While Houston may not have mountain views or vistas overlooking the ocean, it does have great cityscapes. And when observed from an excellent vantage point, like atop a high-rise hotel or on an open-air pool deck seven stories up, the views can be hard to beat.
Houston’s rooftop bars not only offer worthy panoramic views of the metropolis, but they are known to catch a cool breeze, making them even more sought after on hot, humid days. With a craft cocktail in hand, a little music, and a special someone, or five, relaxing at a rooftop bar can be the remedy for a lackluster day.
Consider this list of rooftop bars to escape to when you have a need for elevation.
Captain Foxheart’s Bad News Bar
Despite its lack of signage and discreet entrance beyond a low-lit stairwell off of Main Street, Captain Foxheart’s Bad News Bar is among Downtown’s most popular haunts.The second floor space boasts a balcony overlooking the Metro rail and all of the happenings on Main Street below. The interior is warm and inviting, with a wood bar and chandeliers. Just as inviting are the mixologists who create fun cocktails that often change seasonally. Its happy hour runs from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. with specials such as a $6 Moscow mule and $6 Bad News old fashioned. The list of spirits is extensive, but pace yourself… the walk back down the stairs is a long one. 308 Main St., Houston, badnewsbar.com
Patterson Park
Like the leafy, historic neighborhood it resides in, this Heights patio bar is set among the woods, giving it the feel of an adult treehouse. Guests can pick their view—whether it’s the Downtown skyline from the rooftop terrace or the serene woods, which feel like miles away from Houston. The tiered areas and variety of seating make it an exciting place to mix and mingle. Televisions are perched high for sports viewing, and there are lawn games like cornhole and Jenga. The patio is dog-friendly and children are welcome until 9 p.m. 2205 Patterson St., Houston, pattersonparkhouston.com
Reset
This Midtown bar and club is designed for those who want to put on their dancing shoes and move to the beats mixed by some of Houston’s best DJs. Wednesday evenings are jazz nights, plus there are often themed events with live music. Take to the open-air terrace for hookah, and enjoy robust views of Downtown. There is a brief food menu with lamb chop Cajun pasta and chicken tacos. 606 Dennis St., Ste. 200, Houston, resethtx.com
Z on 23
This bar on the 23rd floor of Downtown’s Le Meridien Hotel is the highest open-air bar in Houston. The skyline views are impressive, especially as the sun sets over the city. It’s a great spot to start, or finish, a night out on the town, and it is a popular spot for a nightcap after dining at Zutro, the property’s street-level restaurant. The rooftop bar recently had a revamp with new cocktails like the spiced Sweater Weather. There’s also a fruity mocktail called Skyline Bloom. The bites menu features items like charcuterie and prime rib sliders. Its 21 and up policy is strict, so bring your ID. 1121 Walker St., Houston, zon23rooftoop.com
Rooftop Cinema Club
Dinner and a movie has long been a standard for date nights, but it can feel kind of ho-hum after a while. Not so, at this open-air rooftop movie venue, where the silver screen meets the glitz of Houston’s Uptown district. Rooftop Cinema Club shows new releases, as well as classic films, and film-goers can grab a canned cocktail or beer from the bar, and a snack from the concession stand, before settling into one of the cushioned Adirondack-style chairs facing the big screen. Drinks and snacks can also be ordered by QR code at your seat. 1700 Post Oak Blvd., Houston, rooftopcinemaclub.com
77 Degrees
This multi-story bar and nightclub is a watering hole among Midtown’s weekend barhoppers. It has remarkable city views, and guests are dressed to impress. There are loungey areas, swing seating, and for those who travel with an entourage, there are private cabana with bottle service. True to its urban setting and tropical theme, there are refreshing drinks like the One Eyed Monster made with two types of fruity Bacardi rum. Whether you’re searching for a potential mate, while sipping on a frozen Pornstar, or enjoying flavored hookah with friends, it’s a vibe. Nighttime brings neon lights and a DJ. 2416 Brazos St., Ste. C, Houston, 77-Degrees.com
Social Beer Garden HTX
True to its name, there’s always something social going on at this Midtown sports bar—from karaoke and music bingo to a sexy burlesque show. With a giant outdoor screen, it draws in sports fans often. Craft beers are a priority, with 44 choices on draft and an additional 100 options for beer, cider, hard seltzers, mead, and even kombucha. The owners are also beekeepers, so some of the cocktails get a touch of local honey, like the Hot Toddy; perfect for cooler temps. The views from the rooftop aren’t spectacular, but the service and drinks are, which is why this is one of Houston’s best neighborhood bars. 3101 San Jacinto St., Houston, socialbeergardenhtx.com
Tejas Brewery
Located in Sawyer Yards, this brewery and taproom owned by Gulf Coast Distillers features a third-floor rooftop bar overlooking Silver Street Studios. Guests can try one of the brewery’s own special beers like the Tejas Hazy IPA or Tejas Negra, or go for a flight of four for a broader sampling. There’s a sizable food menu of appetizers, burgers, and pizzas at the second story restaurant. 2101 Summer St., Houston, tejasbeer.com
Sol 7
Located on the 7th floor of the Thompson Hotel, this rooftop bar and restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating, including a covered terrace steps from the hotel pool and cabanas. An unobstructed view of the Downtown skyline is hard to beat, and it’s prettiest at night when the surrounding lights create a magical glow. Order a cocktail like the peachy H Town Tea and bask in the view. And, bookmark Sol 7’s daily happy hour, with drink specials and discounted bar bites like tuna poke tacos and burrata with heirloom tomatoes from 4 to 7 p.m. 1717 Allen Pkwy., Houston, sol7houston.com
Aperitivo
This dazzling gem is a slice of the Italian Riviera, located at the East River complex. Though it doesn’t look over the Mediterranean Sea, it does have a nice view of Bayou Bend and the East Downtown skyline. Tropical plants, white wicker chairs, and a stunning Tuscan-style plastered ceiling create an oasis in the city, for a brunch date with beef Wellington bites and a spritz, or an after dinner drink with options such as an Amalfi espresso martini. There is a stylish dress code, but you probably knew that anyway. 2940 Riverby Rd., Houston, aperitivohouston.com
Sunset Rooftop Lounge
Right on the edge of Downtown Houston, this EaDo social spot has been welcoming patrons with skyline views, yummy drinks, and nightly DJs. Located on the third floor, it overlooks Truck Yard and its ferris wheel which just adds to the playful ambiance. This is a place for younger folks looking to hang with old friends or make new ones. The cocktail list includes drinks like the Berry Skyline, with tequila, or Smoky Oasis; a mezcal-forward concoction. There is a list of tasty shots as well, including Mexican Candy and Apple Bottom. Local vendors like Yoyo’s Hot Dogs provide food options. 2119 Dallas St., Houston, sunsetrooftoplounge.com
Upstairs at Hungry’s
Though it’s only a second story venue, this casual cocktail bar atop Hungry’s restaurant offers lovely views of the tree-lined Rice Boulevard. Some guests hit the lounge after a meal downstairs, but many others come solely to check out the daily happy hour menu at Upstairs, or grab a snack and a couple of drinks. There are plenty of high top tables and a couple of comfy sofas. The bar bites include items like cast iron wings, baked goat cheese, and hot honey pepperoni pizza. The drinks are reasonably priced, even more so when there are specials. 2356 Rice Blvd., Houston, upstairsbarandlounge.com
