Catbirds on Westheimer has run as a Montrose neighbourhood bar since 1995. Vinyl posters, a side patio off the main bar and a happy hour that stretches into the late shift.
Tip: Open 365 days a year. Sunday through Friday from 15:30, Saturday from 15:00. Cash and card both work; the patio is the cooldown when the main bar fills.
Address: 1336 Westheimer Road, Suite C, Houston, TX 77006
Boondocks on Westheimer is the Montrose dive and dance floor combo. Strong drink prices, a small live-music stage near the back and the cheapest cover in the neighbourhood most weeknights.
Tip: Closed Sunday. Open 17:00 to 02:00 Monday through Saturday; the dance floor warms up around 22:00 on weekends.
Numbers Nightclub on Westheimer in Montrose is Houston's longest-running alternative dance club. New Wave Fridays and the Classic Numbers Saturday party have run the same room since 1978.
Tip: Open Friday and Saturday only, 21:00 to 02:00. Cover is cash at the door; Classic Numbers Friday is the long-running 80s and goth night.
Boondocks on Westheimer is the Montrose dive and dance floor combo. Strong drink prices, a small live-music stage near the back and the cheapest cover in the neighbourhood most weeknights.
Tip: Closed Sunday. Open 17:00 to 02:00 Monday through Saturday; the dance floor warms up around 22:00 on weekends.
Numbers Nightclub on Westheimer in Montrose is Houston's longest-running alternative dance club. New Wave Fridays and the Classic Numbers Saturday party have run the same room since 1978.
Tip: Open Friday and Saturday only, 21:00 to 02:00. Cover is cash at the door; Classic Numbers Friday is the long-running 80s and goth night.
Stereo Live on Richmond Avenue is Houston's EDM warehouse, with an L-Acoustics rig, an LED stage and weekend headliner sets from the touring electronic dance circuit.
Tip: Open Friday and Saturday only, 22:00 to 02:00. Buy event tickets before the door price; bottle tables on cabanas book through the Stereo Live site.
Rich's on San Jacinto in Midtown is the multi-level LGBT dance club, reopened 2022 with a rebuilt main floor, lounges and a patio. Weekend events draw the largest queer dance crowd in town.
Tip: Open Thursday through Saturday for events, with select Sunday tea parties. Tickets through richshtx.com; coat-check the only line worth jumping.
Heart Houston runs inside Dome HTX on Main Street, the former Spire space reopened as a Friday-night dance room with house and open-format DJs in a domed sanctuary room.
Tip: Friday only, 22:00 to 02:00. Bottle service reservations open the room early; expect a Saks-style dress code, no athletic wear.
White Oak Music Hall on North Main runs a five-acre, three-stage complex on the bayou edge of the Heights. Upstairs, Downstairs and the outdoor Lawn book touring rock, indie and country.
Tip: The Lawn is the warm-weather draw; the indoor Downstairs holds 600 and stays comfortable in summer. Parking is paid lot only, ride-share is easier.