It’s common knowledge that Houston has a hopping restaurant scene, but the city is also home to fantastic local musicians, bands, and DJs. Put the two together, and you have a recipe for a fun-filled night out. Whether it’s jazz, hip hop, rock, or country and western, Houston has some top notch places to enjoy dinner, drinks, and a show.
Check out this list of 15 places where food and music live in harmony.
The Rustic
There are two Houston-area locations of this Texas-themed restaurant and concert venue, plus a compact version inside Hobby Airport. The in-town spots have spacious interiors as well as large backyard-style patios and dedicated stages for live bands. While there are ticketed shows, many are free of charge. Country artist Pat Green is a co-owner, and he often takes the stage for sold-out performances. The food is distinctly Texan with dishes like smoked brisket tacos and chicken fried steak, plus a roster of local beers. Multiple locations, Houston, therustic.com
Goode Co. Armadillo Palace
Along with a dance hall, two bars, and three stages, Goode Co. Armadillo Palace offers some of the best live-fire cooked dishes in town. Hearty spit-roasted chicken and the heritage pork rib chop are slow-cooked over mesquite, while lighter fare like Goode’s campechana extra and redfish on the half shell will keep you in boot-scootin’ form. The damn Goode margarita is always a damn good choice, or try the Luckenbach mule. Willie and Waylon would approve. 5015 Kirby Dr., Houston, thearmadillopalace.com
CAPS Supper Club
This Uptown destination features all types of live music—from old school rhythm and blues to classic rock, with a dynamic list of performers and DJs every month. Guests should not only don their dancing shoes, but bring their appetites as well. The cuisine at CAPS includes redfish Pontchartrain and lamb lollipops, plus shareables like stuffed mushrooms and a stocked cheese board. With a menu of bubbles and craft cocktails, it makes for a popular place to celebrate birthdays and special occasions. 2610 Briar Ridge Dr., Houston, capssupperclub.com
Emilia’s Havana
Before the Cuban Revolution in 1959, the island nation of Cuba was a tropical paradise and glamorous getaway for celebrities and well-heeled tourists. This 50-seat speakeasy, accessible through a mock door inside the kitchen of the Annie Cafe & Bar, is inspired by the vintage elegance of the era. It’s only open three days a week, and the whole experience is one of luxe exclusivity. The house band plays bossa nova-style music, followed by a DJ in the late evening, and guests are not shy about hitting the dance floor. The bar menu offers bites like lobster corn empanadas and wagyu sliders, while the dinner menu tempts diners with caviar, oysters, steaks, and seafood. The pricey cocktail menu recalls the heyday of Havana with drinks like Cuba libre, mojito, and the Hemingway; made with rum, lime, grapefruit, maraschino, and sugar. 1800 Post Oak Blvd., Houston, emiliashavana.com
McGonigel’s Mucky Duck
This cozy, longstanding pub with live music and good eats has been a draw for locals for more than 30 years. There are weekly Irish session nights, plus a line-up of musicians from varying genres, with a heavy focus on singers and songwriters. There’s something about the low-lit interiors and moody ambiance that makes you want to order shepherd’s pie, accompanied by a perfectly-poured Guinness Stout. For a little fancier fare, there are steaks and roasted salmon, plus a list of Irish whiskeys and classic cocktails. 2425 Norfolk St., Houston, mcgonigels.com
Loch Bar
This buzzy River Oaks bar and restaurant from Atlas Restaurant Group offers nightly live music from 9 p.m. to midnight., and also during brunch, lunch, and dinner services. Get your fill of seafood, with Loch Bar’s fried and grilled oysters and packed seafood towers, before digging into filet mignon, fried chicken, or the tasty Loch Bar burger. The cocktail menu has modern classics such as the gin-based Into the Mystic, or the creamy La Bamba, made with tequila, horchata, chai, and lime. 4444 Westheimer Rd., Ste. G110, Houston, lochbar.com
Empire State Jazz Cafe
The Jazz Age is alive and strong in Houston at the Empire State Jazz Cafe, which is known for brining in some of the best live performers around. Whether you’re a jazz enthusiast, or just a cool cat, this intimate venue offers a New York City vibe and grown-up music. The cocktails are NYC-themed with drinks like the Park Avenue Manhattan and Spanish Harlem Mojito, while the Creole dining menu features dishes like seafood gumbo, Cajun ribeye, and blackened salmon. 1480 Wilcrest Dr., Houston, empirestatejazzcafe.com
The Gypsy Poet
For artisan pizza, bohemian vibes, and session music, visit Gypsy Poet, a hip and art-centric hangout with two locations in Midtown and the Heights. Weekly jam sessions focus on jazz fusion, Caribbean, and Latin music, with line-ups available to peruse on social media. Gypsy Poet is counter service and the dining room can get quite packed, but both locations have patios for spillover. All pizzas are 13 inch rounds with varieties like Pepperoni Madness and the spicy Troublemaker. Multiple locations, Houston, thegypsypoetus.com
The Continental Club
Originally founded in Austin, the Continental Club expanded to Houston in 1999, taking over a former 1920s-era drugstore on Main Street. The addition helped revive the area, with funky eateries, cool vinyl shops, and vintage clothing stores opening nearby over the years. It’s a musical haven for Gen Xers and younger Boomers with everything from ‘80s tribute bands to Horni Tonk Tuesdays. Local standouts like Carolyn Wonderland and DEM Roots Music are always in the rotation, as is some form of Allen Hill’s many retro bands. The drink selection is basic, and there is no food, but there is Home Slice Pizza right behind the club and Winnie’s just a few steps down. The Elvis marquee sign out back is a must-do photo op. 3714 Main St., Houston, continentalclub.com/houston
Axelrad Beer Garden
Set in a former grocery store built by the Axelrad family in the 1920s, this vibey neighborhood patio bar has been a welcoming space for all over the past ten years. Those fortunate enough to grab a backyard hammock may never want to leave, especially with so many great beers available on tap and by the bottle. There’s an extensive cocktail menu as well. Guests can order pizza from Luigi’s next door, and there are usually rotating food trucks parked onsite too. The calendar of events for the main stage and the Attic includes live music such as jazz night, rap battles, and karaoke. Some events are ticketed, but there are plenty of free shows too. 1517 Alabama St., Houston, axelrad.com
Scott Gertner’s Rhythm Room
Founder Scott Gertner passed away this year, but his musical legacy lives on with his namesake nightclub and restaurant. A Grammy-nominated performer himself, Gertner brought some of the best jazz and blues artists in the country and the spectacular line-up continues still. The menu is Gulf Coast-inspired with blackened catfish, po-boys, and Cajun Alfredo pasta. For drinks, there are cocktails like frozen lemon drops, plus signature options such as Strawberry Hennessy and Beach House Cosmo. Reservations are highly recommended, especially for groups, and parking is free and plentiful. 5535 Memorial Dr., Ste. G, Houston, scottegertnermusic.com
Turner’s
This high-end supper club from Berg Hospitality transports guests to a time of industry barons and lace-trimmed decolletage, dripping with diamonds. James Beard Award-winning chef Robert Del Grande is chef emeritus and partner, while British-born Brian Sutton serves as executive chef. That’s a lot of star power and it shows in the menu with decadent dishes like the $28 wedge salad, topped with thick bacon, and the $86 lobster risotto. The beef Wellington for two is a celebratory dish. With a great bottle of wine and music from the nightly pianist, romance is just around the corner. Singers join the piano music on Friday and Saturday nights. 1800 Post Oak Blvd., Houston, turnershouston.com
Turner’s Cut
While this Berg Hospitality steakhouse in Autry Park opened a couple of years after its sister restaurant, Turner’s, it too echoes the Gilded Age, but in a more modern way. The decor has hints of Art Deco style and the service is as polished as the black marble surfaces. Yes, there’s wagyu, foie gras, and caviar, but there are also playful indulgences like buttermilk chicken nuggets topped with black truffles. There is live music every evening with the addition of vocalists on Friday and Saturday nights. 811 Buffalo Park Dr., Houston, turnerscut.com
Leo’s River Oaks
Located next to Houston’s historic River Oaks Theatre, Leo’s has all the classic touches of a fine dining establishment, worthy of the surrounding neighborhood. White tablecloths, linen upholstery, and gorgeous chandeliers set the stage for a special experience, especially on Thursday and Friday, when there’s live music. The list of regular performers includes Thomas Cokinos, Jeremy Joseph, and Isaiah Rangel. The menu is no less stellar with dishes like grilled octopus, pistachio-crusted lamb chops, and veal Milanese. 2009 W. Gray, Houston, leosriveroaks.com
Dan Electro’s
Few musical venues in Houston have had the staying power of Dan Electro’s, though it has gone through a number of owners and changes since 1988. In 2022, it was saved from being razed for townhouse construction, and given a refresh by a trio of local entrepreneurs. Texas legends like ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons and Stevie Ray Vaughan have graced its stage, but today’s performers are lucky to enjoy its updated 32 channel digital board and new lighting rig. The revamp also brought more craft cocktails and a larger selection of beers. The outdoor beer garden offers a shady spot to hang out with friends, human or canine. 1031 E.24th St., Houston, danelectros.com
