Houston - Nightlife

Two-step at a saloon or head-bang in Montrose… or find the hip and cool crowd in River Oaks and Uptown.

The Theatre District's glamorous patrons populate swanky hotel bars post-performance. Meanwhile the young and beautiful bar hop in the Downtown Entertainment District. Streets are closed to traffic on weekends for a festive street-party atmosphere.

Montrose has at its heart lower Westheimer and its mix of gay clubs, adult shops and creative geniuses. The Shepherd/Alabama area attracts artists and academics, while River Oaks pulls in oil tycoons, pro athletes, political types and socialites.

The Galleria area and Uptown areas are more restaurant-orientated, although the attached bars stay open well after the kitchens close. Attire tends toward the trendy, crowds toward the old money, and neighbourhood bars toward the happy and often raucous.

Most bars and clubs are for those aged 21 and upwards. Expect the crowd to be dressed to thrill. Closing is generally 11pm Monday to Thursday, and 1am for bars and 3am for clubs on Friday and Saturday. For late-night partying, try Montrose.

Bop to the Texas boogie of ZZ Top's Sharp Dressed Man while shopping Uptown. Prepare for a night out to hometown girl Beyoncé's Deja Vu. Two-step at Blanco's to George Straight's All My Exes (Live in Texas).