Thinking about spending a weekend in Houston; if you had to pick five pubs that are a must, what are they? I'm looking for great beer and atmosphere. Thanks!
Depends on what you're looking for. For example, futants just found 5 places I would never go, save for Lone Star, which we do occasionally to make fun of people. Try Pub Fiction. If you don't fit in, go to futant's places.
sorry, fatty...i was trying to think of places that might be considered "uniquely Houston." there are several "chain" "pubs" in Houston that have excellent beer selections, but aren't necessarily representative of a Houston-like atmosphere. great beer? the original Ginger Man has an outstanding beer/ale selection. make sure you have access to your savings account as the GM charges as if they're on Manhatten Island. the pub originated in houston, but has outlets in austin and new york, i believe. Little Woodrows has a fine selection of beer, but might be considered a bit more of singles hangout. it is also a small chain that started in houston, but has at least two outlets in austin. there used to be a place on W. Gray (in "mid-town") called something like "The Back Porch" or "The Porch" that had a nice beer/ale selection. i live in austin and haven't been there in a few years, but i remember it being pretty cool. it also has a bit of a sports feel, if i remember correctly.
I live in Round Rock and frequent both the Gingerman and Little Woodrows in Austin. I'd love to finds some pubs in Houston that focus on great beer.
if you're going to really pub crawl, as in walk from bar to bar in one night.. you're probably just best off going to the village and spending the majority of the night at the gingerman.. then wandering elsewhere..
if you'll be in houston by 1 pm on Saturday, I'd highly recommend the St. Arnold Brewery tour. http://www.saintarnold.com/brewery/tour.html
Is Velvet Elvis still open on Richmond? I used to love that place. I know there was a lawsuit with Elvis' estate or something.
Still open but now it's called Velvet Melvin. If Pub Crawl, meaning no driving is the goal then you gotta pick a part of town. Downtown Cotton Exchange - a little uppity but cool digs. Brewery Tap - great place. When you imagine what a pub should be ...this is it. Flying Saucer - chain but good atmosphere plus in the cool part of downtown. Shay McElroy's - another joint nearby FS. Slainte - another joint nearly FS. Live Sports Cafe (owned by a Clutchfan so you gotta go here.) Rice Villiage Ginerman Brian O'Neills Baker St. Pub (all 3 good places and right next to each other.) Kelvin Arms Valhalla's (cheapest Shiner Bock in Houston $.75. On Rice Univeristy campus. Great place on a Friday afternoon as they often have live music and tons of people.) + others nearby. Lower Alabama West Alabama Ice House The Stags Head Mucky Duck (There are definately others but I'm drawing a blank on the rest. This one definately requires the most and least interesting walking)
Richmond Arms Rudyard's Kelvin Arms Kennealy's G-man Front Porch Pub ...and pour out a 40 for the Ale House
The Ale House was one of the places I took my wife (of 15 years now) to on our first date. We went to the Richmond Arms on our second date. I'll check out these other places, thanks!
nice list. Valhalla is supposed to be a secret, though. lol (btw: they are closed on Saturdays). I'm a Friday bartender when I'm in town. Alice's Tall Texan is unique for sure. I like Buck's list, too. Rudyards and Kenneally's are a most. Rudz has the best atmosphere, imo (great black bean nachos, too), and Kenneally's has the best Guinness pour and good pizza. Two not mentioned so far Downtown are on the historic Market Square: La Carafe (a must for at least one beer) Warren's Inn Both are a block from each other in historic buildings. Plus, you could do the Brewery Tap as well, as someone else mentioned.
