting from their signature Caffeinated Margarita to their classic Old Fashioned. They mix up classic cocktails using only the freshest ingredients, making sure you get the most out of every sip.

The bartenders here know their craft, and have been known to surprise guests with bold new concoctions. You can trust them if you're not sure what you want - they are experts at creating unique flavor combinations that will make your taste buds dance with delight!

Double Trouble also has great food options. Their shareable plates like their truffle mac & cheese balls or crispy chicken tacos are perfect for when you’re in need of something to soak up all of those delicious drinks.

I would highly recommend Double Trouble Caffeine & Cocktails to anyone looking for the best cocktail bars in Houston. Their cocktails and atmosphere make this place stand head-and-shoulders above other places in the city when it comes to quality drinks, service and overall experience.

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