Sugar Land has a booming bar scene all of its own, and there's never been a better time to explore its newest offerings: The holidays are upon us, family and friends will be heading back into town, and soon there'll be a brand-new year to toast.

Azuma on the Lake

You might not immediately think of a sushi bar when you think of getting drinks, but with Azuma on the Lake, you absolutely should. The classic cocktail selection and excellent sake list are only rivaled by the view from the patio onto—you guessed it—a lovely lake. No surprise this place is always packed at happy hour, especially with sushi and Japanese bar bite specials to match the lowered drink prices.

 

The FINEST and RAREST of St.Arnold's is at Big Ben Tavern ..limited supply.

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Big Ben Tavern

Remember the days when people were really excited about gastropubs? The vogue may have faded, but the cuisine is as thoughtful as ever at this farm-to-table sports pub. While games play both indoors and on the patio, diners start with one of 30 beers on tap and work their way through a menu of British, Indian and Texan specialties. This makes for some interesting mash-ups. Chicken tikka with fried okra and a Scotch egg, anyone?

 

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The Flying Saucer Draught Emporium

Some of us aspire to write the great American novel. Others hope to make this cavernous beer hall’s Ring of Honor. Set your mind to it, and you too could drink 200 different beers and earn a plate on the bar’s walls or ceiling. Once you’ve accomplished that goal, it might be time to take stock of things. Or don’t, and order a plate of bratwurst before embarking on another 200.

 

@thesugarrefinery "your neighborhood Bar" one of our signature drinks...old fashioned , come and try this traditional drink.. . #sugarlandtx #oldfashioned #prohibitionbar #bar #foodies #madmen

A post shared by The Sugar Refinery (@thesugarrefinery) on Sep 17, 2017 at 8:58pm PDT

The Sugar Refinery

In search of a classic cocktail? This is the spot, with a menu of 11 standards—from Sidecars to Sazeracs—for only $8 each. Happy hours offer another bargain in the form of $5 bar bites, including beefy meatballs and spicy pork ribs. Pair them with one of the 20 beers on draft (another 21 are available in bottles), like a creamy pint of Fuller's ESB. On weekends, DJs spin a blend of EDM tunes, while weekdays often bring live blues bands.

 

In celebration of National Wine Day, we're letting you "call it" and build your own flight! $20 gets you four wines (approx 1.5 glasses), and poured in any combination you want! (Excludes Coravin wines.) #nationalwineday #vinoandvinyl #wineflight

A post shared by Vino & Vinyl - Sugar Land (@vinovinylsl) on May 25, 2017 at 12:46pm PDT

Vino & Vinyl

It's all there in the name: This inviting lounge in Town Square invites you to unwind over vinyl records and wine. The extensive by-the-glass selection even includes a rotation selection of wines on draft. If you want to linger even longer, a full menu features everything from charcuterie boards for sharing to black truffle mac 'n' cheese for, well, not sharing. Don't want to fight the Town Square traffic on a busy weekend? Try Vino & Vinyl's second location in the Missouri City Township Square.