The Heights Theater ★ 4.6
$$The Heights{'monday': 'closed', 'tuesday': 'varies by event', 'wednesday': 'varies by event', 'thursday': '18:00-00:00', 'friday': '18:00-00:00', 'saturday': '18:00-00:00', 'sunday': 'varies by event'}
The Heights Theater on West 19th Street is a restored 1920s movie house reopened in 2016 as an intimate seated music room. Singer-songwriter bookings and acoustic acts fill the calendar.
Tip: Seated, assigned tickets only; the room caps around 600 and sells out fast for touring acts. Bar and small bites available pre-show in the lobby.
McGonigel's Mucky Duck ★ 4.7
$$Rice Village / Upper Kirby{'monday': '11:00-21:30', 'tuesday': '11:00-23:00', 'wednesday': '11:00-23:00', 'thursday': '11:00-00:00', 'friday': '11:00-00:00', 'saturday': '11:00-00:00', 'sunday': 'closed'}
McGonigel's Mucky Duck on Norfolk Street has run Houston's Americana and folk circuit since 1990. Most nights bring two seated sets at an Irish-themed listening room with cottage-pie service.
Tip: Closed Sunday. Shows run four to five nights a week, with two sets most evenings; the early set seats first, late set walk-up.
Z on 23 Rooftop ★ 4.4
$$$Downtown{'monday': '15:00-00:00', 'tuesday': '15:00-00:00', 'wednesday': '15:00-00:00', 'thursday': '15:00-00:00', 'friday': '15:00-02:00', 'saturday': '15:00-02:00', 'sunday': '15:00-00:00'}
Z on 23 sits atop Le Méridien Houston Downtown on the 23rd floor of the old Melrose Building. Open-air seating wraps the corner with a clear view of the downtown skyline and bayou.
Tip: Open daily from 15:00; sunset tables fill first. Friday and Saturday push to 02:00; mid-week is the easier walk-in for the skyline shot.
Altitude Rooftop and Pool ★ 4.0
$$$Downtown{'monday': '07:00-22:00', 'tuesday': '07:00-22:00', 'wednesday': '07:00-22:00', 'thursday': '07:00-22:00', 'friday': '07:00-22:00', 'saturday': '07:00-22:00', 'sunday': '07:00-22:00'}
Altitude sits on the 6th floor of the Marriott Marquis above the Texas-shaped lazy river, with an infinity pool, cabanas and a wraparound bar facing Discovery Green.
Tip: Open daily 07:00 to 22:00; the Sunset Swim sessions Monday through Thursday 18:00 to 22:00 lean weekend-tourist. Cabana rentals book through the hotel.
Skylawn at POST Houston ★ 4.2
$$Downtown{'monday': '11:00-21:00', 'tuesday': '11:00-21:00', 'wednesday': '11:00-21:00', 'thursday': '11:00-22:00', 'friday': '11:00-23:00', 'saturday': '11:00-23:00', 'sunday': '11:00-21:00'}
Skylawn caps the POST Houston food hall in the old Barbara Jordan post office, with seven gardens, a skyline promenade and a stage running outdoor screenings and DJ nights.
Tip: Day-time entry is free; ticketed events run Thursday through Saturday. The Outpost cocktail kiosk on the lawn pours during programmed nights only.
Rosemont Social Club ★ 4.1
$$$Montrose{'monday': 'closed', 'tuesday': '16:00-00:00', 'wednesday': '16:00-00:00', 'thursday': '16:00-00:00', 'friday': '16:00-02:00', 'saturday': '16:00-02:00', 'sunday': '12:00-22:00'}
Rosemont Social Club sits at Westheimer and Montrose with half the room indoors and the other half on a 4,000 square foot rooftop patio fitted with cabanas and a separate bar.
Tip: Closed Monday. Reservations on the cabanas through their site; Tuesday through Thursday until midnight, Friday and Saturday push to 02:00.