Plonk!

Settling in to Houston’s Oak Forest neighborhood—in the city’s north Heights area—Plonk! offers locals a light-filled, cheery space where wallet-friendly wine reigns supreme. After all, the word Plonk is Brit-speak for cheap vino.

Created by Scott Miller, the former wine director of Pappa’s Steak House, Plonk is a laid-back bar serving up house and exotic wines, as well as a quality selection of beer.

Outside, a small patio—which is expected to expand—welcomes guests prior to entering the building. Inside, there are tables surrounded by red leather chairs up front, where customers can take stock of the come-as-you-are crowd, and a large, airy room where refreshingly-crisp glasses of sparkling white wine and beer are served atop a long granite bar. Décor created by local artists and craftsmen is expected to change seasonally, as is the well-edited wine list and menu.

While you’re there, check out Plonk!’s crispy oven-fired pizzas, bacon-wrapped steaks and other upscale pub grub.