5. NOTSUOH
Notsuoh (it’s Houston spelled in reverse) has been described by some as an electric art dive, and that seems about right. In addition to serving as one of downtown’s most noteworthy bars, Notsuoh is also one of the city’s finest music and performance-art venues. The bar plays host to live music, poetry readings and comedy shows, making it one of the more unique bars not just in downtown, but in all of Houston. 314 Main, notsuoh.com
4. THE DIRT BAR
No pun intended, but this is the place to get down and dirty before or after a show at House of Blues, which sits right across the street. Hell, it’s really a place to get down and dirty on any occasion, concert or no. The Dirt Bar serves up everything from beer to cocktails, but when it comes to Dirt Bar, it’s best to keep it simple. Order a Jack and Coke; you won’t regret it. 1209 Caroline, dirtbar.com
3. THE NIGHTINGALE ROOM
One of the most understated music venues in the city, Nightingale Room offers free live music almost every night of the week, making it a fine place to meet up with friends, grab a drink and check out some local tunes. While downtown has experienced a resurgence in terms of nightlife, its live-music scene remains somewhat underserved. Fortunately, Nightingale Room is there to help fill that void. 308 Main, nightingaleroom.com
2. CONSERVATORY
It's hot and humid in Houston for much of the year, so the folks at Conservatory were onto something when they opened the food hall/beer garden last year. Simply put, they put the thing indoors and underground, making it one of downtown’s finest – and most climate-controlled – spots to grab a bite to eat and have a few drinks. Various local vendors serve up an array of dishes, and the craft-beer menu includes favorites from local brewers like Saint Arnold’s and 8th Wonder. 1010 Prairie, conservatoryhtx.com
1. THE ORIGINAL OKRA CHARITY SALOON
OKRA really has it all. For starters, upon walking inside, patrons are greeted with one of the most picturesque scenes of any Houston area bar – seriously, the bar residing in the middle of the building, the ceilings, it’s all there. You might have to wait for a drink, but I’ll be worth it. Not only that, you’ll be doing something good while having a few drinks; 100 percent of OKRA’s proceeds are donated to a different Houston-based nonprofit or social cause each month. 924 Congress, friedokra.org