If you're anything like us, you've just about had your fill of family by now. Head to one of these fine local watering holes tonight to catch up with friends that are in town for the holidays, blow off familial steam that's been building over the last couple of days or just wash all that turkey down with some Wild Turkey.
Grand Prize Bar 1010 Banks, 713-526-4565
This no-frills bar straddling Montrose and the Museum District is the ideal place for catching up with friends over an ice-cold PBR (hipster) or a shot of Fernet (foodie). Make sure you save some cash for the jukebox, one of the best in town.
Petrol Station 985 Wakefield, 713-957-2875
If better beer is what you're after, head to the Petrol Station and relax with some cask-conditioned ale and -- if you still have room, or if your Thanksgiving dinner sucked -- a great burger.
Nick's Place 2713 Rockyridge, 713-780-8338
If your family won't let you watch football, number one, consider finding a new family next year. Number two, head to Nick's, where you can watch sports all night long. No word on whether they'll be dishing up the Thursday-evening all-you-can-eat macaroni and cheese, though.
Coaches Bar & Grill 17754 Katy Freeway, 281-492-0315
If you're way out west (whether by choice or not), you can escape the house for a while in the cozy confines of Coaches Bar & Grill. But, like Nick's, we're not sure if they'll still be doing weekly steak night this particular Thursday. Best to call ahead.
Flora & Muse 12860 Queensbury, 713-463-6873
Out west but in search of something swankier than sports bars? Flora & Muse at CityCentre will be open and offering a special Thanksgiving cocktail, The Gingerbread Man, made with allspice dram and ginger simple syrup.
Khon's 2808 Milam, 713-523-7775
Open on Thanksgiving "for the orphans and misfits" according to its Facebook page, Khon's will be offering food and friendship along with the wine, coffee, beer and booze that it's known for.
Washington Avenue
Almost every bar along Washington Avenue will be open on Thanksgiving night. With so many college kids back in town for the holidays, they'd be stupid to close. Taps House of Beer, Sawyer Park, The Front Porch Pub, Washington Avenue Drinkery, Liberty Station, even the new Swaye -- all will be waiting for you with open arms should you decide to brave the pavement and parking issues.
If none of these bars suit your fancy, you can always check out the lists at CultureMap and 29-95. Or just be smart and plan ahead: Where's that pocket flask?
