Top 10 Bars in The Woodlands, TX: According to A Local (2024)
Last Updated on January 4, 2024
When most people think of The Woodlands, they don’t think of rooftop bar options and nightclubs. Instead, they picture the beautiful waterways, lots of trees, and a generally family-oriented vibe.
And while that may be true, don’t let it fool you into thinking that there aren’t any fun bars to hang at.
In addition to lots of great restaurants in The Woodlands, there are also lots of great bars in The Woodlands that local residents have to enjoy. Since moving to The Woodlands, I was surprised to see just how many nice bars there are.
Woodlands bars are not just the typical fancy bars you’d expect in a town like this, either.
Sure they have the usual swanky spots that serve primarily wine, but The Woodlands watering holes also include a nice list of cocktail bars, happy hour spots, rooftop bars, bars with outdoor seating, and other places to get your drink on.
I’ve been living and working remotely here for going on four months now, and I’ve had the chance to get out and explore the bars in the area. I put together this list of the 9 best bars in The Woodlands TX to help locals and travelers alike find great bars to get their drink on in town.
Bars in The Woodlands TX range from the usual cozy Irish pubs to swanky rooftop lounges and everything in between.
1. Kirby Ice House The Woodlands
Address: 1700 Lake Robbins Dr, The Woodlands, TX 77380
Website: Kirby Ice House The Woodlands
It makes sense to kick this list off with Kirby Ice House since it’s easily one of the most popular bars in The Woodlands by far. This roomy indoor-outdoor bar has a great local beer selection, lots of craft cocktails, and a dog-friendly patio, making it one of the best bars in The Woodlands to socialize and enjoy live music.
Fun fact: Kirby Ice House is also home to the longest bar in Houston and Texas for that matter, at 141 feet in length. Everything really is bigger in Texas!
2. MB Speakeasy
Address: 419 Gentry St Ste. #106, Spring, TX 77373
Website: MB Speakeasy
If you’re on the hunt for a bar that’s a bit more on the intimate side and has a hint of mystery, then MB Speakeasy is a better place than any. This Prohibition-era style bar feels like stumbling into a well-kept local secret that you’d only know about if someone let you in on the secret.
With live music performances every night, great service, and a drink menu that has everything from cocktails measured in both metric and imperial units, MB Speakeasy has a unique charm that sets it apart from other bars in town.
Heads up: MB Speakeasy is technically in Old Town Spring, which is right within the Woodlands area anyway and so it deserves a spot on this list. Also, be sure to try the MB Old Fashioned if you’re a bourbon fan. It’s something serious.
3. The Goose’s Acre
Address: 21 Waterway Ave, The Woodlands, TX 77380
Website: The Goose’s Acre
If you’re looking for a touch of Ireland right in the heart of Texas, then The Goose’s Acre is where you need to be. This isn’t one of those ordinary cocktail bars– it’s an Irish-style pub that brings the flair of the Emerald Isle straight to The Woodlands.
The atmosphere is cozy and dimly lit, with stylish Einstein bulb steel chandeliers and an outdoor patio that hovers right over the river walk of the Woodlands Waterway.
When it comes to drinks, The Goose’s Acre doesn’t disappoint. They’ve got a great selection of drink options including beer on tap, a nice range of wines, and some truly seriously good cocktails.
They have a nice list of food options as well, including the typical pub grub options like wood-fired pizza, chicken wings, bar food, and even some large plate entrees.
It’s hard to find Woodlands bars that do it all…but The Goose’s Acre does it all and then some.
4. The Flying Pug
Address: 592 Sawdust Rd, Spring, TX 77380
Website: The Flying Pug
Get ready to cheer on your favorite team at The Flying Pug, a lively sports bar that feels like a second home. With 23 TVs broadcasting all the sports action and a huge beer selection that could rival a brewery, you won’t miss a single play while munching on some tasty pub grub.
The Flying Pug’s menu is a game in itself, including:
- Snack-time Irish nachos or street tacos
- Burgers, flatbreads, and sandwiches that will keep you fueled through overtime
- Main event entrées like the Cajun-seared pork chop that’s so good, it deserves its own trophy
Don’t forget to visit during their Texas game viewing nights. The Flying Pug is the ultimate hangout for sports lovers and foodies alike and even has a nice outdoor seating area when you need a breather.
5. Baker St. Pub & Grill
Address: 25 Waterway Ave, The Woodlands, TX 77380
Website: Baker St. Pub & Grill
My first thought upon walking in: This bar is freakin’ cool.
It seems like many bars in The Woodlands keep to a theme, and the theme for Baker Street Pub & Grill is none other than Sherlock Holmes. Baker Street Pub is modeled as a close replica of Sherlock Holmes’ 221 Baker Street flat out in London.
The interior is filled with Sherlockian nostalgic pieces, including pictures of the Union Jack and other British-themed decor.
Whether you’re in the mood for a cold beer, some fine wine (after all, Holmes was a French wine connoisseur), or a crafted cocktail, Baker Street Pub has you taken care of. As far as food, they don’t hold back either. Menu options at the restaurant range from British classics to street tacos and juicy burgers.
This restaurant and bar doesn’t miss on the entertainment either, with karaoke, live entertainment, special events, and trivia nights to enjoy.
All in all, this is one of the best cocktail bars in The Woodlands and one of my personal favorites in all of Houston.
6. Mahoney’s Bar & Restaurant
Address: 24 Waterway Ave #100, The Woodlands, TX 77380
Website: Mahoney’s Bar & Restaurant
For those evenings when you’re in the mood for something low-key and cozy, Mahoney’s is one of the best bars to fit the bill. In this rustic bar, you’ll find a full bar, completely with whiskeys, both from local distilleries and far-flung corners of the globe.
Beyond whiskey, they also have a nice range of wines, craft beer, and cocktails ranging from mules and martinis to old-fashioned and sangrias. There’s also a happy hour that runs all day on Wednesdays and Thursdays and on Fridays from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
When you’re ready to get your grub on, Mahoney’s restaurant serves up delicious comfort food, from burgers to sandwiches and fresh, crisp salads.
You can even enjoy some live music while you’re there. What’s not to love? What else can you ask for? Hint: nothing.
7. Sixty Vines
Address: 9595 Six Pines Dr #900, The Woodlands, TX 77380
Website: Sixty Vines
For wine aficionados looking for a great place for drinks, Sixty Vines is the perfect place to be. Right in the heart of Market Street in the Woodlands, this wine bar and restaurant is a very popular bar for locals and visitors to hang out.
This wine bar offers a great selection of boutique wines, handcrafted cocktails, local beer pours, and a full range of spirits that compete with the best cocktail bars in The Woodlands.
When it comes to food, Sixty Vines doesn’t skimp out. You can grab a nice dinner at the full restaurant. They have a food menu with lots of great options, including wood-fired pizzas, boards, shareable plates, plates of pasta, and even the typical pub grub.
You can usually catch live bands playing on the green lawn right outside the front door.
All in all, whether you’re a wine enthusiast or a craft beer lover, you’ll find something to love at Sixty Vines. This bar is easily one of the best Woodlands watering holes and a great place for cocktails, beers, and wine for a fun night out with friends.
8. Bosscat Kitchen & Libations
Address: 9595 Six Pines Dr, Unit 250, The Woodlands, TX 77380
Website: Bosscat Kitchen & Libations
Ahh, good ole Bosscat Kitchen & Libations, a place where the whiskey and spirits flow like water and the champagne pours freely.
This classy joint, located in the Market Street area in The Woodlands, is more than just a bar – it’s a place where you can kick back, relax, and grab a round of cocktails with the fam.
Whether you’re a whiskey guru looking for the best-handcrafted cocktails or just out for a night of fun, Bosscat Kitchen & Libations is always a safe bet. This bar has a huge list of drinks to choose from, ranging from the extensive whiskey selection and local beers to craft cocktails like the House Old Fashioned.
With its huge list of drinks served, bottle service, and great food to match, Bosscat Kitchen is the perfect place to click some glass with your buds on a Saturday night. Or any night for that matter.
9. The Refuge Bar & Bistro
Address: 24 Waterway Ave #110, The Woodlands, TX 77380
Website: The Refuge Bar & Bistro
This vintage-inspired spot, with its dim lighting and deep mahogany furniture, is one of the best bars in the area when it comes to drink selection. The bar boasts a rather diverse wine list with options from around the globe, a huge list of craft beers, and countless crafted cocktails.
Whether you prefer a full-bodied red, a crisp white, a hoppy IPA, a standard Old Fashioned, or a unique cocktail, you’ll find something to quench your thirst at The Refuge Bar & Bistro.
When it comes to food at The Refuge Bar & Bistro, it’s just about as impressive as their drinks. Their menu is a mix of American and international dishes, all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Looking for a juicy steak? They’ve got it ready to grill. Craving a light and healthy salad for dinner? No problem. Want a sugar high with a delicious post-dinner dessert? Go for it! The Refuge has you covered.
This bar & bistro has a really warm and welcoming vibe, making it the perfect spot for a casual hangout or a special celebration.
Pro tip: If you can, plan your visit for happy hour, which is from Tuesdays to Saturdays between 4-7 p.m. You’ll score yourself cheap drinks: $6 on all draft beer, house wine, well liquors, and other spirits.
10. Moonshine Deck Icehouse
Address: 6446 Old, FM 1488, Magnolia, TX 77354
Website: Moonshine Deck Icehouse
Moonshine Deck Icehouse is an absolute gem among bars in The Woodlands, offering a uniquely Texan experience that’s hard to beat.
This bar is the ideal spot for folks looking to kick back and enjoy a cold beer, fine wines, or spirits in a relaxed, friendly environment.
With its spacious outdoor seating deck, live music, and a wide range of local and craft beers and drinks to choose from, this Woodlands watering hole has become a beloved favorite for locals.
Yes, the drinks are amazing, but what makes Moonshine Deck Icehouse a true standout bar is its commitment to creating a genuine, down-home vibe.
This isn’t just a bar; it’s a town gathering spot where you can play a round of pool, watch the big game on one of their screens, or simply catch up with friends or coworkers after a hard day’s work.
Their food menu includes a nice and easy selection of pub grub, from burgers to crispy fries, all for a nice inexpensive price. Whether you’re a Woodlands local or just passing through, this bar is a great one to check out if you’re on the hunt for good drinks and a true taste of Texas hospitality.
6 More Great Bars In The Woodlands, TX
- Hop Scholar
- Local Pour
- Bar Louie
- Blend Bar (also a cigar lounge!)
- Rose Rooftop
- Ale & Ivy (fun karaoke spot)
- Como Social Club
- Hearsay on the Waterway
Closing Thoughts
From cozy Irish pubs on the Woodlands Waterway like The Goose’s Acre to swanky rooftop lounges, The Woodlands’ bar scene is as diverse and exciting as it gets.
Sure, it isn’t as rowdy and lively as, say, Washington Avenue in Houston, but that’s one of the selling points of bars in The Woodlands TX. You can get your drink on and have a nice night out with friends and fam– without the hassle of fighting for parking spots and waiting in long bar lines.
With this local guide to the best bars in The Woodlands TX, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re seeking a laid-back evening or a swanky bar for a date night with your sweetie. Cheers!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest bar in The Woodlands?
The Kirby Icehouse in The Woodlands is home to the longest bar in Texas, boasting an impressive 141 feet. Enjoy a night out and soak up the atmosphere at this sprawling venue!
Does The Woodlands have a downtown?
The Woodlands certainly has a downtown area with The Woodlands Waterway® and over 6 million square feet of commercial and retail businesses!
Is The Woodlands a town?
Yes, The Woodlands is a town. The Woodlands is not a city, but rather an unincorporated master-planned community within Montgomery County and the extra-territorial jurisdiction of the City of Houston. It was once eligible for annexation but has remained its own entity since 1999.
Which bar in The Woodlands is best for live music?
Kirby Ice House The Woodlands and MB Speakeasy are both great choices for a night of live music – so pick your favorite and have a blast!
Where can I find a rooftop bar in The Woodlands?
Experience stunning views at Rose Rooftop or Como Social Club, two chic rooftop bars in The Woodlands!
