The 6 Best Houston Bars 

Permission in Houston mainly caters to whiskey lovers, as most of their drinks are based on the owner’s passion and whiskey knowledge. However, from our observations, Permission also serves various non-whiskey cocktails.

Although Permission is not big on amaros and handmade syrups, their drinks and atmosphere left us feeling as if we traveled back in time to a bar in the 1920s. The vintage lighting fixtures and green velvet furniture contributed to the overall ambiance. 

At Permission, we were first greeted with filtered water and the option of having a heated towel. While we could choose to open a bottle of champagne and eat fresh oysters, we opted for a tasty charcuterie board and sampling a few drinks. 

We liked how extensive their bourbon selection was and how it’s all grouped by distillery, including local and international bourbons. They also have a selection of aged Agave Spirits, gins, and rums. 

Moreover, we noted that their cocktail menu represents the diversity of liquor they offer, from a mix of classics such as the Boulevardier and a few original concoctions created especially for the bar.

By the way, they have a “hidden” menu with more complicated concoctions like a smoked Old Fashioned.

Angel Share is known for being a bar that gives back to the community by offering a list of drinks under charity where you can decide which charity you’ll be donating to. 

Their unique atmosphere and interesting drinks selection make Angel Share a typical bar to visit among many Houstonians. At least, that’s what we’ve been told.  

Since Angel Share is in Downtown Houston, parking was a challenge. We had to park several blocks away and walk.

Yet, upon walking inside Angle Share, there was a giant portrait of Betty White hanging from the second floor and a painting of Dolly White covering the rear wall of the bar area that faces the second floor. 

We liked how friendly the staff was and how quickly they found us a spot at the bar. The bar was a little crowded, but we found out that’s because, on Mondays at Angel Share, you can enjoy happy hour for the entire day.

We liked the wide range of music, from soulful hits and R&B to cheesy pop music. Additionally, the music was not too loud, so it was still possible to have conversations. 

One of the drinks we tried was their G&T. It’s a vibrant purple gin and tonic, but it has a bittersweet taste. 

We were told what made this drink a favorite among many who visit Angel Share was that you could pick a celebrity and send it to the bartender, and they could put it on top of the foam of your drink. 

We didn’t believe this to be true until we tried it ourselves. However, we did note that they have a limited selection of bourbon, whiskey, scotch, and draft beers.

Bandista is an exclusive speakeasy that requires a secret number code to gain entry. The bar prides itself on its cutting-edge cocktail menu, which features drinks served over dry ice and in antique glasses. 

They have options for both premium and value offerings here. Rare spirits can cost as much as $8,000 for a single shot, while cocktails can serve two people. 

When we went to Bandista, we made reservations in advance. We received a text message confirming our booking and providing details on where to meet for our private escorted tour of Bandista.

From our observations, Bandista has a nice lounge area with breathtaking city views at night. Yet, we opted to sit at the bar so we could observe the careful preparation that went into making each drink. 

Although the price of the cocktails at Bandista was high, we thought that the price was justified due to the aesthetically pleasing presentation and the taste of their cocktail drinks. Moreover, we liked how knowledgeable the bartenders were and how friendly they were. 

With our cocktails, we were served olives and a selection of roasted nuts—but that’s as far as Bandista has to offer for food. Besides cocktails, though, they also provide high-quality gins, whiskeys, and different craft beers. 

However, Bandista has the ambiance of a shipping container and hardly any atmosphere to enjoy. Additionally, we were only allowed to spend a maximum of ninety minutes before we were rushed out the door.

It might look like this theater shows all the classics, but it is not even a real movie theater. 

Beyond its illuminated marquee, ticket window, and concession stand, Juliet is an upmarket, modern American restaurant and bar with old-Hollywood glitz. 

One of the first things we noted was that parking was not difficult to find, and they also offered valet. Upon waking inside Juliet, we were kindly greeted by the hostess.

Although we had to wait to get a spot at the bar, the wait was less than thirty minutes. We liked the entire movie theater ambiance as the walls were covered with movie stills. 

The menu was divided into “Preview,” “Main Event,” and “Co-Stars,” and instead of bread, we were served bowls of popcorn. Additionally, the cocktail menu featured photogenic drinks straight out of a dream. 

The prices on the menu are a little high, but you’re not just paying for drinks and food. You’re paying for the ambiance here at Juliet.

Although we ordered a few appetizers, the appetizers we had were salty and too bland for our tastes. We did like their Nashville hot chicken, which was flavorful with every bite. 

As we went during happy hour, their drinks were discounted. All of the drinks we had were refreshing and had an intriguing presentation. 

Yet, Juliet’s chocolate-based dessert ball topped with dulce de leche and bourbon caramel left us craving more. 

Johnny’s Gold Brick has earned a reputation among Houstonians for their outgoing and friendly bartenders and servers, known for making drink recommendations you’ll end up loving. 

They also have a cocktail menu that changes monthly, so you might try something completely new every time you go here. 

At least, that’s what we were told. 

When we went to Johnny’s Gold Brick, we liked the casual atmosphere inside as it had plenty of space, booths, and high bar stool seating. 

Although we opted to sit inside, they also have an outside patio. Outside on the back patio, they have plenty of arcade games available to play as well, like the classic block stacking game—Jenga. 

True to the claim of others, the bartender verified that their menu changes every month. 

Moreover, after we inquired about which one of their cocktails or liquors we should try on the current menu, we liked how the bartender was more than willing to educate us on which drinks would be the best. 

We sampled their Pisco Sour and Whiskey Sour, which both had bitters and egg whites. It was delicious, but it did have a little burn as it went down our throats. 

The one downside is that Johnny’s gold brick doesn’t serve any food with their drinks. However, there are rotating food trucks parked right outside on their patio.

Social Beer Garden HTX is a family-owned bar located in Midtown Houston, TX.

What we like about them is that they can absolutely provide customers with the best possible bar and beer garden experience by offering a variety of services. Some of these are craft beer selection, seasonal cocktails, cheap happy hour deals, sports bar experience on the biggest outdoor TV, pizza, rotating food trucks, and inclusive events for Houston.

Given their central location, the bar is conveniently accessible to customers. This makes their bar a great place to interact with new people and make friends.

In comparing them to others, they regularly host fun and inclusive events that attract a diverse crowd. Thus, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment.

We love that they have a large outdoor space that is perfect for socializing and enjoying the Houston weather.

However, during peak hours, the bar can get noisy and may not have enough seating to accommodate all customers.