Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Houston

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in Houston? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Ginger & Fork

4.9

4.9 (945)

$30 and under

Cantonese

Heights / Washington

About the restaurant

Welcome to Ginger & Fork! We are limited in our reservation capacity, and reservations of over 4 guests must be made by calling only. If you are unable to make a reservation online, please call the restaurant directly at 713-861-8883. Reservations are required for guaranteed seating.

Ginger & Fork will offer gracious hospitality and service, high quality food, and exotic drinks in a fun and friendly atmosphere. Mary’s vision for Ginger & Fork is to create a place where she and all of her customers can reconnect with old friends, as well as form new friendships.

Top review

Shannon

Dined 7 days ago

This was our 4th time here. By now it should be our 20th time but we live too far away. So sad. Because it’s so good! The cocktails are divine and the food is fabulous! It has never disappointed! Especially love the attentive and friendly owner and the great service!

Stella's Wine Bar

4.9

4.9 (110)

$31 to $50

American

Galleria / Uptown

About the restaurant

Tucked away in the southeast corner of the hotel, Stella’s Wine Bar is Houston’s newest and most alluring wine destination for both casual wine enthusiasts and serious oenophiles. Offering over 30 wine-producing regions through a variety of flights and close to 60 wines by the glass, Stella’s Wine Bar provides a unique journey of tastes from around the world. Guided by our unrivaled team of highly skilled yet incredibly approachable sommeliers, guests can learn and explore both the new and the familiar wines in a social convivial atmosphere with world-class wine resources to share as little or as much as you want to know. The full Cellar wine program can also be accessed within Stella’s Wine Bar, so options are near limitless.

Top review

mikeVIP

Dined on Nov 29, 2024

Fantastic selection of wine and tasty snacks. Very helpful and knowledgeable sommelier. A lovely evening.

The Fish

4.8

4.8 (241)

$31 to $50

Japanese

Montrose

About the restaurant

Proudly serving Houston since 2002, The Fish stands as Midtown's top destination for Japanese cuisine and sushi, boasting a vibrant social atmosphere. With an extensive menu featuring mouthwatering dishes such as Yuzu Shrimp & Noodles, Thai Chili Yellowtail, and Blue Crab Fried Rice, our dedicated and welcoming staff are here to exceed your expectations and ensure a memorable dining experience.

Top review

Kelly

Dined on Dec 8, 2024

We love coming here. Especially their all day HH on Sundays. The wait staff is always professional and attentive. Food quality has always been consistently good.

Ka Sushi

4.8

4.8 (308)

$31 to $50

Sushi

Heights / Washington

About the restaurant

KA Sushi in Houston has been doling out amazing sushi for over half a decade. We have been creating unique and delicious asian fusion plates and rolls straight from our chefs to you. Be sure to check out the nigiri/sashimi menu items as well including the Golden Eye Snapper, Shima Aji, Otoro, Japanese and California Uni, Foie Gras + quail egg, and Seared Miso Scallops A5 Wagyu.
Our dinning area offers an intimate setting to enjoy our artfully created cocktails from our top notch bartending staff, our rotating menu offers seasonal creations you won't find anywhere else. We also have a huge selection of Japanese whisky, Bourbon, Rum and Scotch.

Finish off the experience with the KA Sushi with one of our house made desserts.

Top review

jeriVIP

Dined on Nov 23, 2024

Always excellent and especially the tuna “flight” this time as it was so fresh.

Superica Houston Heights

4.8

4.8 (74)

$30 and under

Tex-Mex

Northside

About the restaurant

Superica
– “where sunshine spends the winter” – also known as Tex-Mex cuisine served in an Old-West-inspired atmosphere alongside music inspired by Austin.

The cuisine is a combination of 1950s Tex-Mex and the wood grill that has taken the food to another level by way of fajitas and more. An “evolved Tex-Mex menu,” includes the classics: tacos, nachos, tamales and enchiladas plus more intricate dishes such as wood-grilled fajitas and shrimp tacos always served with just-made flour tortillas, all while paying homage to the traditions and recipes that have been a part of the Texas culture for decades.

Top review

Bryan

Dined 1 day ago

It was good but I wouldn’t say outstanding. I would go back if that’s where someone else wanted to go. Staff was friendly and welcoming. Valet makes it convenient. I don’t know that it sets itself apart from everything else in the general area. It’s a good choice.

Scott Gertner's Rhythm Room

4.8

4.8 (542)

$31 to $50

American

River Oaks

About the restaurant

SCOTT GERTNER "Houston's First Name in Entertainment" This venue highlights the best live entertainment from the local, regional and national scene. Enjoy a delicious full menu including our Happy Hours, Steak Nights and Live Music Showcases.. Our SGRR has a full bar including delicious signature cocktails, wine and champagne. Our award winning Scottie Hottie Chicken Wings won 1st Place in Houston! Plan ahead for your next visit. Join us inside or on our outdoor patio....and be a part of the ultimate Scott Gertner experience.

DRESS CODE : DRESSY CASUAL
NO BALL CAPS , ATHLETIC APPAREL, FLIP FLOPS, BACKLESS SANDALS, BAGGY CLOTHING, TALL TEE SHIRTS OR SHORTS.

Top review

Tarra

Dined on Dec 13, 2024

Great club to chill and listen to music while enjoying good food and drinks!

Bandista

4.8

4.8 (226)

$30 and under

Cocktail Bar

Downtown

About the restaurant

Discreetly located within Four Seasons Hotel Houston, Bandista is an intimate, modern-day speakeasy, reminiscent of a 1920s lounge that dazzles with a decadent Latin vibe. Guests of the 20-seat bar and lounge enjoy inventive and artistic interpretations of classic and contemporary cocktails, as well as rare spirits from around the world. Bandista's eight bar seats provide a center-stage show of the cocktail laboratory, where guests connect with the city's most talented bartenders and other discreet guests.

Experience @BandistaHouston on Instagram

Top review

Larry

Dined on Dec 12, 2024

Zack and Sam were great! The drinks were unusual and delicious. We will be back.

Pacha Nikkei

4.8

4.8 (68)

$31 to $50

Peruvian

Westchase

About the restaurant

"Pacha Nikkei will introduce the unique flavors, philosophy and techniques of Nikkei cuisine to Houston. In doing so, it pays tribute to a successful integration of cultures that goes back 124 years in Peru, and that has significantly contributed to the gastronomic wealth of the country. Pacha in the Quechua language of Peru means “world” and Nikkei is a Japanese word, widely used in Peru to refer to Japanese-Peruvian people. The encounter between these rich cultures has given rise to a delicious culinary expression that we would like to share with the world."

Top review

SueVIP

Dined on Dec 4, 2024

Had another great experience at Pacha Nikkei when I took two friends to celebrate their birthdays. We all enjoyed the wonderful flavors and lovely service. The picanto, spicy tuna roll is great every time and the Saltado with mac and cheese is amazing with flavors. The combination of cheeses is so good and the two items together are such an unusual surprise. I seem to order it each time and so glad it is now on the regular menu, although as a special, so it may not always be there.

TEN Sushi + Cocktail Bar - Houston

4.8

4.8 (334)

$31 to $50

Sushi

River Oaks

About the restaurant

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC NOVEMBER 17
During the day TEN is ideal for business lunches, both formal and casual; and at night transitions to a sexy, chic dining experience with unique sushi creations and takes on traditional Asian dishes. The decor features large, indoor cherry blossom images, high ceilings, recessed pink lighting and street art throughout. Thoughtful, delicate details are strewn about the gorgeous space. Grab a seat in the dining room, sushi bar or full service bar.

Top review

Khadijah

Dined 3 days ago

You cannot go wrong with any of Kennedy's recommendations!

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Experience

Ten Style Omakase

Cyclone Anaya's - CityCentre

4.7

4.7 (258)

$30 and under

Tex-Mex

Westside

About the restaurant

We are Houston’s Original Tex-Mex Familia since 1966! Cyclone Anaya’s has been Houston’s favorite destination for the best margaritas in town for over 50 years. With our scratch-made enchiladas and tamales, our tender and flavorful fajitas, and many more Tex-Mex delights, we've helped to define and perfect this world-famous regional cuisine. Join us today at one of six Houston-area Cyclone Anaya’s Tex-Mex Kitchen locations in the Heights, Midtown, Rice Village, CityCentre, Woodway, and the Woodlands. No matter where you’re from, we’ll treat you like family!

Top review

Diana

Dined 6 days ago

The food was good and so was the ambiance. Waiter very knowledgeable

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