Montrose is a vibrant and ever-changing community dotted with cafes, oak lined streets, and Instagram-worthy murals painted by local artists. The old and the new thrive simultaneously in this Houston neighborhood where historic homes and buildings are preserved and modernized instead of demolished. Craft cocktail bars, beer halls, and neighborhood dives coexist along Westheimer Road, while foodie havens helmed by renowned chefs and traditional taco trucks sit side by side. Use this guide to plan the perfect night out and experience the best Montrose has to offer.

Date Night

Photo courtesy of Uchi Houston

Dine on a sampling of sushi plates at Uchi, Montrose’s upscale Japanese eatery. Then, as the sun sets, drive to Buffalo Bayou park to watch thousands of Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from the Waugh Drive bat colony. For dessert, split the cast iron bread pudding at Brasil cafe while enjoying one of the cafe’s poetry readings, film nights, or live music performances.

Eating and Drinking on a Patio

Cheers over Mexican cuisine / Shutterstock

Sip an expertly crafted margarita on the patio at Night Heron. Fragrant notes of vanilla and tarragon balance the saltiness of the drink while whipped egg whites add a smooth, frothy finish. The tumeric chicken frites garnished with tangy dill or the fried curry spiced potatoes are snacking standouts. Alternatively, feast on coastal Mexican cuisine at La Grange. There’s plenty of room to sit on the expansive multi-level patio, but dinner is best enjoyed on the wraparound rooftop overlooking the street. Avant Garden, a bar and lounge housed in an historic yellow abode, is another patio option. Frequently used as a wedding venue, Avant’s patio provides a picturesque garden setting for dancing, hanging out, or enjoying open mic nights. 

Happy Hour Bar Hopping

Goodnight Charlie’s photo courtesy of Ralph Smith Studios

Three bars within walking distance of one another along Westheimer provide a sampling of the neighborhood’s hottest happy hours. Begin at The Hay Merchant where 30 beers are discounted to $3 each from 11 a.m. to noon and from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily. If you get hungry, try the PB&J wings coated in a sweet and salty glaze. Next, walk down to Anvil Bar and Refuge, a 2018 finalist for the prestigious James Beard Award. The bar’s elegant gold accents, deep green booths, and bow-tie clad mixologists recall the prohibition era. During the first hour of service on weekdays, drinks from the 100 list cocktail menu are half off including classics like the old fashioned or a french 75. Newcomer Goodnight Charlie’s is the final stop on the walking tour. On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights at this local honky tonk, musicians play on the stage while revelers take to the dancefloor to two-step along. Get three tacos and a beer for a mere $10 during happy hour. Cap the night off with Goodnight Charlie’s 5 leches funnel cake drizzled with caramelized condensed milk.

Brain Games

A perfect Guinness pour / Shutterstock

Many Montrose hotspots host Geeks Who Drink pub trivia throughout the week. The quiz features eight rounds of questions (including audio, visual, and bonus rounds) on music, movies, pop culture, and general knowledge. 1st and 2nd place winners are awarded bar specific money and prizes. For a perfect pour of Guinness, head to Pimlico Irish Pub where the quiz runs on Monday nights. When the weather is pleasant, snag a picnic table at The Patio on Richmond and play the quiz while feasting on tender chopped brisket tacos and smoked sausage from The Pit Room next door.

More into puzzles? Grab a group of friends and try to beat the clock at Cipher, a fully-immersive escape room. Afterwards, hop over to Poison Girl Cocktail Lounge to toast to your victory or drink away your defeat. Hit up the pinball machines inside for more mental stimulation.

Sports Fans

Photo courtesy of Revelry on Richmond

Watch a game at George, a no-frills gay sports bar with a country western feel. Revelry on Richmond also broadcasts big games as well as some unexpected competitions like darts, wrestling, and horse racing. Revelry’s menu includes bar food staples with a twist like poke tacos and the H-Town fries topped with shredded braised short ribs and queso.

Those wanting to play a game themselves can head to local watering hole West Alabama Ice House for basketball, corn hole, ping pong, and pool. Steps away, the tacos at Tacos Tierra Caliente are among the best in the city. Brooklyn Athletic Club showcases the best of both worlds. Catch a game on one of B.A.C’s big screen TVs or start a game of croquet, bocce ball, giant Connect 4, or Jenga.