Best Bars 2014

Houston’s Best Beer Bars: An Addendum

A few more local favorites to add to August 2014’s best-of list.

Edited by Katharine Shilcutt By Dan Derozier, Catherine Matusow, Chris Abshire, and Sarah Rufca Nielsen November 30, 2014 Published in the December 2014 issue of Houstonia Magazine

Flying Saucer

Beer

In our August issue, Houstonia chose the following as the city’s 6 best beer bars: Cottonwood, D&T Drive Inn, Flying Saucer, The Hay Merchant, Nobi Public House, and Petrol Station. That list still stands. Ever interested in providing our loyal readership with alternative options, however, we present a few more brilliant beer bars for your craft quaffing consideration.

Flying Saucer Top 10

No other beer bar in town combines a long tenure with such an enormous selection of brews like this place. Then again, they’ve been pouring pints at Flying Saucer since long before the words craft beer were even invented. These days, the 14-year-old joint (a long time in the fickle downtown market) distinguishes itself by offering special one-off casks and kegs of hard-to-find selections. And then there’s the UFO program, which rewards loyal patrons with gold plates affixed to the walls after they’ve consumed 200 brews.

What to get: Whichever beer(s) you need to get that coveted gold plate
Don’t miss: Rocket tots—tater tots stuffed with cheese and jalapeño peppers, served with habanero sauce (also known as the best bar food ever created)

Hop Scholar

Traditionally, north Houstonia has been a desert for craft beer, but behold—an oasis is born. Don’t let the suburban shopping center digs fool you. With a hefty list of taps and friendly, knowledgable bartenders, Hop Scholar is perfect for both beer enthusiasts and casual consumers.

Don’t miss: Trinity Pub Theology nights, where God and faith are discussed over beer

Mongoose Vs. Cobra

From the massive chalkboards along the bare brick walls announcing its ever-changing selection of beers to the mad scientist–like casks behind the bar that store nitro versions of specialty brews, Midtown’s Mongoose versus Cobra has something to pique the interest of even the most jaded beer nerd.

Don’t Miss: Order the Midnight Special pretzel if you love cheese and bacon; trust us.

Rockwell Tavern & Grill

This Cypress spot has long been notable for juicy burgers, but its true distinction is its marriage of serious beer love and family-friendliness. With more than a dozen taps (mostly of the local variety) and quaint down-home cuisine, Rockwell has something for everyone. 

Don’t miss:Weekend brunch, because craft beer and pancakes is a better combo than you think

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