Enjoy a drink at Houston’s many bars and restaurants — in this economy?
Eating out can be expensive these days, but Houstonians love a good cocktail—especially when it’s inexpensive. With so much to choose from, even the most frugal diner can find an affordable happy hour in this city. Here’s a roundup of some current favorites, including happy hours with deals on dishes you’ll definitely want to try.
1891 American Restaurant & Bar
The charming Heights eatery serves tasty $8 bites like grilled elote and Korean-style fried cauliflower on its happy hour menu. Drinks include draft beer for $5 and premium wells for $6. Happy hour at 1891 is Monday through Thursday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., with a reverse happy hour on Friday and Saturday from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Handyman
The luxurious French restaurant strives to take everything to a new level, even during its “social hour” with $11 cocktails, $10 wines by the glass, and “Les Petites Bouchees” (that’s “small bites” for those of us who didn’t take French class in high school). On the social hour menu, you’ll find Le Croque Monsieur with foie gras on brioche for $14 and tuna crudo with caviar for $16. Artisans’ happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Benny Chow
Grab the whole squad and come to this happy hour inspired by Cantonese traditions. There are easy-to-share dishes like crystal shrimp dumplings for $8, vegetable pot stickers for $6, and smoked brisket spring rolls for $10. The Dark Hemingway Daiquiri is one of several $12 cocktails you can order, along with a $25 wine selection or a bottle of sake. Happy hour runs weekdays from 4 to 7 p.m. at Benny Chows’ indoor bar or outdoor patio. Here’s a sneak peek courtesy of Natalie of It’s Not Hou It’s Me.
Granger’s
Take advantage of happy hour prices and try the menu at the new Museum District restaurant, which features bites like pan-fried filet tips with horseradish mashed potatoes for $14, plus $2 off wine by the glass and draft beer. Happy hour is every day from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
La Mexican
Breakfast never looked better than at this Montrose restaurant’s Jump Start Happy Hour. From 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Monday through Saturday, La Mexicana’s menu includes a $4.95 mimosa, a $7 Bloody Mary or a top-of-the-line El Jimador margarita for $8.75.
Melting pot Houston
The “Down to Fondue” happy hour is a real showstopper, featuring beer and wine specials, $8 cocktails, and cheese or chocolate fondue for two for $13. Happy hour at Melting Pot is available at the bar only, weekdays from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., and daily from 9 p.m. to closing.
Monkey tail
Long happy hours are ideal for Houston traffic, and Monkey Tail’s offers specials Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Check out the drink menu with a monkey symbol next to it—those are only $7 during happy hour, plus there’s $1 off bottled and canned beer and $2 off all wine. Sip on cocktails like the Pepino Sour with vodka, cucumber, lime, chamoy, and Tajin.
PKL Social
you say Pickleball is the way to find love, so this sporty spot’s “Rally Hour” could lead to drinks and a date. After all the flirting and making out, there’s $2 off all cocktails and wine by the glass, $5 off Big Ass Beer (that’s a local draft beer), and 25% off snacks like fried pickles and crispy Brussels sprout florets. It’s available all day Monday and 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.
Prime131
This steakhouse and sushi bar in Timbergrove stays old school with its happy hour menu that includes cocktails like the Tequila Sunrise and Cosmopolitan, both $10. Beer and wine specials and appetizers like Scottish salmon crudo, fire-roasted beets and a dragon roll with shrimp tempura, jumbo crab salad, mango and avocado round out the happy hour menu, which is offered weekdays from 4 to 6 p.m.
Standby room
The cozy lounge recently opened its doors on Tuesdays and is offering an all-day happy hour to celebrate. Order handcrafted cocktails like an Espresso Martini for $12, an Old Fashioned for $9 or an Aperol Spritz for $9. Happy hour is all day Tuesdays and from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.
Happy Hour at the Ready Room lasts all day on Tuesday.Courtesy of Ready Room
The Warwick
What’s not to like about a lunchtime happy hour? Happy hour at the Warwick runs Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The upscale restaurant in the Galleria offers 7 for 7 cocktails, including mixed drinks like Tito’s Lemon Drop Martini and Maker’s Mark Old Fashioned.
Thirteen
James Harden’s restaurant offers happy hour specials like Akari Nashwith with Ketel One Peach Orange Blossom and sparkling wine for $13 and Wagyu beef dumplings for $13. You can also partake in a happy hour hookah for $20. Happy hour is Wednesday through Friday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., and reservations are recommended.
