The Black Swan

They say that non-linear thinkers like Einstein, Da Vinci and Picasso are the revolutionaries that actually change the world, rather than merely improve the status quo. That's all well and good, but lines are just fine by us, and The Black Swan isn’t trying to transform Houston’s nightlife—just offering a swanky spot for us to sip our whiskey and listen to music. What The Black Swan offers is a sleek nightclub with a dance floor that gets into full swing on the weekends when the DJs spin, as well as chic curtained-off nooks for couples and flirting. During the week it's the haunt of choice for the Galleria-area crowd who want sophisticated after-work cocktails. Located in the Omni Hotel, this night spot gives you several options beyond your drinks – we like strolling the backlit grounds at night and admiring the rare black swan (quick, someone show Malcolm Gladwell!) that artfully glides around the hotel’s lake.