I was in Houston last month on business and had the opportunity to hit Lei Low on my way to the airport and I'm very glad I did. I'm a Tiki Geek so any chance I have to hit a new (for me) tiki bar and down a delicious tropical cocktail, I jump on it. The bar is located in a very unassuming location within a tiny little strip of businesses in the suburbs of northern Houston. Signage outside isn't obvious but once you step inside, you're transported to a little slice of paradise. Service was fantastic...the bartender (Jonathan) was very helpful guiding me towards what to try and gave me some Lei Low swag, too. The fellow seated at the bar next to me turned out to be the owner, Russell Thoede, who was very nice and we engaged in a nice chat about California tiki bars many of which he has visited. The drinks I had were fantastic; Donn's Original Zombie ($18) and Ground Control ($17) and stack right up there with the best we have here in California. Love the different tiki mugs for the different drinks. Thank you, Russell and Jonathan, for such a great experience! HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND! read more

See all

We got the cheeseburger ($15), chili aoili fries ($11), and mussels ($21) I walked in expecting to be let down as the fries and drinks were pretty expensive and we were just getting food at a tiki bar but I was pleasantly surprised. Everything was really good and the price seemed a bit high but totally justified! I enjoyed how they put in the effort to do a bit of a refined twist on normal dishes. The inside looks like a slightly tiki-themed restaurant and I was a little let down by the lack of the typical tiki themed booths, decorations and bamboo/wood trim. The outside however had great ambiance, and the server was very accommodating with us moving to the sandy beach chairs. The service was great, the food came out fast and overall it was a great experience! read more

See all

I'm going to admit that a few years ago I was going to check out this place, and I drove by thought it looked like a sketchy area and pivoted plans... recently I gave it a real try, and I'm so happy I did. I'm a sucker for tiki bars, but they can be hit or miss. This one was a hit The exterior doesn't look like much, but the interior is surprisingly spacious and inviting. It's intimately lit, but you can still see all the wonderful tropical decor. The vibe was a mix between tropical pirate bar, dive bar, but with artisanal cocktails and incredible bartenders The menu offers such a variety of tiki/tropical beverages with clever names and fun drink-ware. I was impressed that the drink menu isn't only rum based, but instead there's plenty twists on classic cocktails and they're own specialty drinks The bartenders were a delight. Everyone was professional, attentive, and amazing. Each bartender was obviously skilled in handcrafting exceptional drinks, but they weren't rude, stuffy, pretentious, or unapproachable. We actually enjoyed conversation with a few different bartenders. One even made the wrong drink for someone and swung by our section, dropped it off and said "free drink" before walking away. Another was making my drink in a shark shaped glass, asked if it was mine, then handed me a squeeze bottle of grenadine to shoot ("blood") into the sharks mouth from a distance. This was such a fun experience The drinks were delicious (and strong), the bar was lively, the staff were outstanding, and for the experience... it was all affordable Some tips: There is overflow parking in a gravel lot across the street, but I recommend calling a ride-share as these drinks are STRONG Cheers!! read more

See all

Today I had the... Always love lei low!!! To update my list... it's the (1) missionary's downfall (2) Hamden Estate Rum Punch .. then the other cocktails read more

See all

Do not judge a book by its cover! We showed up and almost left like many new visitors. But there was a line to get in before it opened at 4 so stayed and sooo glade we did! Every drink is art! Bartenders are amazing! It fills up fast so get in before 5. read more

See all

fantastic customer service, cool and well decorated, this place is a perfect way to cool down on a hot summer day. also has fabulous NA options, will be back to try more! read more

Lei Low - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

Amazing I love the environment and it's super chill - the bartenders are friendly and the drinks are fantastic!!! Second photo- I don't know the name of the drink but I wanted to say they light up the cinnamon stick and it emits this amazing aroma?? So yeah- amazing read more

Lei Low - Jumping Shark packs a punch and is super fun to sip out of (you can buy the shark or just give it back) - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

See all

If Rainforest Cafe had a grown-up, cooler cousin who served expertly crafted tiki drinks and played surf rock under dim lights--it'd be Lei Low. This hidden gem in Houston feels like you've stepped into a tropical dream. From the moment you walk in, the vibe is laid-back, the music is on point, and the drinks? Absolutely next level. Shoutout to Emily behind the bar--she was not only incredibly sweet and helpful but made sure we found the perfect cocktail for our tastes. Her recommendations were spot-on and made the whole experience even more memorable. If you're looking for a fun, immersive spot that's equal parts island getaway and adult playground, Lei Low is where it's at. Can't wait to go back! read more

Lei Low - Bar area - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

See all

Had drinks at Lei Low before a 7pm dinner reservation in the Heights. Location is tucked away and super unassuming. The bar itself felt a little depressing during daylight hours but the decor was cute and they have a wide array of tiki cocktail options. I enjoy that we have a tiki option in Houston but I probably won't be a repeat customer. read more

See all

What a cool little bar tucked away in the middle of Houston. From the outside, you wouldn't expect much but once you step inside, the vibe is pure fun. Completely decked out in a tiki bar theme. The menu is loaded with original concoctions all with an island theme. Rum is the alcohol of choice, but fear not their bar is fully stacked if room is not your thing. Order the Ooga Ooga for your table and watch the entire bar chant for you when the drink is being delivered right before they set the top of it on fire. The blue Maui was delicious and the oyster diver comes in its own oyster shell with a pearl on the end of it. Don't miss out on this really unique and fun bar if you're looking for someplace cool to hang out at read more

See all

This hole in the wall was busy and had strong drinks. The decorations were cute!! We shared a huge Halloween special drink and a mai tai. read more

Lei Low - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

See all

What a gem of a place in the Heights area! Intimate setting, fabulously crafted drinks and a fun Hawaiian setting. The bartenders are friendly and fast as they whip up some delicious cocktails. We only had a little bit of time to stop in, which meant I was only able to try one cocktail. Highly recommend the Barefoot in the Sand blended drink. The bar is in a tiny strip center. Parking lot is small. Anticipate parking in the street within the neighborhood. read more

See all

They have the tiki bar aesthetic down! Plus the drinks are strong and creative. I had a cocktail that was a twist on the negroni and was made with cachaca. read more

Lei Low - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

There's a reason this tiki bar is on Houston's best tiki bar list. Parking can get tough but it's otherwise easy to find. There are plenty of drink options and different types of seating in the underwater ship themed interior. Based on the two dogs we saw last time, I'd say it's dog friendly (with leash). I got the yellow bird and love the tiki cup it came in! There's not really food here so make sure to have a place to go to after. read more

Lei Low - Yellow bird - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

Fantastic tiki spot. Crazy atmosphere that's only amplified if you happen to come during sunset. The staff is incredibly welcoming. Drinks are wonderful. read more

Such a fun place! Drinks are great and the atmosphere is everything you expect from a tiki bar. Was pretty busy at 10pm on a saturday, but nothing crazy. read more

Lei Low - Paloma fiesta, rum punch - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

Drinks are top notch, authentic flavors, and the atmosphere is perfect. Best tiki in town and I've tried them all but keep coming back here despite the 45min drive from my house. read more

Lei Low is an adorable spot and exactly the type of place your picture when you think of a Tiki Bar. There is a parking lot, but it's shared with a convenience store so sometimes there aren't enough spots left. We ended up parking further away as we couldn't find any space there, so definitely something to keep in mind. The decor is impeccable, with so much to look at including some old fashioned Tiki cocktail menus. The drinks were good, not the best I've ever had but very serviceable. A bit sweet for my taste unfortunately. However, if you're just looking for a good time and a fun place to hang out with friends for a before or after dinner, then you truly will not regret going. read more

I am kicking myself on not coming here sooner. I've heard so many great things about this place from colleagues and friends. I went during the last weeks of December. It is totally decked out in holiday decor. From the giant ornaments hanging from the ceiling to the nutcrackers around the perimeter, their holiday drink menu is awesome too. I enjoyed my drink The Hot Buttered Banana, it had banana infused rum, butter, a little lime served hot. It was like a sweet warm hug in a mug. They also had a nice touch of having green and red conchas by their door for those who want one. The service was good, it was busy. They had a live DJ as well. read more

See all

From such a small presence on the street outwardly, Lei Low packs such a lovely atmosphere, vibes, drinks, and good times on the inside! The drinks are thoughtfully made and very fun. I get a little overwhelmed by the drink menu but a mai tai is a classic go to. A little tip is that you can get happy hour deals (great deals on a few classic cocktails) at any time if you wear floral, which is easy for me! Some of the cocktail combinations seem a little random to me, but I am not a tiki drink expert. The parking is not great so recommend parking in the neighborhood and walking, or of course ubering if you plan to get a few of these because they are strong! The bar can get pretty crowded at night, but the bartenders are friendly and doing their best out there! read more

Lei Low - Good vibes and good drinks. I love a fun cup of - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

See all

Enthusiastic 5 stars! It's worth noting that my favorite way to get buzzed is to enjoy Tiki! I absolutely love that I can order a drink, take a sip, and immediately feel the effects of the booze but have to question whether or not there is any alcohol in the drink. It's like a fun way to mess with my own mind lol :] That being said, Lei Low is a great Tiki bar. It has the elements I would want to have-- dark lighting, ship wrecked theme, strong cocktails, and other sketchy characters present ;) that last part is kind of a joke but the darker and danker the Tiki bar, the more I've found it to be true, and I love that. These cocktails were absolutely delicious and we had a rule before even arriving that we would do just one cocktail each, and then split a second one if needed. Absolutely no full second cocktail for each of us since that gets dicey quick haha. And we were going to eat & drink afterwards so I'm fully aware how quickly I can succumb to having multiple tiki drinks in a short amount of time and then am smashed. They just taste so damn good. Anyway, I hope to come back here and try more drinks. The menu had plenty of great sounding options. read more

See all

Great ambiance and creative cocktails When we arrived we took the last parking spot. It's a very busy place but the guy at the from was amazing at getting us seated from the moment we got outside our car. I tried the manhattan beach which was strong for my taste but smelled great. A few of them come in cute themed cups like a coconut, skull or tiki face. We entered picking different drinks to see what cup we'd get. I also got to try barefoot in the sand, it was milky and delicious, a good drink for two people. The staff was really great, friendly and attentive. The bathrooms are clean and in a pinch you can always go to the men's restroom since they're single rooms. read more

Lei Low - Manhattan - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

The area may be a little sketch, but this oasis is a must visit in the Houston area. Brought here by friends while visiting, I was informed not to judge this book by the outside cover. Very nondescript, but once inside, you're transported to the islands. We've been to the islands a dozen times, and this place is as real as anything you'll find there. From the décor, to the knowledgeable, friendly mixologists, the place is a total blast. Oh, the drinks, spot on! I made it through 3 tasty beverages...Mai Tai, every bit as good as the islands (remember, this place cuts up fresh fruit and blends it's own coconut puree from scratch daily). The Pina Colada made me want to sign (though I spared everyone), and the Skull full of Fog Cutter...definitely set the tone. If you're in the area, put this on your map, trust me, it's worth it. Tip: If you wear a Hawaiian shirt or dress, you get your drinks half of specially marked with a Tiki! read more

See all

The vibe, the mixologists and the WELL CRAFTED cocktails are amazing at this chill neighborhood getaway. I love everything about this little gem! Out of town visitors always ask me about my beautiful cocktails and where I go to get them. I try to bring someone new as often as I can. read more

See all

I have become a bit of a Tiki bar fan these past few years, and Lei Low remains one of the best. In Minnesota our tiki bar, Psycho Suzie's, declined in quality, then closed. (R.I.P.) But there are a few good ones in the larger Midwest - Three Dots and a Dash, Hala Kahiki, Max's South Seas. Lucky are they who have a local tiki bar. Perhaps they are scarce because of the labor that goes into authentic tiki drinks - prepping house syrups, squeezing fresh fruit, torches/garnishes - and then there's the various rums. (This makes the drinks a bit expensive too. But at a resort drinks are marked up, vacation prices; at a tiki bar quality drinks and ambiance need to make you feel on vacation) Anyways I now have to go Lei Low every time I visit family in Houston, and stand by my original review - Lei Low seems to have achieved (and sustained) a form of perfection. The decoration is impeccable, the setting intimate and lit by the dim glow of nautical lamps. The bartenders are very cool and accommodating. (I observed them working with a customer to make off-menu drinks, something from a New Orleans tiki bar.) The drinks are authentic and delicious. They could improve as a tiki bar in terms of offering food, a larger size, and elaborate/atmospheric set pieces but there would have to be trade-offs and something would be lost, because in its small, humble state it really is a form of perfection. Tips: - parking is really limited, consider an Uber if coming on a busy night - no reservations - try to ask for the Barefoot in the Sand, a smooth and flavorful blended drink and say "add a torch" - else go for the tiki staples: Painkiller, Mai Tai, and Zombie (reviewers favorite) - they will always have a few drinks that come in a cool tiki mug - scan the room when you walk in or ask a bartender - the surrounding Heights Neighborhood has a pretty good variety of restaurants. I like the Kolache Shoppe, Kin Dee read more

See all

Most perfect interior, best drinks, vibe was impeccable, music classic beach from past eras. read more

Lei Low - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

See all

Came here with a friend for a Valentine drink! The parking kinda sucks, but we found a spot nearby. Walked in and got served immediately. They had a special Valentine's menu. My friend and I tried 2/3 drinks on the menu and they were both pretty good. Our bartender was Brandon and he was great! I've already recommended this place to a couple friends. read more

Very cool place with great drinks! I had a great experience here. Staff was friendly, the blue Hawaiian was great, happy hour was a good deal, and the vibe was super cool. I tried the blue Hawaiian and the missionary's downfall. Both were really good! For the happy hour price of $7 it's an amazing deal too! Happy hour is all day Wednesday, which is super nice. I'd definitely come back here and will recommend it to my friends. Parking can be a bit hard but it's worth it read more

See all

Tiki Bars are an easy draw for me, particularly because there aren't enough of them in Houston and because cocktails are only more fun when they come in unique glassware. However, Lei Low is not like the rest and instead cater to the Heights faithful with good drinks and a fun vibe. The ambiance is such that I wouldn't know what time of day it is if I was inside the whole time. It's dark and intimate, so date friendly in a way, but also mysteriously divey but with no pretension. It also looks so incognito from the outside that it's actually really easy to miss this place when driving by. The bar isn't big but yet it's packed with bartenders. Maybe 5-6 people are constantly churning drinks and the rest of the staff is constantly serving them to the masses. They have a fun little rule where they discourage as much standing around as possible as means to keep the bar flowing and to keep the douchebaggery in check. (#1) They also have an outdoor area in the back for smokers and for anyone who doesn't want to be inside for long. They excel in quality, potent cocktails. This is the foundation of any excellent cocktail bar and their selection covers a myriad of drinks that could cater to any thirsty palate. My first choice was their coquito ($12), a drink that I've really only seen back in NY / east coast but a pleasant surprise here in H-Town. Their ponche pants ($14) is a Oaxacan rum based drink with some tamarind, pomegranate, cinnamon, lime and orange. It's as damned good drink. Perhaps the only lowlights might be the bathroom (#2) and the parking. For the latter, it can be a challenge finding street parking in a largely residential neighborhood and their lot is mainly for the convenience store next door. When in doubt, ride sharing would be the way to go. ___________ (#1) This does mean that people will have to wait outside. (#2) Expected. No nightlife venue goes unscathed in this arena. read more

This is the best tiki bar I've ever been to. They're consistent only other one that compares was "lost in Amsterdam" The staff is so welcoming and I appreciate John making me feel welcome as I'm new to Houston. I'm lucky I didn't live here when I was in my twenties. I wouldve lived in the bar. Perfect spot to start or end the night. The drinks are top notch and not gimmicky. I always look forward to having a tasty pina colda when I visit. Don't miss out on this place. The interior decorations are also top notch. read more

I went through a phase a few years back during which I was kind of obsessed with finding Tiki or general Hawaiian establishments in Houston (Haha!). So, for my birthday, during the height of the pandemic, I came across Lei Low. At the time, they sold cocktail kits. This was so cool and very festive for a birthday. My Mai Tai kit included flowers, umbrellas, stirrers and everything else you would need to make a Mai Tai. I cannot attest to the ambience or bar experience as this was a strictly takeout experience, and I ordered before pickup. But I can definitely say the service was great and I would definitely return one day in the future to check it out. read more

Lei Low - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

See all

This is a great little tiki bar in The Heights. It's been a few years since I've visited, but the one thing that I clearly remembered is that the parking situation isn't great. There are only a couple of spots in the shared lot with the corner store. If you can't find a spot, you'll have to park in the surrounding neighborhood or take an Uber/Lyft. One thing that has changed since I was here is that they don't allow patrons to stand in the bar. It's seated and they are very strict about the 58 person capacity. The door woman took her job very seriously. When you enter, you are asked how many are in your party. Once the bar hits capacity, you will have to wait outside as if it's a swanky nightclub downtown. I'm not sure how the reservation system works for seating, but there was a waitlist. They have a tiny patio out back if you can't find seating inside. If going on a weekend, get there early so you can grab a seat. Since it's a tiki bar, the majority of drinks are rum based. I don't love rum but I had two drinks that I enjoyed (Santa's Oasis and Missionary's Downfall). They come in cute cups and you will be charged if you don't return them. They have an extensive menu and it is updated on a regular basis. Fun fact: If you wear a Hawaiian shirt, you get HH prices all night! Staff for the most part were friendly, though some in my group encountered a bartender who seemed to be having a bad day. The staff kept asking us if we were done with our drinks; some in our group felt rushed to finish (apparently they were running low on drinking vessels). Despite that, we had a good time! read more

Lei Low - Santa's Oasis - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

See all

I've had this place bookmarked for quite some time and finally got to check it out with a great group of fellow foodie friends. Parking is pretty horrendous here. They share a lot with a corner store and spaces are very limited. Street parking is pretty sketch but that seems to be what most people do. I would suggest car pooling or using a ride share to get here. Customer service was a little hit and miss. Most of the people I interacted with were cool, but there were a few with an attitude. This place knows it's popularity so I don't think they really mind losing a customer here and there. I love Tiki bars and seek them out wherever I go. Most, if not all the drinks are rum forward, so keep that in mind when coming here. I personally love rum and I like some drinks on the sweet side. I started off with a Missionary's Downfall. This drink contained white rum and peach brandy and had a very refreshing fruity flavor to it. Highly recommend. I also had a Painkiller which was a dark rum drink with a very citrusy flavor to it. It too was delicious but not as good as my first drinks. My friends all seemed to like whatever they ordered. A couple of people the drinks made for 2 to 4 people. Overall a good time was had with some little hiccups with some of the not so friendly staff. I was between a 3 and 4 on the ratings, but the drinks rounded it up to a 4. I'll probably be back at some point. read more

See all

The cutest little bar ever, my friend recommended this place and it was the perfect date night. Bartenders were personable and were very thorough with drink recommendations. I am a sucker for presentation and every drink ordered looked so beautiful. read more

See all

If you're looking for an authentic tiki experience, this is the place. Their drinks are excellent and the staff is highly knowledgeable about types of rum. Our server gave us a run down on tiki cocktail creators and a historical context of how tiki drinks came to be. It was a cocktail nerd's dream to get an impromptu lesson on this stuff (I am more of a whisky drinker, myself. A lot of what he told us was new to me). If youre looking for a quiet spot to have a long conversation and sip your drink though, this is not the place. The space is pretty noisy. The back patio gives some respite for sensitive ears.... But otherwise the vibes are nice with lots of festive lighting, tiki masks, grass skirt borders, and some of their drink garnishes even light up as well. Had a great time hear and would come back before a night out dancing with friends read more

Great spot to hit up for some creative rum based cocktails! The tiki theme is present and strong at this bar. In fact, if you participate in the theme by wearing a Hawaiian shirt, you can retain happy hour pricing throughout the night! What a fun bonus and incentive to get in the mood for the night. The lovely rum based cocktails from the last visit were represented heavily with a holiday theme. A seasonal menu is always fun, and the creative adornments and vessels that are served with the cocktail make them super visually impactful and instagramable. The sharing sized cocktails are most impressive and a fun way to enjoy with friends. Definitely take advantage of the happy hour special that goes on till seven. Out of the drinks I tried, the Mai Tai stood out as the favorite. Parking is limited in the shared lot, so expect to street park nearby. There was a short wait for a table Friday evening for patrons, but you can chill and drink in the back patio as you waits. Despite being a small place, the tables turn rather quickly since they don't serve food here. Definitely worth a return visit! read more

See all

This is an amazing bar if you are into the Tiki scene. They do it right! The drinks are amazing and the decor takes you right into an experience of island vibe! read more

Such a cute little tiki bar! Parking isn't great, but luckily I snagged a spot before it got crowded. There's also neighborhood parking close by. While we were there, the bartenders warned that a specific car would be towed because it was parked in another business's spot. Luckily, that person ran out and moved their car. So beware of that! Bartenders were super friendly and I loved that music wasn't too loud so I could catch up with friends. Super chill vibes (: My friend got the mai tai and I got the missionary's downfall, both of which were on their happy hour menu for $7 each. Happy hour is Tues to Fri from 4-7pm. As for the drinks, I really enjoyed mine. I'm usually not a mixed drink person, as I hate the sugar that comes with it, but the missionary's downfall was light and refreshing. It's def something I'd get again! All in all, I'm looking forward to returning and trying other drinks. But maybe I'll just stick to what I like hahah (: read more

Lei Low - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

See all

The drinks were good, inside was crowded & hot, but the theme of the bar made it fun! Bonus points if you're a matchbook collector! read more

Lei Low - Mai Tai & Rum and Coke - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

Lei Low is an absolute treasure and it feels like you are stepping into a tropical paradise and not in Houston, TX! The decor, dim lighting and laid-back vibe make it perfect for starting your night with a few drinks. The service is always outstanding, and while it may get busy at time the bartenders are very quick and are always more than happy to help you pick from the drink menu. All the cocktails are phenomenal with the zombie and painkiller are must-tries! Not into fruity drinks, no worry they have some beer on the menu as well. Lei Low is definitely worth the visit! read more

Lei Low - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas