We Went to 10 Speakeasy Houston Downtown Bars and Now We Think We’re Gatsby
When I hear “speakeasy,” I think of the 1920s — fedoras, jazz music, and hidden doors. The book The Great Gatsby comes to mind too! It’s that feeling of mystery and fun that makes these places so cool.
The dim lighting, the cocktails, and the sense that you’re part of something secret and special–it’s like stepping into a different world.
If you’re looking for a night out with drinks and even greater vibes, here’s a list of the top speakeasies Houston downtown has to offer!
1. Behind Closed Doors
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Website: https://bcd-htx.com/
Address: 310 Main St, Houston, TX
Contact Details: +1 713 231 0712
Operating Hours:
Price Range: $$-$$$
If you want a fun night out with a bit of mystery, Behind Closed Doors in Downtown Houston is a place you should visit. This speakeasy bar is on Main Street, but it’s easy to walk past if you don’t know it’s there.
There are three different rooms, each with its own style. The Main Room is where most people start. It’s a stylish bar where you can sit, chat, and enjoy drinks.
But it doesn’t stop there! Ask the jukebox how to find the Gold Room. Yes–really! Behind a secret door is a quiet, classy space filled with rare brandy from around the world. It’s a great splot if you want a quiet drink and something new to try.
Then there’s the Red Room, which opens on weekend nights. It’s a dance club with red lights, DJs playing R&B and hip-hop, and a lot of energy. If you want to dance and have fun with friends, this is the place.
The drinks are a bit expensive, but they’re worth it! The flavors are unique and the look of each drink is like art. The bartenders are fun too, and they really bring a lot of energy to the night.
| Pro Tip: Rumor has it there’s a fourth hidden room between the floors—keep your eyes open, check every hallway, and don’t be shy about asking the bartenders for a clue. |
2. Off The Record
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Website: https://www.offtherecordhtx.com/
Address: 416 Main St, Houston, TX
Contact Details: +1 832 742 5683
Operating Hours: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday – 8 PM to 12 AM; Monday, Wednesday – Closed
Price Range: $$-$$$
If you enjoy vinyl records and Houston nightlife, Off The Record is a great spot to check out. Hidden behind a vintage record store on Main Street, this speakeasy has a relaxed vibe, delicious cocktails, and great music!
Inside, there’s a cozy space with classic records and colorful murals. There’s also a VIP lounge upstairs for a more private experience. The drinks are reasonably priced and perfect for sipping while you enjoy the vibes.
This place was started by Houston nightlife veterans as a place to celebrate music, so the music here is always spot-on. They have fun themed DJ nights and vinyl sets. There’s plenty of R&B and old-school hits, so if you’re a fan of those genres then you’ll definitely have a blast.
The drinks are reasonably priced, but they’re a hit or miss, depending on the bartender that night. To be sure, just ask the bartender for their signature drinks!
| Pro Tip: A 20% service fee is automatically included with every order. It’s easy to miss, and you may end up tipping twice without realizing it. To avoid accidentally overpaying, take a moment to review your bill before adding any extra tips. |
3. Bandista
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Website: https://www.bandistahouston.com/
Address: 300 Lamar St, Houston, TX (in Four Seasons Hotel Houston)
Contact Details: +1 713-650-1300
Operating Hours: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday – 5 PM to 12 AM; Sunday, Monday, Tuesday – Closed
Price Range: $$$-$$$$
Bandista is a hidden bar inside the Four Seasons Hotel in downtown Houston. It’s not just a place to grab a drink—it feels like a special experience. The bar is small and stylish, with dim lighting, Latin-inspired design, and fun, creative cocktails.
Getting there is part of the fun and it makes the night feel special right away—we don’t want to spoil anything, but you might be taken through a hidden hallway or walk in through a secret bookshelf.
Inside, the space is dark, romantic, and perfect for a date night or special celebration, and the skilled bartenders really know their drinks!
The Earl Grey cocktail is a popular option, or you can also ask them to make something special. The drinks are strong and they look beautiful, so take your time and enjoy each sip.
| Pro Tip: Be sure to eat before you go. Bandista doesn’t have any food—not even small snacks—so it’s best to have a good meal first. The drinks are strong and taste great, but they’re not something you want on an empty stomach. |
4. Captain Foxheart’s Bad News Bar & Spirit Lodge
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Website: https://www.facebook.com/BadNewsBar/
Address: 308 Main St, Houston, TX
Contact Details:
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 5 PM to 2 AM
Price Range: $$-$$$
If you’re looking for one of the best hidden cocktail bars in downtown Houston, you should check out a local favorite: Capt. Foxheart’s Bad News Bar & Spirit Lodge. It’s upstairs above Main Street and feels like a fun little secret waiting to be found.
The entrance is a bit hard to find, but that makes it fun. Just look for the Nightingale Room below, then go through a door with a fox symbol and climb the stairs. It’s worth the little adventure to get there.
The inside of the bar has a classic feel with dark wood, sparkling lights, and music from vinyl records. Outside, the balcony has a great view of downtown Houston. It’s a great place to enjoy a drink after work or on a date!
The cocktails are a highlight here, so make sure to try favorites like the Gibraltar or the Slip N’ Slide.
| Pro Tip: You’ll need to walk past a few clubs to find the entrance, so be ready to search a bit. The stairwell is hidden, so keep an eye out for the right door. If you miss it, just go back and try again! |
5. Lilly & Bloom
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Address: 110 Main St, Houston, TX (in Main & Co)
Contact Details: +1 346 706 4031
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 2 AM
Price Range: $$
Lilly & Bloom is a two-story bar that combines old-style charm with modern drinks. Just a few blocks from Market Square Park, this hidden gem gives you that speakeasy feel with great music and strong cocktails.
The space is full of velvet chairs, vintage decor, and soft lighting. It feels fancy but still relaxed. You can sit at the bar or head upstairs to the balcony area!
The real highlight here is the drink menu. Signature cocktails like the Bubbly Lilly and Smoky Samurai are a must-try! For those not sure, the bartenders are friendly and helpful, and they’ll gladly suggest something or even mix a special drink for you.
This place fills up quickly, especially when there’s a DJ around. And while they don’t serve food, outside snacks are welcome, so pizza or quick bites around the area are easy to bring inside.
| Pro Tip: If you want a quiet night, go on a Sunday. There are fewer people, parking is easier, and you can usually find a seat. It’s a nice way to relax after a busy weekend. |
6. Houston Watch Company
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Website: https://www.houstonwatchcompany.com/
Address: 913 Franklin St, Houston, TX (in Bayou Lofts)
Contact Details: [email protected]
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Saturday – 4 PM to 2 AM; Sunday to Monday – Closed
Price Range: $-$$
Inside the old Bayou Lofts building, you’ll find Houston Watch Company—a quiet, cozy bar that used to be a real watch shop! Today, it’s a two-level bar where people enjoy well-made drinks, soft music, and calm conversations. It’s one of Downtown Houston’s best hidden spots.
The bar feels warm and welcoming. The lights are low, and the space has an old-fashioned charm. Even if it’s your first time, you’ll feel right at home. It’s easy to see why so many people who live or work nearby stop by to unwind after a long day.
When it comes to drinks, they’re best known for their whiskey cocktails. But if whiskey’s not your thing, try the Espresso Martini—it’s a favorite here. You can also go for a classic like an Old Fashioned or a Moscow Mule!
| Pro Tip: Get to know the bartenders–they’re part of the charm of going here! They’re friendly and have a deep knowledge of spirits, so if you’re unsure what to order or want to try something new, they can recommend a drink or even mix something just for you! |
7. Dean’s Downtown
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Website: http://deansdowntown.com/
Address: 316 Main St, Houston, TX
Contact Details: +1 832-564-0918
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 5 PM to 2 AM
Price Range: $-$$
Dean’s Downtown is one of Houston’s hidden gems when it comes to speakeasy-style bars. Located along Main Street, this spot serves classic cocktails and craft beer in a charming, rustic setting.
The bar itself has a cool history, having been turned from an old Houston store into a bar. The front windows are now comfy patio seats, perfect for watching the busy street. You can even sit in an old elevator shaft that’s part of the space—just one of the fun touches here!
The laid-back atmosphere makes it easy to sit back and enjoy your drink. They also offer a wide range of drinks, including old-fashioned cocktails, local beers, and unique choices like the Alexander Dumas. If you stop by between 5 PM and 8 PM on weekdays, don’t miss their happy hour specials!
| Pro Tip: If you want to try something different, Dean’s has shisha! It’s a nice change from just having cocktails or beer. If you’ve never tried shisha before, the staff is happy to help you choose a flavor and show you how it works. |
8. Reserve 101
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Website: https://www.reserve101.com/
Address: 1201 Caroline St STE 100, Houston, TX
Contact Details: +1 713 480 1579
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 4 PM to 2 AM
Price Range: $-$$
Hidden in downtown Houston, just a few blocks from the city’s biggest spots, Reserve 101 feels like a quiet secret. The outside looks like a regular bar, but once you step inside, it’s clear this place is special!
Soft lights, warm chairs, and dark wood give it the look of an old-time speakeasy. It’s a cozy and calm space, made for strong drinks and good conversations.
This bar loves whiskey! With over 1,000 bottles from around the world—including rare and very old kinds—this spot has one of the best whiskey lists in Texas! Some bottles are so rare, you might never see them again.
New visitors and longtime whiskey fans will feel welcome, thanks to the bartenders who are always happy to help! They’re friendly, smart, and know how to make a drink just right.
| Pro Tip: If you’re coming with a group or want a special whiskey night, you can book a private tasting. It’s a fun idea for birthdays, work get-togethers, or just trying something new. Just call before you go so they can get everything ready for you. |
9. Char Bar
Media Credit: thecharbar
Address: 305 Travis St, Houston, TX
Contact Details: +1 713 222 8177
Operating Hours: Monday to Wednesday – 10 AM to 12 AM; Thursday to Saturday – 10 AM to 2 AM; Sunday – Closed
Price Range: $-$$
If you’re looking for a unique spot in downtown Houston, check out Char Bar. This place combines a tailor shop and bar, so it has a historic charm! Located near Market Square, Char Bar has been family-owned and operating for over 80 years.
During the day, Char Bar is a working tailor shop. Mike, the owner, might be making a custom suit for someone while serving drinks to another customer.
At night, the space turns into a relaxed bar where you can enjoy a good Old Fashioned, chat with the friendly staff, and even take your drink up to the second-floor balcony for a view of Market Square Park.
This place doesn’t serve food, but you’re welcome to bring your own from the many local spots nearby. The atmosphere is cozy and casual–the kind of place where locals return time and again. If you happen to leave something behind, chances are they’ll mail it back to you!
| Pro Tip: The regulars at Char Bar are usually friendly, but everyone is different. Be kind and respectful when you visit. Some people may be more private, so just enjoy the vibe and go with the flow. |
10. Notsuoh
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Website: http://notsuoh.com/
Address: 314 Main St, Houston, TX
Contact Details: +1 713 321 0824
Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday – 7 PM to 2 AM; Friday to Sunday – 2 PM to 2 AM
Price Range: $-$$
If you’re looking for a bar that’s different from the usual spots, Notsuoh is worth checking out. Hidden on Main Street in Downtown Houston, this funky bar has been around since 1996 and is full of art, music, and surprises.
Notsuoh (which is “Houston” spelled backwards) is a place full of personality. It’s decorated with old furniture, strange and fun artwork, and little details you’ll keep noticing the more you look around.
The vibe is chill and welcoming, and you can expect a crowd of people who enjoy something a little out of the ordinary.
What makes this place special? The drinks are not only delicious, but they’re also creative (much like the bar) but also made with care! While sipping a cocktail, go catch a live poetry reading, a local band, or a unique performance.
If you want to explore the upstairs areas, just make sure to buy a drink first—that’s the only rule. Each floor has something new to see, with plenty of cool spots to take photos or just hang out!
| Pro Tip: Leave the kids at home! This place is just for adults—it has a fun, artsy nightlife vibe that isn’t right for little ones. It’s a great spot to hang out with friends, go on a date, or meet other creative people. |
