Soak up the views at swank hotel lounges, tropical sky-high escapes, and laid-back cantinas.
see 19 place on single-valued function
Houston ’s might be known for itssuper strong patio biz , but the city ’s often overlooked rooftop scene levels some serious competition in the ambiance department . That ’s probably because rooftop parallel bars and patio , sky - high perches with sweeping views , and multi - even , sundrenched water holesare slenderly harder to come by . But much like the scarce Houston days that do n’t get you to uncomfortably sweat through your clothes , they do , in fact , exist . Here are the 19 best home to catch an above - ground , receptive - air bombilation in Houston .
Idle Hands
Despite the name , you wo n’t have idle men at this Montrose rooftop terrace waiting area . That ’s because they ’ll be filled with something tropic , at least if you ’re doing things right . score the bench to disentangle with live music , solid food and drink inspired by change of location in the Caribbean , Latin America and beyond — believe Pulled Pork Birria and Pineapple Shrimp Tacos — and refreshing cocktail like the Rosa Mexicano , strike with mezcal , lime , and raspberry sorbet . The Sunday Rum Runner Brunchis a choice way to ease out of the weekend , too . Pro crown : You ’ll desire to hook in via the back entrance past Southside Espresso during the area ’s ongoing construction . How to book : Stop by for first cum , first served seating area .
Rise Rooftop
If poppin ’ bottles at the club with a 150 - metrical unit - long , 45 - fundament panoptic retractable roof is more your speed , this colossal Midtown repair is your new jam . Rise took over the former Proof outer space during the pandemic , breathing newfangled life into the blank space and drawing a crowd of live fans with its overbold lineup of disc jockey , artists , and top ledge potation . How to book : leverage ticket and reserveonline .
Harold’s In The Heights
Historic 19th Street is filled with antique shop class and thrift stores , local cafes and boutiques , and this democratic rooftop stamping ground , which blends ambiance and Southern hospitality with some goddamned fine solid food and boozing . hit a stern on its rooftop terrace to gaze out over the neighbourhood while you slurp down Oysters on the Half Shell , Double Brined Fried Chicken , and wines and craft cocktails by the decanter . It ’s an first-class bit forhappy hourand a leisurely brunch , to boot .
R24 Rooftop Bar & Lounge
City - denizen have yet another business district happy hour selection . This formerly executive grade node - only waiting area has opened its sweet , gratifying views to the public Thursday through Saturday from 5 autopsy to 9 pm . You ’ll find the rooftop joint 24 chronicle up at the luxe Hilton Americas , shake up refreshed cocktail like the jalapeño- and agave - kissed Texas Margarita . How to book : blockade by for first seed , first come seating room .
Sunset Rooftop Lounge
Live music , Latin beat , and “ Steak Night + Saxophone Tuesday ” are all a part of the fun at this pelvis rooftop escape , a fantastic office to watch the Dominicus crest over the skyline with an capably titled cocktail in handwriting . The boozy lineup includes the Tullahoma Sunset , a coffee tree - spike whisky drink ; the St Petersburg Sunset , a Moscow mule riff ; and a take on a Paloma dubbed the Chapala Sunset . How to book : Stop by for first cum , first served seating .
Blue Bar at Brenner’s on the Bayou
Proving that the Buffalo Bayou can , in fact , be moderately beautiful , this swanky bar rock a duo of raise decks , picturesque view , and a sublime well-chosen hour . But if you ca n’t make it out of work in clock time , fervency pit , strong suit cigar ( by asking ) , and Ruby Red Frosé make even non - well-chosen hours anything but deplorable . As do Miso Tenderloin Skewers and crispy , tempura - battered Bang Bang Shrimp , of course .
The Grove
look across the charming urban park that is Discovery Green , this two - floor treehouse is one of the most magnificently designed spaces in all of Houston . Though the 2nd floor is mostly used as a private party space , you’re able to always kick back on the first - tier bench to enjoy Ahi Tuna Aguachile , Thai Style Chargrilled Wings , and Blue Crab Corn Fritters while make your style through the greatest cocktail list . Bonus points ? Herbs and green goods are peck straight from the rooftop garden , which also helps to absorb heat and more efficiently cool the reveller below .
B & B Butchers
Thisbespoke butcher store and steakhouse’srooftop patio draw a sharply dressed crowd look to fuddle and schmooze . Cop a opinion of the business district skyline while you take down Texas - centric cocktails and an sumptuous chophouse repast , and be sure to keep it in mind for happy hour and brunch .
Captain Foxheart’s Bad News Bar & Spirits Lodge
This Houston classic is back in action and ready to serve you all the good stuff and nonsense . pick up a groovy view of Main Street as you cocker in a few of intent guru Justin Burrow ’s boozed - up , old - school cocktails lace with things like elderflower and spiced wine sirup . But before you get to the breezy — albeit quite informal — second - story terrace , you ’ll have to come up your path into the prevention . Good thing we can avail . How to book : hold back by for first come , first served seating .
Upstairs Bar & Lounge
This 21 - and - up reboot of Hungry ’s sits on the second level of the long - revered neighbourhood hangout , marked by a canopy opened - airwave treehouse - style terrace that packs the house during happy 60 minutes . That ’s when you’re able to grade drinks ( including Frozé ) on the tawdry alongside Wood - Stone Pizzas and enticing small-scale plates from Blue Crab bar to Ahi Tuna Tartare . How to book : Stop by for first come , first served seating .
Z On 23
The Le Méridien hotel ’s resident rooftop bar sits 23 report up , where you could get a sensorial overload via fancified cocktail and stuffy - up sight of Houston skyscrapers . Snag a couch chair and make posh conversation over Sazeracs , Aperol Spritzes , and popcorn shrimp — and do n’t forget to snap a selfie for Insta or it totally did n’t happen . How to reserve : kibosh by for first come , first served seating .
77 Degrees
Its name a nod to the “ optimal cocktailing temperature , ” this fashionable berth brings the fun with four levels of cabana - mode seats that ’ll make you feel like you ’re on a tropical vacay alongside sexy views of business district . catch a cut and savor lifetime in the cloud as you make your way through a library of Caribbean - invigorate tapa and cocktail , from rum- , mango- , and coconut - spiked tipples to Gulf snapper ceviche , clean guac , and pineapple pork tacos . And come twilight , the tiered haunt transforms into a super cool neon - light relief valve . How to hold : terminate by for first cum , first served seating .
Buffalo Bayou Brewing Co.
Buffalo Bayou puts out some of the most interesting brewage in all of Houston ( we ’re talkin ’ creamsicle - enliven pints and picnic - everlasting lather infused with maple chile jam , y’ all ) , and now that the squad has moved into new , bigger excavation , you’re able to enjoy said interesting brewage with one of the best position of business district . You ’ll also probably want to pair those beer with outside - the - loge pub grub , include but not trammel to precious stone like masala fried cauliflower , carne asada fries , and Cheetos - dust - and - crusted pizza made with 72 - hour fermented kale . How to book : Stop by for first seminal fluid , first served seating .
The Dogwood
Not only does this insurance premium party spot house a Orcinus orca rooftop bar , but the terrace roll around the entirety of the clear - melodic phrase construction design , meaning MAXIMUM al fresco clock time on a strong summertime ’s night . To elucidate : By warm summertime ’s Nox , we in reality mean hot summertime ’s night , but that ’s what the Deep Eddy sweet afternoon tea vodka on hydrant is for , right?How to book : Stop by for first come , first served seating .
El Big Bad
Margaritas as good these deserve to be enjoy alongside ample amounts of sunlight , so it ’s a good thing this Big Bad son offers a 2,000 - square - foot balcony complete with an ultra-‘grammable “ I Love You and Tacos So Much ” sign for your imbibing pleasure . Take the totally rad lift ( or the winding stair ) one level up and grab an umbrella - covered table to slurp your cranberry and churro - infused marg and take down some Gulf peewee tacos and old - school nachos while you ’re at it . merry result from social meetups and salsa dancing to absolutely epic holiday weekends append even more incentive to keep an eye on this joint’sFacebook pageboy . How to reserve : Stop by for first ejaculate , first served seating .
Grand Prize Bar
If this two - story lachrymation hole looks a footling grungy , that ’s because it proudly is . And it ’s deal to become a darling repair for both regular and industry folk music thanks to rad happy hour special , a large rooftop , and a Jekyll and Hyde - same personality that ’s half serious cocktail den , half low - key dive bar . How to book : Stop by for first seed , first served seating .
The Rooftop Bar at The Tremont House
While the drinks are n’t cheap , the four - story view from atop the historic 1839 Tremont House , which glows at night thanks to an 8 - foot , fully - fall manzanita tree and illuminated pots , more than makes up for it . Just know that the hours are weather permitting … meaning this believably is n’t the best berth to throw that hurricane company .
La Grange
Fact : Coastal Mexican food and freshly squeezed and infused cunning cocktails are best enjoyed outdoors . So this patio bar , house in a former ‘ 30s buck hospital which later became the late Montrose hotspot EJ ’s , devote you two ways to do just that . But it ’s the indisputably pall terrace bar that take in it a coveted spot on this list . Hit it up for mixers and seasonal merriment like Steak Nights and Bingo & Pints . How to book : Stop by for first come , first served seating .
Lawless Spirits & Kitchen
Gone is the celebrated State Bar in the Rice Lofts , a democratic hideaway for influential lawyers and pol since its days as a members - only Capitol Club ( which , by the fashion , is rumored to bewhere President Kennedy enjoy his final drinkable ) . The disembodied spirit of the place rest , but the industrial outpost has been pass on a much - want face lifting including an update ( and excellent ) craft cocktail and bar card . Soak up all that residual index while sipping a Bootleg Old Fashioned on the terrace and watching the fuss of the city below . How to book : Stop by for first seminal fluid , first served seating .
Idle Hands Houston
