The Yummiest Gastropubs in Houston

Hearsay Market Square

★★★★☆ 3.9 (2098) • $$

"It's been years since I've eaten at Hearsay Market Square. My friend and I were on the hunt for dinner and realized we were close to Hearsay. One thing I remembered from previous visits was that the tables fill up fast. I wasn't sure what to expect on a Sunday, but we arrived around 5:30 pm and they only had bar seats available. Not long after we sat down, the bar seats were full. Make a reservation or get there early.Frances was our bartender/server and she was really sweet. She made us a gin cocktail that she created and is not on the menu. She doesn't have a name for it, but she was adamant that we would like it and she was right! I really enjoyed it! It had a citrus profile. For my second drink, I had the El Pepino. I subbed vodka in place of the tequila and it was quite good. As I browsed the menu, I realized that they no longer have the beer battered asparagus on the menu. That appetizer was so yummy, but I appreciate the fact that they update the menu. I spotted deviled eggs and immediately ordered them. Unfortunately, these fell a little flat for me. They weren't bad, but they didn't wow me. For my entrée, I ordered the beef short rib. It came with cheddar grits and bacon Brussels sprouts. This dish was fantastic! The beef was tender, and the sides were so flavorful! I loved it. The portion was a great size and I ate all of my food. Needless to say, I left full and satisfied."

Nobi Public House

★★★★☆ 4.2 (1018) • $$

"I think that this is my definition of Nirvana. Love the food, the beer selection generally is off the charts, and great service. Every time I am in town... at least one visit for spring rolls, bahn mi, wings, vermicelli,... I could go on but you just need to go check it out for yourself."

Guru Burgers & Bowls

★★★★☆ 4 (1045) • $$

"We were headed to a concert at Smart Financial Center and stopped at Town Center to eat. We chose Guru Burgers because the happy hour at Escalante's was over. I was happy to see they have a vegetarian burger called Tesla. I have no idea why but for $15 I wish it came with a one day use of an actual Tesla. The burger is delicious and my friend enjoyed hers. The burger does not come with fries. It originally comes with vegan bread but I switched to whole wheat. While delicious, $15 is a bit much for a vegetarian burger with no accompaniments. There is free parking in the garage. When we're not in a hurry to go somewhere else, I hope to enjoy the live music they have on the square sometimes."

The '401

★★★★☆ 4.2 (512) • $$

Better Luck Tomorrow

★★★★☆ 4 (460) • $$

"What a cool place! Hubby and I wanted to try something new for date night. BLT had such great reviews that we just HAD to check it out.It's not very big so it's a good thing we arrived early. We cozied up to the bar to be able to watch the Texans v Colts game. The bartender was suuuuuper cool. Very inviting and sweet. They have an extensive cocktail menu! We ordered a couple cocktails and some apps (meatballs and crab cakes). Wow! Delish! We pretty kept ordering and enjoying different cocktails during the game. Our bartender, Lorenzo, was fantastic. The crowd was fun. And the Texans won! It was a great date night at BLT!"

Holman Draft Hall

★★★★☆ 4.1 (403) • $$

"A good place to just hang out and vibe. There was so much seating. There were seats and tables all surrounding the building as well as inside. There were also multiple TV screens if you wanted to just watch some sports in the mean time. Good place that was priced well!Typical bar food with nachos and tacos, etc. Service was fast."

Texas Biergarten

★★★★☆ 4.4 (303) • $$

"I've had this place bookmarked for awhile now. It is located in a shopping strip near the Missouri City/Sugarland border. Plenty of parking. I met up with some friends who live close by. We enjoyed a few drinks outside before heading inside when our whole party arrived. Customer service was amazing from start to finish. Shannon took great care of us and gave great suggestions as well since I'm always indecisive. They have a pretty nice amount of beers on draft which are also neatly categorized. I knew I was in for a heavy meal so I went with a cold sour beer to cut through the richness of the food. My friends got a variety of mixed drinks and they loved them. We had the bar set low thinking beer is their thing, but they proved us wrong. I came in thinking I wanted a German meal, but scanned the room and saw a lot of people eating a burger or sandwich of some sort. My focus turned to that side of the menu and Shannon suggested the Big Shawn Sausage Burger. It was a cheeseburger cooked to order with a link of sausage on it. I went with the jalapeño cheddarwurst. This burger was fantastic! One of the better ones I've had in awhile. The burger was cooked to perfection and seasoned well. I thought the addition of sausage was odd at first, but after that first bite, I was hooked. It added another depth of flavor. I got sidewinder fries to go with it. These fries were also crazy good. They have about 5 fry options so I had a feeling they take pride in their fries. Overall, I'm mad I didn't come here sooner because this place is so good. I will definitely be back sooner rather than later!"

Tapped DraftHouse & Kitchen - Spring

★★★★☆ 4.4 (299) • $$

"Another great find from Yelp. One of our party had to catch a flight, so we we're looking for something close. This place is large, clean and they serve over 50 tap beers, most of which are local.The service was great and the pizza was so good, we ordered a second. Definitely a great stop if you're looking for a pizza and beer."

World of Beer

★★★☆☆ 3.4 (352) • $$

"What can I say? It's called the world of beer. Yes, they have a lot of beer. And they are handy with the sample pours too so you can determine what you like.The staff was very friendly, and the bartenders are super nice. Easily found seating and were enjoying within minutes. Period Rock solid four stars"

On The Kirb

★★★★☆ 4.3 (215) • $$

City Acre Brewing

★★★★★ 4.6 (152) • $$

"It's located in a neighborhood of a part of town that I typically don't go to, but it's not that far from downtown. There's a large parking lot so parking isn't an issue either....win! And it's the perfect COVID gathering or date spot as all tables are outdoors and properly spaced out. It's a very chill and cute atmosphere with the gardens on the side and trees. Feels like an outdoor party in someone's backyard. Menus are also accessible via QR code and hand sanitizer is provided. They had a more extensive drink menu than I expected for a microbrewery, so even if you don't drink or like beer you have options, which is very nice.We visited during Oktoberfest weekend and the food was surprisingly very good! Excellent service also from the staff. Great food, great beer...you really can't ask for anything more!"

Tapped DraftHouse & Kitchen - Conroe, TX

★★★★☆ 4.4 (164) • $$

"Before returning with great excitement and anticipation after four years, I read my last, glowing review.After leaving, I wondered if I was in the same bar. Food and beer were good, but the fun and camaraderie had vanished. Even after specifically explaining to manager and bartender that the MAIN ATTRACTION of a bar is conversation, neither could deliver.So the search continues for a day bartender that is interested in their job and their customers."

Bar Louie - Katy

★★★☆☆ 3.3 (279) • $$

"This is the first time I've visited Bar Louie since pre-Covid. Back then I was not really impressed with their menu and service. The family and I were trying to find a happy hour spot close by and we decided to try them. I must admit I was apprehensive, but I went because it's in the neighborhood. We sat down at a high-bar table and looked at the menu. I can tell write off they've improved it. I've always remembered they had good cocktails which were well-made and fresh mix ingredients. The wait staff was very accommodating and the head chef (sorry, I forgot her name, but she's very nice short dark hair) came to our table and personally gave us a preview of the updated menu and the restaurant itself. We didn't know they had music on Saturday and game night on Wednesday which is a nice for family, GNO or couples date night. We ordered the salmon sliders, which was so delicious. I couldn't believe how moist and juicy they were. Also ordered the beef sliders, which were also good, and the chicken Garlic Parmesan wings. I ordered the lemon drop, which was so good and made with fresh lemons and ingredients. The other cocktails we had were also well-made. I'm excited to come back and try more items off the menu. So give this place a try if you haven't in a while. You'll be impressed with their updated menu selection."

Bungalow Heights

★★★☆☆ 3.3 (229) • $$

"I really don't like giving two stars on a review but this spot did it for me. This is my 3rd time here & it's all been a pretty disappointing experience. We got here around 9pm & it wasn't busy which is a good thing. The inside was more lively with a crowd that I'll describe as college drunks, but I'm not tripping since we sat outside where it was more chilled & relaxing. The first two times I was here I ordered their rainbow sherbet & old fashioned. The sherbet was solid but the old fashioned was overwhelming with syrup which took away the bourbon taste. My 3rd time here I got their Jack & Coke & some Cajun dry rub wings. My Jack and Coke was a joke, it was watered down & had about 90 percent coke & a pinch of Jack. If you can't make a simple Jack & coke then you shouldn't be a bartender. Even I can make that with my eyes closed. My wings tasted terrible. For 1. They gave me the wrong order since I was given garlic Parmesan instead of Cajun dry rub. But at this point I was already annoyed with this place so I ate what was in front of me. The wings was undercooked & had a gummy texture. Whoever cooked it didn't even attempt to seasoned it. Even the skin was bland. My friend had some chicken tenders and I wished I could've just ordered that because it actually had flavor, his fries was good as well. If you want good wings go to cedar creek. It's actually cooked through, fried hard & flavorful. Overall, it was a below par experience. Some of the bartenders are nice and some are not & they just want your money & get you on your way. Will I come back? Nah I'm good."

The Local Bar

★★★★☆ 4.4 (121) • $$

"Yoooo! Yelper's. Waaasuuuuup!?!?!? Trying to get that to come back. It's not happening. But let me tell you what is happening! It's The Local Bar. This is a happening little place.The parking is not the best but walk a little way to the parking garage and you'll be fine. It's free parking.The staff is great. I've been going the last three years and had no trouble whatsoever. They used to have a bottle buy list from the older stuff. But that's no longer available.Try any of the red blend you'll really enjoy it. The Hawaiian pizza is to die for. It's not too noisy either. Wow, I'm having a block on anything else. It's just really good. Go and try it out. Bobby J saying eat, sip, drink, and enjoy."

By Popular Demand

★★★★☆ 4.4 (73)

The Republic House

★★★★☆ 3.6 (92)

"I was searching for a more upscale bar with better beers than the normal swill that some of the more divey places in La Porte have and found this place and it definitely has the better brews but the prices are sky high.Fantastic selection, you can see on Untappd how the selection changes but in the end, 3 beers, one of them a 10 oz came up to $22. No bueno. The atmosphere was very nice. Upscale, the staff were very friendly and knowledgeable, music was ever changing and looks like they have a killer set up as a small live music venue, but I don't think I can swing the prices. I just have to get used to drinking Karbach at a honky tonk down the road because I will be broke. Solid 4 stars on appearance and staff, 2.5 on prices."