The Top 4 Best Houston Bourbon Bars

So, you’re spending some time in Houston, Texas and you’re looking for the best Bourbon Bars around. Maybe you’re an out-of-towner looking to explore new and exciting places. Or maybe you’re a Houston native just looking for a fabulous glass of bourbon! Either way, you’ve come to the right place. Our article explores four of the best bourbon bars in Texas that you won’t want to skip! While you’re taking a gander at these lovely places, head on over to Prestige Haus. There, you can find the best of the best in bourbon glasses, decanters, and accessories for your home bar.

1. Reserve 101

1201 Caroline St.

Reserve 101

Located in the heart of downtown Houston, Reserve 101 was an obvious first choice for our list of bourbon bars. Not only is this bar one of the top whiskey bars in the country, but it is also an award winner as well. It boasts awards such as the Whisky Magazine Gold Award and a ranking in Eater’s Elite Top 14 Whiskey Bars in the Country. Reserve 101 has an expansive selection of bourbons and whiskeys, with over 400 bottles from 14 different countries. Their staff is extensively educated. They will guide you on your tasting journey, whether you are a first-time sipper or a seasoned connoisseur. Reserve 101’s cocktails are serious business as well. Famous for their Old Fashioned and Whiskey Sour, they also feature an elaborate seasonal menu. Or choose from classic favorites such as the Bees Knees, the Paper Plane, and the Zombie. Reserve 101 also has an awesome list of beers and wines!

Reserve 101 is located across from the House of Blues and is open the following hours:

Monday through Friday: 4 PM-2 AM
Saturday: 4 PM-2 AM
Sunday: 6 PM-2 AM

2. Anvil Bar

1424 Westheimer Rd. Suite B

Anvil Bar

If you’re looking for a bourbon bar with a casual, low-key atmosphere, then Anvil Houston is for you. At Anvil, they pride themselves on their casual nature. They do not take reservations, and there is never an exclusive line to get in. Although they are touted as a cocktail bar, this bar and refuge does not skimp on quality when it comes to bourbon. For the bourbon lovers and explorers, we recommend heading straight to the “Boozy and Alluring” portion of their menu. Each cocktail is a flat rate of $12, which makes calculating the bill super easy. Their bourbon cocktails include the classics, like the Old Fashioned, Manhattan, and Mint Julep. However, they feature some fun and unique cocktails as well, with quirky names like Cock ‘n’ Bull Special (Bonded Bourbon, Cognac, Benedictine, Curaçao,
Angostura Bitters), The Godfather (Overproof Bourbon, Amaretto, Angostura Bitters), and the Up to Date (Rye, Amontillado Sherry, Curacao, Angostura Bitters). Bobby Heugel and Steve Filippo, the founders of Anvil Bar & Refuge, have concocted a list of their top 100 favorite classics to try. We think they are as close to experts as they come!

Anvil Bar is open every day from 4 PM to 2 AM.

3. Bosscat Kitchen & Libations

4310 Westheimer Road, Suite 150

Bosscat Kitchen & Libations

Sometimes you just need a bit of southern comfort food to go alongside your favorite bourbon. Get the best of both at Bosscat Kitchen & Libations. This bar definitely has a homey, southern vibe. However, don’t let that fool you! Their list of bourbons and whiskeys is extensive, to say the least. At Bosscat their “…goal is to bring a robust compendium of whiskeys spanning flavor profiles, distillery techniques, and regions from around the world.” And that they most certainly do. Their list includes whiskeys from Alabama all the way to Taiwan, and everywhere in between. Their signature bourbon cocktails are a delicious treat as well. We would love to try the 38 Special, personally. Bosscat is open at a variety of hours, so you’ll always have time to stop in!

Monday-Friday: 11 AM-11 PM

Saturday: 10:30AM-2:30PM for brunch
                    3 PM-11 PM for dinner

Sunday: 10AM-2:30PM for brunch
                  3 PM-9 PM for dinner

4. Permission Whiskey

2920 White Oak Drive

Permission Whiskey

You have our full permission to spend all day at this bar (and all night, too) sampling their bourbons and whiskeys. With the slogan “No Past, No Future,” you know that time doesn’t matter at Permission Whiskey. Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon drinker or a newbie, you are welcome here. They boast an impressive list of top-shelf bourbons and whiskeys, as well as other spirits. And their hand-crafted cocktails are not to be missed. Book one of their exclusive VIP tables to enjoy with friends and family, if you’re looking for a more private, deluxe experience. Permission is so serious about their spirits, they offer you a private locker for storing your favorite bottle so that it is always on hand. From Four Roses  Small Batch to Maker’s Mark, there is truly a bourbon for everyone in your group. If you’re not a neat or on-the-rocks type person, we highly recommend their cocktails. They have not just one, but five different variations on the Old Fashioned.

Permission Whiskey is open from 4 PM to 12 PM every day.

Houston is truly a city that knows no limits. You should definitely check out the tons of things to do and see. But sometimes, one of the best parts of a trip is the moment you can truly sit back and relax. Take some time with a drink in your hand and not a worry in the world (except what drink you’re having next)! We hope you’ve enjoyed our list of the top Bourbon Bars in Houston. Which will you be visiting first? If you found this article helpful, be sure to follow Prestige Haus on Instagram for more!