Houston's guide to downtown nightlife

Rose Gold Cocktail Den - 2301 Main St #200 in Midtown Houston on Saturday May 13, 2017 Rose Gold Cocktail Den - 2301 Main St #200 in Midtown Houston on Saturday May 13, 2017 Photo: Jamaal Ellis/For The Chronicle, Jamaal Ellis For The Houston Chronicle Photo: Jamaal Ellis/For The Chronicle, Jamaal Ellis For The Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 110 Caption Close Houston's guide to downtown nightlife 1 / 110 Back to Gallery

Houston's downtown scene saw a resurgence just a few years ago, when a number of bars opened on Main Street.

Now, it's packed with establishments serving craft cocktails with house-made ingredients, as well as flashy, big-budget nightclubs.

Check out the varied range of bars open downtown. We give you an idea of what to expect when you go:

OKRA

Where: 924 Congress Ave.

What: A charitable bar that donates proceeds to a different organization every month. When it opened it garnered national attention because of its innovative concept.

Captain Foxheart's Bad News Bar and Spirit Lodge

Where: 308 Main St.

What: Smart cocktails in an elegant setting with a balcony overlooking downtown's busy Main Street.

>>SEE THE GALLERY ABOVE FOR A PEEK AT SOME OF THE BAR/CLUB SCENES.

The Nightingale Room

Where: 308 Main St.

What: Live music venue paired with great drinks. Head there Thursday night for good music, often from local musicians.

La Carafe

Where: 813 Congress Ave.

What: The oldest commercial property in the city that has been in continuous use since it opened. It's a romantic place with a unique setting.

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Moving Sidewalk

Where: 306 Main St.

What: Elegant interior with smart cocktails infused with house-made syrups.

Tongue-Cut Sparrow

Where: 310 Main St. (just above The Pastry War)

What: Owner Bobby Heugel and general manager Peter Jahnke set up the new Tongue-Cut Sparrow bar in just a matter of mere months. It has limited seating and can be reserved for private events.

MKT Bar

Where: 1001 Austin St.

What: On the ground floor of Phoenicia Specialty Foods, this bar offers great food, a well-curated selection of local beer and local who DJ Wednesday nights. It also hosts art shows on occasion.

Resesrve 101

Where: 1201 Caroline

What: A must-visit for whiskey lovers. They offer frequent tasting events and one of the largest scotch and whiskey collections in the city.

JUST OPENED: FM Burger and Bar, from former Triniti owner Ryan Hildebrand

Public Services Wine & Whisky

Where: 202 Travis

What: Wine and whiskey bar housed in the historic 1884 Cotton Exchange building. Great charcuterie boards, small bites and smartly edited wine list.

Rose Gold Cocktail Den

Where: 2301 Main St., Ste. 200

What: Lively new bar/nightclub setting with cocktails, beer and wine.

El Big Bad

Where: 419 Travis

What: Downtown Mexican cantina with unique margaritas made with infused tequila. A wraparound balcony allows for great views of the city.

The Dirt Bar

Where: 1209 Caroline

What: Dive bar known for hosting musicians who perform at the House of Blues.

The Pastry War

Where: 310 Main St.

What: A tequila bar which serves agave-based spirits: tequila, mezcal and sotol.

SHUTDOWN: Bernadine's, Hunky Dory to close

Little Dipper Bar

Where: 304 Main St.

What: Owned by the proprietors of Montrose's whiskey spot Poison Girl, this spot is well stocked with quality spirits.

Batanga

Where: 908 Congress Ave.

What: Pan-Latin tapas influenced by some international flavors, great drinks and a large outdoor patio where there's usually live music.

Flying Saucer Draught Emporium

Where: 705 Main St.

What: Large selection of craft beer and extensive menu of hearty dishes that pair well with what's on tap. Frequently hosts special pint nights and drink specials with local breweries. It has a sibling location in Sugar Land.

Foundation Room Houston

Where: 1204 Caroline St.

What: Semi-private lounge above the House of Blues decked out in bohemian decor and regularly hosts live music or acts.

Houston Watch Company

Where: 913 Franklin

What: Low-key cocktail bar in the lobby area of the Bayou Lofts.

Craft Beer Cellar Houston

Where: 907 Franklin

What: Wide selection of beers, with plenty local breweries on tap, this spot also has several bottles to take home. Growler fills welcome.