In the constellation of dive bars, Big Star shines as one of the brightest without putting a black hole in your wallet. I like to think of Big Star as hiding in plain sight. It's located on 19th street just a house or two down from Wicklow and welcomes visitors to a very unassuming exterior. Many people who frequent the heights bars don't even know that it is there. However the bar's charm ensures that those who have found it never stay away for long. Inside, the jukebox sings over the metallic symphony of pings from the numerous pinball machines. You'll find several people gathered at the bar, a group of four matched up playing pool in the back, and a couple just finishing their photo booth session waiting for the strip to print. Outside, in the huge wrap around backyard, there will be a group of smokers, another group of friends seated at the cushioned lounge chairs, and a group of guys loosely chatting at a picnic table. For beverage needs, cheap drinks await. True to dive bar style, all of the liquor options are there and palatable but nothing of high quality. The bartender, or sultan of shots, as I like to think of it, provides the perfect ratio of mixer with a no name whiskey to keep you coming back for more. And hey, after seeing the total of your bar tab, it's heard to say no. With the drinks flowing and the mood set, Big Star will be sure to suck you into it's galaxy until 2am, when alas, last call will be made and it will be time to head home and back to reality. read more

This is a terrible place with a terrible bouncer and manager. I would never recommend this place in fact I hope they close down because they have poor management and their bouncer is a loser 70 year-old that doesn't let you in. I'm clearly 31 years old and they don't allow me in and they are terrible. I would never recommend this terrible place with sticky floors and in a terrible area. read more

There is a bartender woman that works there with tatoos all over her arms that's extremely rude for no reason. She might just be mad at the world so beware. Everytime I go there she's there and serving so I'm not going anymore. read more

I'm so glad I discovered this bar, I have gone every weekend since. I love the vibes, very chill bar & great cheap drinks! Bartenders are friendly & there's a hugeeee outdoor area so there's something for everyone (: read more

Big Star Bar - Dive Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

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There was a bar tender who met us with a attitude from the moment we got to the establishment and refused to serve us after I told her to calm down talking to us crazy im not sure what was going on with her day but Ive been here plenty of times and never have been met with that kind of attitude... that was the only negative experience ive ever had here ... read more

A great dive bar!! Down to earth vibe and an old school juke box with a cool mix of rock and country. A perfect get away from the pretentious kids a block away with all the hip hop crap. read more

Honestly had a blast at Big Star. Very comforting bar to hang out in, especially after hitting some of the bigger bars in the area. Awesome interior and fun times with the arcade machine and juke box. $5 beers, $10 shots. Only knock was that one of the arcade machine ate my quarters. read more

Big Star Bar - Arcade Machine - Dive Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

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The none snobby bar starring Jossie! What can u not love about this, graffiti all over like poison girl, lots of seating like grandma's living room, grungy bathroom of the nascar event. Ok not all is great but its none pretentious. Normally I would absolutely take stars off for lack of such as food and clean bathrooms. But Jossie makes it up with recommendations within walking distances and counters the not available choices with items that don't disappoint. So pee out back, play good music and enjoy this down to earth little dive bar. read more

I read one of the comments about Big Star not being make fancy drinks. They are a DIVE BAR. Don't expect that. Although I know some can make a good Old Fashioned. Someone also complained about a bartender named Mike. I've been going there for over 10 years and never heard a bartender with that name. Great place. I kind of want to keep it secret. read more

Whoops. I forgot to write an update after having my 2?th bday here last December. Thanks to Mike W, the bar fixed up "Farrah Shots" all night--pink per my request--and the gang had a ton of fun. I even fell asleep on the couch ... and they didn't kick me out! 5 stars for that night. Now *last* night, I came back to Big Star Bar after a heck of a day. So I met Mike W out for a few (two) Lone Stars. He was there with his best bud, Hondo. (Big Star Bar is pet friendly: cats, dogs) I met Arian, the bar manager, and after reminiscing on my bday, he added another Farrah shot to their drink list: Farrah's Faucet (yes, spelled like the drink faucet). Go in and ask for it! The crowd was laid back, as always, and I took notice to the large, dome-shaped rooftop added to part of the outside patio. Phew, this summer's gonna be hot! Look forward to coming back, hopefully in happier spirits. read more

Big Star Bar - Class it up at BSB with a pinapple staw with your spritzer. - Dive Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

A buddy took me here. It was a Tuesday. He hyped this place up saying that it was his old hangout spot. We walked in, chilled at the bar for 15 mins (give it take two mins) and no one was even at the bar. My homie wanted to leave. He was pissed that he brought a friend to his old spot and the service was bad. read more

Visited this place because we live down the street, bartender was extremely rude and did not know how to make anything that was not on the rocks, so I guess if you are an alcoholic and love poor service as well as extremely unfriendly patrons then this place is for you read more

After many failed attempts of trying to persuade Alex A. to put his shirt back on, I was convinced they wouldn't let him, or the rest of our group into this bar. I was wrong however. The fourth star was given for the simple fact that they 'did' let him in without his shirt on. Yes, that alone deserves one star, and I think the rest of my fellow Yelp friends will agree. Did I also mention that he was already a bit more than just tipsy? If it was not for Mike W. I would have never known this bar existed, as its tucked away and I seldom visit this part of town. It's pretension/drama free, kudos. Small yet cozy. Our group spent most of the night outdoors in their patio. The bartender served some strong drinks, and he was also nice enough to provide Alex A. with a free T-shirt, but it didn't stay on for long. Inside they offer a small lounging area with some comfy couches, and I also noticed a jukebox and a pool table. A fun time was had by all this night. See pictures for proof ;) read more

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I came here on a Wednesday night, hoping to hear old country music being DJed from the back of an old orange pickup truck. Yes, you read that right. Old country music and an orange pickup truck. It only happens at Big Star Bar on Wednesday nights, so I didn't want to miss it. I am a fan of unique things, and this would be one of them. Unfortunately, it was raining so I had to settle by listening to the music inside. Big Star Bar has nothing new inside, and that's the way it should be. You will not find plasma tvs here. You won't find a new tile floor or a new ceiling. What you have are tube televisions and the same tile from what I believe, was the cantina before it became Big Star Bar. There is an old vintage radio by the entrance. Who knows if it works or not. There is a pool table and a lounging area. The patio/backyard has some tables and grass. I believe this is the area that needs some attention. It may be a work in progress. You won't find a valet here, but there is plenty of parking on the side of the not-so-busy street. It almost feels like a house party on the outside. You see cars parked, but not in a parking lot. Then you look at the building of the bar and on the side, you see people standing around with drinks in their hands. If you are familiar with Poison Girl, then this place is pretty much your place. Maybe just a bit bigger. I would give it 5 stars, but the patio/backyard thing isn't finished. Don't be surprised if it gets a 2009 Houston Press Best New Bar Award. read more

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This place was interesting. It felt like a random mix of everything. There were pool tables and arcades in the back. History channel was on all of the tvs. There is a big patio on the side with a bunch of port o pottys, I'm guessing no restrooms? There was also vintage 70s furniture to sit on but it reminded of something from an old porno set. A plus is that this place has cheap strong drinks! read more

This review is long overdue. I love, love, love Big Star. I think the outdoor area with the fire pit is just awesome. I LOVE to sit outside and drink with friends. Inside is also pretty awesome: comfy couches, jukebox, tables...even the restrooms are kinda rad in a dive-y way (attachments here http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/f8BSCWrsvxunQM7FOBDx_A?userid=IgqKW_M4-ck-FDy62ocJaw). The bartenders are always super personable and I like the crowd. Did I mention they're dog friendly? Well, it is. read more

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One of my favorite bars. So I give it 5 stars. My only issue is with one of the bartenders. Don't know his name, never seen him before. Dark hair. Here's the thing: don't talk shit about a song someone plays on the jukebox. If someone wants to play classic rock, let them and be ok with it. If it's on the juke box, it's fair game. The stuff they play on the radio is great too, don't get me wrong, but some people love to pick a few of their own songs. It's a pet peeve of mine when bartenders have problems with music people play on the juke box. Their juke box is awesome btw, however, I noticed yesterday they have taken a few albums off. Replacing Zeppelin's Physical Graffiti with Swifty's new album? Sensuously?! As much as I love this place, y'all just lost a few cool points on that one. read more

What's not to like here? Eclectic as can be, awesome fire pit, cheap drinks..... Oh wait the bathrooms could use an upgrade here... But maybe they are eclectic too. This place isn't what you expect from the outside. It's almost like someone's house with a lot if retro furniture and decor. They have a juke box so You can pick your own music and be tortured by what music others choose .... It's all good here. Big Star is probably ranked number one dive bar in Houston.... It not it's really really close. Visit this bar and you are sure to have a good time. read more

I came here for a tumblr meetup awhile back and really enjoyed the space. I imagined them to have a photobooth but no such luck. They did have some video games and a jukebox. It seemed to be a dive bar with it's own divey flare..especially with all the red lighting. Reminds me alot of Austin. It reminds me of The Side bar on 7th street or Longbranch... For me it's nice to find anyplace that feels like my hometown. read more

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For a dive bar, this place does it right. Surprisingly big, cheap beers, and a sweet outdoor area with a fire pit. The only negative is one pool table and it isn't free (though the bartenders are cool exchanging for quarters). No smoking inside, but not a problem since the outdoor area is spacious. read more

Big Star Bar - Pool table - Dive Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

Just moved to Houston, and this is now my go to. Diverse crowd, from hipster, to biker, and everything in between. I've seen nights with people getting their hair cut in the front, and food being mysteriously smoked in the cart in the back patio. Juke box, mortal Kombat arcade, cigarette vending machine, and a random hosge podge of dim lit worn decor, that is random, without being gentrified... It's magical. Some giant bugs in the back that come out at night, but what are you gonna do... Normal people may remove a star for such inconveniences... I say, it keeps the lesser interesting people out... Also, Christmas lights. Worth it. Grab a cheap drink, tell em Joe sent ya. Idk what that will do for you, but I'd like to imagine the confused look on the bartenders face when he has no idea what to say to that. read more

this place is the epitome of dive bar. so take your pretentious ass back out the door. i mean... i've been to some dive bars back in California, and this place takes the cake. we came here with my coworker who lives around the area. and to be honest, i actually enjoyed the place. we got lone star beer and a shot of jamo and went outside to chill and catch up. this place reminds me of a bar that the hells angels would visit and the KKK would have their daily meetings here.. but the folks here are friendly and inviting. drinks are cheap. i think i paid 25 bucks for 3 shots of jamo and 3 lone stars. good god, in California it would easily cost double. read more

Great dive bar in the heights. Reminds me of the east village. I hope they are reopening.

Found this place on Yelp, decided to go. It's a dive bar, theirs a food truck outside but it was closed despite the truck and the website for the bar saying they were open until 11pm. They have a cheap quarter pool table, a good selection of liquor and A CAT KEEPING EVERYBODY IN CHECK. I enjoy dive bars, so this is def a good bar if you're looking for a cheap food time. read more

Big Star Bar - Dive Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

Thanks MikeW my mate for bringing us to your part of town (wherever we were ! ) We came here after the Yelp get together at Kobains and I was glad of the change of pace because Kobains was not doing anything for me, nada, zilch, schnisselwitz (Oh shoot, another new word just came out , don't know from where. Just pretend you never heard it and keep reading) May not be everyones cup of tea but its a bar and its real and I liked it. For any Mods kicking about out there, there are some blokes hanging out here who ride Lambrettas and Vespas. That took me back a long way I can tell you. One of the lads I spoke to had brought his Mod Styleee all the way from NY and that was another shock for me. I was in the original wave all those years ago and it has died out in the UK and now I see the second wave rising here in Texas. Reaching for my Northern Soul collection and going back. Everything else about this bar was eloquently presented by my mate Emerson so I am going to save my ink and just send you here to the thoughtful and extremely erudite Mr EF... Take it away my man.... http://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=TwnnxdcuQ1yLGmFmvx_rRg read more

After reading some of the reviews here about this place, I was really looking for a lot better experience than what a buddy of mine and I experienced. Upon walking into the place, it is what it is...a dive bar. I usually enjoy dive bars. On the inside, it has checkered floors, couches, and some games. On the the outside, a fire pit. The bartenders were friendly and fast, a plus. However, the crowd there was full of the nerdy hipster type that looked like there were trying too hard. Maybe it was the night we went. All the guys had shaggy beards and I swear I saw a girl wearing a curtain. Usually I dont have a problem with the "hipster" type, but it felt like we were in the South Park episode where the smuggy people were smelling their own farts. I'll probably go back just for the experience of feeling like an outcast by a bunch of band nerds trying to be cool. I'll be sure to bring a glass for when the smugness reaches critical mass. read more

Tired of the club scene? Looking for a low key place to kick back and have few drinks? Maybe even bring your dog? If you're not into looks, take a load off at Big Star Bar. As dive bars go, this place is an unlikely gem. Don't let the sketchy exterior fool you, it's just as sketchy looking inside as well. I kid, almost. After all, this IS a dive bar - sketchiness is part of the charm. What makes this a great dive bar? Let's see: pool table, check. Juke box, check. Really tiny bathrooms, mish-mesh of furniture and an outdoors area complete with picnic tables and gravel, check, check aaaaaand check. Unassuming and unpretentious, this place appeals to all sorts: the sportos, the motorheads, geeks, preppies, hotties, notties, hippies, wannabees, waistoids, dweebies, douches - they all passed through at one point in the night. The barkeeps are great. I expected that our group would be denied access since a certain fellow was shirtless and three sheets to the wind but I was wrong. I guess they see all sorts pass through the place. The bartender was supercool, even tolerated a hug from the shirtless fiend and managed to clothe the fella with a Big Star Bar T-shirt (what a hero!). Drink service was swift, tasty, the barkeeps were very friendly, the crowd was entertaining and a great time was had by all. Thanks!!! read more

I am having a deja vu experience despite this being my first visit to Big Star Bar. Why do I feel like I am in the basement of a frat house at the University of Illinois? Something about his place seems very house party to me from the mismatched and broken furniture to the random beer themed wall art: this is a frat boy meets hipster's wet dream. I did not go on the patio which seems to be, from previous reviews, the place to be. I will say that the drinks are strong and cheap and you really can't go wrong there. I did, however, spend far too long in the bathroom reading up on some fascinating graffiti. Thankfully, it was not too busy early on a Friday night and I wasn't bogarting the stall from any ladies. I am really not very cool and I think people are cooler than I will shout from the rooftops *5 Stars* all the way. I have a strong feeling that your ability to love this bar is in direct correlation to the crowd you come in with. I hope to bring some of my cooler friends here and I'm sure Big Star could earn themselves an additional star or two. read more

I love this place, but last night was the second time in a row that the female bartender (The girls at Cedar said her name might be Jesse?) was rude to my friend and I. The first time, she screamed us for politely asking her for change for the jukebox, and last night, she was surly when we ordered our beers as soon as we walked in. The guy with the facial hair and glasses is friendly, and I love the jukebox and atmosphere, but otherwise, I'm pretty over this bar as long as she's there. Not sure what her problem is, but I've never had a bartender as unfriendly as she is. Apparently, she's unaware of her own attitude, because when I was ugly right back to her, she claimed she had no idea she was acting that way. Great jukebox, though (Use Your Illusion 1 is such an underrated album), with tons of favorites and diversity. Beers are cheap and the patio is trashy, just like I like it. As long as those Todo Moto fags aren't around, it's quiet, too. read more

3.50 stars. The Big Star Bar is remarkably unpretentious and compares favorably to the Montrose bar Cecil's. What I found on my particular Friday night visit was a friendly set of laid-back bartenders who served cheap drinks to a small group of patrons in a relatively cavernous space located on the fringes of the Heights. What I did not particularly care for from Big Star Bar was the odd location. It basically becomes a destination spot because it is so far from other bars. Yet, the Big Star Bar is simply not a destination bar. It serves well as a dive, but it's too far from everything to even qualify as a neighborhood spot. Also, on the night I visited, we were treated to over an hour of remarkably crappy 80's music that turned out to be a bartender's ipod. I loved the bartenders here, but the music certainly did not match the crowd. If you are a girl, you will probably want to know that the bathrooms are kind of disgusting. Then again, it's a dive bar so you should expect that. read more

Believe it or not, I'm walking on air. I never thought I could feel so freeeee. Flying away on a wing and a prayerrr, Who could it beeee? Believe it or not, it's just me. Great American Hero...Seriously! So I walk into Big Star Bar Saturday night and this is what the DJ is playing and everybody is singing along. I couldn't help but join in. Is this a dive bar or the house I lived in while in college? There really wasn't much of a difference, hell they even had a fire pit outside. Big Star is really laid back, and a great mix of people. The patio has a few picnic tables and on this evening they had the fire pit blasting. Parking is not an issue, just find something along 19th st. I didn't have any problem considering how packed Big Star was. There really isn't any thing flashy or pretentious going on at Big Star just great people, good beer, and friendly service. That's how you keep them coming back folks. read more

This has taken me a while to write but the evening I turned up at Big Star Bar is still fresh in mind. After I left however, not so much, anyway.... I headed out to Big Star on a Wed evening to meet up with Mike W. and his trusty pooch Hondo (did I spell that right). Mike had informed me that he would be a little late but his boy Arian would take care of me at the bar. Now Mike had also mentioned that the place kinda looks like a sh*t hole on the outside but not to be deterred and cruise on in, I must admit as I rolled up outside I did have to take five mins on my own to smoke a cigarette and puff my chest up a bit before heading on in. To be honest it's not bad at all and their was only like 12-15 other people in the bar anyway, sure enough I met Arian the bartender and Mike's long time buddy who turned out to be super-sound and looked after me whilst I waited for almost an hour for my man to turn up (yeah that's right Mike!). Anyway this place is cool, cheap drinks plus you can choose from Arian's own personal cocktail menu named after famous people who ain't so famous anymore. Gary Busey springs to mind, genius, but we opted for the Fonzi (heyyy) which warmed the liver up nicely. Big Star Bar is definitely a "get what you see" type of place, no need for pretentious "dudes", jocks, douchebags and whatever other degenerates Houston finds wandering the streets. No, good people, good drinks, = good times. Bit of a trek outta town and because there ain't much else out there then it can seem like an arduous task, not for me, I'm gonna head out again especially as I'm told it gets a bit more "lively" at the weekends. read more

Let me tell ya. I look goooood in a tuxedo.. lol. I went to my companies Christmas party Saturday night. It was black tie, so my date for the evening an I were dressed to the T. The party ran from 8-12 which meant we still had some time to kill. I was racking my brain trying to think of someplace familiar, lounge-feeling, quiet enough to talk, but cool enough to people watch...Only 1 place came to mind... Yup, we went to Big Star in a Tux and Evening Gown on a Sat night. The funny thing is, no one batted an eye. That's why this place is the coolest bar around. Actually, there was SUCH a diverse mix of people in there, we somehow looked just right.. You had a guy in purple skinny jeans that was a dead ringer for Michael Bolton, a few alternative lifestyle couples, a black couple in a tux and evening gown (oh wait...that was us), and various other people that would look strange mixed together at any other bar, but here somehow blended great. Plus, it was my first time ordering mixed drinks and they are STRONG and CHEAP... This place deserves 10 stars... read more

I came here for punk rock karaoke a few weeks ago, and I really dug the vibe. It was laid back, dim, and had a good number of people milling about and being generally friendly. For me, it was a bar where you make small talk with tons of different people and generally chill out with a beer, which is one of my favorite types of experiences. The drinks were also pretty cheap, and the bartenders were nice. The patio/fire pit area is cool, although if you see roaches crawling up the walls like we did, I recommend going inside immediately. I say this because I basically have PTSD after having one of them fall off the wall and fly I KID YOU NOT directly into my forehead. Neither me NOR the dude who got splashed with my rum and Coke were particularly thrilled, and I'm not sure either of us were aware that this type of thing was even POSSIBLE beforehand. So you know, my only real advice here is: avoid the life-changing horror of flying roaches if you can, and enjoy a beer at Big Star. read more

I've had more late night hazy conversations with strangers here than anywhere else in the GHA. Why? Well, it could be attributed to the relaxed atmosphere or the shot of jager warming my belly chased with an ice cold lonestar. Probably that last one. Yeah, definitely that last one. Somewhere down the dark path of 19th sits a dive where you tell yourself, "I'll just stay for one more" until its 10 til 2 and the bar back bellows for last call. I've learned to give in to the fact that when it's Big Star night, I'm not leaving until the counters are being wiped down of that evenings beverage condensation and bits of peeled beer labels. Big Star is that place that facilitates everything from the bands that are rockin' like Dokken to intense punching bag competitions where the more aggressive sex can show their manliness. Inside the retro checkered floors will lead you to the sweet spot.. the bar. There your new best friend, the bartender, will procure you your libation while you park it upon one of the weathered, well loved bar stools along the L shape bar. Don't stay there too long, the journey continues and it only gets better from here. Stepping out the door you will find an eclectic group of people that are huddled around the fire pit or possibly holding a conversation with their mates from across the picnic tables. The first time you come here you may not realize that down the whimsical walk way there is another patch of land with scattered tables. That's where the regulars tend to camp out. Its a pet and significant other friendly so bring them along. Got a new broad? Skip the fancy wine bars and show her your playful side here. Pool tables and cheap drinks make for a great ice breaker activity. Going solo? Sit at the bar and chat up one of the badass owners/bartenders. I love this bar and foresee many more late nights and long talks to come. read more

Hi Ho Hi Ho , Its Off To Big Star We Go!! We did drink drink drink drink drink drink drink In our bar the whole night through To drink drink drink drink drink drink drink drink Its what we like to do It aint no trick To get tricks stop If ya drink drink drink With a beer or a shot In the bars (Echo: In the bars) LOUDER: IN THE BARS(echo: IN THE BARS) Where a million drunks LONG: ggggeeeetttt dddrrruuunnnkkk (get drunk) We drink drink drink drink drink drink drink From early evening' til' night We drink drink drink drink drink drink drink Up everything in sight We take our time Then find some more There's thousands to be sometime born And We dont know what we drink them for We drink drink drinka drink drink Well, anyway that was more of a commitment that I originally thought it would be. Big Star. Reminds me of what the downstairs of Fitzgeralds looks like. It's kind of thrown together but, it works. I loved the patio with the huge carport covered with swimming pool noodles so you won't hurt your head if you accidentally bonk your self. Drinks are cheap Jukebox is great Pool Table is fun (and way to go with having plenty of sticks and chalk) Bartenders are great Bathroom is WAY too small. read more

Big Star Bar + $2 Schlitz + Vintage Playboy Mags + Outdoor Firepit = GENIUS!!! JP = coolest bar tender in the city. Mahalo brah! read more

Whenever I roll through Houston, this is my spot. Solid bartenders, good vibes. Much love from Austin.

Yeah baby...no scumbag valets here! I really dig this place. So extremely low key and unpretentious. I met new people all night and didn't see any attitude, just friendly faces. There is a cool little fire pit outside, best of all no one is strumming a guitar or singing anywhere in sight of it! read more

I've found my new favorite dive bar. I think of it as a Heights vintage and antique shop themed dive bar. Absolutely awesome. What makes it even more extra special, you ask? The jukebox. I could have dropped at least a ten-spot on music. Nothing's Shocking, Van Halen, New York Dolls, Aretha. If I hadn't been beckoned outside, I would have spent all night playing pool, listening to the jukebox, and watching classic movies on the cute "vintage" television sets. Outside was far more interesting and entertaining. Fellow yelpers and I sat around the fire pit with the rest of the bar patrons on many picnic tables, watching a guy spin records in the bed of his truck while people swing-danced (is that swung dance?) in the parking lot. Awesome! Oh, and there was a coozy tree. This would be a pipe with coozies attached by Velcro. You can keep your beer (or in some of our cases, mixed drink) chilled. Someone mentioned, and I just want to reiterate, it is like going to a party and hanging out in their backyard...only instead of chipping in for a keg or getting your beer out of a cooler, you walk to the bar. It's like a highly organized party, where someone else cleans up. Rock! read more