A Montrose Pub Crawl
Montrose is the gayborhood of Houston, and with a plethora of bars within close proximity to one another, it’s also one of the more walkable areas of the city. No matter what you’re in the mood for during your time out at the bars, Montrose has a little something for everyone!
Whether you're looking for a place to chill on a barstool with a beer or dance the night away with a mixed drink in your hand, Montrose welcomes everyone to come explore, imbibe, and enjoy!
Plan to ease into the night at a laid-back bar with pool tables, dart boards, indoor and outdoor space, and more! George Your Country Sports Bar on Fairview is perfectly located in close proximity to the other bars in the area. Whether you want to kick your night off with a beer, cocktail, or Jell-O shot, George has you covered. It’s a bar where you can carry on a conversation without yelling over loud music, so it’s the perfect gathering spot before beginning your bar hop.
Still not ready to take your night to the next level? No worries! Exit George, take a left and then another left down Stanford St. (you’ll pass Eagle Houston, but don’t worry—you’ll be back later), and then a right on Pacific Street until you reach JR’s Bar & Grill. With a gorgeous outdoor patio, several bars throughout the massive indoor/outdoor space, and seating in various areas of the bar, JR’s is the perfect next stop to enjoy some drinks, conversation, or maybe some karaoke if the vibe is right! It’s a great place to gather, enjoy good company, and plan your next stop.
This brings us to BUDDY’S and KIKI. Situated just behind JR’s, these bars are connected via a back hallway, perfect for hopping from one to the other. Each bar offers indoor and outdoor space and very different vibes. We recommend starting at BUDDY’S for a drink and the chance to enjoy some live entertainment before sneaking over to KIKI, where the dance floor is primed for enjoying the bar’s music.
With some drinks in your system, you’re probably ready to dance! It’s time to head over to South Beach on Pacific Street. There’s a cover charge after 11 pm, but it’s well worth it! Known for its sexy vibe and its two well-stocked bars, South Beach has a great outdoor space for gathering, but the multi-level dance floor is where the party’s at. The massive chandelier and laser lighting in the large space illuminate the crowd as everyone dances and drinks the night away alongside scantily clad go-go dancers.
Although you could very well stay at South Beach until 3 am, it’s not a complete night out without a stop at Eagle Houston, the go-to bar for the bear, jock, and leather communities—although, all are welcome. The multi-level indoor/outdoor space has bars on each floor and plenty of space for gathering, dancing the night away, and shopping at the in-house leather and fetish shop.
If you’re still enjoying your night out and feeling frisky, make one more stop at Ripcord, the second-oldest gay bar in Texas and the state's oldest leather bar. Ripcord welcomes all and offers a special haven for Bears, Cubs, Daddies, Twinks, the Leather community, and more. Its large patio makes it a perfect place to enjoy a beer or a cocktail to cap the night on a beautiful Houston evening.
WHERE TO STAY
Traveling safely is key, especially if you plan on drinking! Reduce your rideshare bill by staying in Montrose or in a neighborhood nearby. If you want to be smack dab in the heart of Montrose, consider splurging to stay at the historic La Colombe D’Or on Montrose Blvd. The Gayborhood is in close proximity to Downtown Houston and the Museum District, which feature stunning and comfy accommodations.
Options include the C. Baldwin Hotel (photo above), Hotel ZaZa, the Marriott Marquis and its Texas-shaped lazy river, Homewood Suites Downtown, and the Le Meridien Hotel, to name a few.
Your route for the evening is secured, so get ready for a night of fun in Montrose!
By Zach McKenzie
Photos: Courtesy of bars and hotels mentioned on this page
