Kenneally's Irish Pub

It's just off the Westheimer drinking drag, so Kenneally's Irish Pub doesn't get as much hipster love as bars like Catbird's or Poison Girl, but it's a Houston institution and deserves a whirl from any learned local barfly. Located across the street from the Red Lion Pub and a PetCo, the simple and sturdy-looking pub has a cozy, wood-paneled interior. Walk down two steps to belly up to the U-shaped bar as a handful of televisions run at all times; the corner jukebox is loaded with Irish drinking compilations, The Eagles, classic soul and - surprisingly enough - The Smiths. If you get hungry, Kenneally's is known for its homemade pizzas, especially customer fave the Shamrock Special. Parking gets a little hairy at night, but it's worth the tight squeeze around back.