Tuesday through Saturday, Caps Piano Bar boasts one of the best house bands in town. Jazz and blues hits from days long gone by may be the artists' favorites, but they'll happily play you some Top 40 hits, as long as you keep the tips coming. And don't worry about racking up a huge bill: The drinks are affordable, and there's no cover charge.
While you wait on your beverages, enjoy some complimentary popcorn while you listen to the tunes and watch as couples cut a rug on the dance floor. Caps is hidden just behind House of Pies off Westheimer, but well worth finding. 2610 Briar Ridge 713-784-0024
Weekly burlesque shows, swing dancing and an emphasis on craft cocktails? Oh my. Prohibition is proud to further romanticize this era, and customers follow suit, showing up dressed in fedoras and suspenders, cigar in hand.
But Prohibition isn't just a piano bar; stop by on Sunday for brunch and tea, and the upstairs area, dubbed the "Voyager Room," is available for private parties as well. Reservations are required for the burlesque shows and encouraged at all other times. 5175 Westheimer, 281-940-4636, www.prohibitionhouston.com
Next door to House of Blues' Bronze Peacock Room is this little gem, a favorite for bachelor/bachelorette parties, birthday parties and anyone willing to bribe the musicians onstage with a few bucks to hear their favorite tunes. The pianists' repertoires are plentiful, but if they can't play your song, they will offer to play something similar or another tune by the artist you've requested.
Despite its size, Pete's can get pretty packed on a busy night, especially on weekends or after an event at House of Blues, so if large crowds and immobility aren't your thing, it may be best to show up early, before all the seats are taken. 1201 Fannin, 713-337-7383, www.petesduelingpianobar.com
