Rooftop bars in Houston offer a unique party experience. They are the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion, meet friends for drinks, or just relax and unwind after work.
These bars will not just make you thirsty but will also lift you up. With a cool and inviting ambiance and an abundance of beverage options, the rooftop bars in Houston have something for everyone.
If your idea of a good time is kicking back at the bar with friends, you’re lucky because there are a gazillion bars to choose from.
From neighborhood joints to hedonistic hideaways, there’s a rooftop bar for every type of person – and every budget.
Check out the list below and see which of the best Houston rooftop bars meet your needs.
Table of Contents
The 10 Best Houston Rooftop Bars
Sunset
2119 Dallas St. 3rd Floor, Houston, TX 77003 // +18325304270
Sunset is a lively and sophisticated rooftop patio bar in Houston with a cozy atmosphere that promises to go big in true Texan style. Here’s why it’s one of the top Houston rooftop bars:
It is divided into an indoor and outdoor space, giving a super comfortable feeling.
Sunset Rooftop Club is a welcoming yet classy cocktail bar, pub, and music lounge that is situated in the heart of downtown, just a few blocks from Discovery Green and the PNC Stadium.
The Sunset bar serves a menu full of inventive and tropical cocktails that take flavors across the globe, each one named after sunsets in some foreign land, as well as local beer, a nice selection of whiskey, and tempting bites that draw inspiration from Mexico, the Caribbean, and summer fruits.
I tried the Chapala Sunset, a Mexican Paloma cocktail made with tequila, lime juice, pomegranate, and grapefruit soda, since I was in the mood for something tropical, and it turned out amazingly refreshing.
Every week, they provide a diverse music lineup that ranges from DJ performances to live jazz, all of which are accompanied by drink and food specials.
The trendy and exciting Sunset Rooftop Lounge, located in the center of EaDo, is a terrific location to party with a view.
It aspires to be everything from your neighborhood local bar, daytime patio, or rendezvous for elevated nightlife.
Sunset Rooftop Lounge is lively and eventful, with live music and a fun environment almost every day.
On weekdays from 4 to 7 PM, there are also happy hour specials.
Their perfectly grilled steak and the quesadillas are bites you have to taste when visiting Sunset.
77 Degrees
2416 Brazos St. Suite 200, Houston, TX 77006 // +17138821221
This is a stylish Houston rooftop patio bar with a tropical atmosphere. Let’s dive deeper and find out why it’s one of the best Houston rooftop bars.
Midtown Houston has access to a variety of Caribbean beverages and vibes thanks to the hip, stylish, multi-level 77 Degrees rooftop.
77 Degrees aims to conjure rum-soaked Caribbean holidays and tequila nights on the Mexican coast while in a Houston rooftop bar.
The trendy, multi-story beverages and tapas bar with a beachy vibe, 77 Degrees, is situated in the center of midtown.
With a mix of cozy cabanas and swings, the four-story, open space has a vacation-like air. You are also blessed with some breathtaking panoramic views of the Houston skyline if you reach the very top of the building.
The name of the venue, 77 Degrees, refers to the ideal temperature for mixing a cocktail.
The restaurant offers a variety of specialty drinks with a Caribbean flair as well as light, small meals that are inspired by summer fruits and Mexico, from “Cayman Account” to “Violet Sky.”
With a tropical drink in hand at sunset at this multi-story midtown club, it truly feels like the sweet spot.
With just one sip of their Norman’s Cay drink, a concoction of coconut and mango rum with pineapple, coconut water, and lime, I felt as if I was teleported to a white sand beach.
Tacos and ceviche are among the tasty snacks that go well with the cocktails.
The Barbacoa dish – shredded beef made with red onion, cilantro, and salsa verde, is a must-try here, as well as the red snapper tempura with citrus slaw, Mexican tzatziki, and pickled radish, especially if you are a seafood lover.
You can visit 77 Degrees in the daytime to soak up the sun and escape the concrete jungle below or come at night to experience a vibrant, neon-lit haven.
Bar 9
6633 Travis St., Houston, TX 77030 // +17133134000
Bar 9 is a place where you can enjoy classic and contemporary cocktails while admiring the city’s magnificent skyline and chatting with friends over their small plate selections. Let’s see why it’s one of the best Houston rooftop bars.
They also have a Poolside Lounge and Bar, which is conveniently located on the 9th floor of the Hilton Houston Medical Center, which has seven different seating spaces, from relaxed fireside seating to tabletops beneath misting fans, all of which are designed to maintain the ideal temperature.
Picture this; the day’s work is behind you, and the city is in front of you.
Your turn has come. Consider skipping the typical fare in favor of a handcrafted drink, a few small plates, and an evening that starts or ends on a whole new level here.
Some of their highlight cocktails are Spiced Rooftop Mule, made with Dripping Springs Orange Vodka, ginger beer, jalapeno lime juice, and fresh orange garnish and the Texas Spring Water Punch, a mixture of Dripping Springs Vodka, simple syrup, fresh lemon juice, cranberry juice, pinot grigio, and fresh lime garnish.
Other drinks include their 610 Old Fashioned, made of Yellow Rose Texas Bourbon, peach schnapps, simple syrup, bitters, sparkling water, and fresh Texas peaches that give you that peachy fresh taste, and their unique Wild Horse Blackberry Mojito, that’s a mixture of Wild Horse white rum, simple syrup, club soda, lemon-lime soda, Texas blackberries, fresh mint, and loads of fresh limes.
Try their Margarita Flatbread; it’s an ideal side snack for your strong drinks and is made from oven-roasted Roma’s, fresh mozzarella, basil, balsamic reduction, and EVOO.
If you are a burger person, the Travis Street Burger is an immaculate combination of pancetta crisp, fried egg, onion rings, and smoked gouda. Each bite promotes the crispiness and juiciness of this burger.
R24 Rooftop Lounge
1600 Lamar St. 24th Floor, Houston, TX 77010 // +17137398000
To explore this interesting rooftop lounge in downtown Houston, go to the 24th level of the Hilton Americas in Houston. Let’s find out why it’s one of the best Houston rooftop bars.
Discover the brand-new rooftop lounge in the heart of downtown Houston and taste their specialty drinks, a sizable beverage selection, and breathtaking views of the city’s cityscape.
Enjoy nights at this classy, recently remodeled rooftop lounge on the 24th floor of the Hilton Americas, which is accessible to the general public from Thursday through Saturday.
Relish the fantastic views of the Rockets, Astros, and Dynamo stadiums, as well as Discovery Green while being attended to by the outstanding service at this location.
Savor specialty drinks from an extensive beverage menu that offers a variety of possibilities.
Try the Texas Margarita with Patron Silver Tequila, Patron Citronge Orange Liqueur, cilantro, jalapenos, lime juice, and agave, or the Rooftop Lemonade with Absolut Citron Vodka, strawberries, mint, and agave.
Note that many visitors come to this spot to encounter watching the sunset over Downtown Houston, so pick the time wisely.
The Dogwood
2403 Bagby St., Houston, TX 77006 // +12815019075
A two-level Houston patio bar with Southern influences may be found in the Midtown section of Houston.
The Dogwood, a venue with two levels, provides an “outside entertaining” idea. Let’s dive deeper and find out why it’s one of the best Houston rooftop bars.
From the basement indoor bar, which has floor-to-ceiling walk-throughs, to outside patios, up to the rooftop bar on the second floor.
The expansive terrace encircles the structure and offers a stunning view of Houston’s downtown cityscape.
The Dogwood is surrounded by warm southern hospitality, and offers upscale versions of traditional Southern and Southwestern fare to go with a wide selection of spirits, cocktails, wine, and beer you might want in addition to high-end comfort food in a relaxed setting
For a genuine taste of the south, served up as bar food, I suggest trying their chicken and waffle sliders.
The Dogwood was made to make everyone have a nice time.
You can go there for happy hour during the week, weekend brunch, late-night entertainment with live DJs, or to watch a game on one of the numerous HD TVs.
The Dogwood makes a relaxed neighborhood bar with numerous patios, inside eating areas, and a rooftop bar with spectacular views of the downtown Houston skyline, which teeters between Midtown and the Fourth Ward.
From a sports bar to a Southern juke hole, each spot offers its own atmosphere.
Rise Rooftop
2600 Travis St. Suite R, Houston, TX 77006 // +18327670513
If you are looking for a rooftop that has the most exciting events where you can connect, party, and drink all night, this is the one. It’s one of the coolest Houston rooftop bars.
Rise Rooftop is a stunning, cutting-edge music venue that has a state-of-the-art theme and offers the greatest environment for private brand activations and events.
It is designed to host today’s musical experiences.
The Midtown Houston venue’s retractable roof shields it from the elements while offering year-round entertainment events and spectacular views of Houston’s skyline, so no matter the weather, the event will go on.
It is the largest retractable roof in North America that is not a sports stadium, along with stunning industrial interiors, an exceptional sound system, lighting, and video projection systems.
Here you can find a bar, nightclub, and a stage all in one place.
The 13,000 square foot, two-story Rise Rooftop has a green room, a kitchen, two sizable bars, and an outdoor terrace that can host a variety of private events and marketing activities.
Rise’s agenda includes DJs, pop and rock concerts, burlesque, circus performances, and comedy.
Their menu offers drinks by bottle and a beer section.
Upstairs
2356 Rice Boulevard Floor 2, Houston, TX 77005 // +17135238652
The hip alternative to Hungry is called Upstairs Bar and Lounge, and you can find it right upstairs from the famous Rice Village restaurant. From its large covered terrace, the treehouse-like setting provides excellent views of all the automobile and foot action on Rice Boulevard. Let’s dive deeper and find out why it’s one of the best Houston rooftop bars.
With a daily happy hour from 3 to 6 PM, visiting on weekdays and weekends is equally appealing. However, its weekend brunch on the balcony is an absolute vibe.
Upstairs makes a relaxed neighborhood gathering place with a large terrace on the second story, which is particularly lively, and reserved for guests 21 and up.
Upstairs Bar & Lounge is a comfortable and modern place with a wide selection of food and drinks, perched in the oak trees lining Rice Boulevard.
It is a popular location for rooftop brunch on the weekends, date nights, and after-work gatherings since it combines beautiful inside seating with a large second-floor patio.
Exclusive light snacks are offered on the Upstairs menu, along with burgers, tacos, and real wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas.
Refreshing and well-prepared cocktails, a wide variety of beers and wines, and (of course) the mimosas and Bloody Marys to go with the weekend brunch are there to complement the food.
They serve one of my favorite weekend brunches, complete with a meal-sized Bloody Mary.
Upstairs Bar & Lounge is a great choice for some fine meals and drinks with friends and family because of its laid-back and welcoming ambiance.
Up to 175 persons can attend private events held at the venue.
The happy hour, which is available daily from 3 PM to 6 PM offers specials on beers, wines, cocktails, and snacks, and is also popular among the after-work crowd.
Frozen Bellini, Cucumber Martini, and Spicy Pineapple Margarita are just a few of the refreshing cocktails you can enjoy with the delectable nibbles.
Zutro
1121 Walker St., Houston, TX 77002 // +13463303446
Houston’s highest rooftop bar, Zutro, is situated on the 23rd story of the Hotel Le Meriden in downtown Houston.
Yes, visiting here will provide you with unrivaled views of the downtown skyline. Let’s dive deeper and find out why it’s one of the best Houston rooftop bars.
Daily Happy Hours are held from 4:30 to 6:30 with half-priced appetizers and incredibly affordable craft cocktails, wines, and draft beers.
You will undoubtedly conclude that this restaurant uses a lot of expertise and technique in the preparation of their food if you choose to order some of their menu items.
With their red wine braised short ribs, accompanied by mashed potatoes and grilled vegetables, I made the decision to combine dinner and drinks in one plate.
Eggs Benedict, cooked to perfection, and their French Toast make an excellent breakfast choice.
Their salmon is top-notch, as well as their other food choices such as burgers, pizza, and much more.
Absorb the captivating views and stay for the breathtaking sunset enjoying a flavorful dish along with your favorite cocktail. This is definitely one of the best Houston rooftop bars.
Idle Hands
910 Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX 77006
Idle Hands brings vibes from the Caribbean, Latin America, and beyond to Houston’s diverse neighborhood, one which characterizes as “a tropical oasis in Montrose.”
The Idle Hands crew opened their tropical haven on Montrose in 2021, inspired by their travels to the Caribbean and Latin America and after finding success on Rainey Street in Austin.
The interior is filled with greenery and minimalist natural tones to promote relaxation, and for visitors who are fortunate enough to have canine buddies, there is a large, dog-friendly rooftop patio with green cushioned couches.
Idle Hands specialty or frozen drinks, like the Sandia Menta, Passionfruit Spritz, the amazing Oaxacan Cooler (made with Zignum Silver mezcal), and the Mezcal Old Fashioned for a taste of tequila with orange bitters, can be combined with a variety of dishes on the menu, including plantain chips and guacamole, empanadas, nachos, tacos and more.
Their Summer Salad is a truly refreshing choice, made with strawberries, mango, avocado, red onion, mesclun greens, and honey-lime vinaigrette.
Make sure to visit this classic find amongst the Houston rooftop bars.
Ivy
2613 Potomac Dr., Houston, TX 77057 // +17135109681
The delightful rooftop bar called Ivy Bar & Bistro is 21+ and located inside the opulent, recently refurbished Fiori Spa not far from The Galleria.
It is a venue that features French-inspired furniture, rooftop seating outside, and a stunning crystal bar where you can order delectable artisan cocktails.
This charming bistro transforms into a buzzing lounge at night so that patrons can dance into the wee hours of the morning to live DJ music while sipping cocktails.
Guests can get charcuterie boards, soups, salads, paninis, and more from the menu.
Try the Chicken Pesto Panini or the Hippie Chick pizza, which is vegan but will still appeal to meat eaters.
This pizza is made with a cauliflower crust and has soy mozzarella, arugula, onions, and soy sausage on top, and it is outstanding.
Choose some gelato from the restaurant’s menu to finish your dinner on a sweet note.
If all you want is a quick snack with a pal, perhaps following that delightful spa treatment, tea and coffee are also available on the menu.
Be sure to visit Ivy’s website Facebook page for information on further activities, including ladies’ night and salsa dance.
The restaurant offers a jazz brunch on Sundays from 10 AM to 2 PM, with live music beginning at 11 AM.
Don’t miss out!
And make sure to check our articles on 22 Best Mexican Restaurants In Houston, TX, and 9 Best Restaurants In Midtown Houston, Texas, if you want to explore some more great local spots in Houston.
Igor Jovanovski is an aspiring digital nomad, travel blogger and graphic designer who really loves food. He also has a creative side, and he works as a freelance graphic designer in his spare time. He has traveled across Europe quite a few times since he was young and recently started his mission to visit every country in the world! Igor’s favorite thing about traveling is the way he gets to know new people, food, places and cultures.
This exciting experience helps him create his own stories and make memories that will last forever