Mouthwatering Dive Bars in Houston

Loose Cannon

★★★★☆ 4.4 (14)

"This was the pregame to a Yelp event, and it is clean, quiet and has a pretty bang and happy hour. The bartender was friendly and cool, and my rice draft was a delicious $6 dollars with happy hour discount. I will return and bring money for more yacht rock radio."

BB Wolfs

★★★★☆ 3.6 (17)

"Really fun place. Live music (JustUs tonight), pool tables, and very friendly clientele. You don't have to be a regular to be welcomed. This was my first trip and every one, patrons and staff, were open and inviting. Waitstaff was attentive and friendly. Only 4 stars because the guy behind the bar was clearly having trouble finding and cashing out out check. Thankfully the waitress gave him a hand and got us on our way. Overall all a great place to have a drink and cut loose. I will be back for sure."

Sammie J's

★★★★☆ 3.9 (23)

"Excellent service Quiet dive bar My dude and I went and it did not disappoint Excellent food specials Chicken and dumplings are great Get a sandwich and salad included They also sell banana bread and other sweets for $5 each FYI the area isn't sketchy I've grown up in Inwood my whole life I guess those folks are from river oaks Will be back"

Sundown Saloon

★★★★☆ 4.2 (13)

"Nice low key hide out..... Happy hour specials, snacks laid back place. It's an older crowd, music on the weekends. No trouble ever, just a chill place to grab a few drinks with friends"

Franklin's tower

★★★★★ 4.5 (23) • $

"Stopped yesterday evening and loved it! Not too crowded but just enough friendly people to strike up conversations with. Great atmosphere, loved how everyone knew each other it was like a big family get together I just wish I was closer so I could come out more often! The swings were comfy, just chill and watch very competitive cornhole players or engage in chit chats around you!"

Brewski's Pub and Patio

★★☆☆☆ 2.4 (18)

Jimbo's Roadhouse

★★★☆☆ 3.4 (9)

"Jimbo's roadhouse is a biker friendly honky tonk dive bar located on old 290. I have been here a few times now and really like it. Most of the patrons are locals. They have plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. On nice days they open up the South facing overhead doors letting a great cross breeze through giving it an open feel. As far as entertainment goes, they have live bands, a karaoke singer / guitar player, jukebox, dart boards, pool tables and a couple of golf video games. The draft beers are cheap and the bartender is friendly. You can also order a great pizza at the window near the back of the bar. If you live or are working in the Waller / Hockley area its a great place to have a beer after work."

Cozy Corner

★★★★☆ 4.2 (39)

"This is definitely a neighborhood spot. It's a relaxed & chill environment. Everyone is friendly and will welcome newbies. Drinks are reasonably priced. Bartenders are friendly. There's Karaoke on the weekends and a pool table to pass the time. Don't forget about playing a friendly game if shuffleboard. Parking: plentiful"

Tall Texan II

★★★★★ 4.7 (3)

"Decided to walk over on a Saturday night since it's so close to us. The service was great! Our bartender was very friendly and even covered our first round of beer. Good prices. The garage door was open and it felt nice out. Good music, clean restroom and sink areas. Will be back!"

Komodo Pub

★★★★☆ 3.8 (110) • $

"It's a nice dive bar with a chill ambiance, strong drinks, and great customer service. I've been a few times and will return soon."

Sam & Dave's

★★★☆☆ 2.9 (11)

"Defiantly a Dive bar . Great games and jukebox , dance floor small . Could defiantly make the drinks stronger . But you get what you pay for. Local bar"

Big Fish Icehouse

★★★★★ 4.6 (19) • $$

"The owners are a delight Mr. Ken and Miss Patty along with her staff Miss Jennifer. On a lazy Saturday afternoon we were looking for a great place to have lunch and this was recommended to us by a local staff in Livingston Texas. We were pleasantly surprised it was a cool vibe, with a lake view and easy-going staff. We ordered the cheeseburger and fries basket. We were pleasantly surprised that it was locally grown grass fed beef. This made a significant difference in the quality of the burger and we truly enjoyed it. If you want local please go to the big fish ice house. You will truly enjoy it."

West Wind Club

★★★★☆ 3.5 (8)

"My one and only visit was back in 2015 - on a Thursday eve. When we entered the parking lot I first assumed this is a spot for adult entertainment (kindly take a look at photo attached), but the interior creates a nice atmosphere. It's a country bar with an average selection of drinks and a big area for dancing in the center. They also have some pool tables, but that whole area requires some refurbishment. It was very quiet - maybe that spot is better to visit on a weekend."

Carlos Beer Garden

★★★★☆ 4.3 (61) • $

"Best Hole in the wall in Houston Area !! They have a burger special until 5 and if I am around the area it is a must stop for the burger. I look forward to being on that side of town to enjoy their burger. They have other food but I have not been able to try it because I like to eat their burger !!"

Lola's Depot

★★★★☆ 4.1 (173)

"We checked out Lola's Depot spontaneously on a Sunday evening. We were looking for a speakeasy, and Lola's Depot came up, so we made our way. We later found out that this isn't a speakeasy, some people on Google reviews have just said that it has a speakeasy vibe. Not Lola's Depot's fault at all! Located in Montrose, we found street parking a few minutes away from this casual dive bar. Once you enter, you'll find pool tables and a pretty spacious patio. This is a no-frills type of place. A little grungy. But I will say that there's one big thing that stands out: cheap drinks. We ordered beer and I was shocked at how good of a deal I got. Not what I was expecting in Montrose but much appreciated. Service was standard. If you're looking for a casual spot without breaking the back, you know where to go."

Grand Prize Bar

★★★★☆ 4.1 (268)

"Love this dive bar! The Christmas decor was very festive and added to the allure of the place. They have an outdoor rooftop area and downstairs patio area in addition to two floors of seating indoors. The hot dogs here are amazing, a must get! Fun place to hang with friends on a weekend night!"

The Good Fortune Club

★★★☆☆ 3 (13) • $

"I have to update my review and these are not comment that I make alone. A number of us used to like this place but have now found another nearby watering hole. We all complain about the following issues: --a lot of angry people who are regulars that take their hostilities out on other patrons, --bartenders who constantly talk about their personal life and bring their crap their workplace, --can never relax and mind your own business to unwind after a hard day's work!!! The area is not low on numbers in dive bars...go elsewhere."

Hoot County Saloon

★★★★☆ 3.8 (50) • $

"There's a certain poetry about a place that has antiques hung from the ceiling. Just a small hole in the wall with a nice little Texas charm that I like. Full bar, several beers and only 4 wines but hey, its just a little place so I'm not surprised. Not sure why the old reviews are still there about a bad bartender because mine was attentive and on top of her stuff. It was slow when I went and she kept busy. Mixed small crowd and a mixed group of people which is what I prefer when I travel. Yes I gave 5 stars because for a dive bar it was perfect to me on service, atmosphere and yes try hey had a Cabernet i liked."

Poison Girl

★★★★☆ 3.8 (494)

"Fun whiskey bar in eclectic neighborhood! Video games, full bar as well as indoor/outdoor seating! Was packed on a Saturday night!"

Catty Corner Ice House

★★★★☆ 4.4 (21)

"This a neat old-school ice house. Located just north of the Heights district in Houston, it's a cool little place to go hang out, have some suds and shoot some 8-ball. If you are looking for a swanky club for a first date, this is not the place for you.Catty Corner is a jeans and cowboy boots, old, smoky ice house kind of a place. I love it... It's the kind of place you can just hang out in with no worries in the world. No one knows your name and no one cares. It's just laid back, rustic and relaxing. They have both indoor and outdoor seating. They have free poolThey have a minimal beer selection but the prices are goodThey have a good juke box full of a good variety of music, including country, Pop, Tejano, old school rap and hip-hop. I could hang out here every week."

Three Sheets Bar & Grill

★★★★★ 4.5 (209) • $

D&W Lounge

★★★★☆ 4.4 (28) • $

"This...THIS...is what you want a dive bar in your neighborhood to be.Filled to the ceiling with collected stuff from odd cherubs holding lampshades to oversized pictures of Marilyn Monroe. It's like the Addams Family moved into the Cheers bar. You just can't stop looking around to see what else is in there.Bartender was the perfect dive bar bartender. Middle aged gal that you knew wouldn't take gruff off anyone. Beer selection was what you would find in any good bar in Houston with national brands and good local breweries. Regulars sat at the bar and she just kept handing them beers. We were there on a Friday and the band was a decent local cover band. A small dance floor had a few older overserved birthday celebrators flailing about.One of the oldest bars in Eado, I understand. So many of those folks likely have been coming here for years.I would so go here more if I still lived in Houston.Parking is tricky. Uber if you can."

Shoeshine Charley's Big Top Lounge

★★★★☆ 4.3 (52)

"All eyes on me in the center of the ring just like a circus.When I crack that whip, everybody gon' trip just like a circus...Ah, Britters. You coulda shot your hot and *amazing* circus vid right here at Shoeshine Charley's. Everyone else thoroughly described the kitchy decor at Shoeshine Charley's Big Top Lounge, so I won't bore you, but I just want to add that I love the velvet Pink Panther poster/painting. I came here for the first time on one of Houston's most recent rainiest night (Which one, you ask? I know. We've had so many lately.). An ex-coworker was in town, Flyp P, so a bunch of us were out to kick it ol' skool. By the time I got there, everyone was "on a different level," but I played catch-up with a few glasses of their house wine. Not too shabby.Get this: No cover and there was a lively honky tonk band playing. A few patrons were out on the small and dark dancefloor having a blast, including a woman doing turns and twirls in her electric wheelchair. I think I've just arrived to Awesometown, y'all. We moved the party outside--for the smokers and just to hear ourselves think--and played a few games of Pac Man, checked out the *ancient* jukebox and just kicked it. The bartender was a hell of a lot nicer than the ones at CC and faster, too. When closing time came, my friend John K and I were content to see our bar tabs were insanely small. Flyp-dawg, however, had a larger tab than expected for drinking Lone Stars all night. Methinks a few of our drinks made it onto his tab. Whoops. We'll getcha next time, brah. I like this place and give 'em two thumbs up. Impress your date or out of town friends by making a night of it here, along with The Continental Club, The Mink, and Tacos A Go-Go just a few steps away. This is why I love H-town. Variety, folks."

Scary Canary Pub

★★★★☆ 4.2 (39)

Bedrock Tavern

★★★★☆ 3.7 (17)

"You know there are those rare moments that you find a place that although may be lacking in some things, but they make it up for others. This is one of those places. I first discovered this place months ago simply by driving by. However after browsing online to find more information about it I decided not to give it a try because it wasn't a non smoking bar. After all, I'm not a smoker so why should I smell like one just by visiting a place. Nevertheless months later in search for a spot that does Karaoke on a Saturday night my Google results listed this place as a candidate. So I made the sacrifice to give it a visit on a Tuesday night to take one for the non smoking team. (They have Karaoke on Tuesday and Saturdays).What I discovered can be summed up in one word. Hospitality. We started off with the most popular drink in America. The Margarita. They had the frozen machine but they didn't have it running so they made one from scratch. ( It was aweful. The bartender immediately took it and made another. It too was aweful. He waited as we tried it again and didn't want to leave us drinking something that wasn't good. So he explained what he used and asked us to give him another try. We did. And the later was perfect. He explained it was due to him making a skinny rita vs the standard. For the remaining of the night he made them consistently good. Let's be clear. This place serves no food. It is a dive bar with amazing hospitality. We met the 2 owners and the manager. Both were courteous and very welcoming. Both wanted us to know that it was their intention to make sure everyone that walks in that door has fun. At 9 the Karaoke DJ began the show with a great sound system, lighting and costumes. They have a stage for you to perform on and some stage lighting as well. Quickly the list of singers started coming in from nowhere. It was a great fun night and after I left I did not have as much smokiness smell that I thought I would. This is perhaps due to the large smoke filters they have. I was told that they have been considering doing away with smoking altogether. I sincerely wish they would.To sum I would recommend this place for a good night of Karaoke. Don't expect a huge place with lots of seating cause like I said it's a dive. They clearly can use more seating. They have food vendors that come by late at night with some tasty tamales or beef jerky but there is also a Chinese restaurant next door that I think close at 10. I don't know if you can bring food in or not but I can't imagine why not since they don't serve food.It's a bar so of course they have beer. The prices are pretty decent and they seem to tend to make other mixed drinks based on your personal taste.Finally Cypress we have a good Saturday night Karaoke spot. Sing well and prosper."

Lone Star Saloon

★★★★☆ 3.5 (43) • $

"God bless Texas.Like Cyrus S, I've driven by Saloon Lonestar many o' times. The most memorable was watching what looked like a homeless man in a wheelchair skurry his way through the doors on a sunny afternoon. "Yes," I thought. "I must go there." A few years later, my friend Tommy and I found ourselves sitting in my car listing off places to go on a Thursday night. Giving the old "been there, done that" excuse to every bar mentioned, I remembered Saloon Lonestar, a place neither of us had been to and would more than likely respect this shiz out of.We parked on the private graveled lot and walked in through the back entrance and quickly found a cozy seat at the bar. A pool table, big screen (not a fancy flat screen) showing a college bball game, the required neon beer signs and an old jukebox playing the blues was on. There were two been-to-hell and back folks lounging in a booth, and three cowboys at the bar. That's when we met Nancy, the petite older Asian bartender. With big permed Texas hair, tight jeans, a saucy little top and a smile, she took our orders -- not before she carded me (woot!) -- and said, "I've never seen you two around. This your first time." Indeed, Nancy, but it won't be our last. The proud, hardworking mother she was, Nancy went on to tell us about her kids, her hard-to-work-with boss/owner (who was just a few bar stools away), the slow business, tales about a few bar brawls and even gave us the low down on how much they markup the frozen pizza they sell. She recommends ordering delivery to the bar instead. This bar doesn't have any daily or happy hour specials, but beer is cheap. You can get a tall PBR for $2.75. All this with the old skool tunes, like James Brown's "It is a Man's Man's Man's World" jammin' in the background."

Lil' Danny Speedo's Go Fly a Kite Lounge

★★★★☆ 4 (36)

"I girlfriend tipped me off to Lil Danny Speedo's Go Fly A Kite Lounge (that's more than a mouthful) last week, and so during Sunday's unpredictable weather, we darted over to check it out. From the outside, you'll think, "Holy hell. This is a dive," and wonder what kinds of weirdness you'll find inside. But guest what? Since it's brand spankin' new, it's a clean dive with a lovely pool table, bar seating, video games and TVs. Don't forget about the picnic seating outside. Right now, it's strictly a selection of beer and canned wine. But they'll soon have their liquor license, so I'm curious to know what kind of cocktails they'll serve. Will they go the dive bar craft cocktail route or straight up cheap and strong. Hungry? They have a rotating list of food purveyors. Sunday was a kind gentleman by the name of Marcus running his Knife & Cleaver stand - jerk chicken wings, vegan pesto pasta, and couscous salad. Other days - we'll see what else they bring in. If you're a fan of simple, no frills dives like Big Star Bar and Sassafras - then you'll appreciate this new East End addition."

Black Magic Social Club

★★★★★ 4.8 (12)

"It's everything I've ever hoped for and wanted in a satanic bar. Truly, perfection. From the scary facade in front with the tiny neon Black Magic Social Club sign to the dark and creepy inside with red glowing walls and skulls and pentagrams and all things gothy metal satanic perfection. Drinks served in super cheap plastic cups but they're ridiculously strong. I think the only food served is Cheetos. And pool is free on Tuesday nights. Service is so friendly always. My home away from home if I lived in hell. Or is this actually heaven?"

Texas T Tavern

★★★★☆ 3.9 (79) • $$

"Great local bar. Great for after work. Happy hour Thursday night gets really packed. Drinks are really fairly priced. Nice size patio."

Warren's Inn

★★★★☆ 3.6 (174) • $

"Quoting myself from my April 23rd, 2015 5-star review..."Never go to Warren's just for a 'night cap.' You'll end up staying way too long, drinking way too much, and hating yourself the next day." Years later, I still haven't learned my lesson. Countless night caps followed by countless mornings with a side of regret for breakfast.If you do trust yourself enough to have a drink or two, I advise you stop at two ... drinks are strong. Martinis, old fashioned, and any other legit cocktail is a must. I even ordered a marg once before that wasn't too shabby. Hats off to the barkeep, the jukebox, and the diverse crowd that makes me proud to call Houston home."

The Owl Bar

★★★★★ 4.5 (18)

"We were really surprised how much we liked this comfy but unassuming bar near Rice University on a recent late-night visit. We decided on the The Owl sort of by deduction, given that not much else in the area was open late on a weeknight. Expected a crowded, annoying college bar, we were pleased to find ice cold and refreshing white wine on tap for a great price and plenty of comfortable indoor and outdoor seating. The Owl is a nice option for laid-back drinks and conversation any time."

T A's Cargo Club

★★★★★ 5 (8)

"I have been coming to this bar for several years. The staff is friendly and the drinks are made to perfection.The bar features steak and shrimp night on Monday nights, live music on Tuesday nights, and Burger Night on Thursdays.The daytime bar tenders put out something to eat at lunch time, so if you are in the area at lunch time, you can get a cold drink and a quick bite."

Sassafras

★★★★☆ 4.4 (60) • $

"Finally made it to Sassafras and it definitely lived up to the hype! What a wonderful neighborhood dive bar, full of friendly locals who would love to chat. Parking in the front may be small but there is a second (connected) lot in the back, follow the signs around the block and you'll come straight to the second lot. Full bar options with excellent homemade sangrias, both red and white. If you're looking for an intimate, casual place to hang out and have a low-key evening with friends, this is the bar for you."

Paul's Restaurant & Bar

★★★☆☆ 2.8 (122) • $$

"We live just down the street from them, have driven past them almost daily for the last half a year, finally decided to give it a try- planning to be regulars now. Margaritas actually do their job- the cups are iced, they don't cheap out on the pour. We had 2 lb of the Cajun shrimp, and the home made sauce was so delicious."

Hunter's Pub

★★★★☆ 4.1 (41)

"Great people great place to wind down! Very friendly staff and customers and patio for smoking and chilling!"