4. WATSON'S HOUSE OF ALES This place gets major points thanks to the huge patio and extensive beer menu. Yes, it's part of the Sherlocks chain, and no, that doesn't make it any less worthy of the list.
There's live music most nights, trivia others, and again, the huge patio and beer list. If the patio is sweltering -- and this is Houston, so it is often -- the interior ain't half bad. There are plenty of lively characters; this place draws from the big oil that surrounds it, so there are lots of pissed (i.e. hammered) UK transplants hangin' out, having a laugh. And as a bonus, if you drink enough, those British accents become even easier to understand.
14656 Grisby, 281-920-2929, sherlockspubco.com
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Top 10 Bars, Clubs & Ice Houses In Upper Kirby
3. SHAKESPEARE PUB This place is divey, dark as hell, and way too awesome. It's the epitome of what a proper blues bar should be; there are plenty of locals and plenty of blues fans crowding the tiny bar most nights, and the vibe is always super welcoming, no matter who you are.
The furniture is hodge-podge and slapped together, but it's fitting of a place nestled behind a kolache place just off of Memorial Drive. The little dance floor situated by the stage gets plenty of action; with nightly music acts, this place is less pick-up bar, more live-music venue, only with tons of import beers and no Ticketmaster fees.
14129 Memorial Dr., 281-497-4625, shakespearepub.net
2. BURLAP BARREL PUB The shiny lights of CityCentre may be a draw most nights, but tucked out of the way of the hustle and bustle is this little dive bar with more personality than most of those scrubbed-clean bars that are its new neighbors.
There's old-school video games, shuffleboard, and plenty of darts, and they're all being shared by the craziest mix of people you'll see in that area. Think Cecil's of the west side, if you will. You might not see any Straits spillover, there is still plenty of people watching -- and beer -- to go around. Oh, and don't forget the heavy pours that rival those overpriced CityCentre drinks in alcohol content for half the price, and the fact that this place is too cool to even think about having a website.
909 Town & Country Blvd., 713-465-4977
