In the constellation of dive bars, Big Star shines as one of the brightest without putting a black…read morehole 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.

This is a terrible place with a terrible bouncer and manager. I would never recommend this place in…read morefact 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.

I've been coming here for years and I've had my fill of the bullshit and Joe Lee. He overprices his…read moredrinks and the staff acts like they are doing you a favor to get you something. Fuck Lone Star, go elsewhere and get better service at a better price.

Hands down, this is the best local watering hole in downtown Houston! This review is from a visit…read moreback in October of 2024. I came across the Lone Star Saloon, after a planned concert was cancelled. Awesome service from personable bartenders to some really fun locals who keep it real. Great conversations with Mr. Joe Lee (the owner) who also has a barbershop next door. Cheap drinks that are on point, Their own parking lot, a spacious back patio. Metro bus terminal is across the street. It's a really good place to relax and have drinks with fun locals. Stayed at the Holiday Inn, two block away. Plan to visit there again this summer. Actually, I miss the gang there. Highly recommend to stop by and visit Lone Star Saloon.

I'm a sucker for a good neighborhood bar. Smoke-scented walls... dim, seedy lighting... bartenders…read morethat know your order just by looking at you. Sassafras is all that, plus some Hasselhoff razzle-dazzle. I usually only get a few hours out every other week, so I am that annoying customer who asks for creative shots to speed up the drunk process. The bartenders at Sassafras never miss a beat. They've whipped up some concoctions that would make even Baywatch-era David Hasselhoff blush (in a good way, of course). They're patient with my indecisiveness and always manage to send me on my way with a drink that's both potent and delicious. Two thumbs up for strong cocktails, chill vibes, and a staff that knows how to have fun.

A lovely little neighborhood bar with a small parking lot and indoor, outdoor, and bar seating…read moreoptions. They had a little cash-only taco bar outside (I think it was $5/taco, I didn't have any). Happy hour daily from 4-8PM was $1 off draft beers that I could tell (my happy hour drinks were between $5.50-$6.50 each, and one off happy hour was $6.50). The staff were very considerate in raising the umbrellas outside so that we could see each other across the table. Inside was clean, had some cool little retro options and a pool table. Would definitely come back.

I have only been to the McIntyre's in the Heights off of 20th so can only speak for that location…read more I have been to the Heights location probably close to 3-4 times now which is odd looking back that somehow I ended up there that many times. I wouldn't say it's a place I would seek out personally but I don't necessarily mind going there if others want to go. First off, the service is a bit on the slower side but I don't think that's the bar or bartender's fault. The bar area is small-ish compared to the amount of patrons that occupy the space. The patrons are typically there to pound some drinks too. It can definitely get a bit rowdy there; think overserved patrons, activities going on in the bathroom, people getting kicked out. It is unfortunate that cars being broken into in that neighborhood seems to be a regular occurrence too. If you're looking for a wild night out, McIntyre's Heights might be a good choice for you. There are also some clubs and other bars within walking distance too.

Not impressed. I will tell you be careful at night....because it is not safe…read more Can't trust bar tenders with drinks

Met a friend here for some Sunday drinking. Nice low key neighborhood bar. Friendly bartender and…read morenice jukebox too. Not a big place but they have patio space outside for dogs to play and hangout.

Decided to walk over on a Saturday night since it's so close to us. The service was great! Our…read morebartender was very friendly and even covered our first round of beer. Good prices. The garage door was open and it felt nice out. Good music, clean restroom and sink areas. Will be back!

Honestly love this place and is becoming a regular spot. Service is always friendly, music is…read morealways great and the vibes are high. They offer happy hour M-F 4-7pm. The bar is pretty expansive, but what I love most is their food vendor Hot and Buttered. They sell wings, live crawfish, and other boiled seafood packages. The flavor is SO good and honestly becoming my go to for food and a good cocktail or bottled beer. They have an indoor/outdoor concept with ample seating and tv screens.

For me, Tikila's is better as a patio bar than for an evening out based on the vibe and what they…read moreoffer. Here, they have a great outdoor space with fun tiki decorations, games to play (jenga, corn hole, etc) and fans for when it gets hot. I've gone in the evening with friends as they have a good location but it's just never been crowded despite them having a good dj and drinks! All in all, this is a casual place to venture out to for a casual afternoon!

This is truly a dive bar...one of the diviest. Cheap beer, good music and friendly people…read more Bartender was super attentive and spot on. "Boots All Over Texas" had a great time playing at Nomad's Thursday open mic night.

Great dive bar no inside smoking now Cheap beer…read more Jam maybe 1 x a week. Support local laid back fun. TVs

I've had the best times here and the staff has some of the best people! The space has a homey vibe…read morewith the couches and lighting and I've always enjoyed that :)

The cheapest hookah downtown is found at Deans (25$)During the week this place is dead, weekends…read moreit's a movie. The male bartender with long hair is so sweet and kind. The female brunette bartender is as well. The blonde one harbors a nasty attitude. We typically come to Deans to people watch in the front. The hookah guy is always nice and gives free hookah refills. The drinks here are pretty good as well.