Houstonia’s Fall Issue Is Here—and It Goes to Some Dark Places

For some of us who grew up with strict parents, we know the saying “nothing good happens after 2am,” and Texas certainly took that to heart.

In comparison to cities like New York and Los Angeles, where bars close at 4am and there’s always a late-night spot waiting, Houstonians are early-ish birds, and it’s not solely by choice. State law mandates that all bars close at 2am Monday through Saturday and 1am on Sunday nights. Bummer. I mean, sort of.

Some of the best late-night meals and let-outs are often served safely in the comfort of our homes and kitchens (in our pajamas). But fun things are still done in the dark here, and they don’t all have to be mischievous, crime-ridden, or scary; though if that’s your thing, we certainly have that, too.

In recent years, the city’s bar scene—rooted in rustic watering holes, ice houses, and dives—has exploded, offering speakeasies, live entertainment, listening lounges with fancy cocktails, and more, all aimed at bringing people together over something nice to sip. We’ve rallied the Top 50 bars on our radar, but fortunately, Houston nightlife is not all about drinking and dancing.

Plenty of bars offer small plates and mocktails for those choosing to abstain. Restaurants feature experiences that will make you feel like you’re on the moon. Museums host late-night exhibits and illuminating installations, and DJs spin tunes and sell music on vinyl.

Then there are the nighttime experiences money can’t buy—like stargazing and skyline views, which peak at sunset and only get more hypnotic once night falls.

Our Fall issue is dedicated to the coolest things to do after dark, but it wouldn’t be Houstonia if we didn’t go deeper and darker, especially with Halloween and daylight standard time on its way. We dig into taboo and uncomfortable topics like death, coffins, clowns, cemeteries, overdoses, and the mythical creatures that allegedly go bump in the night. And then we chase the light—coastal surf culture, the artistry behind NASA’s space suits, and the Houston-Disney connection you didn’t see coming. Dark and dazzling. That’s Houston, especially after hours.

Published in the After Hours issue of Houstonia Mag.