West Alabama Ice House

Open since 1928, this real-deal honky tonk does not serve cocktails or food (except free hotdogs on Friday and vendors who wander-in on occasion selling homemade tacos and pizza), but it has drawn crowds for generations who like to bring their dogs, sit at a picnic table and enjoy a few brews with friends. There’s horseshoes and a basketball court outside for those who want to play and a television inside for those who prefer to watch sports from the comfort of a bar stool. Although trendy places come and go in Montrose, West Alabama Ice House has maintained its popularity since before homes were air conditioned and this was a place Houstonians came to buy block ice for their iceboxes at home and maybe a cold drink or two while they were at it. Today it’s a beer joint for bikers, artists, students, undercover corporate types and semi-reformed rednecks. While most ice houses across Texas are melting away, West Alabama Ice House is as solid as ever.