Nightlife

Anderson Fair

2007 Grant St, Houston, TX 77006 713-528-8576

Description: MONTROSE. Acoustic artists are the focus at this venue, which has been a local presence since the '60s. They typically play in a black-box setting so that musicianship and songwriting skills are prominently highlighted. Solo performers and groups come from all over the country as well as the Houston area. Beer, wine, and light fare are available, and tickets can be booked online for convenience.
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Blanco's

3406 W Alabama St, Houston, TX 77027 713-439-0072

Description: RIVER OAKS. For an authentic Houston experience, head to Blanco's and see what a real Texas honky-tonk is made of. The place isn't large, but it's packed with character, and you'll find some of the area's best bands playing country tunes to appreciative audiences. If your skills are up to par, show off your two-stepping on the dance floor; otherwise, you might just want to knock off a Lone Star on the patio or sample barbecue and chicken-fried chicken. Lots of regulars hang out here ­ a sure sign there's something good to be had.
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Cezanne

4100 Montrose Blvd, Houston, TX 77006-4938 713-522-9621

Description: MONTROSE. Houston's jazz connoisseurs frequent this intimate, 40-seat venue. An impressive roster of local and nationally-recognized acts packs the house on weekends, and a cozy setting means that every seat is a good one. A full bar is available, along with the same appetizers and desserts you'll find at sister-pub The Black Labrador, located downstairs. A perfect choice for a first date!
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Continental Club

3700 Main St, Houston, TX 77002 713-529-9899

Description: MIDTOWN. Spun off from the Austin original, Houston's Continental Club has a similar sensibility regarding music ­ it prefers it independent, a little quirky, and with a slightly unpolished edge. That's not to say that performers are unpracticed; rather, they're at the top of their game, whether they specialize in blues, alternative rock, or country. Sometimes, acoustics aren't perfect in the former general store ­ metal ceilings and all ­ but the incredible talents and the pleasure of first-hand experience offset the slight imperfections. An outdoor patio and pool tables offer distraction during breaks in the music lineup.
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Fitzgerald's

2706 White Oak Dr, Houston, TX 77007-2792 713-862-3838

Description: THE HEIGHTS. This two-story concert venue has a 25-year history of presenting live music from local and national groups in an intimate setting, up-close and personal. Whether upstairs or in the downstairs lounge, you're guaranteed to hear loud, live rock and see an eclectic mix of locals, students, punks, and perhaps a few who defy categorization. Two full bars and two pool tables help make downtime fun.
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Last Concert Cafe

1403 Nance St, Houston, TX 77002 713-226-8563

Description: DOWNTOWN. For folks craving low-key acoustic jam sessions and hearty Mexican food, Last Concert Cafe is the place to go. Appetizers like crab-stuffed jalapenos let patrons nibble as they listen, and enchiladas and tostadas prove satisfying for hungrier guests. There's live music (R&B, rock, jazz) every night between Tuesday and Saturday, so be sure to come and check out the local talent.
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McGonigel's Mucky Duck

2425 Norfolk, Houston, TX 77098 713-528-5999

Description: MIDTOWN. Boasting maybe the town's best combination of live music and tap beers, McGonigel's has long been considered one of Houston's top watering holes. Irish in theme, the pub sports rustic-looking tables and booths, cranberry-colored walls, and a cornucopia of Irish and Guinness-themed collectibles. Well-known local and regional acts have appeared from time to time, including such Longhorn notables as Lyle Lovett, Alejandro Escovedo, Toni Price, and Guy Clark. A pleasant patio offers patrons a chance to catch some fresh air, and the kitchen sates late-night appetites with standard pub grub. (A word to the wise: Fish-n-chips always goes better with a pint of Guinness.)
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Mink

3718 Main St, Houston, TX 77002 713-522-9985

Description: The Mink on Main exudes the same sort of effortless cool characterized by Paul Newman and Steve McQueen. Updated, cooler and hipper, of course. The black walls, pink accents and subdued lighting create a laid-back mood, but upstairs, you can usually find a crowd clustered around a live band. Their weekly DJ sessions are as likely to draw in a frenzied crowd as they are to just set a mellow groove.
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Numbers

300 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77006 713-526-6551

Description: MONTROSE. Numbers has gained a reputation as being the place in Houston to catch new bands before they've had a chance to make it big. Featured performers range in genre from Goth to New Wave to rock-rap, but you can always count on great crowds and one of the area's hippest (and hottest) dance scenes. Past acts have included Hole, Type-O Negative, Ben Folds Five, Coolio, Gravity Kills, and Sevendust.
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Red Cat Jazz Café

924 Congress St, Houston, TX 77002 713-226-7870

Description: DOWNTOWN. A N'awlins sensibility colors this enticing jazz haunt, which occupies a historic brick building near Market Square. The appealing structure is a beautiful complement to the strains of jazz and blues that give it life. Along with incredible bands, patrons discover scrumptious bayou fare, from po' boys to etouffee, not to mention exhibits of original art. For a real treat, take in one of Red Cat's toe-tappingly delicious Sunday brunches.
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Rudyard's Pub

2010 Waugh Dr, Houston, TX 77006 713-521-0521

Description: MONTROSE. Take a British pub and cross it with an eclectic neighborhood bar, and you've got quirky Rudyard's. Adorned with tons of memorabilia and simple wooden tables and chairs, it's a casual place to grab a pint and tell tales with friends. Upstairs, pool tables invite self-proclaimed sharks, and a stage hosts alternative rock bands of varying degrees of fame. A crew of regulars (including a dog) often stake out territory at the bar, and tasty pub grub is great for helping soak up alcohol. Plus, the bathrooms have gained quite a reputation for their comical grafitti.
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Sambuca

909 Texas Ave, Rice Hotel, Houston, TX 77002 713-224-5299

Description: DOWNTOWN. Sleek, shimmering, funky Sambuca is a haven for the city's elite and is a shining venue for top jazz performers (and those who master other genres). An accomplished menu is at hand, perfect for enjoying in conjunction with the sensational music. If you'd rather hang out at the bar, that's perfectly acceptable too ­ and comes without the time limit of a table. Best of all, the music complements both dining and conversation, never intruding on a special evening out.
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Scott Gertner's SkyBar and Grille

3400 Montrose Blvd, Houston, TX 77006-4341 713-520-9688

Description: MONTROSE. Quite literally above the rest, Scott Gertner's Skybar and Grille occupies a penthouse that affords sweeping views of downtown. Widely regarded as one of the best places in town to catch live music, the nightspot features a swank, candlelit area where patrons relax at cozy café tables while listening to namesake Scott Gertner and friends cut cool jazz tunes. Patrons needing a bit of fresh air can make their way out to one of two open-air terraces ­ the western one offers a tranquil fountain and spectacular sunset views. Two-drink minimum.
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Sherlock's Baker St. Pub

10001 Westheimer Rd, Carillion Shopping Center, Houston, TX 77042 713-977-1857

Description: WEST HOUSTON. This incredibly casual pub offers a terrific setting for sharing a few brews and catching up on old times. Punctuated by wooden posts and beams, the interior has a cozy, much-loved feel. Downstairs, a small stage presents a regular repertoire of local bands, along with Tuesday night's rowdy karaoke party. Upstairs is a prime place to sit back, relax, and feel at home. An abundance of pool tables and dart boards ensures that no one is ever bored.
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The Big Easy Social and Pleasure Club

5731 Kirby Dr, Houston, TX 77005 713-523-9999

Description: RICE VILLAGE. A legend in these parts for live music, The Big Easy has earned its reputation on terrific blues with a generous helping of zydeco for good measure. Musicians are customarily local, and regulars can't get enough of them or of the nationally-known folks who occasionally make an appearance. Blue-collar patrons sit side-by-side with professionals, and all are welcome. Best of all, there's rarely a cover charge, and drinks are reasonably priced ­ a boon all the way around.
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Walter's on Washington

4215 Washington Ave, Houston, TX 77007 713-862-2513

Description: THE HEIGHTS. Comfy and unassuming, Walter's is an ideal destination when you aren't quite ready to head home after work. It's even better as the evening progresses and live bands become the focus. They include both local performers and regional institutions, so you can always be assured of a great variety. Plus, the place is intimate enough that you get a good feel for each band. People are known to dance during shows, and cold domestic brews are the drink of choice. Other attractions: a big-screen TV, a kickin' jukebox, and pool tables.
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Warehouse Live

813 St. Emanuel St, Houston, TX 77003 713-225-5483

Description: WAREHOUSE DISTRICT. This re-purposed 1920s warehouse is one of Houston's signature event facilities. Composed of two spaces, the Studio and the Ballroom, Warehouse Live is perfect for small locals bands or large national acts. Talib Kweli, Passion Pit, Saving Abel, Keane and Bowling for Soup have been among the talented artists to have performed here.
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