by Nikki Metzgar - 206 Reviews - 77 List
In the wise words of Will Smith, "Summer, summer summer time. Time to sit back and unwind." (It sounds better when he says it.) We suggest you do exactly that, on a patio with a drink in hand. Patios are as common as mosquitoes in Houston, but here are a few of our favorite outdoor bars. (Photo: Continental Club)
Updated: May 20, 2011
As with most icehouses, this one is little more than a shack full of beer coupled with sprawling space for picnic tables. And that's how we like it. Bring on the bikers, their dogs and pet snakes and the sweaty bottles of Texas ale.
While the bands on stage are almost always a compelling reason to stay inside, the patio and adjoining Panchinko Room bar are the place to cool off and admire the lit up Elvis sign. Snag a brisket sandwich from on your way out.
Perched on a grassy levee, the shady expanse of outdoor seating looks like it was transported straight out of the hill country. The full bar, 30 on-tap beers and cheap wings draw big crowds.
Call us crazy, but there's something about warm weather that makes us want to drink tropical beverages. The frozen mojito at the Flat is sweet and refreshing and the courtyard out back is charming, even if it closes earlier than the rest of the bar.
You want ESPN, cheap beer by the pitcher and a huge patio? Then this is the place to spend the rest of summer.
Despite being grungy and nonchalant, Poison Girl has somehow become the Montrose golden child. It's been eternally well-loved for its wide selection of whiskey, cheap Lone Star and the shady back patio occupied by a giant Kool Aid Man and crowded with smoking 20-somethings.
The most laid-back bar on Washington obviously has a spacious patio and it even comes with its own bartender. Escape the club crowds here.
