We Drank Our Way Through These 12 Bars With Cheap Drinks in Houston And Almost Never Left

Let’s be honest, sometimes a girl just needs a good, stiff drink without the hefty price tag. You know, the kind of place where you can unwind after a long day, the bartender knows your usual, and your wallet doesn’t weep when you close out your tab.
Now, I’ve always been a bit of a dive bar aficionado. There’s something about the no-frills attitude, the eclectic crowd, and the surprisingly delicious (and cheap!) cocktails that just calls to me.
Lucky for us, there are plenty of bars to score cheap drinks in Houston! So whether you’re a dive bar devotee or a curious newbie, get ready to explore the best spots in the city where the drinks are strong and the prices are even stronger.
Poison Girl
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Website: http://poisongirlbar.com/
Address: 1641 Westheimer Rd B, Houston, TX (in Select Skate Shop)
Contact Details: (713) 527-9929
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 3 PM to 2 AM
Price Range: $
Nestled in the lively Montrose neighborhood, Poison Girl is an eclectic dive bar that has earned a loyal following with its laid-back atmosphere and impressive drink specials.
One of the best things about this place is the happy hour, which runs daily from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. During this time, you can snag mixed drinks for just $4—an excellent deal if you’re looking to enjoy a few rounds without breaking the bank!
If you’re not into cocktails, they also offer affordable shots, like the Up-Down, a mix of Jägermeister and cold brew coffee. For beer lovers, you can grab a pint for just $5—definitely a steal in this part of town!
Pro Tip: Poison Girl’s arcade games provide a fun and nostalgic experience! Make sure to try the classic pinball machines. If it’s a nice evening, grab a spot on their outdoor patio! It’s the perfect spot to enjoy drinks with friends. |
Lola’s Depot
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Address: 2327 Grant St, Houston, TX
Contact Details: (713) 528-8342
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 4 PM to 2 AM
Price Range: $
Since opening its doors in 1983, Lola’s Depot has maintained its status as a beloved dive bar, offering cheap drinks and a no-frills atmosphere that stands in stark contrast to the upscale establishments popping up nearby.
When it comes to pricing their menu, they definitely know how to keep things affordable! The bar’s most famous special is the $1.75 beer deal during happy hour, which runs from 6 PM to 7 PM and again from 9 PM to 11 PM on most days.
But if you’re looking for an even better deal, visit on Sunday or Tuesday for the all-day happy hour—that’s $1.75 drinks all day long! You can also check out their quirky drink menu, which includes their pickle beer—an acquired taste for sure, but one that has its fans.
Pro Tip: Bring cash with you! This is a dive bar with a no-frills approach, so credit cards may not always be the most convenient option. Don’t expect a polished or glamorous experience. The charm of Lola’s Depot lies in its gritty, unrefined atmosphere. |
Big Star Bar
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Website: http://www.bigstarbar.com/
Address: 1005 W 19th St, Houston, TX
Contact Details: (281) 501-9560
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 4 PM to 2 AM
Price Range: $
Big Star Bar in the Heights is a must-visit if you’re in the neighborhood and looking for a place to kick back and have a drink. This is the kind of dive bar where everyone knows your name, and the drinks are cheap.
One of its biggest draws is the affordable menu. With $5 beers and $10 shots, it’s one of the best places in the area for budget-friendly drinks. They’ve also got a nice outdoor space with a fire pit and plenty of seating, making it a great spot to hang out!
But here’s why Big Star Bar is so loved by locals: even after Hurricane Ike damaged its roof in 2008, the bar kept going and stayed focused on helping the community—and they continue to do so to this day.
Pro Tip: Big Star is a place with deep ties to the neighborhood and local music scene. Ask the bartenders or regulars about the bar’s past—there’s plenty of good stories to hear! |
Sunny’s Bar
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Address: 902 Capitol St, Houston, TX (in Great Jones Building)
Contact Details: (713) 224-3200
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 2 PM to 2 AM
Price Range: $
If you’re looking for an affordable place to grab a drink in downtown Houston, Sunny’s Bar is the place to be. Located just a short walk from the rail station on Capitol, this not-so-hidden gem is easy to spot thanks to its bright neon sign.
One of the standout features of this bar is its incredibly cheap drinks. In fact, they’re infamous for their $1 Jell-O shots, which are a local favorite! They also offer a variety of beers ($6) and whiskey shots ($8).
If you’re in the mood to experiment, you can try their test tube shots. And of course, on a hot summer day, you can’t go wrong with their frozen concoctions! If you’re feeling adventurous, go for the Bomb Pop—a mix of all their frozen drinks, which are surprisingly refreshing.
Pro Tip: Get there early if you want a spot on the patio during nice weather—it’s a popular spot for regulars. Expect a maze to get to the bathrooms, but it’s part of the quirky charm. |
Postino’s
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Website: https://www.postinowinecafe.com/locations/postino-heights
Address: 642 Yale St, Houston, TX
Contact Details: (346) 223-1111
Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday – 11 AM to 11 PM; Friday – 11 AM to 12 AM; Saturday – 10 AM to 12 AM; Sunday – 10 AM to 10 PM
Price Range: $$
If you’re looking for a great place to sip wine without breaking the bank, Postino Heights should be on your radar! This trendy wine café is perfect for enjoying a casual drink with friends or a relaxed date night.
One of the best things about this spot is its unbeatable happy hour! Running daily until 5 PM, they offer incredible deals on wine ($6 per glass) and beer (expect to pay $6 for a pitcher).
If you’re having a late dinner, try stopping by after 8 PM on Mondays and Tuesdays to score a bundle of their famous bruschetta board and a bottle of wine for just $25!
Pro Tip: You can try a Bruschetta Flight to pair with your wine! The Battle Bruschetta is a must-try so you can mix and match and sample different toppings. While street parking is available, finding a spot may be tricky. Consider arriving a bit earlier or using nearby lots. |
Roswell’s Saloon
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Website: https://roswellssaloon.com/
Address: 1417 Westheimer Rd Suite A, Houston, TX
Contact Details: (832) 659-0265
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 7 PM to 2 AM
Price Range: $
If you find yourself strolling through Montrose in Houston, be sure to check out a hidden gem for cheap drinks—Roswell’s Saloon. This quirky bar boasts an intergalactic theme, great drink deals, and a friendly atmosphere!
One of the highlights of this bar is their happy hour, known as “Sunset Hour.” It runs daily from 7 PM to 8 PM, and during this time, cocktails are half off—so take advantage and try one of their signature drinks at a bargain price!
Must-try standouts from their menu include the Planetary Intergalactic, a sweet, fruity blend of orange, raspberry, and grapefruit, and the Mango Lasso, which combines the flavors of mango and coconut milk.
Pro Tip: You can also get $2 off of their beer, wine, and bubbles during Sunset Hour! |
Little Woodrow’s
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Website: https://littlewoodrows.com/
Address: 2306 Brazos St, Houston, TX
Contact Details: (713) 522-1041
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 1 PM to 2 AM
Price Range: $$
Little Woodrow’s is a top choice for those looking to grab a drink, play yard games, and watch sports on TV, thanks to its laid-back vibes, large outdoor patio, and impressive drink selection.
This bar boasts an extensive beer menu, with over 50 beers on tap. Whether you’re a fan of local brews or more unique flavors, you’ll definitely find something that suits your taste. The best part? The drinks are reasonably priced at just $6.
They also have an impressive cocktail menu, but you definitely don’t want to miss their happy hour, which runs Monday to Friday from 3 PM to 7 PM. During this time, drinks can be as low as $3, $4, or $5. And if that’s not enough, they offer special discounts for each day of the week!
Pro Tip: They have a patio that’s dog-friendly, so you can bring your furry friends along to enjoy the fun! For something a bit different, check out the turtle races, which are a quirky but fun tradition at Little Woodrow’s. It’s a great way to break away from the usual bar activities and enjoy a laugh with friends. There are all-you-can-eat food trucks that park here on weekends, so schedule your lunch or dinner accordingly if you’re dropping by! |
Lei Low
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Website: https://leilowbar.com/
Address: 6412 N Main St C, Houston, TX
Contact Details: (713) 380-2968
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 4 PM to 2 AM
Price Range: $-$$
Lei Low is a friendly, intimate tiki bar that feels like a tropical oasis in the middle of the city. With its Polynesian décor, rum-centric cocktails, and laid-back vibes, this gem is a great choice for anyone looking for a fun yet relaxing night out.
When it comes to drinks, they offer a menu of tiki classics and original cocktails ranging from $10 to $15. For something fruity, try the Singapore Sling or the Painkiller. For something more exotic, go for the blended Barefoot in the Sand.
And in the colder months, the Hot Buttered Banana is divine!
On a budget? They have rum-infused shots for just $6! They also offer nightly specials, where you can score great deals on their Mai Tais. And try to drop by on Wednesdays for Hawaiiana Humpday, when you can enjoy happy hour from opening to closing.
Pro Tip: Not into rum or fruity drinks? They have beer on the menu as well! If you don’t feel like drinking alcohol, you can ask the bartender to create a mocktail for you instead! |
Warren’s Inn
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Website: https://www.facebook.com/Warrensinn002/
Address: 307 Travis St, Houston, TX 77002, United States
Contact Details: (713) 247-9207
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 2 PM to 2 AM
Price Range: $
Warren’s Inn is one of the oldest bars in Houston. Established in 1978, this dive bar has been a beloved staple of the downtown area for decades, with its classic New Orleans-style façade and tavern-like interiors that are both nostalgic and welcoming.
The drinks here are what really set it apart! Known for its strong, classic cocktails at unbeatable prices, this is the spot to visit if you want your head to spin after just one or two drinks. You can even leave with just a $20 tab!
In fact, they don’t have happy hours here because they don’t skimp on the alcohol, so you get your money’s worth without drinking a lot. Also, they don’t have a food menu, so you can focus on enjoying your martini and good company!
Pro Tip: Visit for a historic experience—this is a place that’s been a part of Houston’s drinking culture for decades. If the place is packed, share your table. The regulars are friendly and welcoming, so try to be the same. |
Char Bar
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Website: https://downtownhouston.org/go/char-bar
Address: 305 Travis St, Houston
Contact Details: (713) 222-8177
Operating Hours: Monday to Wednesday – 10 AM to 12 AM; Thursday to Saturday – 10 AM to 2 AM; Sunday – Closed
Price Range: $
CharBar is one of the most unique places to grab a drink in the city because it’s not just a bar—it’s also a tailor shop! Located in Downtown Houston, it’s been going strong for over 88 years.
The drinks here are reasonably priced, with the standout being their signature martinis. Fair warning: they pack a punch, but that’s part of the fun! If you prefer something a little different, try one of their homemade Bloody Marys—they’re a local favorite.
For those who enjoy a well-crafted cocktail, the bar owner is known for mixing up a great Old Fashioned. You can even sip on one of their signature drinks while having a suit fitted if the tailor shop is still open!
Pro Tip: Visit the upstairs balcony for a beautiful view of downtown Houston! The tailor’s services are available during the day, but the bar is the main attraction in the evenings. If you want to get fitted for a suit, drop by when the sun is still up! |
La Carafe
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Address: 813 Congress St, Houston, TX
Contact Details: (713) 229-9399
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 2 PM to 2 AM
If you’re looking for a place to enjoy affordable drinks with a side of history and a touch of mystery, La Carafe in downtown Houston is a must-visit!
Operating since 1963, this bar is housed in a building constructed in 1837, making it one of the oldest continuously operating properties in the city.
The cash-only bar offers a simple yet solid selection of wine and beer, with several local options available. Wines range from $8 to $14 per glass, while beers go for around $6 per bottle.
For a unique experience, head up to the second floor, where you can sip your drink in an eerie atmosphere—many claim the upper floors are haunted by the spirits of the past! Some have even encountered a “woman in white” or heard the ghostly voice of a former bartender.
Pro Tip: If you’re curious about the paranormal, ask the bartenders about their ghost stories—many have had their own eerie experiences. The second-floor bar is only open on weekends, so plan your visit accordingly. |
Little Dipper Bar
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Website: https://littledipperhtx.com/
Address: 304 Main St, Houston, TX
Contact Details:
Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday, Sunday – 4 PM to 11 PM; Friday to Saturday – 4 PM to 2 AM
Price Range: $$
If you’re looking for a place to unwind with great drinks in downtown Houston, Little Dipper Bar should be on your list. Located on Main Street, this bar combines chill vibes, retro décor, and affordable drinks!
One of the best features of this spot is its signature cocktails ($7–$9). If you’re looking for something with a little more kick, the Old Fashioned here is known to be strong! For something more budget-friendly, try the “Poison Girl” mixed shot at just $3 each.
For those looking to make the most of their visit, happy hour runs from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. During this time, cocktails and beers are offered at discounted prices, so you can try a variety! Don’t forget to check out the pinball machines—it’s a great way to add some fun to your visit.
Pro Tip: The bartenders are friendly, and they even give out cool bar swag like stickers and pencils, so don’t hesitate to ask! If you prefer a more chill, relaxed atmosphere, stop by in the afternoon or early evening. For a livelier crowd, try later in the evening when the DJ beats kick in. |