We Found Houston’s Top Secret Bars and Now We’re Telling You All About It!

Secretive, exclusive, and oozing with coolness – that’s the main charm of secret bars. Though they’re not like the speakeasies, some of the more secretive bars in Houston do require some insider knowledge before you get to them.
We’ll let you in on a little secret – we’ve (rather painstakingly!) scoured the entirety of Houston for some of the secret bars in Houston! These bars, unlike the ones you’ll find in Midtown or Washington Avenue, are as secretive and as cool as they sound.
But don’t you worry – we got you covered! Read on as we give you some of the more secretive bars in Houston that you can visit, along with how you can enter these oh-so-lucrative establishments!
1. HandleBar
Credit: @washingtonaverunningclub on Instagram
Address: 5219 Washington Ave, Houston, TX 77007
Phone Number: 832-831-1602
Hours: Monday – Friday: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Saturday – Sunday: 2:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Starting the list off easy, we got HandleBar. It’s right on Houston’s Washington Avenue, right where most of the city’s bars are located, which makes it relatively easy to find. However, beneath the surface (and beyond the bathrooms), you’ll find a weird door.
The door leads to HandleBar’s Magnum Room that’s lovingly designed with some rather tasteful pictures of American legend Burt Reynolds and some tropical drinks not included in their regular menu.
The Magnum Room’s drink selections are nice, and the room is overflowing with a classy vibe – yes, even with a naked Burt Reynolds staring right into your eyeballs. The room is on the smaller side, but the atmosphere makes it seem a lot bigger than it is.
As for their drinks, we suggest going with the HandleBar Rum Punch for something stronger or the Michelle’s Kiss if you’re looking for something stronger. They also serve shots too, with our top pick being the Aldha Gringo if you’re looking for an exotic flaor.
Pro Tips: HandleBar’s Magnum Room can be small, which means that fights can break out often. To have the best experience at The Magnum Room, we suggest enjoying your drinks in .peace and without interfering with the oither customers. |
2. Last Concert Cafe
Please embed image: https://www.instagram.com/p/C5y3vZuOBQ5/?hl=en&img_index=1
Address: 1403 Nance St, Houston, TX 77002
Phone Number: 713-226-8563
Hours: Varies on the Calendar of Events
Behind a big red door on Houston’s Warehouse District lies the city’s oldest live music venue, Last Concert Cafe! Established way back in 1947, it has become one of Houston’s most well-kept secrets and a go-to for music enthusiasts everywhere.
Last Concert Cafe hosts a wide array of musical performances – from country artists to RNB and even house music, Last Concert Cafe hosts plenty of events for everyone! You can check out their schedule of events here and book your visit ahead of time.
What we appreciate the most about Last Concert Cafe is they make an effort to match the vibe of the performers on stage. For instance, they lovingly color the stage maroon for country music performers, which is one of the colors that represent country music.
Where Last Concert Cafe’s mysterious vibe comes from is with their food and drinks menu, which can only be discovered by ticketholders. For their sake, we’ll keep the secret alive, but we do suggest going with their delectable Cheese Enchiladas.
Pro Tips: Smoking is allowed inside Last Concert Cafe, which can be good for smokers but terrible for those with respiratory issues. If you’re the latter and want to see a performance there, we strongly urge you to bring a face mask or two! |
3. Juliet
Please embed image: https://www.instagram.com/p/C6ZofYqpiq7/?hl=en
Address: The Americana, 5857 Westheimer Rd Suite P, Houston, TX 77057
Phone Number: 713-324-8831
Hours: Monday, Wednesday – Thursday: 6:00 PM –10:00 PM
Friday – Saturday: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Masquerading a movie theater thanks in no part to its owner’s obsession with movies, walking past Juliet’s (which is real, by the way) concession stand lies a fine dining steakhouse with an atmosphere that’s both modern and nostalgic at the same time.
Juliet’s upscale dining is on par with Michelin-star restaurants, but it’s one that’s hidden inside a big red curtain. With menu items like 24k Gold Tomahawk Ribeye, the hype for the place is more than understandable.
The atmosphere at Juliet’s is reminiscent of an upscale joint at Las Vegas or New York, which is a welcome change for Houstonians. Their prices reflect that, but we’d like to consider them a once-in-a-while treat.
Pro Tips: The waiters at Juliet’s can be quite persistent when it comes to their daily specials. Though these can be great, we recommend sticking to your guns if you want to try out any of their food that you want the most! |
4. Lei Low
Please embed image: https://www.instagram.com/p/C6fNtETAb3b/?hl=en
Address: 6412 N Main St C, Houston, TX 77009
Phone Number: 713-380-2968
Hours: Monday: Closed
Tuesday – Sunday: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Yet one more bar in Houston that’s hidden in plain sight, you can find Lei Low behind an Aloha mural with a huge neon sign that says “RUM” on the unassuming shopping center. The moment you enter, you’ll be welcomed to a Hawaiian-themed fun time!
As their name implies, most of their drinks follow a Hawaiian theme, like the A’ole Pilikia which we recommend trying out the most. That said though, they also have options like Ting in The Sting and 1994 Mai Tais for those looking for a more traditional flavor.
Pro Tips: Lei Low doesn’t take reservations and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. To secure your spot (and to make sure you can order any of their drinks), we suggest dropping by the bar between 5 and 6 PM! |
5. Marfreless
Please embed image: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cqf6KtJgscA/?hl=en
Credit: @houstorian on Instagram
Address: River Oaks Shopping Center, 2006 Peden St, Houston, TX 77019
Phone Number: 281-630-6248
Hours: Monday – Sunday: 5 PM–2 AM
Hidden behind Houston’s River Oaks Shopping Center’s “makeout spot”, Marfreless is located right behind an inconspicuous, unmarked blue door. Opening it welcomes you to a candlelit room with a welcoming vibe that’s perfect for a date night.
The old-school vibe elevates Marfreless hidden charm and the jazz music that continuously plays throughout the night makes them 10 times more romantic. Drinks like Chocolate Martinis and Buffalo Trace Manhattan are uniquely delectable.
Marfreless also hosts a fun Trivia Night on Monday evenings which calls for “non-conformists, intellectuals, and couples” to participate. The questions range from history to common knowledge, but they progressively get more difficult as time goes on.
Pro Tips: Since Marfreless is a date spot, there may be plenty of… adult things going on around you, especially on the second floor. If you do manage to catch a couple in the act, either leave right away or don’t mind them and enjoy your night. |
6. Rabbit’s Got the Gun
Please embed image: https://www.instagram.com/p/C6sGnOsJUHH/?hl=en
Address: 708 Hogan St, Houston, TX 77009
Phone Number: 346-335-8367
Hours: Monday – Sunday: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Located behind an abandoned auto shop and a taco truck lies a secret shop that only a few know and love aptly named Rabbit’s Got the Gun! Don’t let its hiding spot fool you though – it’s a fun, chic place that lets you let your hair down every once in a while.
Fun events lie within the unmarked door behind the mechanic’s space, with live DJ music and plenty of fun events depending on the time of the year! As of the time of writing, they’re currently celebrating Cinco de Mayo where you can get cheap drinks!
Rabbit’s Got the Gun prides themselves in Tex-Mex food, with the Beef Fajita Tacos and the Northside Painkillers being the best pick among the rest. But if you visit them on Saturdays, you can get free crawfish with your order!
Pro Tips: Rabbit’s Got the Gun has a tendency to overcharge their drinks often. If you notice them doing that, tell the bartender about the issue directly so that they can fix the issue right away! |
7. Houston Watch Co
Please embed image: https://www.instagram.com/p/CzxFiiJp18p/?hl=en
Address: Bayou Lofts, 913 Franklin St, Houston, TX 77002
Hours: Sunday – Monday: Closed
Tuesday – Saturday: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM
WIth a name like Houston Watch Co, you’re probably thinking: “What is this doing on this list?” Well, it’s here for two reasons – one, they currently serve drinks, and two, they’re in an understated, classy place where you can enjoy quality drinks!
Houston Watch Co’s drinks list is a thing of beauty. Barrel-aged Whiskeys and Gin Cocktails are just the start since they also have an excellent wine list. We strongly urge you to try out the La Crema Pinot Grigio if you want a good twist on a staple drink.
You can enjoy all of those drinks in a classy environment where you can feel like you’re in the 1920s, but with a modern flair. The drinks are perfectly accentuated by the jazz music that’s strongly prevalent in the bar.
Pro Tips: Houston Watch Co can be a bit noisy at times, especially when there’s a live band performing at the bar. We suggest coming in early on slow days like the weekdays to make sure that everything is as quiet as possible. |
8. Kanpai Club
Please embed image: https://www.instagram.com/p/C6eOOy2gMvG/?hl=en&img_index=1
Address: 518 W 11th St Suite 500, Houston, TX 77008
Phone Number: 713-393-7425
Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Friday – Saturday: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Inside the upscale Hando lies Kanpai Club where you can enjoy quality drinks straight from the land of the rising sun! All of their drinks offer an authentic, yet Houstonian flair which is greatly appreciated especially for a restaurant of this caliber.
As expected Kanpai Club has a good selection of drinks, with the Green Tea Smoked Old Fashioned and the Japanese Swizzle being the complete standouts. They also offer Shochu Highball with a variety of flavors, like Peach and Lychee.
Kampai Club feels more like a really posh boutique more than anything else, especially with the hundreds of high-end bottles lining up their display case. A bit tacky, yes, but it’s the right amount of tacky for us! Plus, it gives it a more unique, adorable charm on top!
Pro Tips: Hando already has limited parking, which means that Kampai Club also shares the same issue! If you’re interested in visiting, SP+ Parking nearby is a good pick, though it’s a bit of a walk away. |
9. Captain Foxheart’s Bad News Bar & Spirit Lodge
Please embed image: https://www.instagram.com/p/C5UhHE5pQyf/?hl=en
Address: 308 Main St, Houston, TX 77002
Phone Number: 719-266-2837
Hours: Monday – Sunday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Behind an unmarked door inside Nightingale Bar lies Captain Foxheart’s Bad News Bar & Spirit Lodge, a bar that’s both classy and overflowing with retro charisma! It’s a bit more hidden, but that just makes them a lot more charming in our eyes!
The moment you enter Captain Foxheart’s Bad News Bar & Spirit Lodge, you’d be welcomed to a 1920s-inspired room. We’re talking long wooden bars, and crystal chandeliers, they go an entire nine yards for the 1920s immersion.
As one would expect from a time capsule, most of the drinks at Captain Foxheart’s Bad News Bar & Spirit Lodge are straight from the 1920s. Fun fact, all of the bartenders need to master Manhattans and Old Fashioneds, so we suggest trying those out!
Pro Tips: Captain Foxheart’s Bad News Bar & Spirit Lodge’s interior is a bit smaller than we’d like it to be. That being said though, they do have patio seating available that you can sit in! They offer a pretty scenic view too, so it’s a good deal! |
10. Secret Garden at Bravery Chef Hall
Address: Aris Market Square, 409 Travis St Ste A, Houston, TX 77002
Phone Number: 713-909-0691
Hours: Sunday – Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Bravery Chef Hall inside Aris Market Square is like a Matryoshka doll within a Matryoshka doll. From a place that exclusively sells Japanese even to a Pho restaurant! But out of all of the dolls lies Secret Garden – and no, the place isn’t quite contrary.
Secret Garden looks, feels, and sounds straight from the Frances Burnett book. The atmosphere and vibe is as calming as it looks. It feels like you’re straight out of the book itself, which is an amazing feat for a bar in one of Houston’s busier cities.
Their drinks match well with the place’s atmosphere, with their fruity drinks matching Secret Garden’s overall vibe the most. We recommend going with the Paper Plane if you want something more citrus-forward, but their good ‘ol Old Fashioned is a good pick.
Pro Tips: Secret Garden doesn’t offer food on their menu, but the other businesses at Bravery Chef Hall do. One of the restaurants we recommend the most would have to go to BOH Pasta’s creamy Carbonara! |