Bars in the Heights

This oasis of Hill Country charm is a triple threat of food, coffee and a full bar and so well-loved that its epic deck is often at full capacity.

One of the few authentically Texan bars left in Houston, Alice's has somehow remained largely unnoticed by the masses. Join the friendly old-timers at the bar for a goblet of Lone Star and, if one of them asks, a few steps to the Dolly song coming from the jukebox.

Big Star is a paradigm of balance--a balance between neighborhood hangout and hipster dive and a balance between bearably smelly and terribly smelly. The fire pit out back is a nice touch in cooler weather.

Dan Electro's is a true underground music venue, immune to trends along with its patrons who are there out of genuine love for the blues, bluegrass and funk bands on stage.

A crouched building with a pink "222" as the only signage, Dirt Bar looks pretty scary on the outside. Well, it's also pretty scary on the inside. The walls are painted black, and the lighting is pretty much nonexistent, but then you talk to a surprisingly nice bartender and it's all okay.

With quarters for the jukebox and a penchant for light beer, you'll fit in perfectly with the patrons here. Of all the bars in the Heights, this just may be the one to get away with a popped collar.

This little shed across from Fitzgerald's is a little rough around the edges, but in a good way. Save money at the bar by ordering Pearl and kick back with the regulars.

The Boom Boom Room is nowhere near as racy as the name makes it sound. Instead, friendly neighbors gather at this bar in the Heights for a relaxing, unpretentious glass of vino and accompanying panini.

Despite its exclusive-sounding name, this hole-in-the-wall is really just that. Like most bars in the Heights, Shiloh club is rife with sociable regulars.

The place to be at this Heights bar is on the porch, shaded by trees and privy to a wide view of the busy intersection. Inside, the game is usually on a dozen beers are available on tap.