BOURBON STREET SPORTS BAR If there's a bar I wish the Texans could be just a little more like, it's Bourbon Street Sports Bar in Katy. It's kind of reckless and maybe a little dangerous. It can be sexy, but in that sort of scary way some people like. If you walk in thinking you have its playbook figured out, you'll find yourself sprawled on the ground like Kareem Jackson getting toasted by T.Y. Hilton.
The most dubious of the bar's activities is its beer-pong setup. An entire table is dedicated to this tailgate staple, which must be driving some insurance company's liability department nuts. You may have been your frat's champ once, but these regulars will bounce your ass into a red solo cup quicker than you can say Omega Delta Phi. Add in at least a dozen TVs of various sizes, a spacious room, poker tables, slot machines, and a full bar serving a rowdy bunch and it's quite a Sunday afternoon. 803 S. Mason Rd. (Katy), Facebook page
CARLOS'S BEER GARDEN Open since 1978, this place has been hosting Houston football fans since the Houston Oilers' Luv Ya Blue heyday with coach Bum Philips and Earl Campbell. Well that is all history now of course but many faithful Houston football fans, old and young, still show up here hoping the Texans can kick in that door that the Oilers never managed. An icehouse with a welcoming crowd of regulars from all backgrounds, Carlos's feels like a neighborhood backyard patio party; even Cowboys fans are welcome, kind of.
A handful of craft beers are sold here, but the majority of people gulp down domestics, along with the occasional wine. The bar food consisting of wings, chicken fried steak sandwiches, burgers and po-boys, among other items, is tasty. You can even get your hair cut a few steps away at a small barber shop owned by the original Carlos during halftime if you like. 18018 Hwy. 3 (Webster), Facebook page
CHRISTIAN'S TAILGATE-HEIGHTS I'm not even going to lie about why this one is my top choice: proximity. Located less than a quarter-mile from my residence, Christian's Tailgate off White Oak has become my go-to most Sunday mornings for great burgers, a Bloody Mary and some football. With the weather having cooled down, now would be the ideal time to bundle up and take advantage of their open-air setup. 2820 White Oak, Web site
CONCERT PUB-GALLERIA Known primarily as a live-music venue specializing in cover bands, the Concert Pub Galleria has always had a strong Texans fan base that shows up on game days decked out in full regalia; jerseys, helmets, painted faces and hair. Some ladies dress up like Texans cheerleaders, and some guys even come dressed as "Swatt Team" members, with helmets and plastic rifles. Mardi Gras beads in team colors, foam Texans logos, and numerous other accoutrements are always on hand here as well.
The rowdy and vocal fans watch the games on a giant big screen or at numerous other TVs spread out along the two bars and outside patio. Beer is the drink of choice for most here while watching football, and they use it to wash down Buffalo wings, burgers, pizza and other bar food. True to its name, the Pub has free live music after the games. 5636 Richmond, Web site
List continues on the next page.
