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The 16 Best College Bars in Houston

Exploring Houston's vibrant college bar scene is an adventure of its own. With a diverse range of options to choose from, finding the perfect haunt that mirrors your taste and preference is crucial.

On this page, you'll find a comprehensive guide to the 16 best college bars in Houston, ideal for unwinding and socializing after a long day of studying or simply enjoying a night on the town.

Ready to uncover your next favorite watering hole? Let's delve into the 16 Best College Bars in Houston.

How we rank this list

Three things shape this list: whether a business truly does what you are looking for, how customers regard it over time and how openly it explains the way it works.

A few businesses pay to stand out, always after passing our editorial review and with a label that says so.

Top 3All listingsMapHow to decide

All 16 local options compared

Tom's Watch Bar, Houston#1
Strengths
  • Absolutely exceptional service from staff like Erin

  • Great beer selection and delicious food

  • Greeted by friendly and attentive servers like Emily

  • Perfect spot to catch a game with TV's everywhere

Tom's Watch Bar

4.8475 reviews
1201 Caroline St Suite #161 [level G], Houston, TX 77002, United States

Tom's Watch Bar is a popular sports bar located in Houston, TX. This vibrant spot is perfect for sports enthusiasts, boasting a plethora of screens to catch all the action. Customers rave about the exceptional service provided by the staff, with mentions of standout employees like Erin, who elevates the experience with professionalism and warmth.

The menu at Tom's Watch Bar is another highlight, with delicious bites that perfectly complement the lively sports atmosphere. Recommendations from the staff ensure a perfect visit every time. Customers appreciate the variety of options available, from an array of cocktails to a great beer selection.

Key points from customer reviews:

If you're looking for a fun and welcoming environment to enjoy sports, great drinks, and tasty food, Tom's Watch Bar is the place to be. Don't miss out on the fantastic atmosphere and top-notch service that keep customers coming back for more.

R Bar, Houston#2
Strengths
  • Customers love the great atmosphere, more of a pub vibe, and the fact that it's pet-friendly.

  • Visitors appreciate the excellent beer selection, watching sports on the screens, and the friendly, relaxed environment.

  • Manchester United fans praise R Bar for being the official Red Devils bar in Houston, offering a fantastic place to catch a game with a lively atmosphere and good food and drinks.

R Bar

4.6192 reviews
1302 Houston Ave, Houston, TX 77007, United States

R Bar is a popular sports bar located in Houston, TX. With a solid ranking of 4.6, it offers a variety of services and features that keep customers coming back for more.

Whether you're looking to enjoy outdoor seating, bar games, a variety of alcoholic beverages, or simply a casual and cozy atmosphere to unwind with friends, R Bar has it all.

The Maple Leaf Pub, Houston#3
Strengths
  • Customers love the great beer selection and cocktails, perfect for a night out.

  • The fast service and friendly staff make for an enjoyable experience.

  • Many patrons rave about the delicious food options available, including the traditional Canadian dish, poutine.

  • The atmosphere is described as casual and cozy, making it a great place to relax and hang out with friends.

The Maple Leaf Pub

4.5739 reviews
514 Elgin St, Houston, TX 77006, United States

The Maple Leaf Pub is a popular spot in Houston for those looking to enjoy a unique pub experience. With a ranking of 4.5 stars, it's clear that customers have great things to say about this establishment.

One customer mentioned, "Great place to watch hockey. The TVs are showing their age, but the vibe is legit. They have good food and a decent selection of beer. Gotta get poutine to get into the right spirit." Another visitor commented, "That's one of the coolest bars I've ever been in. Great to watch a Hockey game. Will was an awesome, personable, and attentive. The food was excellent!"

With its unique offerings and positive reviews, The Maple Leaf Pub is a must-visit for anyone looking for a fun and inviting pub experience in Houston.

The Cellar Bar, Houston#4
Strengths
  • Great happy hour with cheap drinks and free games

  • Super chill environment with great music and service

  • Reasonable prices, free games on Fridays, and friendly staff

  • Delicious drinks, fun games, and easy parking

The Cellar Bar

4.5664 reviews
3140 Richmond Ave., Houston, TX 77098, United States

The Cellar Bar is a popular establishment located in Houston, TX, known for its vibrant atmosphere and excellent service. This bar offers a wide range of services and features that cater to its diverse clientele, including outdoor seating, dine-in options, bar games, fast service, and a great selection of beers and cocktails. Accessibility is a top priority, with wheelchair-accessible options available throughout the bar.

Customer reviews rave about The Cellar Bar, with many highlighting the following key points:

Don't miss out on the opportunity to experience The Cellar Bar for yourself and enjoy a memorable night out with friends or family.

Cecil's Pub, Houston#5
Strengths
  • Sometimes a 4 star is actually a 5 star, great interactions with interesting folks.

  • Favorite bar in Houston, strong drinks at great prices, without snobs.

  • Nice and welcoming atmosphere, cozy inside with pool tables and TV's.

  • Cozy and friendly hole-in-the-wall place, great for beer and cocktails with normal people.

Cecil's Pub

4.5551 reviews
600 W Gray St, Houston, TX 77019, United States

Cecil's Pub is a popular Bar located in Houston, TX, offering a variety of services and features for its customers. With a ranking of 4.5 stars, this bar is known for its great beer selection and cocktails, fast service, and bar games. The business provides options for outdoor seating, dine-in, and even allows dogs on the premises.

Customers have left positive reviews, emphasizing the cozy and welcoming atmosphere of the bar. Some have highlighted the strong drinks and great prices, while others have praised the friendly bartenders and chill atmosphere. Despite some negative feedback, the majority of reviews recommend Cecil's Pub as a place to enjoy a good time with friends or even make new ones.

Little Woodrow’s Midtown, Houston#6
Strengths
  • This place is awesome! They have indoor and outdoor seating, different food trucks, outdoor games, and plenty of TVs for watching games.

  • Great place to hang out and enjoy a ballgame. Huge drink menu, lots of screens, and delicious food options available.

  • Perfect spot to watch UFC fights. They offer entertainment options like jenga and cornhole, along with a good selection of drinks and TVs.

  • Unfortunately, some customers have experienced issues with the dress code policy, leading to inconvenience during their visit.

Little Woodrow’s Midtown

4.42,356 reviews
2306 Brazos St, Houston, TX 77006, United States

Little Woodrow’s Midtown is a popular sports bar located in Houston, Texas. With a ranking of 4.4, it's clear that customers have great things to say about this establishment. Here are some key points from the customer reviews:

Little Woodrow’s Midtown offers a variety of service options like outdoor seating, takeaway, and dine-in. They are known for their bar games, fast service, and a great selection of beers and cocktails. The atmosphere is described as casual and trendy, perfect for a night out with friends. Consider checking out this lively sports bar for a fun and enjoyable experience!

T.K. Bittermans, Houston#7
Strengths
  • Great vibe and atmosphere, perfect for hanging out with friends and relaxing while enjoying music.

  • Authentic local Houston bar with friendly staff, excellent drinks, and a cozy feel.

  • Wonderful bar with awesome bartenders and delicious food, highly recommended for a fantastic time.

  • Friendly dive bar with welcoming staff, a homely atmosphere, and great service.

T.K. Bittermans

4.5114 reviews
2010 W Alabama St, Houston, TX 77098, United States

T.K. Bittermans is a popular sports bar located in Houston, TX. This bar offers a variety of services and features that make it a favorite spot for many customers. Some of the service options include outdoor seating, takeaway, and dine-in. The bar also provides highlights such as bar games, fast service, and a great beer selection to enhance the customer experience. In terms of offerings, customers can enjoy alcohol, beer, cocktails, and delicious food while soaking in the lively atmosphere.

Customers have left positive reviews for T.K. Bittermans, summarizing their experiences as follows:

Overall, T.K. Bittermans is a hidden gem loved by locals for its excellent service, delicious food, and welcoming atmosphere. Customers are sure to have a memorable time at this quaint sports bar.

Poison Girl, Houston#8
Strengths
  • The bartender was very attentive, and they have great prices on cocktails.

  • Great place to hang out with friends over rounds of well-priced whiskey and beer.

  • Tons of fun with a great vibe, good selection of drinks, and fun pinball machines.

  • Unique bar with feminist/provocative decorations, an extensive whisky/bourbon selection, and dog-friendly atmosphere.

Poison Girl

4.41,168 reviews
1641 Westheimer Rd B, Houston, TX 77006, United States

Poison Girl is a popular bar in Houston that offers a variety of services and features to its customers. They have a wide range of Alcohol options, including Beer, Cocktails, Food, Happy-hour drinks, Spirits, and Wine. The bar has a cozy and casual Atmosphere that attracts groups and tourists alike. Customers can enjoy amenities like clean toilets and wheelchair-accessible facilities.

Some key points from customer reviews include:

The Dog House Tavern, Houston#9
Strengths
  • Great service from the staff

  • Friendly atmosphere with fun bar games

  • Excellent beer selection and recommendations

The Dog House Tavern

4.4247 reviews
2517 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77006, United States

The Dog House Tavern is a popular sports bar located in Houston, TX. They offer a variety of services and features that make it a great spot for locals and visitors alike. With options like outdoor seating, dine-in, and a great beer selection, customers have plenty to enjoy.

Customer reviews rave about the great service provided by the staff, with one customer praising bartender Eli for his excellent beer recommendations and delicious pizza. Others highlight the friendly atmosphere and the fun bar games available.

Char Bar, Houston#10
Strengths
  • I’ve been coming here for YEARS. I love visiting with Mike & Jeremy. Always a great time! Cozy atmosphere and I always meet the nicest folks here.

  • Cool, quiet spot to chill with reasonably priced drinks.

  • Best place to step out for a socially antisocial environment! Comfortable to get a couple drinks down with a great view and flavorful drinks!

Char Bar

4.487 reviews
305 Travis St, Houston, TX 77002, United States

Char Bar is a beloved establishment located in Houston, TX, offering a unique blend of a bar and a tailor shop. Customers appreciate the cozy atmosphere and the opportunity to interact with friendly staff members such as Mike and Jeremy. The business provides a range of services such as outside seating, great beer and cocktail selections, and fast service. The combination of a classic "vibe" and comfortable ambiance makes it a perfect setting for memorable conversations.

Midtown Pub (formerly Coaches Pub), Houston#11
Strengths
  • Friendly attentive staff, great food, updated menu, and a welcoming atmosphere. Try the Triple Play! - 5 stars

  • Nice local pub with good vibe, friendly service, and affordable prices. Clean bathrooms and close to Greyhound station. - 5 stars

  • Decline in quality, poor service, and disappointing food portions. - 1 star

  • Cool vibe, great staff, delicious crispy chicken wings. Wing day on Thursday is a must-try! - 4 stars

Midtown Pub (formerly Coaches Pub)

4.3495 reviews
2204 Louisiana St, Houston, TX 77002, United States

Midtown Pub (formerly Coaches Pub) is a popular sports bar located in Houston, Texas. The bar offers a variety of service options including delivery, takeaway, and dine-in. Customers can enjoy bar games, fast service, a great beer selection, cocktails, karaoke nights, quiz nights, and more.

This cozy establishment is wheelchair-accessible with amenities such as clean toilets. The atmosphere at Midtown Pub is casual, making it a great spot to hang out with friends. The bar is known for attracting groups and tourists alike.

Customer Reviews:

With a ranking of 4.3 stars based on 495 reviews, Midtown Pub is a favorite hangout spot for many locals and visitors. Stop by this hidden gem for a memorable experience!

Molly's Pub, Houston#12
Strengths
  • A welcoming and knowledgeable bartender who creates excellent drinks

  • Wonderful atmosphere with friendly locals

  • Reasonably priced drinks and entertaining karaoke nights

Molly's Pub

4.3617 reviews
509 Main St, Houston, TX 77002, United States

Molly's Pub is a beloved pub located in Houston, TX, offering a cozy and trendy atmosphere for customers to enjoy. With a great selection of beers, cocktails, and bar games, it's the perfect spot to unwind and socialize. The pub also offers outdoor seating and fast service, ensuring a pleasant experience for all visitors. Customers have praised the friendly staff, vibrant atmosphere, and the variety of entertainment options available. Some key points from customer reviews include:

So, if you're looking for a fun and lively pub experience, make sure to visit Molly's Pub!

Bar 5015, Houston#13
Strengths
  • Great drinks and laid-back atmosphere

  • Excellent service from friendly and attentive staff

  • Varied menu items with some inconsistencies in quality

  • Good vibes, especially during daytime and events

Bar 5015

4.22,133 reviews
5015 Almeda Rd, Houston, TX 77004, United States

Bar 5015 is a popular bar & grill located in Houston, TX. They offer a variety of services and features that make it a great spot for locals and tourists alike. Customers can enjoy outdoor seating, delivery, takeaway, and dine-in options. The bar is known for its fast service, live music, live performances, and sport events.

According to customer reviews, Bar 5015 has received a positive rating of 4.2 stars. Some key points highlighted in the reviews include:

Overall, Bar 5015 provides a lively and entertaining experience for all visitors, whether they are looking to enjoy a casual night out or catch up with friends over delicious food and drinks.

HandleBar, Houston#14
Strengths
  • This place was a blast. Customers danced, enjoyed the lively vibe, and had fun playing games.

  • Great atmosphere with friendly staff and reasonably priced drinks.

  • Customers love the outdoor patio, the secret Tiki Bar, and the DJs that play every weekend.

HandleBar

4.1496 reviews
5219 Washington Ave, Houston, TX 77007, United States

HandleBar is a vibrant bar located in Houston, TX, that offers a variety of services and features to ensure a memorable experience for its patrons. With a ranking of 4.1, it is evident that customers appreciate what this establishment has to offer.

Whether you're looking for a place to unwind with friends, enjoy great cocktails, or experience a trendy and casual atmosphere, HandleBar has it all. Visit their website for more information on their services and events.

Lone Star Saloon, Houston#15
Strengths
  • We LOVE this bar. Best dive in Houston. Drinks are cheap, food is great, and bartenders are welcoming. Definitely our new regular spot. 10/10 recommend.

  • Amazing place!! Great vibe, wonderful bartenders, and we had a fantastic time. Will definitely return if new in town or visiting. Go Astros!!

  • This small bar has lots of character and friendly staff. Established in 1945, it's a must-visit in Houston.

  • Love this place. Old school dive bar. Good for a cold beer and fun conversation with fellow Houstonians.

Lone Star Saloon

4.1243 reviews
1900 Travis St, Houston, TX 77002, United States

Lone Star Saloon is a quintessential bar located in Houston, TX, known for its fast service, great beer selection, amazing cocktails, and lively sports atmosphere. This establishment offers a range of options, including outdoor seating, dine-in service, and a selection of alcohol and food choices.

Customer reviews rave about the experience at Lone Star Saloon. Here are some key points from recent visitors:

With its cozy and casual atmosphere, Lone Star Saloon is a go-to spot for locals and tourists alike looking for a laid-back experience with delicious drinks and friendly service.

George, Houston#16
Strengths
  • Great drinks and a chill vibe, but some staff members can be short and rude

  • A welcoming hangout spot in the Gayborhood with nice service

  • Some customers have experienced issues with certain bartenders getting intoxicated and demanding extra money

  • Thursday steak nights are a hit and worth checking out

George

4.0171 reviews
617 Fairview St, Houston, TX 77006, United States

George is a popular gay bar located in Houston, TX. Known for its diverse service options including Outdoor seating, Dine-in, and a great beer selection, this bar offers an inclusive atmosphere perfect for hanging out with friends or meeting new people. The bar is also wheelchair-accessible and offers alcohol, cocktails, and happy-hour drinks among its offerings.

Here are some key points from customer reviews:

The main points in one table

#BusinessRatingReviews
#1Tom's Watch Bar 4.8475
#2R Bar 4.6192
#3The Maple Leaf Pub 4.5739
#4The Cellar Bar 4.5664
#5Cecil's Pub 4.5551
#6Little Woodrow’s Midtown 4.42,356
#7T.K. Bittermans 4.5114
#8Poison Girl 4.41,168
#9The Dog House Tavern 4.4247
#10Char Bar 4.487
#11Midtown Pub (formerly Coaches Pub) 4.3495
#12Molly's Pub 4.3617
#13Bar 5015 4.22,133
#14HandleBar 4.1496
#15Lone Star Saloon 4.1243
#16George 4.0171

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Map of College Bars in Houston

Houston, recognized for its vibrant nightlife scene, offers an array of bars welcoming college students. These establishments cater to the tastes of students from universities like Rice, University of Houston, Texas Southern University, and others scattered across the city. Find your ideal hangout spot with this detailed map of the hot college bars in Houston.

Finding good College Bars in Houston

  1. Location and accessibility: Learn how close each bar is to your college or living arrangement.
  2. Drink selection: Find out whether the bar offers your favorite craft beers, quirky cocktails, or budget-friendly specials.
  3. Ambiance: Understand the vibe of each place - whether it's cool and casual, or energetic and lively.
  4. Events and Promotions: What's the calendar like? Does the bar host happy hours, live music, or college nights?

Questions people often ask

What are the most popular college bars in Houston?

Houston has several popular college bars frequented by students looking to unwind after classes. Some of the top college bars in the city include The Den, The Maple Leaf Pub, and Little Woodrow's. If you're looking for a lively atmosphere and great drink specials, these bars are worth checking out. Many of them also host events specifically geared towards the college crowd. Whether you're a student at Rice University, the University of Houston, or another college in Houston, these bars provide a fun and social setting for you to meet friends and classmates.

Do college bars in Houston have age restrictions?

While most college bars in Houston cater to the college crowd, they still adhere to age restrictions enforced by the state of Texas. This means that you must be at least 21 years old to enter and consume alcohol at these establishments. Some college bars may also have specific nights or events that are 18+, offering non-alcoholic options for younger patrons. It's always best to check the bar's website or call ahead to verify their age restrictions before heading out. Remember to bring a valid form of identification with you, as most college bars will require proof of age upon entry.

What types of events are hosted at college bars in Houston?

College bars in Houston often host a variety of events to attract students and keep the party going. These events can range from live music performances and DJ nights to themed parties and drink specials. Many college bars also hold trivia nights, karaoke competitions, and other interactive activities to engage their guests. These events provide a great opportunity to socialize with friends and meet new people in a fun and relaxed setting. Keep an eye on the bar's social media pages or website for upcoming events, as they often promote these special nights to attract a larger crowd of college students.

How can I stay safe while partying at college bars in Houston?

While college bars in Houston can be a fun and exciting place to unwind with friends, it's important to prioritize your safety while partying. Make sure to always have a designated driver if you plan on consuming alcohol. Stick with a group of friends and watch out for each other throughout the night. Avoid leaving your drink unattended and be mindful of your surroundings, especially if you're in an unfamiliar area of Houston. If you ever feel uncomfortable or unsafe, don't hesitate to ask for help from a bartender or security personnel. Remember to drink responsibly and know your limits to ensure a safe and enjoyable night out.

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