Four professional home teams and lively college athletics captivate Houston’s sports market, which explains why the city has plenty to offer in the way of sports bars. Wondering where to watch the next big game? Here are our 10 favorite places to kick back and enjoy a cold one.
Located a stone’s throw from Washington Avenue, Beer Market Co doesn’t mess around when it comes to its beverage options. With 365 varieties of beer on offer, guests could easily enjoy a different drink every day of the year at the casually-cool spot. And The food menu doesn’t disappoint, either, as outside-the-box dishes keep fans returning with everything from Texas ale chicken quesadillas and veggie burgers to short rib tacos and couscous Mediterranean chicken salad. Take a seat inside and catch the game on one of the 30 thoughtfully-placed flat-screen TVs or bring the pup for watch parties on the patio.
It may offer a lively party scene, but Christian's Tailgate is all business when it comes to burgers. In fact, Playboy once named the spot's famous burgers one of the Top 10 in America. Head there before midnight for fresh, ground-chuck patties (never frozen) loaded on six-inch buns, toasted crispy around the edges and topped with mustard, mayo, onions, pickles, tomatoes and shredded lettuce. The dimly lit dining area has several TVs (all tuned to the game), a jukebox and pool table.
There's no arguing that this Montrose warhorse has played a long-standing and prominent role in this town's beer-hoisting history. Whether this is, in fact, "Houston's Original Sports Tavern" (as Griff's Irish Pub itself) is debatable, but there's no doubt that the bar is a tradition all its own. Though a plethora of other shiny, new sports bars have diluted the customer base, it’s hard to beat Griff’s for continuity. Don’t miss $12 Tuesdays, which include a steak, baked potato and a beer.
West Houston’s bustling CityCentre development tempts sports fans with its New American sports bar concept, Houston Texans Grille. The officially-licensed NFL restaurant unfolds with more than 11,000 square feet of dining space, 60 HDTVs, a covered patio and linger-worthy lounge seating. On big game days, glass-wall partitions enable the sleek interior to be divided into a series of smaller, sound-controlled spaces. Expect a menu with made-from-scratch standards like sliders, nachos and wings.
Choose from more than 100 varieties of beer at one of Houston’s popular Little Woodrow’s locations. Though each of the locations (there are seven in the city) are different, you can count on a lounge-worthy patio and plenty of TVs to see the big game. Though Little Woodrow’s doesn’t offer a menu full of pub grub, the locations do offer weekly steak and burger nights and guests are allowed to order in food from other restaurants.
Known for its annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration, EaDo’s Lucky’s Pub is also a popular go-to spot before and after sporting events and concerts. The centrally-set bar offers convenience and a prime place to watch the day’s games—all within minutes of BBVA Compass Stadium (home of the Houston Dynamo) and Minute Maid Park (home of the Houston Astros). Inside, the brick-wall interior makes room for a 21-foot HD mega screen TV, five private party rooms and an expansive patio space.
In the tradition of easygoing Texas icehouses, Luke’s isn’t fancy in the least. What you’ll find at this spot just off Washington Avenue and Durham Drive is good beer and solid bar fare, along with flat screens broadcasting the day’s game. Enjoy plenty of domestic beer labels, as well as a slew of Texas craft beers and cocktails. The food menu includes staples such as BBQ wings, burgers, onions and French fries, just to name a few.
Find a fresh-faced crowd at Midtown’s Pub Fiction. Sports fans will marvel at more than 60 HD flat screen TVs and nine satellite receivers showcasing the latest highlights from their favorite games in the contemporary lounge area. The kitchen is open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. for sandwiches, salads, and burgers, plus an assortment of pub-style appetizers.
Explore the craft beer scene in Houston, one pint at a time at Revelry on Richmond. The upscale sports bar, set in the heart of Montrose, is ideal for grabbing a drink, watching your favorite sports team and enjoying one of the bar’s relaxed outdoor patios. More than two-dozen TVs air the day’s games, while a full cocktail, wine and food menu keep guests happy.
For an authentic English pub experience, venture to Richmond Arms Pub. The Galleria-area venue boasts an eclectic clientele, British memorabilia and is known to broadcast rugby matches and World Cup games. Stop by during lunch, dinner or late-night for some fish and chips and a great draft beer selection. Match your drink selection with some tasty English fare.