While Houston may not have mountain views or vistas overlooking the ocean, it does have cool cityscapes. And, when observed from an excellent vantage point, like atop a highrise hotel or on an open-air pool deck seven stories up, the views can be hard to beat.
Houston’s rooftop bars not only offer worthy panoramic views of the metropolis, but they are known to catch a cool breeze, making them even more sought after on hot, humid days. With a craft cocktail in hand, a little music, and a special someone, or five, relaxing at a rooftop bar can be the remedy for a lackluster day. Consider this list of rooftop bars to escape to when you have a need for elevation.
Captain Foxheart’s Bad News Bar
Despite its lack of signage and discreet entrance beyond a low-lit stairwell off of Main Street, Captain Foxheart’s Bad News Bar is among Downtown’s most popular haunts.The second floor space boasts a balcony overlooking the Metro rail and all of the happenings on Main Street below. The interior is warm and inviting, with a wood bar and chandeliers. Just as inviting are the mixologists who create fun cocktails that often change seasonally. The list of spirits is extensive, but pace yourself… the walk back down the stairs is a long one. 308 Main St., Houston, badnewsbar.com
Patterson Park
Like the leafy, historic neighborhood it resides in, this Heights patio bar is set among the woods, giving it the feel of an adult treehouse. Guests can pick their view—whether it’s the Downtown skyline from the rooftop terrace or the serene woods, which feel like miles away from Houston. The tiered areas and variety of seating make it an exciting place to mix and mingle. Televisions are perched high for sports viewing, and there are lawn games like cornhole and Jenga. The patio is dog-friendly and children are welcome until 9 p.m. 2205 Patterson St., Houston, pattersonparkhouston.com
Reset
This Midtown bar and club is designed for those who want to put on their dancing shoes and move to the beats mixed by some of Houston’s best DJs. There are theme nights, and happy hour specials like $8 cocktails and $6 wines by the glass have locals stopping by early. Take to the open-air terrace for hookah, and enjoy robust views of Downtown. 606 Dennis St., Ste. 200, Houston, resethtx.com
Z on 23
This bar on the 23rd floor of Downtown’s Le Meridien Hotel is the highest open-air bar in Houston. The skyline views are impressive, especially as the sun sets over the city. It’s a great spot to start, or finish, a night out on the town, and it is a popular spot for a nightcap after dining at Zutro, the property’s street-level restaurant. Cocktails include the frozen Mango del Sol and Lone Star Bellini, a mix of TX whiskey, peach and prosecco; and a rooftop bites menu features items like bam bam shrimp and a smashburger. 1121 Walker St., Houston, zon23rooftoop.com
Rooftop Cinema Club
Dinner and a movie has long been a standard for date nights, but it can feel kind of ho-hum after a while. Not so, at this open-air rooftop movie venue, where the silver screen meets the glitz of Houston’s Uptown district. Rooftop Cinema Club shows new releases, as well as classic films, and film-goers can grab a canned cocktail or beer from the bar, and a snack from the concession stand, before settling into one of the cushioned Adirondack-style chairs facing the big screen. Drinks and snacks can also be ordered by QR code at your seat. 1700 Post Oak Blvd., Houston, rooftopcinemaclub.com
77 Degrees
This multi-story bar and nightclub is a watering hole among Midtown’s weekend barhoppers. It has remarkable city views, and guests are dressed to impress. There are loungey areas, swing seating, and for those who travel with an entourage, there are private cabana with bottle service. True to its urban setting and tropical theme, there are refreshing drinks like the slightly spicy mangonada or the frozen prickly pear margarita. Nighttime brings neon lights and a DJ. 2416 Brazos St., Ste. C, Houston, 77-Degrees.com
Social Beer Garden HTX
True to its name, there’s always something social going on at this Midtown sports bar—from karaoke and music bingo to a sexy burlesque show. With a giant outdoor screen, it draws in sports fans often. Craft beers are a priority, with 44 choices on draft and an additional 100 options for beer, cider, hard seltzers, mead, and even kombucha. Cocktails are crafted with fresh juices and housemade syrups like the smoky Texas Twilight and the butterfly pea-infused Changing Colors. The views from the rooftop aren’t spectacular, but the service and drinks are, which is why this is one of Houston’s best neighborhood bars. 3101 San Jacinto St., Houston, socialbeergardenhtx.com
Succulent
Shawn Virene, the brains behind a’Bouzy, recently opened this Napa Valley-inspired restaurant at Regent Square. Its farm-to-table approach, lush green decor, and inspired design has made it a go-to spot for brunch, dinner, and lingering around the rooftop bar. The sprawling covered terrace offers a birds-eye view of the development, and features a dedicated bar and dual Victorian-style greenhouses where guests can dine. The garden theme is consistent throughout, with succulent plants and vintage wrought iron arbor benches, repurposed as patio seating. Its daily social hour, offered 3 to 5 p.m., gives guests special pricing on the mezcal-forward Desert Bloom and a Garden G&T, plus bites like the XO deviled eggs and chicken liver mousse with pani puri. 1180 Dunlavy St., Houston, succulentfinedining.com
Tejas Brewery
Located in Sawyer Yards, this brewery and taproom owned by Gulf Coast Distillers features a third-floor rooftop bar overlooking Silver Street Studios. Guests can try one of the brewery’s own special beers like the Tejas Hazy IPA or Tejas Negra, or go for a flight of four for a broader sampling. There’s a sizable food menu of appetizers, burgers, and pizzas at the second story restaurant. 2101 Summer St., Houston, tejasbeer.com
Sol 7
Located on the 7th floor of the Thompson Hotel, this rooftop bar and restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating, including a covered terrace steps from the hotel pool and cabanas. An unobstructed view of the Downtown skyline is hard to beat, and it’s prettiest at night when the surrounding lights create a magical glow. Order a cocktail like the Midnight Moonlight, crafted with vodka, lemon, and blueberry, and bask in the view. And, bookmark Sol 7’s daily happy hour, during which half-priced beer and wine, and discounted bar bites like tuna poke tacos and burrata with heirloom tomatoes are on offer from 4 to 7 p.m. 1717 Allen Pkwy., Houston, sol7houston.com
