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, in the portions you want, while you eat. For a small fee—or, no fee at all—you can serve as your own sommelier or beer maiden, while saving a few bucks at the same time.
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 Thai and Laotian cuisine, keeps its beverage menu limited to a selection of teas and sodas, 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 Wednesdays, 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, bo luc lac, and pho. For guests opting not to partake, Huynh offers a number of non-alcoholic options, like Vietnamese iced coffee, soybean milk, and coconut juice. 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 or steamed clams before taking your pick of entrees like crusted yellowfin tuna, Australian rack of lamb, or hanger steak with chimichurri. 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, capellini with Frank’s famous meatballs, and seafood lasagna, 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
Hidden Omakase
Michelin-recommended Hidden Omakase is exactly what its name promises: a discreet, reservation-only sushi experience located behind an unassuming comic book storefront, where the focus is entirely on the artistry of the meal. Guests sit around a U-shaped counter and watch as chefs craft each piece of nigiri and sashimi with meticulous attention to detail. What makes the experience even sweeter is its BYOB policy. Guests may bring their favorite bottle of wine, sake, champagne, or liquor, with a corkage fee of $20 applied to each bottle. 5353 W. Alabama St. #102, Houston, hiddenomakase.com
Pepper Twins
Pepper Twins is the kind of spot where the food hits hard, and the BYOB policy makes it even better. Bring your own wine or beer, pay a $10 corkage fee, and suddenly a casual dinner of fiery Sichuan classics is elevated without breaking the bank. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, and is just the kind of place you’d drag your friends to for a no-fuss, flavor-packed night out. 3915 Kirby Dr., Houston, peppertwinskirby.com
Sushi by Hidden
Sushi by Hidden, the sister concept to Hidden Omakase, brings the same spirit of exclusivity to Rice Village but in a fast-casual format. And, like Hidden, it’s concealed in plain sight, located beyond the doors of a mock art gallery. Here, in lieu of a long, multi-course dinner, guests can opt for an efficient omakase experience featuring nigiri and hand rolls, crafted with the same level of creativity. The counter-style setup keeps things intimate, while the BYOB policy allows diners to bring along their favorite sake, champagne, wine, or liquor to elevate the meal, with a $20 corkage fee for bottles 720 milliliters and larger.
Tatemó
Experience this Michelin-starred restaurant with the beverage of your choice. Tucked away in Spring Branch, Tatemó is a small reservation-only restaurant where chef Emmanuel Chavez showcases a multi-course tasting menu highlighting traditional Mexican ingredients, like heirloom corn and masa. The BYOB policy is a huge draw, allowing guests to enjoy a Michelin-caliber dinner without paying extra for drinks. Just keep in mind the corkage fee, which is $20 for the first bottle, and $40 for additional bottles. 4740 Dacoma St. Ste. F, Houston, tatemohtx.com
Mala Sichuan
While Mala’s M-K-T Heights locale draws guests in with a full bar, its Montrose and Asiatown locations have an equally popular BYOB policy. For a $10 corkage fee, pop open your favorite wine or bubbly to pair with the tongue-numbing mapo tofu, dan dan noodles, or water-boiled fish. Multiple locations, malasichuan.com
Collina’s
Collina’s has been a beloved neighborhood staple for years, and beyond its giant portions of pasta and thin, bubbly pizzas, locals love it for its BYOB policy. Venture in with your own bottle of wine, pay just a few dollars per person for corkage, and settle in for a comforting Italian meal without stressing the pocketbook. It’s the kind of place where families, couples, and big groups can be seen huddled around the table, making Collina’s feel less like a restaurant and more like a cozy extension of your own kitchen. Multiple locations, collinashtx.com
