The Firehouse Saloon is so popular with its customers that it started booking private holiday parties in July. Owned by retired West University firefighter Tom Imber, the honky-tonk at 59 South and Fountain View is known for the pairs of cowboy boots suspended from the ceiling, the impressive collection of rare vintage neon beer signs, and of course, the fire truck parked out front. For decades it has been, if not the only place to see live country music in Houston, the only place that matters. The Firehouse's list of alumni who have gone on to one level of stardom or another includes Miranda Lambert, who had some kind words for the bar at her most recent Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo appearance. Other acts that have long since graduated to bigger venues or the festival circuit, like Randy Rogers and Cory Morrow, will still squeeze in a Firehouse gig when they can; Wednesday-night open-mike night props open the door for the saloon's next generation of headliners.
READERS' CHOICE: The Redneck Country Club