where to watch the rockets

10 coolest Houston sports bars to watch the red-hot Rockets

Scream for Harden and the Rockets at Coaches Pub.

Courtesy photo

The much-hyped, Rockets-Warriors showdown is finally here, and thus, even casual sports fans are now on the bandwagon. So whether you're a card-carrying member of Red Nation or a newbie, we've rounded up 10 hot spots to catch this dramatic, pivotal NBA playoff matchup.

Note: Our picks are true sports bars, not just places with a solitary TV with a game on — that then call themselves sports bars. These options all fall within the Beltway, should you decide to venture out and watch the games with friends.

Nick's Place, Westchase
Pretty much the gold standard for sports bars in the city. Great food, no nonsense, just a sports bar in the purest sense of the word. You'll find more than enough TVs, a solid patio, and great atmosphere. 2713 Rocky Ridge Dr.

Griff's, Montrose
An area icon for over 50 years, Griff's is as old school as it gets. Definitely a place where you go to watch sports. Their Tuesday night steak night is one of the best in the city. 3416 Roseland St.

Coaches Pub, Midtown
Has a different feel from the other bars in Midtown, as it is a pure sports bar with a lot of regulars. The food is outstanding for a bar, they have no shortage of TVs, and the staff is terrific. The best part is unlike most Midtown bars, parking is readily available and free. 2204 Louisiana St.

West Alabama Ice House, Upper Kirby
A true, old school ice house, this place has a nice beer selection and usually food trucks. Great place to unwind and watch the game. 1919 Kirby Dr.

Saint Dane's, Midtown
Technically Midtown, but within spitting distance of Montrose, as well. Really cool atmosphere and solid food. 502 Elgin St.

Revelry on Richmond, Montrose
This place is terrific. Great food, world-class craft beer selection, and plenty of TVs to catch whatever you want to watch. 1613 Richmond Ave.

Lucky's Pub, various locations
The Lucky's in East Downtown is the best of the lot, but you can't go wrong with any of them. Another place that is a true sports bar in every sense of the word.

Big City Wings, various locations
You wouldn't necessarily think of a wing place as a sports bar, but Big City is exactly that. And the wings are terrific. With locations throughout the area, chances are there is one near you.

Christian's Tailgate, various locations
Another place that is designed with the sports fan in mind. Solid food menu, and good beer selection. We're partial to the downtown location, which is a good pre-game and post-game spot if you are headed to Toyota Center.

Little Woodrow's, various locations
Much like Christian's, Little Woodrow's has a mode that works well and they stick to it. Not much in the way of food, but usually there are food trucks or people onsite. The EaDo location is the most unique and has the best vibe, and is also walkable to Toyota Center.

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This story originally appeared on SportsMap.

where-drink sports

a taste of Nola

French-trained Houston chefs team up for one-night-only Mardi Gras dinner

Courtesy of Chardon

Suckling pig porchetta muffuletta with olive salad, smoked ham demi-glace, and provolone sauce.

Two top Houston chefs are teaming up for a one-night-only salute to the flavors of Mardi Gras. Taking place Friday, February 6 at Chardon, the Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler dinner unites chef EJ Miller of Chardon with New Orleans native Dominick Lee, who will open progressive Creole restaurant Augustine’s later this year.

The three-course, $95 dinner (optional beverage pairing, $55) begins with an starters for the table that include poached shrimp with Muối Ớt Xanh (Vietnamese green chili dipping sauce) and bread service of a po’ boy roll with duck fat butter. Appetizer choices consist of escargot Rockefeller, Creole bucatini, and hog head cheese pâté en croûte.

Entree selections dive deep into Louisiana culinary traditions with choices that include gumbo Americana with duck breast, suckling pig porchetta “muffuletta,” and chicken-fried rabbit. A bone-in New York strip is available as a supplement. For dessert, choose from king cake profiteroles, sweet potato and black lime Mont Blanc, and “Zydeco crunch.” Everyone leaves with a warm beignet for the ride home.

“This dinner is about celebrating shared roots, creative freedom, and the joy of the season,” Miller said in a statement. “Chef Dom brings an exciting, modern Creole perspective that pairs beautifully with our Texas French approach. It’s festive, indulgent, and meant to be enjoyed together.”

“Creole and French cooking are inherently entwined. They come from the same place but tell different stories,” Lee added. “Chef EJ and I share a respect for tradition and a love for pushing these narratives forward, and this dinner is a chance to bring those two conversations to the same table.”

Miller has been Chardon’s executive chef since the French restaurant opened in February 2025. His resume includes time at SaltAir Seafood Kitchen, Riel, Muse, and International Smoke, celebrity chef Michael Mina’s short-lived, smoke-infused restaurant in CityCentre.

Two years in development, Augustine’s will open later this year at the Hotel King David in Third Ward. Lee brings a diverse array of experiences to his role, including working as the executive sous chef at Indian fine dining restaurant Kiran’s, the executive chef of globally-inspired Poitín Bar & Kitchen, and two years working and studying in Italy.

Seats for the Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler dinner are available on OpenTable.

news-you-can-eat dinner