Houston Music Venues

This warehouse district music venue has two stages that often get criticized for bad acoustics, but Warehouse Live does an impressive job landing both mid-range alternative bands and giving local acts greater exposure.

This big name concert venue gets the big-name artists from the top 40 chart, '80s bands on reunion tours and comedians.

In downtown's theater district, Verizon snags the mid-range musical acts.

Despite constant rumors of its closing, grungy Walter's remains wonderfully out of place among its sleek neighbors on Washington Ave. This is the place in Houston to catch the next big indie band (on a good night) or the underwear-clad punk rock ensemble from a local high school (still a good night).

This shambling Tex-Mex restaurant is popular for its regular jam sessions and hippie vibe.

Through the quiet bar in the front, out the door in the back and inside another, you'll find "the Backroom at the Mink," where you're likely to find a CD release party, an indie band playing or hordes of smoking scensters.

The sister to the Continental Club in Austin hosts a regular rotation of local live music, from the Beatles cover band on Thursdays to the Houston Funk Factory on Sundays. Bonuses include shuffleboard, a killer back patio and a BBQ table.

Crumbling Fitzgerald's is where local Houston acts cut their teeth as they work on recording their first EP. Now owned by the Free Press Houston.

Though it's experienced a considerable decline both physically and in glory, the Meridian still hosts a line-up of metal and hardcore acts.

The Houston Rockets stadium also serves as a music venue to the hugest touring musical artists thanks to its nearly 20,000 seats.

Bands shake the second floor of this Montrose dive bar with plenty of street cred.

The epically generous free programming at downtown's favorite park includes a wide range of live music for families and the indie crowd.

This cozy Irish pub has a full menu of bar grub and hosts live music seven nights a week with a focus on Texas country and folk acts.

Part guitar shop, part underground dive bar, Dan Electro's is a Heights institution. The music is a mix of rock, blues and country and the crowd is equally eclectic.

This music store turned occasional music venue hosts free concerts--often unplugged local artists or sneak peeks at musicians playing at larger venues later that night--several times a week.

Thanks to a team of baristas of varying musical interests, the rather small concerts range from experimental noise to a solid jazz night. Bigger rooftop concerts offer a beautiful view of the downtown Houston skyline.

A short drive outside of Houston, the Stafford Centre brings musical acts (usually the legends of yesteryear) and festivals to the suburbs.

The word "dive" is almost inadequate to describe this shabby, purple bar next to a neon Domino's Pizza on Kirby. But it's the true jazz and blues fans who dare to step inside.

The crowd skews young and skinny-jeaned at this Montrose concert venue and vegetarian cafe. Local acts of great potential usually take the stage.