There is no shortage of Houston restaurants with impressive beverage programs, but it’s nice, at times, to have more control over what we drink while we dine. Restaurants that enlist a BYOB policy are a freeing alternative. Beyond the obvious money-saving appeal, dining at a restaurant with a generous BYOB policy means you can sip on exactly what you want while you eat.
For a small fee–or sometimes no fee at all–take control of your pairings, and serve as your own sommelier or beer maiden. If you’re obsessing over a specific vintage, or you’re a natural wine aficionado and your upcoming dinner spot isn’t going to have any ultra-funky orange wines, bring your own to any of the restaurants on this list.
Sao Lao
This counter-service cafe, known for its Laotian cuisine, keeps its beverage menu limited to a selection of teas and sodas, including Thai green tea, but guests are welcome to bring their own booze. There is a $5 corkage fee for wine and champagne, and no fee at all for beer. On Mondays and Tuesdays, corkage fees are waived altogether. 5013 N. Shepherd Dr., Houston, saolaothaicafehtx.com
Huynh
This retail strip gem in East Downtown is just as popular for its BYOB policy as its menu of Vietnamese comfort eats. With a single corkage fee of $2.95 charged per guest, a wine-fueled meal at Huynh can be quite the bargain. Diners can pair their bottles of vino with signature dishes, like banh cuon ($15), bo luc lac ($21), and pho ($14). For guests opting not to partake, Huynh offers a number of non-alcoholic options, like Vietnamese iced coffee ($5), soybean milk ($4), and coconut juice ($6). 912 St. Emanuel St., Houston, huynhrestauranthouston.com
Lucio’s
Lucio’s is one of Houston’s time-honored BYOB restaurants, and its location on a quiet Montrose street makes it one of the area’s true neighborhood gems. Here, guests have the option to pair their own bottles with a meal by adhering to the restaurant’s $10 corkage fee, or choose from wines offered on the menu. Either way, Lucio’s offers a cozy atmosphere with an understated elegance in which to wine and dine. Start with the jumbo lump crab ($19) or steamed clams ($23) before taking your pick of entrees like crusted yellowfin tuna ($39), Australian rack of lamb ($58), or hanger steak with chimichurri ($44). 905 Taft St., Houston, luciosbyob.com
Himalaya
This boisterous Indo-Pak restaurant in the Mahatma Gandhi District is BYOB, with no corkage fee, as long as guests who are partaking order an entree. The small space is often packed to the brim and service can be hit or miss, so bringing your own corkscrew and glassware is not a bad idea. In the end, dining at Himalaya feels worth all of the hustle and bustle when the restaurant’s famed green curry and fried chicken hit the table. 6652 Southwest Fwy., Houston, himalayarestauranthouston.com
Triola’s Kitchen
This charming BYOB restaurant, known for its Italian comfort eats, has a heartwarming backstory. The restaurant is owned by Frank Triola, the grandson of the late Frank Azzarelli, who opened Houston’s first Italian restaurant, Azzarelli’s, in 1949. From dishes like whole loaf garlic bread ($10), capellini with Frank’s famous meatballs ($28), and seafood lasagna ($48), there is a lot to love about Triola’s, including its hard to beat BYOB policy that promises no corkage fee. 4606 N. Main St., Houston, triolaskitchen.com
