West Alabama Ice House

09/23/10

The only ice house that matters

by wesg1261

The West Alabama Ice House may very well be one of the greatest places ever. Where else can you shoot hoops, listen to live music, play horseshoes, walk your dog, let your kid play, hang out with hipsters, hang out with yuppies, and drink beer at the same time? The staff is always nice, no one ever seems to cause trouble, and the beer is always cold. The relatively new bar out back is a pretty good touch, too.

In short, it's pretty awesome.

I guess that's all you can really say.

03/30/10

Houston's neighborhood ice house

by KitchenInc , Citysearch Contributor

Every great city must have its ice house: the laid-back, unassuming sprawling outdoor seating with decent but not too uppity and always affordable beer selection where men go to be men, not to pick up on girls or ogle waitresses, but just drink and enjoy one another's company. It is the type of place your mom would say she’s afraid to stop it, largely because she’s trying to hide the fact that she had a crazy night there back in her early 20’s because yes, the neighborhood ice house is always at least as old as your grandpa.

No matter the time of day, you are sure to find a few motorcycles parked outside. The bar is a well-known staple in Houston’s two-wheeled scene and people that ride motorcycles are just well, happy. Unless it is raining, but then we stay inside alone to grovel or work in our garages.

So next time you pass through this busy Montrose corridor, give the neighborhood ice house a try. Perhaps the rush hour traffic is making you homicidal, or perhaps the idea of just going home after a long day of work sounds about as appealing as lighting yourself on fire, or maybe you are dreading meeting your friends at the same old hipster dive bar around the corner while the clientele around you compares the skinniness of their jeans, well then – pull up to a picnic table and order a brew and chili dog at the W. Alabama Ice house. I promise, you’ll go home happy…or at least with some interesting stories to tell.

• Pros: vibe, beer
• Cons: not all bars are like this

01/31/09

Not Your REGULAR Ice House

by lizzieb38

So I have been going here for 30+ years! Used to live across the street in the 70's. Hated it then...could hear the BLING of the horse shoe pit all night long...but can't think of ANYWHERE that I would rather be! Just try it!

• Cons: Crappy parking...ride your bike! (motorized or otherwise~)

07/02/08

Everyone welcome, neighborhood gathering spot

by AlaskAnne

Love it. Free hot dog Fridays are the best. Although it is really just a icehouse/bar, don't be put off. People bring dogs and kids. Food is easy to get from vendors walking through - I've gotten a wide variety of fare - handmade tamales, pizza, etc. for just a few bucks. You never know what will be offered if they are out of hot dogs <smile>. Real old fashioned ice house and neighborhood hangout. Wide variety of patrons from bikers to downtown attorneys to neighborhood folks. What a local dive should be.

04/18/08

great day spot to be

by FORGETIT2

This place has amazing chili dogs on Friday nights (look for the guy with the hot dog hat) and a Texas atmosphere that can't be beat. Beer and wine only but you can bring your hard alcohol if you need to. Horseshoes heaven. you can bring your dog. everyone from bikers to Neiman marcus shoppers (laidback)

• Pros: great picnic tables to sit on during a pretty day
• Cons: no hard alcohol, little cover for bad weather.