I've found my new favorite dive bar. I think of it as a Heights vintage and antique shop themed dive bar. Absolutely awesome. What makes it even more extra special, you ask? The jukebox. I could have dropped at least a ten-spot on music. Nothing's Shocking, Van Halen, New York Dolls, Aretha. If I hadn't been beckoned outside, I would have spent all night playing pool, listening to the jukebox, and watching classic movies on the cute "vintage" television sets. Outside was far more interesting and entertaining. Fellow yelpers and I sat around the fire pit with the rest of the bar patrons on many picnic tables, watching a guy spin records in the bed of his truck while people swing-danced (is that swung dance?) in the parking lot. Awesome! Oh, and there was a coozy tree. This would be a pipe with coozies attached by Velcro. You can keep your beer (or in some of our cases, mixed drink) chilled. Someone mentioned, and I just want to reiterate, it is like going to a party and hanging out in their backyard...only instead of chipping in for a keg or getting your beer out of a cooler, you walk to the bar. It's like a highly organized party, where someone else cleans up. Rock! read more

Brad and his crew of bartenders are some of the coolest people in Houston. The Big Star Bar is tucked away in the heights, and offers a rocking patio, great jukebox, very affordable prices, and a great local crowd. Been going here since it opened, don't plan on changing that any time soon. There are fire pits to keep ya cozy in the cold, a covered sitting area outside for the rain and heat, and some pinball, pool, and video games to keep you entertained. On top of all that, Big Star has some actual mixologist tricks up their sleeves. While all of the bar staff are friendly and talented, go ask Arian to make you one of his signature drinks. The names are as good as the booze! Good people. good drinks. good bar. read more

It's taken me a few trips to appreciate it, but I'm digging Big Star Bar more each time I visit. The inside always feels a bit odd to me with the random couches and pool tables but the patio is pretty great. Lots of picnic tables and even a fire pit... not that it probably gets used much in Houston. Dive bars like this place make me want an ice cold Lone Star and honestly, I don't think I would drink anything else here. The drinks are cheap and the bartenders are friendly. There's usually always something good playing on the jukebox and the few times I've gone it's never been too crowded -- which is great since you have to park on the street. read more

So I finally came out here and found myself enjoying this dive waaaaaay more than I though I would. I didn't just like it, I freaking loved it. Nestled in the Heights on the west side of 19th St, now sits this true Texas dive that attracts some cool ass friendly folks, and thats including the bikers. Even though the place wasn't overly packed I liked how they had 3, ...yes 3 bartenders working there on a Saturday night. The fire pit is also quite entertaining when you get a bunch of boys who resemble pyro's having fun. Cheap drinks, awesome bartenders, laid back setting with some ambient lighting...... this place is full of win. * their red house wine is very tasty = P read more

5 Star Dive Bar. Nice outside space for when it is no longer hotter than two ferrets fornicating in a wool sock. $3 beers can't be beat in this Texas heat. Retro vibe, old juke, photo booth, and pool. read more

Big Star Bar - Dive Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

Definitely a dive, but in a good way. Once your eyes adjust to the dark and red lit interior, make your way up to the bar. Plenty of variety in both beer and liquor choices. Relaxed, divey space with helpful bartenders. read more

Big Star Bar - Scott's monthly beer tastings now at Big Star. This month's theme- American Craft - Dive Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

Love this spot, never change! Being able to walk to this bar and Shady Acres, you'll have a great authentic night out in Houston, TX

Cheap drinks. Chill atmosphere. Plenty of outdoor and indoor seating. Definitely one of the more "relaxed" dive bars in Houston that I enjoy going to because it's not full of rednecks or crack-heads. The kind of bar where you can get really fucked up on cocktails and beer for under $40. read more

Pretty awesome dive bar. The cheap drinks and great beer selection go a long way. Another reviewer mentioned how it looks like an an abandoned Mexican restaurant (to hide in when being chased by zombies).. Independently, I came to the same conclusion... However, the mirrored walls and low ceilings made me think in it's last iteration, it must have been some crappy strip club... it would explain the big seats (with rips in them) and sofas?? Anyhow, the staff is pretty cool. It's definitely no frills... but really awesome music. There is a patio out back too.. A friend of mine says its like the polar opposite of the all yuppie fest in the area... I'll have to check it out and report back. read more

Dive Bar..Sticky Floor..Red Lighting. What more can you say, or expect. Go with friends. Go often. read more

Dear BigStar: I love you. Even if my old favorite bartender, Aerian is still mean for kicking my butt at airhockey at the last Yelp elite event. He is still a good bartender and i still love my neighborhood watering hole ---- although I will be thinking twice next time I close out my tab and have to leave him a tip.... read more

The definition of DIVE BAR. If you're in the Heights (ok, Shady Acres techincally), do yourself a favor and get a shot and a beer. Went in with a friend and did just that, and the bill was $16...and as much as I like Cedar Creek next door, that would have been like $25. Not a place to take a date...unless she's super cool. This is a place to go drinking. Bottom line. Food: n/a Drinks: 5 Service: 4 (bartenders only) Atmosphere: Divey-Five, or regular 3.5 Price: 5 read more

Big Star has all the elements of a great dive bar and does so effortlessly and authentically. I live in the Heights and used to attend other dive bars regularly. Not because I'm particularly a dive bar person, but because that is just how the heights is.. kinda divey. Bars like the Tall Texan and shilo are very divey but are the kind of place that you usually want to bring your own party because the regulars are well... a little too drunk to have good conversations. Big Star doesn't suffer from this problem. It is a great place to bring your friends or even to go alone and talk to random people at the fire pit. While there really is a typical look for the crowd there that may be a little grungy, I felt that I always fit in even if I just get off of work and am in business casual. Everyone there is friendly and unassuming. I believe Big Star has a little bit of everything without catering to the lowest common denominator: Cheap beer + mixed drinks + a few premium beers + fire pit I mean, any bar where you can get drunk and play with fire is good in my book! read more

Love this place! Cheap drinks and pretty good vibe pretty much always. This is a bar for people who like bars and aren't trying to be something they're not. read more

I'm just echoing everyone else...what a cool, unassuming bar! It has a great "neighborhood" feel to it. There are fun couches inside if you want to hang out near the bar, or if you want to go outside, you can still hear the jukebox jams from the patio. Good beer prices, awesome laid back atmosphere. If you're laid back (although, who would say that they aren't?) it's definitely a great place to chill and get drinks on a Saturday night without being around a stuffy/loud/obnoxious crowd! read more

Dark, dingy, low ceilings... checkered flooring.. yeah why not?? It's a good place to just kick back and have a silly conversation with your friends. Hey the women's toilet is clean! Which is an A+ in my book for a dive bar! read more

Came here last night after work with a friend for drinks for the first time. It was good--definitely a dive so I'm grading on dive standards. I'm not the kind of girl who gets turned off by dives, I enjoy them and their grit. A little dirt never hurt nobody! Just as long as my glassware is clean and my beer is fresh I'm happy at a dive. Though it was a bit chilly out, my friend and I lounged in the outdoor space. I like it out there. Intimate, well lit, plenty of seating and little corners to which you can retreat with your pals. Two minor things about the outdoor space though--there was a firepit but it was not lit and it would have been way nicer if it was. Do the customers have to ask or do it themselves or like, what's the protocol on that? Just curious. And also, the ground was a little too muddy--it's covered in pea gravel out there which should help cut down on that issue so maybe it just needs some fresh pea gravel. So there are my reasons for one star off is and additionally that, indeed it is kitschy and hell yeah they have a killer jukebox, but there isn't anything much more inherently unique to this bar. Not that I know of at least. I would return if my friends wanted to meet here. read more

This is the best chill bar. Drama free, good jams, dog friendly bar! It's definitely a throwback! First time here and not the last! Drinks are priced well and if you just wana get out the house they also have non alcoholic beverages! Not to mention they also have cornhole in the patio area, and pac man. read more

Only spent 30 minutes here so I will need to give it another try, but it was a decent bar. Drinks were good, not really strong but not exactly weak either. The Bartenders seemed nice and welcoming. What I really wasnt excited about was the feel of the place. Dont get me wrong, I love dive bars. LOVE them. But this one just felt alittle to dark and dirty for my taste. There was also a very small crowd so it just didnt have a fun feel to it at the time. I really liked Grand Prize, which I believe is owned by the same person, so I guess I will have to give this place another try. Decent 3 stars though. read more

Great beer selection. There was so much that I wasn't expecting. I asked about the Abita, guy pulls out a limited edition S.O.S. he was saving {Gold Star}. The staff is incredibly friendly i didn't mind hanging out though when I got there the atmosphere reminded me of: "You know when you're watching a movie and the main character is being chased by zombies and he ducks inside of what he thinks is an abandoned building but looks sort of like when a mexican restaurant closes living the husk of what once was. Then the hero boards up all the exits so as to not be eaten alive." Yeah thats what big star looks like on the inside. the outdoors is very much like a back yard. Its real chill. read more

This place has a very spacious and friendly backyard. It is the perfect place to hang out with friends and have drinks. At times, they even have live bands playing and movie night. It is also available for big parties! read more

I certainly don't frequent dive bars, but went to wish happy birthday to someone last night. When you walk in it smells like those cherry bomb atomizers in the bathrooms, it is dark and the clientele is a definite mix. Going outside you encounter a small outdoor area with picnic benches - small and intimate, In the way back area is a stage for music (I visualize Tejano probably) and it is big and just right for a larger crowd. It is a welcome change to the pretentious and mediocre Cedar Creek. If you aren't a "germphobe yuppie, it is worth a try. An improvement over Shiloh Bar on Studewood. read more

This place is garbage. The bartender verbally attacked me. I asked why she was wearing a mask, and her response was that her dad was dying. She said he was 81. I said I was sorry and asked if she was sure he was dying. I was not trying to be offensive in any way. My mom died in January of this year, and I didn't know until maybe 2 days before. First she said to get the F*ck out of her bar, and then she proceeded to talk sh*t and rile up the rest of the guests at the bar to do the same. One angry guest called me an ugly b*tch and told me to get out. She instigated all of this. Again, I was not trying to upset this person. This was all said in conversational tones until she freaked out. I was totally shocked by her outburst. This was our first and last time in this bar. I honestly can not believe the crazy way she reacted. I am sorry about her father. I repeatedly apologized, but it made no difference. read more

This place is a great dive bar, and yes Allison M, it is SO like a frat house basement! It's not so scary if you already have a buzz.. I highly recommend going to Cedar Creek to have a few beers then walk around to Big Star Bar afterward. read more

Drinks on Christmas Day...it's a tradition and this place held up just fine!

Perhaps it was the 2 shots and 3 beers I had previously, but I loved this place as soon as I found the big industrial fan in the back between the pool table and pinball machine. They had a live band Friday night, who didn't mind my drunken stumble across what is probably their performance area. 2nd time around I realized I'm suppose to be on the other side of the low section wall, the side with couches and such for you to lounge on. Sweeet! The bartender was friendly, quick, and quite handsome. He actually is, I swear I DID NOT have beer goggles on! Another thing I liked about this place is that they are dog friendly. I've been on the hunt for such places and am always happy to come across one. I also spent some time out on their patio, which is nice and spacious and had a fun o' time checking out girls hulla-hooping. The crowd was very friendly without being pretentious or overeager to socialize. Definitely a place you can be yourself and find like minded people or be each to their own. read more

Cheap, no frills drinks. A dive bar at its finest. Great outdoor area that is perfect for hot nights and cold beers and an indoor area with Ms. Pacman and a punching bag strength game. All in all, a cool place with nice bartenders that will suggest shots for those (like myself) who don't usually shoot their drinks. Parking is kind of a hassle because of Cedar Creek, but you'll find a place if you drive around. I used to live a few blocks away, and it's hit or miss on safety, so bring a friend along for the walk. Buy them the Miley Cyrus shot. read more

Local bar in the heights with a great music and service !!! Arian is an awesome bartender !! Great service all the time !!! read more

Big Star Bar - Great music !!! - Dive Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

Hey Charlie...owner! I'm pretty sure one of your bar tenders is drunk. I asked him to serve those of us first who were waiting for a few minutes for a drink first. He told me I was a cunt and was cut off. I understand the type of bar it is, but seriously this dude has no sense of service. Even for the type of bar it is. I don't care that your bar tenders get drunk on shift, but seriously don't get mad at ppl for stupid reasons. read more

Big Star Bar - Dive Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

I got dragged here last night (sort of against my will). I was not expecting to like this bar, but my opinion was changed the minute I sat down. Very relaxed and chill vibe (especially for the heights). Staff was welcoming and attentive. They pour a great gin and tonic. This is definitely a dive bar, so plan accordingly. They have a great patio in the back with lots of picnic tables and friendly folks. I will definitely be back. read more

this is definitely one of my fav shitholes in town. good beer selection, laid back vibe (and that's putting it lightly). love the outside area. it's tucked out of the way so you don't see any of the fratty houston crowds there. don't go if you suck please. read more

Ancient mariners used the North Star as a guide, and today's revelers can do the same with the Big Star. It's always a good decision. They've got a pool table in the back so you can impress the ladies with your finesse, or a punching bag game so you can impress them with your brawn. Plenty of eclectic seating both inside and out on the side patio complete with fire pit, and then the bar... Oh. The bar. The helpful yet ever harried bartenders will grab you an ice cold beer or mix up some of the best locally-and-not-so-locally-themed shots around. But "caveat emptor"... or, actually, more like "obliviscat emptor": buyer forget. Buyer forget everyone you're with and anything you've got planned the next day. These shots are potent as hell. But then again, who wouldn't want to get knocked on their ass by Billy Idol or Marvin Zindler? read more

I'm all about a dive bar, but this place was nasty. Just because it's a dive doesn't mean it has to be filthy. In the half hour that I was there, I saw three cockroaches crawling on the floor, wall, and ceiling. That's not okay. I'll admit the crowd was nice. It was a bit of everything and everyone was getting along well. It's not really a sports bar. They have some old TVs scattered around, but nothing in a really visible location from around the whole bar unless you're sitting right in front of it. read more

Yikes! Word is out. Went there last night and it was packed. Industry crowd (Beaver's, Katz Coffee), bachelorette party, tattoos, and ties. Three Woodford's, 6 Jagers, 4 Bud's, and 4 Shiner's. $39. Sick. JP - u da man! The patio is a work in progress, but this exactly the way Pearl used to be. The 1st time it won best new bar. I wonder why..... read more

Small dive bar, a block away from Cedar Creek, where we eventually ended our night. This is a no frills kind of place. You get your drink, you mill around, or chill outside the small patio. It's easy, it's laid back. I wasn't too impressed, and I probably wouldn't make the drive from outside the loop just to drink here, but I wouldn't mind having a beer or two here if I'm already in the area. However, kudos to the owner and staff who tolerated our rowdy group that night. =) read more

Why do I keep coming here? Oh yeah, because for some reason some of my friends have decided they like this place and seem to not what to go anywhere else. Not that I can figure out why and not that I frequent this place all that often, but I've been here just a few times too many for my taste lately. For a place that's so far off my general beaten path, Big Star sure doesn't offer much to get me going. It's housed in what used to be an old Mexican restaurant or something similar, and the owners could have worked just a tad harder to bring the decor slightly more up to par. As for the "patio," it's actually pretty small and it seems that everyone has decided to turn the gravel floor into a giant ashtray by depositing their cigarette butts in it. GROSS!!! I realize this is mostly because there are NO trash cans out there, but seriously--get some, Big Star! The drinks could be better, too. It's probably best to stick to ordering beers here. And since I don't drink beer, this isn't exactly an incentive for me. At least the jukebox is decent, though, so there's one plus. But I honestly can't think of any others. I know that this place is popular because it's still fairly new and everyone is probably jonesing for somewhere else to go besides the Westheimer strip, but I'll stick to the same old, same old, thanksverymuch. read more

This place is starting to grow on me. I'm not sure if it's the down home feel or the fact that every time I go there I end up with a shot in my hand and hangover that kicks my butt the next day. Either way it leads to good times and sketchy memories! read more

I'm from the country, and by country I mean 3 stop light, people driving duleys, cows, and one Wal Mart. Friday Night Lights style. Big Star Bar reminds me of where I'm from. Everything is just simple, and easy. A juke box, picnic tables, a fire pit, dumpy bathrooms with scribble, and nuthing fancy. This place is a gem, really. The bartenders are friendly, and you can smoke outside. We had some tasty cherry bombs, and laughed at each others tacky sweaters. All of my friends had a fantastic time, and I will be back. read more

This has to be one of my new Favs ..... Cheep Beer in a laid back come as you are, no one is looking at you kind of place. The Bartenders are all very fast and willing to serve you as quickly as you can pay them. The outside area is like a picnic with no food..... sit with strangers and make new friends...... also the Crazy slurring lotion lady With her more than forceful need to share her good smelly lotion.... All too great of an experience In my perfect world I would be there every Friday night with the Awesome people who introduced me to this Wonderful Place !!! read more

Love this place fun and friendly! Felt like I was having drinks in my best friends back yard. Plus they're dog friendly! read more