Where to drink now

Houston’s 13 most festive holiday bars serve lots of Christmas cheer

Jingle Bell Bar at Aero Cocktail Co. will feature festive beverages and tasty treats.

Angelique Cook Cavazos

The holiday season is here, and Houston’s bar scene is pulling out all the stops to spread Christmas cheer. From over-the-top décor to imaginative cocktails, these festive destinations promise an experience as bright as the twinkling lights that adorn them. Whether you’re donning your glitziest outfit or rocking a kitschy sweater, here’s where to toast to the magic of the season.

Betelgeuse Betelgeuse holiday cocktail The Santa on Acid is part of Betelgeuse Betelgeuse's holiday menu.Courtesy of Betelgeuse Betelgeuse

Courtesy of Miracle

Miracle pop-up has made its way to Johnny's Gold Brick and Winnie's.

Betelgeuse Betelgeuse
Celebrated for its offbeat vibe, Betelgeuse Betelgeuse turns on the Christmas charm in December. While exact dates for the transformation of its Montrose Boulevard and Washington Avenue locations haven’t been announced, patrons can expect merry elixirs like the frozen grasshopper with 14 House mint vodka, white chocolate syrup, creme de cacao, and ancho reyes, and the visions of sugarplums with 13 Still Austin Gin, Damson Plum Gin, pomegranate liqueur, lemon, turbinado, and Lambrusco. Check the temperature before you head to Betelgeuse Betelgeuse to sample the Christmas Cocktails selection—the eatery only offers some of the beverages when the temperature dips below 65 degrees.

Crazy Christmas Lights Holiday Pop-up at Bandista
Step through a bookcase at downtown’s luxurious Four Seasons hotel to discover a merry and bright wonderland at speakeasy-style Bandista. The intimate lounge embraces the seasonal spirit with an eclectic mix of dazzling decorations and an ambitious holiday cocktail menu. Highlights include the “Wallow in Self Pity,” a yuzu vermouth cocktail with winter melon, pineapple, lime, and egg white, and “Your Favorite Side Dish,” a creative mix of agave spirits, toast-infused vermouth, and celery bitters. Reservations are essential for this intimate experience, which runs through January 1.

Fireside at Heights & Co.

This may be the coziest of Christmas bars to choose from as Heights & Co. is once again holding movie nights with all the trimmings of the season through December 23. The movie screen is set up on the bar’s patio, with blankets, space heaters, and fire pits on demand when the temperature drops. Charming s’mores boards, with a house ganache, torched marshmallow cream, marshmallows, and graham crackers, can be enjoyed with a tabletop fire pit. Cutesy glassware holds boozy beverages such as a salted caramel carajillo and a cookies and cream espresso martini. Showtimes run Sunday through Thursday at 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm, and Friday and Saturday at 5:30 pm, 7:30 pm, and 9:30 pm. Reservations are required to secure a spot.

people celebrate at frosty's christmas bar This is the first year that Frosty's Christmas Bar has made its way to Houston. Courtesy of We Love Pop Ups

Frosty’s Christmas Bar
There must be some magic in the air with Frosty’s Christmas Bar, coming to life at 2106 Dallas, Suite 100. This two-story spectacle boasts multiple bars, lively dance floors, and photo ops galore. The parent company, We Love Pop Ups, is known for dazzling events in Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles, with Frosty’s making its Houston debut. The festive setup is worthy of Buddy the Elf with oversized nutcrackers, twinkly lights, and themed nights. The pop-up is open Monday through Thursday from 4 pm to close, Friday from 4 pm to 2 am, and Saturday and Sunday from 2 pm to 2 am, and runs from November 29 to January 5. Guests under 21 are welcome before 7 pm. Ticket prices range from $25 to $350.

jingle bell bar at aero cocktail co has fun, festive drinks Aero Cocktail Co. is decking its halls with the Jingle Bell Bar pop-up.Photo by Angelique Cook Cavazos

Jingle Bell Bar at Aero Cocktail Co.
The creative minds behind The Cursed Cauldron are taking over Aero Cocktail Co. once again, but this time for Christmas. Running November 27 to December 28, patrons can explore Jingle Bell Bar with three themed rooms and two bars. Classic Christmas charm fills the main bar, while the Candyland Lounge offers sweet surprises. Upstairs, the Après Ski Lodge sets a cozy scene with a woodland-inspired ambiance. Sip on winter-inspired drinks like the Winter Wassail of Lost Irish whiskey, apple brandy, and cider, and snack on Santa’s Cookie Platter or Irma’s tamales. Entry is free, but special events like burlesque shows and cookie-decorating workshops require tickets. The Jingle Bell Bar is open Tuesday through Saturday from 4 pm to 12 am, and Sunday from 2 pm to 10 pm.

johnny gold brick's at christmas Miracle is celebrating its sixth year at Johnny's Gold Brick this season.Courtesy of Johnny's Gold Brick

Jingle and Mingle at Lyric Market
Before watching lords and ladies leap across the stage at Houston Ballet’s Nutcracker, attendees can grab a Christmas cocktail or mocktail at Lyric Market’s Jingle and Mingle pop-up. Glittering Christmas trees await around each corner and tinsel shimmers from above at this free event. Sip on the “Peppermint Express,” a vodka-based blend with RumChata, peppermint, and cold brew, or the holiday mule, a non-alcoholic concoction of lime, ginger beer, and cinnamon syrup. Patrons can play Santa Claus by donating to the Toys for Tots box at Lyric Bar, with free two-hour parking provided to those who either donate a toy or purchase a cocktail. Live Christmas tunes can be heard every Friday and Saturday from 6-8 pm through December, making it a merry outing for all ages.

Julep
Julep brings Southern charm to the holidays with a dazzling display of sparkling lights, 1,000 presents suspended from the ceiling, and a parlor filled with nutcrackers. Owner Alba Huerta and her skilled staff have created a menu that features innovative takes on classic favorites, such as the spiked hot cocoa with vodka and toasted marshmallows, the holiday spice Old Fashioned that incorporates sherry and spiced cocoa bitters, and the applesnap Julep that blends bourbon and sous-vide apples. From December 2 through December 31, Julep will open at 3 pm daily. Book through Open Table to ensure a seat.

Miracle at Johnny’s Gold Brick and Winnie’s
A Houston holiday staple, the Miracle pop-up returns for its sixth year at Johnny’s Gold Brick and its third at Winnie’s. Revellers can raise a glass to the holidays with jolly drinks such as the popular Christmapolitan, a vodka concoction with spiced cranberry sauce, and absinthe mist. For a prehistorically good time, there’s the bold new Christmasaurus with pineapple rum, mezcal, Velvet Falernum, and apricot liqueur, paired with rich flavors such as toasted cumin and coconut milk. Both locations are open daily, excluding Thanksgiving and Christmas, until December 30. Reservations are recommended, but dinner at Winnie’s is walk-in only.

cocktail at sippin' santa pop-up The Yuletide cocktail is available at Nickel City's Sippin' Santa pop-up.Courtesy of Sippin' Santa

Sippin' Santa at Nickel City
The Houston outpost of the popular Austin bar has quickly become a standout in the city’s nightlife scene. This season, Nickel City adds a retro, kitschy flair with the Sippin’ Santa pop-up, offering a playful take on Santa’s tropical getaway. Open daily from 12 pm to 2 am through December 29 (including Thanksgiving and Christmas), the festive oasis invites guests to escape the winter blues. Sippin' Santa and Miracle have the same parent company with beloved holiday mugs in creative shapes such as Santa's Head, and SanTaRex as part of the appeal. Patrons may purchase the charming glassware to take home after enjoying creations such as Frosty the Merman, a rye drink with pear, apricot, and allspice liquors.

chifley hotel tinsel town pop up The Chifley Hotel in the Galleria is hosting Tinsel Town pop-up, along with three themed rooms for guests to stay in.Courtesy of Chifley Hotel

Tinsel Town at Chifley Hotel
The Galleria’s Chifley Hotel invites all to immerse themselves in a winter wonderland, complete with the Tinsel Town pop-up and festive-themed suites. Through January 4, the hotel’s restaurant, Rouse, will dazzle guests with glittering adornments, live music on weekends, and scheduled themed nights. Attendees can extend the magic by booking one of the three decked-out hotel rooms — Candy Cane Lane, Tinsel Town, or the Polar Experience — complete with cookies, hot chocolate, and turndown service.

Toasted Coconut Holiday drinks Toasted Coconut is offering a wide bevy of beverages for the holidays.Vivian Leba

The Toasted Coconut
Escape to an island paradise at the Toasted Coconut. This Montrose gem is renowned for decking its halls with flair and this year’s menu features fan-favorite drinks like the Puerto Rican Coquito, cream of coconut, rum, cinnamon, and nutmeg, alongside new creations. Bar manager Tiffany Kirk told CultureMap that she’s excited about the Crimson and Clover Club, which has the unusual ingredients of beet tempered by raspberry. The cleverly named “there’s always caffeine in the banana stand” is the Toasted Coconut’s nod to Senegal’s national coffee drink, Cafe Touba. The concoction features a house-made stout reduction with Grains of Selim, an African spice akin to black pepper, topped with a banana cold foam for a bitter coffee flavor balanced by sweet cream.

Trashmare at Trash Panda Drinking Club
Eerie blends with merry at Trash Panda’s Trashmere, a holiday pop-up inspired by The Nightmare Before Christmas. This tiki bar escape channels Oogie Boogie’s playful mischief and Sandy Claws’ holiday magic with creative riffs on six classic cocktails, a shareable concoction, and two hot drinks. Flavors are as imaginative as the theme, featuring the Nightshade Tea, a smooth blend of Amaras Mezcal Verde, Suze liqueur, toasted marshmallow, and Trinity bitters. For a bolder sip, try the Bone Daddy, a spicy cocktail served in a collectible Jack Skellington mug, crafted with Trash Panda’s limited edition El Tesoro Nixta corn liqueur, Ancho Reyes Verde, and horchata. Pair your drinks with Trashmere-exclusive bites, such as the rich and zesty chicken pozole ($12) with a tomatillo and chili broth, or the subtly sweet arroz con leche ($10). Take a themed mug of Jack Skellington, Sally, Zero, Oogie Boogie, or Lock, Shock, and Barrel home with you for $17.

Christmas cocktail at Finn Hall Cheers to the season at 12 Days of Christmas pop-up in Swallow's Nest. Photo by Ryan O. Harris

12 Days of Christmas at Finn Hall
Finn Hall’s 12 Days of Christmas pop-up transforms Swallow’s Nest on the mezzanine into a nostalgic yuletide haven. Select from cocktails infused with honey harvested from the dining hall’s sixth-floor terrace bees, or the cleverly named “Sleigh Responsibly” menu with non-alcoholic delights. From December 12 through December 23, patrons can sharpen their skills in mixology classes with local expert Roberto Rivas, test their knowledge at holiday trivia nights, sway to soulful Motown or jazz, or dive into hands-on workshops inspired by Santa’s headquarters. Finn Hall vendor FireNoodz is serving bites to stave off any hunger pains.

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This article has been updated on November 27 and December 2 with additional bars.

where to drink nightlife cocktails holiday bars houston

Soup spoon season

10 Houston chefs share 15 top soups that offer comfort and sustenance

Photo by Louis Lamson Quy

Louis Lamson Quy, co-owner of Alora, is a loyal diner at Phanh Ky thanks to its Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang, which reminds him of his hometown, Saigon.

Happy soup season to all who celebrate. The weather has finally dipped low enough in Houston that diners can enjoy a hearty bowl of soup without breaking a sweat. With so many delicious selections at Houston restaurants, we turned to Houston's chef and other restaurant industry experts to find out which brothy creations are worth seeking out.

The only rule? No one could nominate a soup from their own restaurant. Here’s what they had to say.

Dana East, line cook, Uchi Houston

To Dana East of Uchi Houston, the caldo de res at Ruchi Mexican Grille’s Reliant Stadium location “feels like home to me… Even though I’m not Mexican.”

“The caldo de res at that specific Ruchi's tastes like it was made in a Mexican grandmother's kitchen, or like soups that I would eat for family meal that kitchens I work in would make when everybody is sick during the winter,” she says.

East also recommends the Bogotano at Mi Pueblito, a soup made with three kinds of potatoes that she says “imbue a smoky flavor in it that is borderline addictive.”

“I could eat an entire pot of that stuff,” she says. “They serve it with fresh cream and capers that take it to the next level.”

Garrett Rice, owner, Bayou Butchers

The cream of crab soup at Loch Bar is a highlight that Garrett Rice of Bayou Butchers looks forward to after work.

“It’s a simple dish that lets a really good ingredient shine, and they certainly don’t shy away from the crab in true Baltimore fashion,” Rice says. “With Loch Bar’s kitchen open late, I can always count on a cup of crab soup waiting for me after a long shift.”

German Mosquera, executive chef, Long Weekend

When German Mosquera of Long Weekend wants ramen, he heads to Mensho, the Japan-based chain that just opened its second Houston-area location on the border of River Oaks and Montrose.

“For me, it’s all about the broth,” he says. “Mensho’s tori paitan has a rich, velvety texture and incredible umami flavor from start to finish. The perfectly jammy egg adds another layer of richness that keeps me coming back. I also love the intimate Tokyo-style counter seating. It makes for an authentic ramen experience.”

Kerry Pauly, owner, KP’s Kitchen

The matzo ball soup at Kenny and Ziggy’s is “in a league of its own,” according to Kerry Pauly of KP’s Kitchen. He describes it as “rich, flavorful, and pure comfort whether you’re sick or feeling great.”

Louis Lamson Quy, co-owner, Alora

“My favorite go-to spot for soup has always been Phanh Ky,” says Louis Lamson Quy of Alora, a Peruvian-Vietnamese fusion restaurant in Montrose. “They specialize in hủ tiếu nam vang, a noodle dish with roots tracing back to Teochew Chinese immigrants in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. It’s also one of the most popular noodle dishes in my hometown, Saigon, so it always feels a little like home to me.

“To me, Phanh Ky is one of the OGs in the game,” he adds. “I first tried it when I moved to Houston nine years ago, and I’ve been coming back ever since. There’s just something comforting about a place that stays consistent after all these years.”

Maria Christie, operator and general manager, Christie’s Seafood and Steaks

“I love, love the lemon chicken soup at Harry’s,” says Maria Christie of Christie’s Seafood and Steaks. "For me the soup at Harry’s reminds me of the way my mom would make the lemon soup.”

“And the lentil soup (at Anonymous Cafe) is really hearty and it just reminds me of cold winter days (whenever we get those in Houston!),” she adds. “It’s absolutely perfect because it has a hint of tomato in it. Deeeelicious!”

Her sister, Kathy Christie, who serves as Christie's director of catering, is a fan of Little Pappasito's chicken tortilla soup. “Whenever you are under the weather, it totally hits the spot,” Kathy says. She adds extra lime to hers.

Nicole Routhier, partner and culinary ambassador, Le Colonial

The bun bo hue at Pho Quynh, a small Vietnamese restaurant located inside 99 Ranch Market, is a year round must for Nicole Routhier of Le Colonial.

“Their spicy, deeply flavorful broth is super comforting and among the best in town. The chef is generous with the noodles and toppings of tender beef brisket, pork shank, gio Hue (steamed pork sausage with black peppercorns), and blood pudding. The soup comes with a side of shaved cabbage, crunchy bean sprouts, Vietnamese mint (rau ram), and a wedge of lime to be added to the soup as you eat. Two tiny containers of fermented shrimp sauce (mam tom) and spicy chili oil are also provided so you can add even more umami to the soup,” Routhier says. “Bun bo hue is a full meal on its own, and my idea of heaven in a bowl.”

Oscar Juarez, founder and owner, Make It Nice Hospitality

The pozole verde at Cuchara is a simple and flavorful dish that private chef Oscar Juarez of Make It Nice Hospitality says he would recommend to anyone.

“The broth has a nice balance of richness and acidity, and it’s just one of those dishes that’s comforting without being too heavy,” Juarez says. “Growing up with Mexican food, I have a real appreciation for dishes like this.”

Rafael Nasr, founder, Craft Pita

Rafael Nasr of Craft Pita says he has “a burning passion for North China’s sizzling rice soup.”

He describes it as an intensely flavored, crystal-clear broth with bits of pork and tiny shrimp to fill you up.

“The carrot, napa cabbage, and wood ear mushrooms add umami and I am convinced have healing powers,” he says. “The flash fried rice adds texture and flavor at the same time and whether served table side or at home provide dinner and a show. I eat this soup and talk about it more than any soup in Houston.”

Nasr’s pro tip: Add a bit of soy sauce and lots of North China’s housemade green chili oil to the soup.

Ziggy Gruber, chef and owner, Kenny & Ziggy’s

Ziggy Gruber of Kenny & Ziggy’s has a couple of favorite soups in town, which isn’t surprising since his own deli is known for its bowl selection. Among his favorites is the clam chowder at Capital Grille, which he says captures the true flavor of the East Coast with plenty of clams and just the right amount of thyme.

He also loves the French onion soup at Etoile Cuisine et Bar.

“The stock is very rich and the onions are extracted so the flavor is permeated throughout the soup. I like that it has multiple croutons rather than one crouton in the soup,” he says. “And then the cheese on top!”

Another top pick for Ziggy is the tortilla soup at Grace’s.“It is complicated in such a good way, with the crunchy bits of tortillas and chicken skin, with the coolness of the avocado, and it has just the right amount of spice,” he says.

$Phanh Ky H\u1ee7 Ti\u1ebfu Nam Vang,$

Photo by Louis Lamson Quy

Louis Lamson Quy, co-owner of Alora, is a loyal diner at Phanh Ky thanks to its Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang, which reminds him of his hometown, Saigon.

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