Finally, cooler, drier weather! Luckily, there are several areas of town that we can enjoy some good drinks and food — all in walking distance. One is near the intersection of Studewood and White Oak in the Heights.
Heights Sports & Social Lounge
Just east of Studewood on the north side of White Oak Street, this bar has quietly catered to sports and cigar enthusiasts for years. With its humidor and array of TV’s, we can see why many of these enthusiasts call it home. Houstonist visited recently and enjoyed some bourbon on ice while watching the Astros play on our own individual flat screen at our booth. Even with the smoke filters, we did find the bar rather smoky, but it is basically a cigar bar, so that’s what we would expect. The patio is small, so if you’re looking for good outdoor seating, keep reading. | 2626 White Oak Drive, 713.868.4943
Beer Island
Across White Oak from HS&SL, stands one of the newer bars in the area. Even though it has an unfortunate name (it sounds more like an adult Disneyworld attraction) the staff is friendly and the place is clean. The owner converted this old gas station into an modern day icehouse, with a beach theme. There is an indoor lounge full with bar necessities (pool table, jukebox, etc.).We highly recommend the $2 Blue Moon Wednesdays and steak & potato Thursdays. | 2631 White Oak Drive, 713.862.4670
6th Street Bar & Grill
Across Studewood from Beer Island is the 6th Street Bar & Grill. Also once a service station (where do Heights residents get their cars fixed these days?), but now serves liquor and bar food (mostly sandwiches and salads). Houstonist visited recently on a Thursday night, when imported beers are on special. However, after having two different imports served to us, we were told after the fact that the specific imports we ordered were not on special and that we would have to pay full price. That makes us grumpy. | 2701 White Oak Drive, 713.880.5999
Jimmie’s Place
While some of the newer bars in the area try to be ice houses, Jimmie’s is the real deal. If you’re in the mood for country music, a few bottles of Lone Star, and picnic tables, this is your place. Next door to the 6th Street Grill, you’ll find less attitude here and more down-to-Earth good ol' boys (and girls). | 2803 White Oak Drive, 713.861.9707
Onion Creek
Across the street and a few blocks west from Jimmie’s is the area’s most popular bar — and Houstonist's favorite place to have our meetings (although we end of just drinking and laughing). It’s not only a bar; it’s also a coffee shop, and a good one at that. There’s no liquor here, but with its choices of great beer, wine and coffee, you don’t need liquor. The food is bar food, but definitely better than its nearby competitors (the pizza is awesome, and you get a lot for your money). The large patio and deck has ample tree coverage for those days when the sun is a little too bright. Inside, you’ll find some tables and a den area complete with couches and a fireplace. Thursday nights, Red Stripe bottles are $2. | 3106 White Oak Drive, 713.880.0706
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You can also check out the new downstairs of Fitzgerald's that has a patio of oddities that feels at home in the Heights.
Thanks, Bill. The only reason I left Fitz out was because its primarily known for being a concert venue, not a place to meet for happy hour and have a few drinks with friends. I love Fitz, and I think it will only help their business by exposing those frequenting the nearby bars to what Fitz has to offer.
By the way, I love Continental Club, too, but that's for a different story. ;-)
I was so excited when I saw this area of the Heights booming. I am partial to Onion Creek but I thought I would give the others a shot, too. Sadly, 6th Street Bar & Grill was a great disappointment. The food was terrible and the drinks were nothing special - not to mention too expensive. But, thumbs up to the Heights Sports & Social Lounge. We only had a small group there and they were so accomodating! I'll be back!