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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Westside's best

Authentic bars

You want a drink in a place that feels like it has been there forever and knows exactly what it is.

Based on 542 Opinions
+539
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Updated April 2026
01
Tavola Italian Restaurant image 1
Tavola Italian Restaurant image 2
Tavola Italian Restaurant image 3
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Elegant dining room with an adjacent sunroom and a gorgeous patio creates an intimate setting. Soft lighting and moderate music foster a serene, authentic Italian vibe ideal for romantic evenings. Guests enjoy innovative tiramisu, expertly crafted cocktails, and a parmesan cheese trolley amid classic, sophisticated decor.

Menu offers many authentic Italian dishes with sophisticated, thoughtfully balanced flavors. Food feels unexpectedly light while staying true to traditional tastes.

A bar with a dice game adds a fun twist to enjoying incredible cocktails. The event space above offers a lively spot with attentive service from the bar manager.

People are saying

"The pasta here is always perfectly cooked al dente."

"The Italian flavors here are so authentic and delicious."

"The bartenders here really care about making you feel welcome at the bar."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended on weekends.

2

Parking is limited, requiring valet service due to a small lot.

3

The restaurant is expensive; expect to pay around $100 per person.

02
El Tiempo Cantina image 1

Colorful interior creates a cozy yet festive atmosphere with an authentic cultural vibe. The space offers plenty of bar seating and a party room, attracting groups and families alike. The overall energy feels inviting and lively, enhanced by charming decorations.

Food offers authentic TexMex flavors with a charming atmosphere that reflects genuine culture. The ambiance supports a fully authentic dining experience.

Plenty of bar seating creates a comfortable spot to enjoy a great selection of drinks. The bar staff provide attentive and smooth service, making the atmosphere nice and welcoming.

People are saying

"I found the fajitas here to be the best in Houston."

"I left my wallet near the bar and they kept it safe."

"I found the food to be delicious and authentic."

Good to know

1

Mondays are $5 margarita day.

2

The restaurant closes at 9 PM, and no entry is allowed after that time.

3

Valet and street parking are available.

03
Caracol image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with stylish, vibrant dรฉcor and a lively atmosphere enhanced by live music near the entrance. The space balances peaceful, mild background noise suitable for business meetings with energetic moments. Guests enjoy exceptional cocktails and fresh seafood in a thoughtfully designed setting.

Seafood dishes stand out for their freshness and authentic Mexican flavors. The ambiance matches with a classy and genuine vibe that complements the meal.

Bar service features attentive bartenders like Omar and Alex who greet guests promptly and provide friendly, excellent service. Seating at the bar allows enjoying the brunch buffet comfortably.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh and cooked perfectly."

"The drinks here were amazing and perfectly balanced."

"I found the food here to be authentic Mexican seafood."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour runs Monday to Friday from 3PM to 6:30PM and Saturday from 2PM to 5PM.

2

Brunch is available on Saturday and Sunday, and it's highly recommended.

3

Parking is available in a garage, but validation is required before leaving.

04
Hachi image 1
Japanese restaurant

Sleek, modern design creates a high-end atmosphere with beautiful decor and spotless cleanliness. A sushi bar offers interactive dining where chefs engage directly with guests. Complimentary valet parking adds convenience for relaxed or special occasions.

Dishes show authentic Japanese flavors with inventive touches. Sushi is high quality and beautifully presented.

Chefs stay enthusiastic and interactive with guests at the bar. The owner brings a charismatic vibe that makes everyone feel welcome. Andre works excellent behind the bar.

People are saying

"I've had the best Japanese food I've ever tasted here."

"I sat at the bar for the ultimate omakase experience."

"The service here is friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable."

Good to know

1

Hachi offers happy hour every day until 6:30 pm.

2

Happy hour items are well priced and highly recommended.

3

Guests should park in the covered parking for validation.

05
Sylvia's Enchilada Kitchen image 1
Tex-Mex restaurant

Colorful decor and beautiful patio create a cozy and comfortable atmosphere with a homey feeling. Music adds to the pleasant vibe, while the bar area offers a fun energy. Outdoor seating provides a quiet and nice space to enjoy.

Flavors taste like they come straight from an abuela's kitchen, with authentic Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes that avoid trendy twists. Prices reflect the genuine quality of the food rather than fast-food style.

Fun atmosphere surrounds the bar area, making it a great spot to sit and enjoy. Drinks at the bar come highly recommended for a return visit.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, thanks to attentive staff like Victor and Rocio."

"The bar staff here are so friendly and great."

"The food here is authentically flavorful, like your abuela made it."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers $6 house margaritas from 3 pm to 6 pm.

2

Taco Tuesday features discounted meals at $9 after 4 pm.

3

Reservations are not required but recommended during busy hours.

06
Fornos image 1
Italian restaurant

Small Italian restaurant offers a cozy romantic atmosphere with soft background music and wine cellar vibe. Seating includes both indoor and outdoor options, complemented by a full bar with notable wine selections. The space feels warm and relaxed, suitable for couples or casual meetups.

Warm, cozy ambiance with authentic Italian music and a wine cellar look sets the scene. Pasta and other dishes are nicely prepared and true to Italian tradition.

A full bar is available, but there is no bartender or bar service on site. Eating in the wine bar area offers a fun atmosphere despite the lack of service.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, fresh, and flavorful."

"I found the pasta here to be wonderfully authentic Italian."

"The appetizers here are fantastic, especially the shrimp."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for large parties to ensure seating.

2

The restaurant can accommodate events for over 50 people with prior arrangements.

3

Expect a wait during peak hours, especially on weekends.

07
Urbe image 1
Restaurant

Large, beautifully decorated space with authentic Mexican style and spacious indoor and outdoor seating. Atmosphere is lively with live music and DJ playing 90s rock en espaรฑol, though noise levels can rise on the patio. Popular for mezcal-based cocktails and a trendy vibe appealing to a younger crowd.

Bold, authentic Mexican flavors shine in the birria tacos and fresh tortillas. Unique street food options deliver spectacular, detailed presentation and true-to-origin taste.

Bar features an inviting atmosphere with indoor, outdoor, and bar seating options. Staff like Axel and Melvin provide friendly, attentive service that stands out.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and exquisite."

"I found the Mexican food here to be the most authentic I've ever had."

"The bar service from Axel was super friendly and attentive."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6 pm on weekdays, with food coming out quickly.

2

Reservations are recommended to ensure a table, especially during busy hours.

3

The restaurant closes at 9:00 pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

08
Lombardi Cucina Italiana image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers an elegant dining space with modern decor and a cozy atmosphere. Live music and a hidden speakeasy add to the romantic European vibes. Outdoor area resembles a nightclub with a smoky ambiance.

Dishes showcase authentic Italian flavors with expertly crafted ingredients. The food offers a real taste of Italy that closely matches traditional cuisine.

Bar area feels lively and offers great service especially around early evening. Sitting at the bar with bartenders like Johnny or Ivan provides a more personal experience when it's not too crowded.

People are saying

"The Italian food here, especially the pasta, is delicious."

"The bar drinks here are pretty good, especially the spiced lychee."

"The Italian food here tastes like the real deal."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for busy times, especially during happy hour.

2

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers from 4-6pm on weekdays.

3

An exclusive speakeasy room will open soon, providing a unique experience.

09
Desi District Restaurant, Bar & Banquets image 1

Spacious dining area with contemporary Indian decor and a live chaat station offering pani puri and jalebi. Bright lighting and loud music create a vibrant atmosphere suited for casual meals and lively evenings. A bar adds to the social energy, making it a spot for both dining and hanging out.

Soft, fresh Idly & Vada come with flavorful onion masala that tastes authentic and comforting. Rumali roti offers a very special treat with authentic Indian flavors and unique, creative twists.

Bar features a full selection of drinks that pair well with meals. Staff behind the bar stay incredibly attentive, creating a lively and crazy ambience.

People are saying

"I found the food to be tasty and delicious."

"The flavors here are truly authentic and comforting."

"The bar here has great food and a full bar."

Good to know

1

They serve an unlimited weekend breakfast on Saturday and Sunday.

2

Expect daily offers, including Buy 1 Get 1 Mandi specials.

3

The restaurant hosts outdoor parties for special events.

10
Etoile Cuisine Et Bar image 1
French restaurant

Narrow dining space features French bistro decor with a wine room offering a quieter setting. Atmosphere blends romantic warmth with occasional loudness due to close table arrangements. Chef interaction adds a personal touch to the refined experience.

French dishes taste authentic and reflect true Parisian flavors. The menu offers high-quality cuisine without inflated prices.

Bar features a beautifully stocked selection of top-shelf spirits. It offers special prix-fixe menus during events like restaurant weeks.

People are saying

"The duck confit here is excellent, with crispy skin."

"I found the French cuisine here to be authentic and excellent."

"I had a fantastic time at the bar; it was a great experience."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to secure a table, especially on weekends.

2

The restaurant participates in Houston Restaurant Week with a special $25 brunch on Saturdays.

3

Expect a dress code of business casual; no shorts or flip-flops allowed.

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Westside, Houston

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