Reserve 101

"Reserve 101 is a standout among Houston’s bounty of cocktail bars, in part for its impressive whiskey offerings, which encompass more than 600 kinds from around the globe. The bar's historic 1900s-era building sits on prime real estate near the Toyota Center, making it a popular stop for sports fans and concertgoers. However, it draws in visitors daily with its lively atmosphere and knowledgeable staff." - Brittany Britto Garley

"This downtown Houston bar has been around for over 15 years but closed for a few years to undergo renovation. It reopened to guests this March with an impressive lineup of new single-barrel picks and cocktails. The industrial interior is bedecked with monochrome-hued fixtures, luxe wood pillars and furnishings. Yes, Reserve 101’s new facelift is sensational, but the allure is the hundreds of whiskeys displayed on dimly lit shelves, like artwork enclosed in a museum’s glass case, begging to be enjoyed. The bar is stacked with something for everyone — from a whiskey-curious newbie to a longtime aficionado seeking a vintage pour they can’t experience anywhere else in the country. There’s also an impressive list of cocktail classics (they’re known for their signature R101 Old Fashioned) and experiential riffs on the Oil Money menu. For those who opt for their whiskey neat or on a fat block of ice, you’ll want to try Reserve 101’s new handpicked barrel exclusives: Waco-based Balcones Cask Strength Rye finished in a California Pinot barrel and Still Austin’s Cask Strength Bourbon." - Gabrielle Pharms