Houston Nightlife & Entertainment

In the mood for dancing? Dinner? Cocktails? Just being seen looking your most fabulous? Check. Check. Check and check. Yes, the Houston nightlife scene is bubbling over with casual bars, uber cool clubs, and a live music scene that got kicked up a notch with the influence of New Orleans musicians.

Film buffs are flocking to the latest trend in movie-watching at the Alamo Drafthouse, which merges dinner and a movie all in the same place. Onion Creek in The Heights appeals to coffee lovers as well as those wanting to imbibe on a glass of wine.

Oenophiles gather routinely at the wine bars that are popping up like corks off a bottle around town. Downtown's Main Street is one hub for evening entertainment, but there are other locations throughout the city that serve up nightlife for every mood.

Insider's Guide: The Best of Nightlife & Entertainment in Houston

The devastation of Hurricane Katrina is still impacting thousands of survivors, but many of the talented musicians are calling Houston home -- permanently. Thursday nights are always popular nights to go out in Houston, and now Sammy's Place (2016 Main St) is a regular destination for lovers of hot live music that ranges from jazz to dance music. An influx of New Orleans finest jam with Houston musicians, and the crowd is a mix of all ages and ethnicities.

Houston nightlife
©2006 Greater Houston Convention
and Visitor's Bureau
Houston nightlife is hopping,
from wine bars and nightclubs
to dinner and a movie.

If rockabilly is more your speed, the Continental Club (3700 Main St) in Midtown right on the light rail line is your calling. James Dean wannabees and the Betty Boop girls who swoon for them are part of the creative crowd. This is live Texas music at its best, with nary a hint of pretension.

La Carafe (813 Congress St) in Market Square is a moody and historical wine bar that oozes ambiance and an excellent wine list. The bar is cash only, and the jukebox wins rave reviews from everyone who has ever plunked change into it.

If you eschew the trendy club scene, then consider The Flat (1701 Commonwealth St), a cozy bar that feels more like a living room. Comfy couches, simple tables and chairs, friendly bartenders, and passionate DJs have turned The Flat into a staple on the going-out front.

Up for a night out but without any fuss? Try the dinner and a movie option at the Alamo Drafthouse (531 South Mason Rd, Westheimer and Hwy 6). Order your meal and raise a flag at your seat when you need something from the wait staff without missing a moment of the movie.

If you can use a few laughs, check out Houston's premier comedy nightclub called Laff Spot (1952 W Gray St, Suite A). Comedy shows are scheduled on Friday and Saturday nights, and its Jazz Cafe offers live music from local musicians from 9 pm to 1 am every Friday and Saturday.

You can also check out the Comedy Showcase (1140 Fuqua St, Suite 300), which has its walls lined with photos of famous and soon-to-be-famous comedians. Thursdays feature special event shows, and Friday through Sunday are regular comedy acts with headliners. Fridays and Saturdays are non-smoking shows.

Another option is Main Street Improv (2915 Main St), where up-and-coming talent explores skits and comedy routines on stage along with the audience. Their acts are improvised and spontaneous.

If you'd rather relax than party, Houston has that covered, too. From topnotch spas to a butterfly center, the city has a unique array of relaxation options. See the next section for details.