Best Coffeehouse 2003

Best Coffeehouse

Brasil

Tucked behind trees on the corner of Dunlavy and Westheimer in the heart of the Montrose, this funky, mellow hangout is the place to go for a cup of joe. Sure, there's a wide variety of coffees to choose from, but what turns this cafe into a hangout is the ambience. Brasil offers what Starbucks can't: a relaxed, homegrown vibe. The pleasant staff doesn't have to wear matching aprons, and the music playing depends on who's behind the counter. The outdoor patio is the perfect place to feed the birds or just waste time, and inside there's live music on weekends. It doesn't matter whether you're a struggling student, a lady who lunches or the tortured artist type -- Brasil welcomes all who just need a spot to relax. And if coffee isn't enough, there's also a full menu of delicious pizzas and sandwiches.

Best Coffeehouse

Brasil

Photo by Katharine Shilcutt

Tucked behind trees on the corner of Dunlavy and Westheimer in the heart of the Montrose, this funky, mellow hangout is the place to go for a cup of joe. Sure, there's a wide variety of coffees to choose from, but what turns this cafe into a hangout is the ambience. Brasil offers what Starbucks can't: a relaxed, homegrown vibe. The pleasant staff doesn't have to wear matching aprons, and the music playing depends on who's behind the counter. The outdoor patio is the perfect place to feed the birds or just waste time, and inside there's live music on weekends. It doesn't matter whether you're a struggling student, a lady who lunches or the tortured artist type -- Brasil welcomes all who just need a spot to relax. And if coffee isn't enough, there's also a full menu of delicious pizzas and sandwiches.

2604 Dunlavy, Houston, 77098 Map
713-528-1993
www.brasilcafehouston.com/

Best Strip Club

Caligula XXI

There's something appropriate about naming a titty bar after an insane, bloodthirsty, incestuous Roman emperor. And, as if that weren't enough, they have free lunch until 3 p.m. during the week. In fact, there's always something to nibble on: The good folks at Caligula XXI offer a barbecue buffet on Saturday and a seafood buffet (insert joke here) on Friday. They boast three stages, with a beautiful, 100-gallon freshwater fish tank on the main stage. And in addition to their 200 hot-hot-hot dancers, they regularly feature such renowned thespians as April Rayne (Adventures of Buttgirl), Mimi Miyagi (Seoul Train) and the inimitable Houston (Houston 500, duh!).

Best Strip Club

Caligula XXI

There's something appropriate about naming a titty bar after an insane, bloodthirsty, incestuous Roman emperor. And, as if that weren't enough, they have free lunch until 3 p.m. during the week. In fact, there's always something to nibble on: The good folks at Caligula XXI offer a barbecue buffet on Saturday and a seafood buffet (insert joke here) on Friday. They boast three stages, with a beautiful, 100-gallon freshwater fish tank on the main stage. And in addition to their 200 hot-hot-hot dancers, they regularly feature such renowned thespians as April Rayne (Adventures of Buttgirl), Mimi Miyagi (Seoul Train) and the inimitable Houston (Houston 500, duh!).

Best Bar Decor

Leon's Lounge

Even though the front bar at Leon's Lounge is hung with brilliant chandeliers, the place isn't what you'd call opulent. After all, the twinkling lights illuminate a sandy shuffleboard table. But the lounge's contradictions are what make it interesting. Its two back rooms couldn't be more different. One is dark, with a piano inside. The other is a brightly lit space dominated by a pool table and a blown-up picture of the now-deceased Leon posing with a boar. Its walls are cluttered with deer heads, ducks and horns, along with a not-to-be-missed watercolor print of a Native American riding a horse. You can't help but feel this room was old Leon's favorite.

Best Bar Decor

Leon's Lounge

Even though the front bar at Leon's Lounge is hung with brilliant chandeliers, the place isn't what you'd call opulent. After all, the twinkling lights illuminate a sandy shuffleboard table. But the lounge's contradictions are what make it interesting. Its two back rooms couldn't be more different. One is dark, with a piano inside. The other is a brightly lit space dominated by a pool table and a blown-up picture of the now-deceased Leon posing with a boar. Its walls are cluttered with deer heads, ducks and horns, along with a not-to-be-missed watercolor print of a Native American riding a horse. You can't help but feel this room was old Leon's favorite.

1006 McGowen, Houston, 77002 Map
713-650-1006

Best Bar Food

The Stag's Head

Any Irish or English transplant would be right at home at The Stag's Head, where the bangers and mash and fish 'n' chips measure up to the exacting standards of the old country. Competing with them are American finger-food favorites: fajita nachos and stuffed jalapeños as well as succulent Angus burgers and a bevy of fine sandwiches. But The Stag's Head soars beyond those standbys with modern offerings that raise the, uh, bar for any self-respecting pub. Try their savory soups of the day and fresh, creative salads. But the menu's star is the turkey-sized rotisserie chicken half, balanced with potatoes, an impressive side salad and veggies -- all for under seven bucks. And at this classy pub, an endless variety of brews awaits to wash it all down.

Best Bar Food

The Stag's Head

Any Irish or English transplant would be right at home at The Stag's Head, where the bangers and mash and fish 'n' chips measure up to the exacting standards of the old country. Competing with them are American finger-food favorites: fajita nachos and stuffed jalapeños as well as succulent Angus burgers and a bevy of fine sandwiches. But The Stag's Head soars beyond those standbys with modern offerings that raise the, uh, bar for any self-respecting pub. Try their savory soups of the day and fresh, creative salads. But the menu's star is the turkey-sized rotisserie chicken half, balanced with potatoes, an impressive side salad and veggies -- all for under seven bucks. And at this classy pub, an endless variety of brews awaits to wash it all down.

2128 Portsmouth, Houston, 77098 Map
713-533-1199
www.stagsheadpub.com

Best Bartender

Mike Hildebrand

After the legendary Junior Brown made his exit from the stage at the Continental Club recently, the patrons at the crowded nightspot were greeted with a shock. Out of nowhere came a tall, curly-haired young man who leapt on stage and began to dance like a monkey. "Woo-hoo!" he hollered at the top of his lungs, "Woo-hoo, Junior Brown! Woo-hoo!" Getting over their surprise, the revelers began to follow the man's lead in pushing for an encore, which Brown heartily delivered. This monkey-mimicking free spirit is our pick for best bartender. Not only does Mike remember regulars' names and their favorite drinks, which he delivers with a congenial goofball grin, his lively personality and signature "Woo-hoo!" make him a bartender you won't forget the next morning -- even if you wake up hungover from too many of his drinks.

Best Bartender

Mike Hildebrand

After the legendary Junior Brown made his exit from the stage at the Continental Club recently, the patrons at the crowded nightspot were greeted with a shock. Out of nowhere came a tall, curly-haired young man who leapt on stage and began to dance like a monkey. "Woo-hoo!" he hollered at the top of his lungs, "Woo-hoo, Junior Brown! Woo-hoo!" Getting over their surprise, the revelers began to follow the man's lead in pushing for an encore, which Brown heartily delivered. This monkey-mimicking free spirit is our pick for best bartender. Not only does Mike remember regulars' names and their favorite drinks, which he delivers with a congenial goofball grin, his lively personality and signature "Woo-hoo!" make him a bartender you won't forget the next morning -- even if you wake up hungover from too many of his drinks.

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Best Coffeehouse

Best Coffeehouse

Best Strip Club

Best Strip Club

Best Bar Decor

Best Bar Decor

Best Bar Food

Best Bar Food

Best Bartender

Best Bartender

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