"This Austin transplant has cemented its place in Houston with creative cocktails and a laid-back neighborhood bar vibe. The Dr Pepper Old Fashioned ($13) fits right in, offering a playful, approachable twist on the classic. A housemade Dr Pepper reduction adds a rich, syrupy sweetness balanced out by the spice of Bulleit Bourbon and a splash of orange bitters. Prefer something lighter? Swap the Amaro Montenegro for non-alcoholic Tenneyson Black Ginger. Order it with a Detroit-style coney for a full hit of Americana nostalgia." - Brianna Griff
"Sometimes fruit-spiked cocktails taste too sweet, like a spiked fruit punch. Still, Nickel City implements a bartending magic trick (uses a filter) and makes bright pink strawberry juice for its clarified margarita. Like dosing Sprite with a Jolly Rancher (cue the Houston rap fans), the strawberry juice adds a splash of color and just a little sweet, fruity flavor. And while margaritas are already refreshing, the strawberry takes it just over the top and tastes especially soothing on a hot day." - chelsea thomas, gianni greene
"This Austin import has quickly become an industry favorite for its laid-back atmosphere, extensive and dependable cocktail list, and one of its most popular food items — its “world-famous” double sliders. Diners can enjoy this double smash patty with cheese, fried onion, mustard, and pickles on a steamed bun for $7 and make it Texas-sized for roughly $1 more. Score a pound of brined and fried wings for $13, which come in flavors like lemon pepper, Buffalo, and Franklin’s barbecue sauce, and a ¾ pound portion of fries or tots for $7. Pro-tip: Go between noon and 3 p.m. for one of Nickel City’s best deals: the #1 combo comes with a cheesy double slider, a beer, a shot, and fries for $17.26." - Brittany Britto Garley
"No sign wants to set the pace like an Aries does. This self-starter likely hasn’t followed a rule since kindergarten. And Nickel City is the best place to let them take control and save everyone the headache. It’s also the perfect spot for a solo birthday celebration with everything this fiery ram needs for self-actualization: a smashburger, fried cheese, and beers on draught served with shots of bourbon. At Nickel City, Aries can slide into the EaDo dive bar incognito or instantly become the life of the party, depending on how many rounds they offer to buy." - gianni greene, chelsea thomas
"One of Austin’s favorite watering holes has quickly become a Houston favorite following its opening in East Downtown, where it offers more than 200 different whiskeys and some dollar-saving deals. Visit between opening hours and 6 p.m. for its weekday Highball Happy Hour, which offers $7 Jim Beam highballs, mojitos, Roku Gin Tom Collins, Ranchwaters, and Chilton cocktails, plus $8 Old Fashioneds and draft beers for $3.50. From noon until 3 p.m., diners can also score satiating lunch combinations, including the crowd-favorite double-slider with cheese, along with a beer, a shot, and fries for just under $17." - Brianna Griff