Houston's Best Dive Bar

Despite its laid-back atmosphere, this downtown billiards bar-sports bar-music spot knows how to throw a party.

Reviews:

• “Comfort Bar”
• “Pretentiousness…not here…Affordable Fun…hell yes!!!”
• “Once past the door guy "
• “Best “WELL HUNG Caucasian” cocktail ever!"
• “The best place to unwind after work”

The Grab

With no sign and no advertising budget, this laid-back pool and juke joint survives by word of mouth.

Lola’s

In light of Houston’s nightlife evolution into cover-band joints, this dive bar remains a blues stronghold.

Tips: The soul food may not be the best best if you’re on a diet, though the prices are just right if you’re dying for a burger at midnight.

Etta’s Lounge

Country music, and old-school vibe and inexpensive beer are the hallmarks of this historic Midtown area dive.

Reviews:

• “Coolest old joint in town….”
• “not what it used to be”
• “Eh, nothing special anymore”
• “used to be a neat relaxing atmosphere”
• “Great Hole in the Wall”

Tips: Extra parking is available in the lot on the corner of McGowen and Fannin. Get there early on weekends or you’ll have to compete for parking with the Red Star crowd.

Leon’s Lounge or email Leon’s Lounge

Long-standing Montrose drinking hole where pool- and music-craving bohemians congregate.

Reviews:

• “drunk, rude employees”
• “Not exactly a pool hall.”

Tips: Two of the pool tables are $1 to play, but the table nearest the room with the dart boards only costs 50 cents.

Cecil’s Tavern

Classic dive bar where sports are the backdrop and drinking is the main event.

Reviews:

• “Great Long Island Iced Teas”
• “Best cheap drinks, a smoker’s paradise!”
• “Thursday nights”
• “Catchy Title”

Tips: It’s alright if you left your cards at home. The bartender has a deck of cards, set of dominoes and even a current version of Trivial Pursuit.

Marquis II

Montrose hangout with a decidedly laidback Texas atmosphere and cool neighborhood clientele.

Reviews:

• “Cool hang out place!”
• “Best patio bar in Texas!”

Tips: Enjoy draft beer and well drink specials during happy hour from 6pm to 8pm, including $2 Lone Stars.

Poison Girl

Ruthie’s Place

A no-frills Montrose joint that continues to thrive.

Reviews:

• “Everyone welcome, neighborhood gathering spot”
• “great day spot to be”
• “Dog Gone Best Place for Good Friends, Good Beer, and Good Times!”
• “Its like your own backyard!”
• “Uniquely ours”

Tips: Feel like picking up a game of hoops? There’s a smallish court with a basketball hoop in back, about 50 paces from the two porta-loos against the back fence.

West Alabama Ice House

Celebrate Houston’s raucous past at this preserve of local history.

Reviews:

• “Unclean to the point of gross”
• “Best atmosphere, after work drinks, best pizza, best service, BEST JUKEBOX!!”
• “Best little bar in Town”
• “Surprise!”
• “Kay’s or Marquis?”

Tips: Hot Dog! Monday is free hot dog day.

Kay’s Lounge

Not for a meeting with the boss or for brandy after the opera: It’s a dive—and it’s a good one.

Reviews:

• “Nastiest Bar outside Afghanistan”
• “Best dive in Houston?”
• “Loved it!”

Tips: Besides the beer and savvy waitresses, there’s a 62-inch big-screen TV and pool tables.

Roll-N Saloon

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