Do you want something different when you go to a Houston bar? Every bar has beer, wine and mixed drinks. But do they serve it up in style? Do they have the best selection of beers, wines, mixed drinks? When I think of my favorite bars in Houston what sets them apart is how they offer something unique. One factor I look for is drink selection. There are three bars in Houston that really stand out. I chose one Houston bar for their beer selection, one for their wine selection and one for their mixed drinks. The top three Houston bars for their selection of drinks are:
The Petrol Station
If you like beer and food you will like the Petrol Station. Located at 985 Wakefield Dr this Houston bar is unique because it offers a wide array of beers on tap and they continually rotate their offerings. For the beer connoisseur, this is the place to go. They update their Facebook page with their daily offerings so you can see what is currently on the beer menu. Also in their arsenal are their unique food selections that go wonderfully with their drinks. For example check out their Beer Brunch Menu:
“Eggs and kegs beer brunch menu–breakfast Monte Cristo w/ framboise reduction, golden monkey banana nut pancakes, salmon quiche w/ stout crust, biscuits and beer gravy, eggs Benedict w/ stout hollandaise.”
Can it get any better than that? The Petrol Station was recognized by the Houston Press as the Best Beer Selection in Houston in 2009 and it is certainly deserved. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. If you are a beer snob like me, take on some of the fine selections found at this Houston bar. Not a fan of beer? Challenge the bartender to change your mind about that. It is a pretty safe bet that even if you traditionally do not like beer the bartender will find something you will enjoy!
Under the Volcano
As much as I like beer, though, sometimes I am in the mood for a mixed drink. Whenever I go to New Orleans I must stop at the Napoleon House for a Pimm’s Cup. Most people who do not frequent New Orleans, though, don’t even know what it is so imagine my delight when I saw it on the menu at Under the Volcano. Located at 2349 Bissonnet what sets this Houston bar apart from the rest is their attention to quality and their selection of drinks that are on the unusual side. They only use fresh produce and squeeze the juices on site so you have the freshest and best tasting concoction available. Their menu states:
“All of these drinks are made from scratch as close to the original recipe as possible, one at a time, using fresh squeezed juices and fresh produce. No one does them better.”
They don’t lie. Try their bloody Mary. I bet it will be the best one you have ever had plus they dress it like a snack with peppers, stuffed olives and summer sausage instead of the typical sad, wilted celery stalk that is stuck in like an after thought. They have won the Houston Press award for Best Steak Night 2008 and 2009, Best Mint Julep in 2005 and Best Jukebox in 2003. This Houston bar is a favorite with the locals and is a sure bet if you want a great mixed drink.
13 Celcius
I can not agree more with The Houston press’ 2009 Best Wine Bar recipient, 13 Celcius. This Houston bar is located in midtown at 3000 Caroline. I love wine. I tour wineries around the state and know a little more than the av-er-age bear. I can not quite claim to be an expert yet though I am working on it. I definitely know what I like and what I like about this place is that I describe my preferences and have a bottle chosen for me that is ideal. I am never talked down to nor does the staff talk beyond my knowledge. They discuss wine in plain English for the every day drinker. According to this Houston bar:
“13 Celsius is the optimal temperature to store and maintain the integrity of great wine. With an aim toward providing Houston with the best wine possible, 13 Celsius prides itself as the only wine bar in town to actually keep its wine in a temperature-controlled cellar.”
This attention to detail matters and is obvious in the taste of the wine that is served. They have a vast selection of wines from different regions including ports and champagnes. You can buy by the bottle or the glass. They also serve coffee and beer for those who are not in the mood for wine. They pair their wines with a selection of meats and cheeses. This Houston bar has a great ambiance and is perfect for date night or an evening with a group of friends.
As a foodie I am continually on the lookout for the best Houston bars and restaurants. Luckily, Houston has plenty to choose from and each one has its own spin. The top three Houston bars for unique drinks will suit anyone’s taste and I highly recommend them.
