Houston Nightlife : 8 Bars, Clubs, Live Music & Budget Friendly Experiences

The city of Houston never sleeps. Thriving with enthusiasm, Houston appears to be all glittery after the sunsets. Bars, pubs, comedy clubs, night markets, and live performances highlight the nightlife in Houston. From luxurious hangouts to thrifty things to do, a night in Houston is truly a memorable experience. To make it simpler for you, we have compiled a list of places where you must go to enjoy Nightlife in Houston. Take a look!

4 Bars and Party Places

Let’s start the list of where to go at night with the quintessential bars and party places. Houston nightlife screams all things fun - party, music, food, and drinks. At night, Houston’s skyline witnesses the most spectacular parties that take place in bars and pubs. We have curated a list of party places that you must-visit in Houston.

1. Club Tropicana

Acknowledged as the best Latin nightclub in Houston, Club Tropicana is frequented by salsa and merengue lovers who love dancing to Latino music tunes and an interrupted DJ list. Located in Jacobs Plaza, the club has an excellent atmosphere with a large screen playing Latin music videos with a decent dance floor. The cover charge is up to USD 12, depending on gender. They offer the best of drinks at affordable rates. Club Tropicana also gives free salsa lessons on Tuesdays and Fridays – what else do you want? 

Address: 3222 Fondren Rd, Houston, TX 77063, United States

Timings: Tuesdays and Thursday to Saturday - 9:00 PM to 2:00 AM

2. South Beach Houston

Located out of Montrose, South Beach Houston is an LGBT friendly club known for its power pact music, mesmerizing lights, and a very spacious dance floor with several dancing levels that can accommodate a large number of people once. South Beach Houston has a spacious outdoor patio along with two heavily stocked bars to cater the most exotic speakeasies to its guests. This club's ambiance is sizzling hot, and you are likely to find several go-go dancers in the club periphery. Tip - Plant your feet at South Beach Houston before 10:00 PM so that you do not have to give cover charge.

Address: 810 Pacific St, Houston, TX 77006, United States

Timings: Thursdays - 9:00 PM to 2:00 AM

3. Etro Nightclub

Craving the ‘80s and ‘90s vibe? The nightlife in Houston won’t disappoint you! Head to Etro Nightclub, which remains jam-packed most of the time. Apart from free entry, a reasonably sized dance floor, Etro Nightclub is famous for its liquid menu. The bartenders here are simply outstanding in their art of making the most tasteful concoctions - both alcoholic and nonalcoholic. Not only this, these drinks are moderately priced too. Last Fridays and third Saturdays of the month have something special lined up always! Do check it out. 

Tip: Etro Nightclub has happy hours from Thursday to Sunday! Timings - 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

Address: 114 Main St, Houston, TX 77002, United States

Timings: Wednesday to Monday - 9:00 PM to 2:00 AM

4. Cle

Cle is one of the most popular pubs when it comes to nightlife in Houston. Luxurious, sophisticated, supremely spacious, Cle is a party place fit for a king. Cle is a kind day and night club with a huge dance floor, well-stocked bar with fancy lounges and pools. There is ample outdoor space with the party deck and VIP cabanas too. Located in the Midwest, Cle invites the best DJs and music artists for high-class entertainment. 

Tip: Cle usually follows a dress code. It is highly advisable that you check the dress code before reaching.

Address: 2301 Main St, Houston, TX 77002, United States

Timings: Fridays and Saturdays - 10:00 PM to 2:00 AM

5. Comedy Clubs

Why should nightlife be restricted to only bars and pubs? Comedy clubs are an integral part of Houston's nightlife. These clubs make for a perfect date night when you share a laugh with your loved one. Since fun multiplies when we laugh without friends, these places are perfect for a chill hang out. And of course, if you are feeling dull, the comedy clubs are where you should be. Here are a few comedy clubs that you must visit in Houston at night –

• Kiki Maroon’s Burly Q Lounge

Address: 1204 Caroline St, Warehouse Live, Houston, TX 77002
Timings: Fridays and Saturdays - 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM

• The Music Box Theatre

Address: 2623 Colquitt St, Houston, TX 77098, United States
Timings: The timings depend on the performance taking place. It is advisable to check the show timings beforehand. Usually, the performance begins at 7:30 PM, and the seating for such a show begins at 6:45 PM.

• Rudyard’s British Pub and Grill

Address: 2010 Waugh Dr, Houston, TX 77006, United States
Timings: Every day from 11:00 AM to 2:00 AM. Happy hours - Everyday 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM

• Beta Theatre

Address: 3708 Main St, Houston, TX 77002, United States
Timings: The timings depend on the performance taking place. It is advisable to check the show timings beforehand.

• Houston Improv Comedy Club

Address: 7620 Katy Fwy #455, Houston, TX 77024, United States
Timings: Tuesday to Sunday - 6:30 PM to 11:55 PM

• Station Theatre

Address: 1230 Houston Ave, Houston, TX 77007, United States
Timings: The timings depend on the performance taking place. It is advisable to check the show timings beforehand.

6. Asian Night Market

One of the star attractions of Houston nightlife is the Asian night market that happens every 2 to 3 months (There is no fixed date. The news for its occurrence spreads through word of mouth). This nocturnal night out place gives you a glimpse of Asia in Houston. Known for its gastronomy, the Asian night market will flatter your tastebuds with vendors selling authentic South East Asian delicacies. You are likely to get overwhelmed by the grills' aroma and sizzling sound that fill the entire market.

The things you must try at the Asian night market are:

• Grilled meat skewers 
• Fresh squid 
• Fresh fruit from stalls, especially lychee and jackfruit 
• Steamed buns of different shapes, sizes, and colors
• Jumbo shrimp with chili lime dressing
• Milk tea with Boba at The Bep Teahouse
• Banh Nam rice cakes wrapped in banana leaves
• And, of course, the soul-satisfying stir-fried Pad Thai with noodles, veggies, egg, and chicken that are packed with flavor.

Note: The majority of stalls in the Asian night market accept only cash payment
Address: 11205 Bellaire Blvd 77072 Houston, TX, US

7. Live Music in Houston

Another great option for experiencing nightlife in Houston is live music. Houston gets alive at night with music playing everywhere. The city thumps on different genres after the sunset, from streets to malls, restaurants, and sophisticated bars. Going to a live music show or concert is a great idea if you love live performances and enjoy musicals. However, owing to COVID 19, these shows are being organized at a limited scale for everyone’s safety.

Few of the best places for live music in Houston are:

• The Continental Club
• Walter’s Downtown
• Fitzgerald’s
• Warehouse Live
• House of Blues
• Other Things To Do

8. Budget-Friendly Options for Houston Nightlife

If you are running on a budget and want some pocket-friendly options, consider these places to make the most of a night in Houston:

• Stargazing at George’s observatory
• Watch a movie indoors at Landmark’s River Oaks theatre every Friday and Saturday
• For all the hopeless romantics, an outdoor movie experience under the stars is a good idea. Visit the Rooftop Cinema Club for the best classics and new releases.
• Go hiking at the Arboretum and say hello to the nocturnal animals.
• Play poker either at Lions Poker Palace or Prime Social Poker Club.
• It is the holiday season. So, you can choose to visit one of the Christmas markets in Houston. However, due to COVID 19, this too is restricted.

With so much to offer, Houston's nightlife is truly happening and fun-filled in every sense of the word.