Unconventional in every way, Nutsouh has been one of my favorite venues in the city. Founded 30…read moreyears ago by local artists Jim Pirtle and Missy Bosch, it got its start as a coffee shop before becoming a site for art installations and live entertainment. The name is simply "Houston" spelled backwards. The decor is quirky, eclectic and goes hard on the taxidermy. There are all kinds of animals from land-based to sea creations in all kinds of positions, along with very unique art and ambiance to explore. The multi-room layout makes the place a fun spot to explore and check out the different levels. The darkly lit ambiance makes it a bit hard for photographs, but it is no less a dizzying and fascinating space. My favorite part of the entire place is on third floor, where there is a sound dome that doubles as a visualizer, a communal space, and a trippy acoustics wonderland where music can be played via bluetooth and tourists and locals would enjoy it. The sound system is excellent and a perfect place to chill out. There's more than just sensory overload, the drinks also deserve a bit of mention. The jalapeño palomas and hibiscus mules are fun, despite feeling a tinge overpriced. Bartenders are nice people, and service as a whole is a thumbs up. The parking situation will be challenging, since this is Downtown proper. Street parking is available just down the block, and if one can avoid the crowded weekends, the weeknights are an ideal time to visit. It's hard not to be impressed with the distinctiveness of the place, which is truly one of the city's great local favorites.

I've been coming here for over fifteen years. Whoever the new staff is lately are extremely rude…read more Came here yesterday at like 5 PM and as we were leaving the bartender randomely just told my boyfriend to "fuck off and die." We don't even know this dude and barely spoke two words to him. We just came to check out the cute outdoor space upstairs. It was so shocking. Dude needs to be fucking fired. Absolute scumbag behavior for no reason. I will never ever go back which is sad because I have so many great memories there. Lost a long time customer for no reason at all.

Grand Prize is a kitschy dive bar with a tiki bar feel. There are a couple of pool tables available…read moreto play (one upstairs and one downstairs), as well as a couple of patios. Drink prices were fairly cheap, especially for Houston (select beers ranging from $3-6). During my first visit on a Saturday, they had a dj playing lively music at the upstairs bar. Downstairs is where it feels like a proper dive. Parking wasn't as much of a challenge as most other areas in Houston. Definitely will be returning!

A very peculiar bar tucked away betwix a neighborhood and a school. It was clearly previously a…read morehouse that has now been transformed into a bar. When you walk in there is a smaller bar on the 1st floor and seating available. When you go upstairs there is a dance floor a large booth to your left and a Dj playing a mix of song that give EDM. I was here for an afterwork function and the bar seemed chill. But don't know that I'd cone back Also parking can be tough street psrking only.

By the Wayside is not just one of the best bars to open in the East End, but is one of the most…read morepopular bars to open in Houston recently! I love that I get the chance to call this my local neighborhood spot. I'll say this louder for the people in the back, but the East End is way too underrated! Just down Navigation Blvd from Boo's Burgers (shoutout to them), is the new craft cocktail bar, By The Wayside. What's not to love about this place?! Think relaxed but refined environment, beautiful artwork, live music, bar food featuring meat from Eastbound BBQ, and thoughtfully made cocktails. Sergio was my bartender my first couple visits here and nothing, but excellent service from him. Their matcha cocktail, "This Counts As Self Care," is creamy deliciousness. Otherwise, I've had well made classics like their old fashioned, daiquiri, and Southside. Honestly the world cup games lately have been an excuse to come here more often. It's so convenient that they have their own parking lot as well. Cheers to my favorite bar in the East End!

*New Bar Alert in East Houston*…read more By The Wayside Bar is tucked away on the East End of Navigation Blvd, and it's definitely a vibe. This bar + listening lounge has been transformed into a creative hub where live music meets local art. What I loved most? It gives after-work hangout energy, the kind of spot you pull up to with coworkers or friends to unwind. From their specialty cocktails to the beautiful outdoor patio featuring murals by local artists, it's the perfect mix of chill + curated. And yesssss FREE parking. If you're looking for a lounge with live music, good drinks, and a whole vibe, add By The Wayside Bar to your list. They checked all my boxes: Beautiful Space Friendly Staff Specialty Cocktails Spacious Outdoor Patio Plenty of Parking

I've passed by this bar countless times and have always wondered about it. I'm glad that I finally…read morecame in with a group of my friends. This is definitely a dive bar and seems to really be geared towards the local neighborhood. From the outside and even the inside, you may not think much of it but it was a pleasant surprise and they have so many cocktails to try. We got there a little early on a Friday night and were one of the only groups there but a rather large party/gathering came in maybe 30mins or so afterwards. The mixologist? was super friendly and gave recommendations as there are just so many cocktail options. Drinks took a bit to be made but she was by herself and we each ordered a different drink. The drinks themselves were really good and there's definitely something for everyone here. I really enjoyed my lady earl and we even tried a hot cheeto drink (not my favorite but it was fun to try and really does taste like a hot cheeto). I think this is just a fun place to check out and hang out. I'm glad to have this as a local spot not and am looking forward to trying more of their drinks!

This place is so cute! They only serve drinks and a snack. It's a great cocktail place for good…read morevibes and has a more intimate atmosphere. The bartenders are very friendly and make really good drinks!

I went here specifically for the uno social club event. I really enjoyed this place. It's tucked in…read morethe middle of a neighborhood and definitely hidden. They have a big outdoor area. The inside is retro like. The whole place was different and they seem to have an upstairs deck that was closed off just for this event maybe. No food just drinks. Definitely a place to visit for a group gathering if you just want to do something different and get drinks.

I stopped by Dan Electros Guitar Bar on a Wednesday night. First off, before I get to it, what a…read morecool name for a bar. Let's get to it. Ambiance (3/5): Dan Electros is located in a residential neighborhood. They have a relatively small parking lot and it was completely full on a Wednesday. We ended up parking on the street a block or two away. Initially, I wasn't too impressed. Dan Electros has a gravel parking lot. Never a fan. It gets your car dirty and your shoes dirty. When you walk in though, you're entering a dive bar with some character. It's tough to describe what that is exactly but it's something you feel. Dan Electros hosts a lot of live music and they have a small dance floor. If you're into live music, as I am, this may be the spot for you. They also have a pool table which is always a plus in my book. Service (4/5): I ordered a drink at the bar. I was greeted promptly and received my drink promptly. When I later went back to the bar to close out, I was able to do so without much effort. Solid experience overall. Food (N/A): I didn't have any food as I had dinner prior, but I don't think they have food anyway. I'm not 100% though. Drinks (4/5): For a dive bar, Dan Electros has a cool menu with some interesting cocktails and a good beer list. Even at a dive bar, it's nice when you can order more than just beers and simple cocktails. With that said, I had a beer. When in Rome.

I've had the best times here and the staff has some of the best people! The space has a homey vibe…read morewith the couches and lighting and I've always enjoyed that :)

The cheapest hookah downtown is found at Deans (25$)During the week this place is dead, weekends…read moreit's a movie. The male bartender with long hair is so sweet and kind. The female brunette bartender is as well. The blonde one harbors a nasty attitude. We typically come to Deans to people watch in the front. The hookah guy is always nice and gives free hookah refills. The drinks here are pretty good as well.

The flat is in a way a hidden gem. I don't think I've ever heard anyone talk about it but it's a…read moregreat hang out spot. Super vibe-y and laid back. They feature an indoor and outdoor space with order at the counter service. I've gone right after work when it wasn't too crowded and have ordered a pizzas and frozen bevy. The place is incredibly affordable during happy hours with a half off pizzas and $2 off their cocktails. You can leave spending $16 at happy hour + tip. Only boo boo thing is the parking, there's only street parking available which can be a headache for those not familiar with the area so just keep an eye out for signage.

Popped into The Flat for a birthday gathering. The DJ was INCREDIBLE!…read moreWe'd planned to stop in, drop off a gift, say HBD, and head to the next stop...but the DJ kept us there for 90 minutes. I was surprised to see Jamaican beef patty and coco bread on the menu. Took forever to come out, but when it did...delicious and well worth the wait. Drinks were delicious as well and their bartenders clearly know how to make a great cocktail. Place feels a little "divey" but the vibes, drinks, and surprising food quality make it worth a visit.

Met a friend here for some Sunday drinking. Nice low key neighborhood bar. Friendly bartender and…read morenice jukebox too. Not a big place but they have patio space outside for dogs to play and hangout.

Decided to walk over on a Saturday night since it's so close to us. The service was great! Our…read morebartender was very friendly and even covered our first round of beer. Good prices. The garage door was open and it felt nice out. Good music, clean restroom and sink areas. Will be back!