Mix and Mingle: The Top Cocktails Bars Houston Has to Offer

One of the bars recommended to us was The Heights Social, a new local chic cocktail bar.  To start, we noted the abundance of available parking, which was a pleasant surprise, as we thought it would be crowded. 

When we walked inside, we were immediately impressed by the establishment’s opulent and sophisticated interior design. We couldn’t help but admire the stunning wallpaper that adorned the walls. 

Before we tested a few of their cocktails, we had to hit the dancefloor as there was a live DJ. The DJ’s playlist had us grooving to the beat with our feet tapping and heads bobbing—it was bussin! 

Now onto the cocktails! We liked that each drink we had was crafted with care and precision. 

Whether you’re a fan of the timeless Manhattan or prefer to mix things up with a Dragonfruit Daiquiri, we liked that the cocktail menu had a little something for every taste bud. Each drink we tried boasted their own unique flavor profiles, making each sip a delightful experience. 

Regrettably, though, we couldn’t stand the unsanitary state of the bathrooms. It was quite apparent that they were in dire need of a thorough cleaning. 

We also encountered an issue with their dress code policy. While there wasn’t a strict dress code, it was interesting to see some attendees opt for a more casual look while others went for a more formal attire. 

The lack of a clear dress code left us feeling confused and unsure of what was appropriate attire for the occasion.

When we went to EZ’s Liquour lounge, we thought it was the perfect place to unwind after a long day. One of the things that we liked the most was the ambiance around the bar as the music was a total vibe. 

We thought it was great that they had a pool table available to use too. We wanted to play a round, but we settled with trying some of their cocktails first. 

One of the first cocktails we tried was their EZ GNT cocktail, which was made with cucumber gin, lime juice, lemon peel, mint, and Fever-Tree Tonic. We thought it was refreshing and it had the perfect blend of flavors.

 As certified coffee lovers, we tried a more unique cocktail: their Nitro Irish Coffee, which we must say is a must-try. The bartender made it with an aged bottle of Tullamore D.E.W. Irish Whisky, housemade dark sugar syrup, cold brew, and added a creamy foam at the top. 

Another noteworthy cocktail that we tried was the Strawberry Watermelon Margarita. This cocktail was sweet yet tangy and simply delicious. 

The only downside we could think of was that the bar got a little rowdy, but besides the noise, we can say that EZ’s Liquor Lounge is a fun cocktail bar.

After a long day at work, a few of us decided to seek solace at Todos Santos. With its live DJ, pop vibes, and attentive staff, it was just the kind of place we needed to relax and unwind—the cocktails were especially enjoyable. 

We started with the blood orange cocktail, which was a blend of gin, orange liqueur, and freshly squeezed blood orange juice. It was tart, sweet, and citrusy, with just the right amount of alcohol. 

The diablita cocktail was next, and it was even more delectable. The combination of tequila, mezcal, and agave syrup was tantalizingly spicy, with a hint of smokiness.

Aside from the delicious drinks, we thought the atmosphere at Todos Santos was incredibly inviting. The live DJ was playing some catchy tunes which kept us in the mood for fun. 

Plus, the bar staff were attentive and friendly, ensuring that our drinks were topped up without having to ask. The bar was also filled with laughter and conversation, as people enjoyed their drinks and chatted with each other.

The only downside to our experience was the hefty parking fee. At $20 per car, it seemed a bit steep. But it was worth it in the end, as we had a great time.

First off, let’s talk about the atmosphere. We thought Bayou Heights was bustling and tastefully rustic. 

From what we could see, there were many people at the bar and the tables around us with friends, simply chilling out and having drinks. We liked how although the atmosphere was busy, it wasn’t too noisy to relax. 

Now, let’s get to the real reason we went: the cocktails. We liked the bartender’s inventive and delicious creations, thanks in part to their use of homemade syrups and tinctures. 

We started off with a Sazerac, which was made with rye whiskey, absinthe, and Peychaud’s bitters. It’s a classic New Orleans cocktail, but Bayou Heights did it justice. 

As the night progressed, we tried a few more creative drinks. There were two drinks in particular that left our tastebuds brimming with delight. 

We liked their Lavender Bee’s Knees as it was a refreshing and floral cocktail that had just the right amount of sweetness. We thought the gin and lemon juice provided a nice balance to the lavender syrup and honey, creating a complex and delicious drink. 

As for the Watermelon Martini we had, we thought it was a perfect summer cocktail—light and fruity. We liked how they used fresh watermelon juice, which added a lovely sweetness that was complemented by the lime and vodka. 

The only major con we have to mention is the mandatory $8 valet parking. It felt like an unnecessary expense, especially since we’re used to finding street parking. 

Many have told us that Clarkwood is unparalleled in terms of cocktail bars. From our experience, we can say that there is some truth to those words, as we found Clarkwood to be sophisticated with one-of-a-kind decor.

One of the things we liked about their bartenders was that they used classic mixology techniques, but they also tried out new ingredients and methods to create cocktails that were truly original.

Each sip of one of their cocktails was an adventure for our taste buds. We also noted that everyone in our group could find a drink they liked at the bar, from the traditional margarita and mojito to inventive and seasonal handcrafted cocktails. 

The drinks that we liked the most were their espresso martinis and their Madame Zero zero-sugar champagne. We liked how smooth their espresso martini was while maintaining the bitter coffee notes. 

On the other hand, the Madame Zero was crisp and refreshing, with hints of apple. It definitely matched the sophisticated vibes going on at the bar. 

However, the fact that we needed a reservation to enjoy the bar’s ambiance was one of Clarkwood’s few drawbacks. While this may be an inconvenience for those who prefer to act on the spur of the moment, we thought the experience we had was well worth the effort.