I like a good dive bar, but I was surprised to find The Railyard on the edge of River Oaks. Even though it's in an affluent area, the bar is very laid back. I stopped in on a Friday evening for a night cap. The bar is a pretty decent size and they have their own parking lot. They have a large patio out front and there was plenty of seating indoors as well. It's a sports bar so there were a lot of TVs throughout. They also have arcade games including Skee Ball and Pop-A-Shot. The menu had beer, wine, and cider, but they do have a full bar. I didn't see any specialty cocktails on the menu so I just asked the bartender, Marc to make me a gin based cocktail. Marc came up with his version of a Corpse Reviver. It had a tart, yet fruity twist to it. I can't recall all of the ingredients he used, but I liked it. I also had a Gimlet which was really good. Marc informed me about The Railyard shot special. Any time a train rolls by, you can purchase a vodka based shot for $2. I'm not much of a shot person, but I went ahead and ordered a White Tea shot. It was really good. Everyone in the bar was friendly and I appreciated the diversity of the clientele. Super chill place, just as a dive should be. read more

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Service could be improved by a person who has a personality and is not scared of a good time, which is what a bar is about, last time I checked. read more

If you find yourself needing a delightful escape, tucked between River Oaks and the towers of the Galleria is Houston's most unexpected qualifying dive bar for miles. Darling, it is hands-down destination boozing to sip some carefree Shiners. It is also intriguing to be so close to the trains on this side of the tracks. What about the horns you ask? Fear not. They silence them so as not to disturb the slumber of River Oaksers. After making the rounds, if you're in the mood to kick back without the pressure of who's who, make the Houston Railyard your go-to. read more

Great bar, amazing bourbon selection and reasonably priced pours. This will be a regular stop on my Houston trips.

Mike was amazing! First time here, and I loved every minute. Came in with a group of friends. The games offered and the friendly environment is just a plus. 10/0. read more

Cool vibe, decent drinks, outdoor area. Cool local bar for galleria area and has parking

Came by for one beer. Service was fast and great! They have a lot of TVs and fun games. I'll come back with more friends.

Nice comfortable environment. Our bartender was very friendly and skilled. Definitely recommend

Honestly you should just IGNORE those Angry Karen reviews!! If you are genuinely interested in visiting The Railyard and what it offers then welcome to the local community! Located in one of the most expensive areas of Houston, this bar offers an escape for those accustomed to a more modest lifestyle. As always props to Renee she is the best!! read more

There's nothing like discovering a dive bar within walking (or crawling) distance from where you're staying! Uniquely juxtapositioned between the mansions of River Oaks, and the luxury high rises of Galleria, The Railyard meets dive bar criteria. It is located on the windowless end of a squat, nondescript strip mall, underneath high-voltage power lines, and right next to the main line of the Union Pacific Railroad. Having said that, I felt very welcome as a first-timer, even though I was somewhat older than the crowd that seemed to be there. There are several arcade games, and a bare bones patio area for the smokers. They have a very good selection of beers and spirits available at reasonable prices. I especially liked the "Touch Tunes " jukebox which allows you to play songs from your smartphone. The bartenders were excellent, with a shout-out to Brittany for making us feel so welcome! They have great specials, including "in the industry" nights Sunday thru Wednesday after 10. As I was there on a Wednesday after 10, I can tell you I met a plethora of "crazy characters" during my visit, and it all lent itself to a party-like atmosphere. I made one return visit there during my stay in Houston. Overall, I was quite satisfied with The Railyard! read more

The Railyard - Something to think about - Sports Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

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I absolutely loved this place and wish I would have come in sooner. Leaving River Oaks to hit 610 right over the rail tracks sits this small bar, if not for the clever sign I probably would have missed this. The bartender Stephanie was so sweet, hilarious and super friendly. My friend and myself were the only 2 female patrons for awhile and she remarked she was glad to see us and made a point to chat with us. Decent selection on tap and Stephanie readily offered up samples without being asked- nice touch! Large patio especially considering the size of inside. A few arcade games, big clean bathrooms and ample bar space made for a great visit. read more

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Cool dive bar! Honestly was only there for one drink on a Sunday evening so probably didn't get the full experience, but I'd go back. The bartender was super nice and conversational, he left a good impression of the place. Love that they have games like skee ball and the basketball shooting game (you know the one, not sure if it's official title). Good place overall! read more

Great bar in the galleria area. Excellent management and nice strong drinks . Be sure to try the old fashioned: my wife loved the Ash Cat and Eagle Rare!! Can't wait to go back!!' read more

This is definitely not a dive bar it's a relaxed casual bar with reasonably priced drinks and some fun arcade games.

It's a nice casual neighborhood bar. It's actually close to the railroad tracks. I sat outside which was very smoky, which I guess is to be expected. I didn't like the drink the bartender made but she was very nice about it. I probably would have sat inside but there weren't too many people there. I'd probably give it a second chance and maybe play some of the games inside. It's a good place to chill if you don't mind smoke. read more

The Railyard - Sports Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

the new bartender needs to go. we love the other guy who has been there before renovations.

Perhaps in an effort to make the phoenix analogy more concrete, the façade - such as it was - at the Roll-N Saloon caught fire not long before its imminent demise. A symbolic pyre for the passing of a much loved neighborhood dive? Who knows, but the bar has been resurrected from the ashes and reincarnated as the Railyard. As the name suggests, the bar still faces the tracks, but that's about all it has in common with the old Roll-N Saloon - at least physically. In a stroke of more spiritual continuity, the new owners retained the beloved bartenders Mark and Tony to help the old regulars feel at home. Otherwise, the gutted interior is unrecognizable. Gone are the chalked scribblings and fading photos of patrons past festooning the walls and ceilings; present are brick walls, polished furniture, and flat screen TV's dressing up the joint with a modern sports bar feel perhaps more befitting its River Oaks environs. Gone is the old school jukebox with the classic country crooners and raucous royalty of rock; installed is a shiny new internet jukebox. But talking to the new owners, they're really not channeling Weingarten Realty or anything. Their family owns the larger center in which the bar is located, and they are nice enough guys trying to update the place while maintaining a neighborhood feel and cultivating a new clientele without alienating the old. That internet jukebox? Loaded with many of the same tracks you would have found on the old one. And with a vintage photo booth located in the corner, patrons can start adorning the walls with new shindiggerous moments frozen in time. read more

The Railyard - Sports Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

I've been here a handful of times. During its Roll-N days and just last week for a nightcap with an ol' friend. I don't have many fond memories or attachments to the older version - but the new, updated "face lift" look isn't half bad. It's clean, lots of games, gadgets and TVs to keep you entertained, and the clientele seem to have a good time here. The place reminds me of some of the bars out in Cypress (sans the cigarette smoke), but fortunately, it's right in River Oaks. Stiff pours, great parking. No major complaints. read more

I liked the crowd and vibe this place has. Drinks are well priced along with a great selection. I was a fan of the basketball game. Bartender was super knowledgeable and friendly. I'll be back. read more

The Railyard - Sports Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

The Railyard is a bar. Nothing awesome, extraordinary, fantastic or beyond what one would expect in a bar is present here. No amazing liquor selection. No signature cocktails. No expansive beer rail jam-packed with Texas brews. It's just a bar. End of story. read more

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Came here for a group function a few weeks back and I'm glad I made the trek down to the galleria area. This bar had an instant "where everybody knows your name" appeal and even though I had never been there before I was treated like a long time customer. The beer was priced right and after chatting with the owner for a little bit I was coerced (he didn't have to twist my arm very hard) into trying their "new formula" margarita which was very smooth and definitely goes on the recommend list. I like the location as it's close enough to the galleria yet far enough off the loop to avoid any traffic issues. Parking is not an issue at all. read more

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Came in for a beer after watching a friend's rugby game. The opposing team, Houston's team, was sponsoring a bar event afterwards here at Railyard. Prices were low and the bartender was friendly. Place is a miniature sports bar with all the tv's, games, and other trappings. They also have patio seating available in case the weather is nice. Always a plus in my book. I've always driven by wondering about the place and am happy to know what the inside looks like. Pretty straightforward bar and have little to complain about. read more

If you're looking for a place to just chill and grab a drink this is a good place. When you pull into the parking lot you're greeted with limited availability on spots since its in a shopping center. Once you're able to park the bar does have a patio (plus!) but the staff doesn't come out to serve you drinks you'll need to go to the bar. Once inside the bar it's small but workable. There's a few games and some big screens to watch the games. The drinks are reasonably priced but they don't have a huge selection. They also do not serve food so that's kind of a bummer. The positive is the bar is located next to a railroad and every time one passed you get a shot special soooo that's awesome. All in all not terrible for the area. read more

The Railyard - Sports Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

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We went on a Monday night which was a super chill time. I enjoyed the atmosphere and the staff's service was great! I will def be returning here. It's awesome that you can hear the train go by which is even more of a reason to go! The bartenders Stephanie and Warren were there when we went and I really liked talking to them! They do drink specials sometimes when the train goes by too if you stay long enough to catch it! I will be back for sure! read more

In town for business from Nashville and was wanting a dive bar like home. Found it! Stephanie was amazing and it's non smoking, but that's the world now. Asked for a matches and was allotted her lighter as long as I didn't leave with it. I didn't, but also a guy lost his keys and she helped him find em as well as not making anybody wait unreasonably. Great bartender and great little spot!!! read more

Never thought I'd find a dive bar in River Oaks. For a dive bar, it is probably the cleanest and most air-conditioned one I've been around. Coming from NH, where there are only dive bars, this place would fit right in. To Railyard's credit, they do have a nice beer selection, draft and bottled, and provide the bare minimum in terms of sports and entertainment. I would bring friends here for a laid-back night out. read more

This place is solid. Great atmosphere, friendly bar staff and plenty of entertainment ( skeet ball, super shot basketball, arcade table Pac-Man and more) came here at 5 with some pals, ordered a couple of G-n-Ss on happy hour ($3.50 a pop). Nice selection of spirits and beers. Louis XIII is available at a cool $240 a shot. All and all cool bar. read more

Super cool vibe. Laid back super cool regulars. And the bartender Renee is the bomb! . She makes a killer margarita !first time here . But I'll be back ! read more

If you are looking for a place with a great outdoor patio and cold beer, this is the place to go!! I went here on Friday with a friend and we had a great time enjoying springtime in Houston while sipping on our beers :). This is definitely a sports bar on the inside, but if you decide to sit outdoors, the sports-bar-y atmosphere is completely lost on you!! Also, they have drink specials during the week, so will probably need to go back an give Whiskey Wednesdays a try ;) read more

I asked my girlfriends to meet me here before dinner at Liberty, and they looked surprised when they walked in that I would suggest a dive bar of sorts. I too, used to visit this place before while it was the Roll in, and I must say, it looks a hell of a lot better than it did. I like the new layout, and the fact that the place has been freshened up a bit. It has SKEE Ball and Journey playing, check and check. Bartender was friendly, and the pour was strong and reasonably priced. The crowd was super diverse, and they served fireball shots on special. My kind of place. I'll definitely stop when when I'm in the area for a casual drink or cocktail before dinner. read more

Me and my girls had a great time at this bar, Until I was grabbed twice by this drunk guy, he had been bothering me and my two other girlfriends, we were with our boyfriends who were taking care of the awkwardness of being around this man, (the bar has to have a camera, they can see at what point this man was bothering us) who had been harassing us the entire night. We tried not to make a big deal about it BECAUSE WE DIDNT WANT TO MAKE A SCENE! He grabbed my ass and that's when we lost our cool! The bartender kicked us out instead of the SEX OFFENDER. Because this establishment (bartender Zander) condones sexual harassment. They like their bank accounts over moral & respect. I was kicked out for being violated, I was being cheered on for being kicked out for standing up for myself read more

I've been coming to Railyard for 2 years now and it's everything you could ask for. Games, TouchTunes, friendly bartenders, and a kick ass patio. It's a perfect neighborhood bar with great drink specials. If ever in the area and stuck in traffic just kill time here. You won't regret it and you'll probably be back sooner than later. read more

i used to like this bar. and I'm trying to write something good about it. I come here because its close to my place of business. I too am in the industry. I realize that this bar is a business. Ive been frequenting for 3 years now. The have 3 things going for them. 2 of them are gone. One is still there. Here's the deal owner of the Railyard, everyone knows who and where you come from. We give you the benefit of the doubt. But, where are all your best bartenders. I came here tonight. I ordered from the cute brunette bartender. Why? Because she remembers me and she cares. Apparently, you have, once again, hired a new guy behind the bar. if he spent as much time bartending as he does on his phone, we (a group that spends a lot of money at your family's bar) would be fine with it. His attitude has been horrible the last 4 times weve been in. I now come here for a late-night buzz, not for the atmosphere. Fortunately, the girl still works there. Do you have a problem with women? You had at least 2 women that worked for you in the last year/year and a half. Both of which are gone. You hired a male in glasses that we actually liked, but now he's gone. If you know whats good for you, dont make up for friendly female staff by having that blonde girl. Apparently, you are better with sleeping with the staff than making good managerial decisions. Thanks for your industry discount btw. Oh, but you probably read that out of a manual. Food for thought (because all you have is chips and F1 racing) industry is what keeps "REAL" bars alive, not mommy and daddy's money honey. Thanks. If you don't see a taller brunette, turn around and get back in your car...before it gets broken into. Thanks for the lack of local beer. WTF is Crabbies anyway? Concerned Regular read more

I recently moved to Houston and I asked Siri, who is a Talking Robot on my iPhone, where the nearest bar was, and she told me...The Rail Yard. I thought I'd give it a shot. Turns out to be a nice little Bar. Friendly bar tenders and cool crowd. Usually a few nice seasonal IPA's and what have yous on tap. Nice place to grab a drink with the co-workers after a day's work. They have flat TVs for watching the games and also a big screen projector. Jukebox too. Outside is a patio for stargazing and enjoying the trains that come by every now and then. So basically, if you want to enjoy a drink, this place will most likely have it. Also, If you see me here, which is likely, say hello and ill let u buy me a shot. read more

I came in with a group on my birthday and as soon as I went to go try to play music after we had all about drinks and keep in mind this was only my second beer of the night the manager I guess did not like the look of me I don't know what his name was he's got a reddish blondish beard really not that good looking and he just continue to pester me and kick me out for no reason I asked for was a reason and I would've left happily but he still wouldn't give me a reason so he lost about want to say get $300 worth of business and about a two hour span. Is one of the most boring motifs of a poor I've ever seen poor customer service just not good looking and just not a place to go if you are looking for a good bar, just so many other places to go. Don't even waste your time going there because it's an absolute dump read more

If I was a bar and I lived in Houston, the Railyard would be me. Great beer and booze selection. All the bar games you could really ask for: basketball, table soccer, darts... I think a pool table was missing, I can't remember seeing one now. Regardless, this place has what I like in a bar. Smart bartenders, outdoor patio, touch tunes juke box, good times. I could see myself coming here often. read more

Great little neighborhood bar. The wine selection is not deep but what they have is perfectly decent. A snack selection would improve my rating. Nuts, chips, etc. No need to go full kitchen cooking! Just, ya know, a basket of chips and salsa. There are a whole lotta "white shirt and tie" types, but a few casual shirts too. Overall, I'd come here again. (But I might bring snack and sit outside.) read more

What an awesome neighborhood bar! I've been coming here regularly for over a year now, and have never been disappointed! This is one of those places where you can come with both a big group of coworkers for happy hour, or with just a good friend for a low-key night out. The beer selection is awesome, and they consistently get in different whiskey and bourbon options, making it fun to try something new every time. And don't overlook the frozen drinks! The bartenders are top-notch - you never have to wait long for a drink, and they are equally as happy to pop open a Lone Star as they are to make a martini. I feel very safe here and in the parking lot, and the restrooms are kept clean, both of which are huge pluses for women!! I'm so glad there's a bar in this area that has the standards and selection of a "swanky" bar with the comfort and atmosphere of a neighborhood bar ( AND both skee ball and a basketball game!!). :-) read more

Rude - kicked out our friend for being rude and he said 3 words. Disrespected my 50 year old mother for accidentally bringing in a 1/4 full seltzer instead of asking her to just throw it away. Rude. No recommendation. read more

This place is neat! The vibes are really mellow and relaxing, perfect for drinks. There's a really cool $3 well shot special when the train rolls by! I didn't like that when there's a game on the tv inside, you can't have any music playing on the patio outside....but any other time you can pick songs right from your seat using this cool app. This place IS dog friendly and I love the company of a good pup. They have a few game selections to choose from so there's always something to do! The bartenders were friendly, attentive and gave speedy service! This is a small local bar and good if you want to drink, however no food is served so don't come hungry! read more

The Railyard - a woman standing at the bar - Sports Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas