Houston's Best Martini

Upscale casual favorite in the Rice Village for innovative new American cuisine, a stylish lounge and weekend brunch scene.

Reviews:

• “Best white chocolate creme brulee, excellent customer service”
• “Terrific food, terrible ambience”
• “Not Bad”
• “Uh, No "
• “Great restaurant and great lounge”

Tips: For a post-work play date, the lounge upstairs is considered one of the hottest spots for stylish singles.

Benjy’s Restaurant or email Benjy’s Restaurant

Couples seeking privacy will find it at this romantic Chicago-style speakeasy.

Reviews:

• “Favorite bar”
• “best river oaks bar”
• “Best bar EVER”
• “Romantic”
• “Best place to have a cocktail and play games!”

Tips: No food is served here but Cafe Express and Dessert Gallery, just around either corner, are open until 11pm on weekends.

Mugsy’s or email Mugsy’s

Step inside a surrealist scene of flashing video monitors, wild music and arty decor.

Reviews:

• “Fabulous border of Montrose”
• “For Real?”
• “Hottest Gay Boys in Town "
• “great place to start and end a night”
• “Meteor reopened late 2007”

Meteor

Shepherd Plaza lounge for relaxed mingling, friendly clientele and notoriously stiff drinks.

Reviews:

• “Quality Lounging???”
• “Identity Crisis”
• “Great dive bar”
• “Not safe for young women”
• “Best martinis in Houston”

Tips: The club features live DJs every Sunday and Wednesday from 9pm until close.

Davenport or email Davenport

Great food plus one of the best views in Houston makes for romantic dinners and memorable group outings.

Reviews:

• “Go somewhere else”
• “Nothing exceptional about it…”
• “Great view”
• “Not a happy ending”
• “not fine dinning at all! More like a sports bar”

Tips: Ask for a table along the windowed wall for the best view of the city.

Skyline Bar & Grill – 24th Floor of Hilton Americas-Houston or email Skyline Bar & Grill – 24th Floor of Hilton Americas-Houston

South American fare with a Caribbean/Mexican twist served up in a striking setting.

Reviews:

• “Great decor, but food going downhill and rude service”
• “Nice Atmosphere, Great Food”
• “Still one of the best steaks in town”
• “Go for the decor (and somewhere else for exceptional food)”
• “great waitstaff, horrible hosts”

Tips: Tapas are served Monday through Friday from 4pm to 7pm and are both fast and memorable.

Américas

Upscale professionals flock to this snazzy, high-as-a-cloud club for rarefied air and too-hip-to-be-square music.

Reviews:

• “Overpriced and falling apart!!”
• “Best Bar in Town!”
• “I liked it!”
• “Time for a facelift”
• “GREAT VIEWS!!!”

Tips: Find happy-hour drink specials on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Ladies have no cover charge on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Scott Gertner’s SkyBar

Legendary River Oaks hideaway for amorous couples, cocktail connoisseurs and those in the know.

Reviews:

• “Fun for couples”
• “Love this place!”
• “I don’t get it”
• “went for a kiss – got a crotch!”
• “really cozy…intimate…”

Tips: This discreet haven for lovers is located next door to “I Do, I Do,” a bridal shop.

Marfreless

This haute spot has experienced a resurgence in popularity, luring the after-gala set back to its pub-like environs.

Reviews:

• “Ole legends in View”
• “OLD CROUD”
• “Where adults go”
• “An Exclusive Club”

Tips: Even though jeans and heels are the reigning style for women, leave the denim behind for an evening at this refined outpost. Men can get away with jeans if they wear blazers and loafers as well.

Remington Bar or email Remington Bar

This classic downtown bar holds its own amid downtown’s revitalization. It’s even attracted a new breed of patrons.

Reviews:

• “My favorite bar in the 713”
• “best damn drink in dt”
• “Amazing Drinks and Weirdly Enough Chicken Salad”
• “My "Cheers""
• “warren’s”

Tips: To fully appreciate the Warren’s experience, go on a Wednesday night, when you won’t have to compete with a few hundred people for a place to park your bum and have a drink.

Warren’s Inn