The Heights Theater

This is a historic venue in Houston for concerts. Very intimate and old fashioned. The selections of gigs is somehow classic, but always very well assorted. We have seen many concerts here and never disappointed. Here’s Jessica Pratt’s and Yo La Tengo concerts in April 2025

Very cool place in Houston, if you like good jazz, independent rock, classical music, or events that are out of the ordinary. You get the great vibe and connection with the performers thanks to the size of the place, that is just big enough, but not too much. I enjoyed the Al di Meola concert that was breathtaking thanks not only to one of the best guitarist in the world on the stage, but almost spotless live mixing - they used the plexiglass divider walls for the drummer and percussionist to get the best mix without distortion and bleeding. I have also to mention the bartenders, that didn't fuss to give you free water bottles, which in other similar venues they sell for $7.00! Yeah, the only downside was the lighting of this show, that wasn't appropriate for this type of music and artist. Constant flashing color lights into the eyes of the audience is good for disco or pop, but not the jazz/rock/latin/classic, which goes to the lighting director, but I assume there was just somebody that hit the AI button, automatic setting. I don't mind automatic at all, but the group had its own projection themes, that were good enough. The parking is on the street, but you get the parking for free. Great music night after all!

Great venue, intimate, great staff. Easy to enter venue, they can look up your tickets by name. Nice bar when you walk in. Plenty of parking in the area. Very intimate venue, some seating available, but we have chosen to stand as it feels more intimate as you are closer to the band.

Second time coming here to watch Trevor Hall. Amazing show and amazing venue! Highly recommend! Can't wait to come back!

Awesome place. Used to be a movie theater so it has a lobby bar. Highly recommend seeing a show here. I will be back

Very nice venue! The acoustics were great, bar was excellent! Standing room only is small but you have a wall to lean on!

Its not a movie theatre... it's a live music stage with a few twists. First of all, the layout. The first floor is a rectangular seating area..some seating has tables. All facing a nice sized stage. In the back is a bar that makes tasty cocktails. The second floor is one row of seats that makes a U shape around the sides and back of the building. In the back is also a bar. There are no bad seats in this place. Now to the bands. Sometimes they are well-known, sometimes not. They range through all genres of music. One thing is consistent: every single band I've heard there has been unbelievably good. Seriously, unbelievably good. You can check their schedule and do some research before you buy tickets. Trust me, you will be impressed. Now to a problem... parking. This is smack in the middle of the Heights and, as with everything else there, parking is an absolute nightmare. On a Saturday night it is the worst. Go early to consider parking. This place is always good, always packed. Strongly recommend.

My first visit. I thoroughly enjoyed the facility. I enjoyed the folk in attendance and we interacted quite well. I was pleased with the performance by the entertainer. Since I’ve seen many more shows, I don’t remember who performed. I’m certain it’ll be in the pictures I post.

The Heights Theater turned a century old (#1) last year and has been one of the oldest venues in Houston still in operation today. Over the last few generations the place has been everything from a movie theater to art gallery to an antique shop. It wasn't until about a decade ago that it was repurposed (#2) to become one of the city's most beloved small live music venues. Open for the latter half of the week, the Heights Theater now hosts a number of shows featuring local acts as well as comedians and artists on tour. This is an intimate venue through and through and despite the renovation still has the retro feel. As for the building itself, it's incredibly charming and too hard to ignore Despite how gentrified the rest of the Heights has become, this stretch of 19th street has become one of the most fun places in the city to walk around (#1) due its antiquated look and small town feel. It's also one of the least busy areas of the neighborhood, which makes the evening walks out here serene and peaceful. Depending on the interest of the show(s), the parking can be a challenge. The street parking is usually enough, but weekend shows might require the car to be a block or two away. They do serve alcohol at the venue and there is a line for the bar that moves fast. The drinks themselves are a bit like the ones served at sporting events: pricey in plastic. Overall, I think everyone owes themselves a visit to The Heights Theater. Don't just come for the historical nostalgia, but come for the variety of programming that changes week in and out. __________ (#1) Yes, you read that right. 100 years. (#2) Or in city terms: rescued. (#3) And there's even sidewalks!

My wife and some friends and I flew down to Houston for an early birthday present for me. We wanted to see Ian Moore for the first time in about 25 years. He was touring in support of his new vinyl release. We have some friends in Houston who actually had their wedding reception in this venue before it was a music venue. So that was pretty crazy. I purchased a suite in the back. It had room for eight people, but we only had six in our party. We enjoyed the wonderful service from the bar and one of the best concerts. Any of us had been to. Ian Moore is a true treasure! I hope you get to see him next time he's in your neighborhood. You won't regret it.

Three of us were first time visitors for a Sunday night show at 8:00pm. Family with young children in front of us...children stomping their feet, talking loudly...I went to parents first, and they were completely uncooperative. I then asked management to speak to them. When he came in to observe the situation, the children had been told by their parents to sit down and be quiet. I went up to manager and whispered "they're quiet now"...he then shushed me!!! Are you kidding?? I will never come back...and I live within walking distance.

The Heights Theater continues to be a great venue for smaller, more intimate shows. The acoustics are great and I always enjoy seeing a show here. I still haven't had the opportunity to sit in the balcony, however I went to a show a few months ago and sat at one of the tables up front. There's two rows of tables and the first row is literally against the stage, so you're pretty much staring up at the artist. Our table was in the second row and we preferred that since it gave some space between the edge of the stage and our table. There's no waitstaff and they don't even serve food, however you are allowed to bring in food! There's a few restaurants within walking distance of the theater so you can get food to go and eat it at the venue. If you don't want to eat inside the theater, there's a small table or two in the lobby that you can sit at. They have a full bar and the prices of drinks are reasonable. The staff at Heights Theater are always really nice and helpful. I went to a show a few weeks ago and we got there right before the headliner. We couldn't find two seats together so an employee helped us find some seats so we could sit. We really appreciated that. They have paperless ticketing just like most venues now. You'll get a wristband and that's it. The color of the wristband corresponds with the type of ticket (example: SRO or GA seated). The bag policy isn't as strict as other venues. You can bring in a bag as long as it's not larger than 14 x 14 and it doesn't have to be a clear bag. Parking is street, however you can park at Aspire Dental after 7 pm. It's across the street from the theater. If you have to park on the street, it's free and it's usually not that difficult to find a spot. I just really enjoy everything this place has to offer. Smaller intimate shows with less mainstream artists, reasonably priced drinks, and free parking!

First time here seeing Jboog and I loved the venue! Super cute area with local shops you can take a stroll down before or after a show. Employees were all super nice and welcoming. Can't wait to return here!

The venue is nice . The glaring exception is an older ( late 60's) man with a cane who actually works there I was told he's in management. I was in ADA seating trying to watch the show my partner was standing next to me . He shouted at her to move, and when she didn't closer called her a batch She didn't tell me which why I didn't knock him over. The bartenders , security, Justin. Frankie and Angie made the show a pleasant experience. The old man needs to go beyond rude .

Good recommendations for bevies from the bartenders for my friend. Good sound. They might have been more hands on with the drunk woman singing louder than the artist I paid to see. Her entire party left her to sing badly alone, she needed to be ushered out the door. The performer tried to laugh it off, he was game but shouldn't have had to be.

First time going there. I was blown away on how small the venue was. They did have a bar on each floor which was great. Was a little nostalgic which I liked a lot. A few seating areas and bar tenders were friendly. If you have an artist playing here you should consider pit (standing only) or balcony (seats on wooden bench style) . I was more more than 25 feet from the artist. Such a great view. I'll be back for sure. -Rick

My Daughter and I took in the Mountain Goats concert here last night. The venue was well staffed and handled all of us hanging around the lobby before the floor opened up for show. The bar was well stocked, and not too overpriced I might add, with mixers, wine and cold beer from Houston Breweries. The place has a storied History that is splayed on the walls and one particular staffer even knows the more sorrid details of that History. Parking is on the street for the most part and tends to be an easy walk to the venue. The show floor is wide open with two special ticketed areas at the rear for a group viewing of the show and can be reserved for any show if you want to pay for it. Those couches look plush, comfortable and inviting. The balcony gives a great view of the stage as well as the floor so you can people watch while enjoying the show. Because of that small feature, we decided that next time we attend any show there that we need to get in on the ticketing early to secure one of those seats. Otherwise, wear very comfortable shoes as you will be standing for the duration in the general admission area. The mens room was clean and welcoming as well as easy to find if in dire need of relief. Getting in and out of the neighborhood was simple and fast as we came in from the North areas of Houston. I highly recommend this venue to experience any show in an up close, almost intimate setting. Looking forward to returning again.

Nice venue, the ambiance was nice and we enjoyed ourselves. The bands were incredible, that probably helped a lot. Nice quirky area of town.

Great bartenders. The floor has ample space... For those of us smokers, there is no "no re-entry" nonsense that comes with most venues. As someone who goes to a lot of shows, seeing a band at this venue is a welcome change from the "local turned corporate" attitudes of many venues across the country. Definitely worth a trip to see some actual music.

This is a grown up music venue. Evidence: 1. There are seats. For everyone. 2. We were basically the youngest people in the joint.* 3. There was an extremely civilized line at the bar. 4. Even when the band was singing "I wanna get high" over and over again, I didn't even smell a little weed smoke. Besides being a grown up venue, this place has great bartenders (full bar), a solid calendar of acts from all over, and very accommodating staff (they brought us an extra chair for our VIP table). All in all, a good time. ____________ *This may have had something to do with the headlining act, Ian Moore.

Enjoyed the Kottke show last night. (The marqee listed Leo as "Kotke".) ; ) Great people here--nice venue.

Excellent place for a concert! Amazing acoustics and great seats. Highly recommend this venue!

Precious. Such a perfect sized venue. Always have a great time here! This is an icon of the heights

BEWARE: I recently purchased tickets for a show from the Heights Theater through the theater's ticket link, Prekindle. On the ticket, next to my name, my full credit card number was printed. With all the theft of CC info, this is an unacceptable practice.

Ever since The Heights Theater reopened in 2016, they've brought in some great local and national talent. So far, I've seen Austin's Ian Moore and NOLA gal Samantha Fish. Bother were great shows, great lighting, acoustics, pretty tame crowds (a tad older)... As for seating: Either book a reserved table or opt for a balcony seat, especially if you're a shortly like me. There's a fully bar and drinks are moderately priced. They're not dive bar prices, but they're not mega stadium prices either.

The manager (elderly man with a cane) is terrible and ruins this place. Rude doesn't begin to describe his demeanor, and he has no problem dropping f bombs on women who are just trying to talk to him about an issue at the venue. Never going back.

Last night on New Years Eve was my first time ever going to the Heights Theater, and all I can say that the event they hosted was awesome. The group who performed was phenomenal. I've never been so excited and ready to dance the night away!!! The only thing that is a little annoying is the parking. From the looks of what I seen it's all street parking so if your running late you may have to park a few blocks down the way.

Their website says ADA seating has an unobstructed view of the stage, but when we got there they didn't even have an ADA area set up. Before the show I was told by the theater to contact prekindle, who said there would be ADA seating. Fortunately the staff was SO nice and accommodating (thank you Steve & team!!) and they get all 3 stars here. The venue needs to do better about communicating with prekindle (which the theater told me to contact about disability seating) and actually have an ADA section with unobstructed view like their website claims so disabled people are not just an afterthought. No complaints about the staff at all though - everyone working was so friendly and helpful!

I have been to this place in two separate occasions. One time there was arranged seating and one time it was just open space. I highly prefer the open space! The assigned seating was very uncomfortable. They use folding chairs that are packed in to the room very tightly. After sitting for 30 minutes I needed a break. The chairs are super uncomfortable!!! The theater is in a great location across from Torchy's Tacos. But if you are expecting assigned seating be prepared to have an uncomfortable evening.

Heights Theatre I have been to several shows at this location and the performers have been average to very good. There is an occasional problem getting the microphones balanced and satisfactory. The tickets are pricey and the drinks overpriced. The staff however has been consistently rude and stressed. It seems like overall they don't smile and seem to dislike the patrons and their job. The staff spoils the experience for what could be a great venue and music show. Young folks with attitude on the staff and mature adults looking for an entertaining evening.

The Heights Theater is a great venue if you're looking for a more intimate show. Acoustics were great the times we went and even general admission tickets give you an excellent vantage point. There's multiple types of seating/ticket options, from general floor, balcony and VIP set ups depending on the show. There's a bar in the lobby with a great selection of craft beers and wine. (Can't remember if there was liquor) They book great acts constantly that sometimes go under the radar and sneak into town without much press so make sure to keep an eye on their lineups.

It's a cool little spot in the heights. Concerts are for the most part all seated. It's a shame there is no standing area and what they do have is technically a walk way. GA seats are so close together it's difficult to navigate through them without stepping on everyone's toes. The VIP tables are a little better. I think this venue is targeted towards the 40+. So don't go see your favorite band and expect to get to dance.

Attended my first concert here seeing Paul Thorn and Ron Baird. What a great venue! Sound was great and seating was good too! I like that it's open seating. We arrived early and ate at Torchys first so no problem parking. Purchased ticket online and they have your name on a list!

This was a late 1920's theater, later a generic "events" hall, and art gallery. Finally, refurbished as a music venue. If this was not going to be a movie theater again, there is no other logical use here. Not only that, but this is now part of the Kessler group. That means Houston finally has a music venue at the same level of the Kessler Theater in Dallas, or the Moody Theater in Austin. Something I have been waiting for, for a long time. I know people, and certain publications like Houston Press want to try and paint Houston as a great music city, but it really is not. Numbers is unique, Cezanne for the jazz people (like me), Mucky Duck for some good folk acts. A bunch of overpriced and over hyped music festivals, and then the stadium acts. The less said about that the better... I know I have omitted a few other good places (like Continental Club), anyway I digress...but everything is done right here. With two floors, general seating downstairs with more exclusive tables in front of the stage. There are some "suites" in the back. Fold out chairs downstairs for general seating, and it is close. That just adds the intimate feel. Upstairs is fantastic. The best seats, the best views, the best sound. The hole setup really reminds me of the Kessler Theater in Dallas. Which is a very good thing. The acoustics could not be better. Two bars on both floors, which provide the basics and something for everyone in the booze department. I could not get tickets for the grand opening Hayes Carl concert, but loved the recent Hal Ketchum show. The opening Wood & Wire was out of this world good. Already got tickets to see Sara Watkins, then Bela Fleck/Abigail Washburn. Fans of Austin City Limits will love what is coming up here. A bonus for me, it is within walking distance from my house. Lets see...renovated 1920's theater, great sound, acts that have normally skipped Houston because there has not been a venue like this before, relatively easy to get tickets from the website. Oh, and in a unique spot with well established restaurants and other places to visit in the immediate area. Yep, this is a about as good as it will get for fans of live country, folk, or bluegrass. It will be hard for me to stay away.

Great venue for see live shows. Not a bad seat in the house. Only drawbacks are the drinks are over priced and they frown on dancing in aisle as was told it was a fire code violation. However, they sell standing room, which means you lean against the walls on the aisle, which seems to also be a fire code violation and no different then dancing in the aisle. Overall, I like the facility. They do need to offer ticket purchases at the venue though, that would be a great help.

OK, How embarrassing is it to be turned away from a venue because you were too drunk. Happened to me here, but it was three years ago. I deserved it, but they could have refunded my ticket! (Call me a cheap drunk). Anyway, they bad night caused me to miss Terry Allen. DANG IT! I returned a couple of years later and successfully entered this fine place of entertainment to enjoy Los Tex-Maniacs featuring the one and only Flaco Jimenez. Great everything-about-the-evening. I had a wonderful seat. The show was good. Going in and going out was not a hassle. Good time. Sober time!

We have seen two shows at The Heights Theater within the past month, and it has quickly become our favorite venue in Houston by a long shot! We saw Dawes there on November 4th and The Wood Brothers there on November 28th. There were some of the best shows we've ever seen, and some of that can be attributed to the performance space. The theater has a very vintage vibe, which I love. The space itself is super intimate, and the acoustics are amazing, so that no matter where you sit or stand, you get the best version of the show. You can stand super close to the stand, or even further back, you still feel like you're getting an up close and personal performance. In addition to the actual space, there are many other things I love. The bar is fully stocked, and there is never a long wait. They have the band merch displayed in the front with good lighting, so you don't have to get all the way up to the table to see what's for sale. The restrooms are always clean, and I've never waited in a line. They also don't oversell shows, so you never feel like it's super crowded. If someone you know is playing at The Heights Theater, it is definitely worth checking out!

This place has the best staff and even better sound! It's nostalgic as well...great for a date night

Beware of their refund policy. Cancelled events become "rescheduled" events over and over and over. They just keep claiming an event is rescheduled, and they can essentially do this forever. You'll never see your money or the show. Why should they even assume you are available when they reschedule the show. I would not buy a ticket for any show here unless it was the day of the show at the door 15 minutes before it is time to go inside. Their arrogance is overwhelming when it comes to this policy. Their response was to just give the tickets to a friend, so they aren't wasted. Seriously, that's customer service at its finest.

Went here for the first time on Saturday night for Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Surprised to find out the Suffers were their opening act! Really liked the venue, although when I checked online for ticket prices for the balcony and tables, they were pretty darned high. The downstairs floor is general admission (SRO) - GA prices were fairly reasonable. Parking is free and there was plenty of street parking on 19th Street; my understanding is that you can also park in the Southern Dental parking lot but that wasn't necessary. I can pretty much guarantee I'm coming back (in fact, I'll be back this coming Friday!). They have managed to book some really great acts and managed to keep the prices fairly low. Glad I will no longer have to venture out to Dosey Does in The Woodlands for an intimate concert experience!

This is a great place to hear live music, but the Covid protocol is absurd. We went to a show on 12/2. The door staff was denying entrance to guests without masks, but the people at the bar, which was approx 20 feet away from the door, were ordering drinks without masks. Behind the closed doors of the stage and seating/standing, approximately 99% of the guests were not wearing masks. If the staff is truly concerned about the virus, and is willing to deny entrance to those without masks, - they should be consistent and enforce it throughout the venue.

One.ofmy.favourite venues ins city chuffed with them: it's an intimate setting. An old cinema. renovated into. A music space. Bar in the lobby.is reasonably priced. Ticketing online only you arrive they have a list with your name, number Of tickets etc... Parking what you would expect on 19th street. Tickets are reasonably priced. A good choice for an intimate show. If the AC were stronger I would give 5 stars

So, we saw Colin Hay. He was his brilliant self. This was our first time at the show. Great bar. Great acoustics. Our seats were upstairs. Reserved, but first come basis. That's where I would suggest to sit. There is also SRO upstairs. Downstairs - The VIP tables are real tight...from my perspective. General admission is tight and without tables. The suites are downstairs in the back. With big, fluffy chairs. The furthest from the stage.

This is a beautiful music venue in a historic building built in 1929. They've done a tremendous job refurbishing the building and the sound and acoustics are perfect. We went opening night to the sold out Hayes Carll show. The line for cocktails was moving smoothly and the beverages were reasonably priced. The staff was very warm and friendly and the owner was front and center shaking hands of the customers as we filed into the theater. I applaud the quality of artists they are booking; artists that appeal to fans with a more refined taste in music. This stunning theater is a welcome addition to Houston and will, no doubt, provide formidable competition to other similar sized music venues in town. The Heights Theater is an absolute jewel.

They support live music which is great, but the staff and the management have a very poor attitude.

Great neighborhood concert venue! I've been to two shows here and it is intimate and not overly crowded in my experience. They have decent performers and reasonable ticket prices.

I absolutely love the musicians that Heights Theater books, as well as the convenience of the location and the intimacy of the venue. However, I have been to three shows: Kacey Chambers, Jimmy Vaughn, and Lori McKenna, where there was a loud buzzing sound throughout each headliner's set. The first concert at which I heard it was Kacey Chambers, and she had to stop her set several times to try to fix the sound, and eventually she had to proceed in spite of it. I was shocked to discover that months later at Jimmy Vaughn that it hadn't been fixed. It's very distracting and a grating, caustic sound, which is especially disappointing when such amazing musicians are on stage. I'm not a musician myself, so I can't identify if the sound is a blown speaker, or amp, or connection, or what... but it's clearly not the musician's equipment, but rather the Heights Theater's issue. I haven't heard The Buzz during opening acts.

Terrible experience! Staff feels free to put hands on. Husband was speaking with the artist right before the show started and a staff member decided he wasn't aloud to be there interacting with the band and put his hands on him. This was uncalled for and ruined the show. We spent our hard earned money to come to this show and it was ruined by a dumb no dancing in the front rule that changed midway thru the show and everyone was up there. There was no reason to violate him and his space. No reason at all. Management had tried to say it's what the band wanted but He has seen this band dozens of times and the crowd always dances. And he was in a conversation with the singer/guitarist who is an old friend. Shameful and short sighted. All he wanted was to see the whole show but felt it was spoiled by unwanted and unwarranted interaction from the staff. If there was any hope to get a refund I really would pursue getting my money back. Good luck with that. This was a horrible first experience with this venue we won't go back. I'd think twice before you go.

Been here several times. I highly recommend the reserved tables or reserved booths. I do prefer the table for 4, but they have two size booths that are nice for big parties. Quality musicians and great acoustics. Not sure why anyone would give this place a negative review. I've seen everything from Country, rock and blues. You can't go wrong.

Wow! We went to West side band music event. Love the character! Native Houstonian! Friendly staff. Eateries close by.

Welcome to the neighborhood Heights Theater!! Wow, we really needed this. This theater is amazing. The perfect size, not too big, not too small. I've seen intimate acoustic shows at small 4 top tables and in general admission, and a high energy band in the VIP section. I had an amazing time at all shows. There is not a bad seat in the house. Great beer and even wine!

I have been twice to the Heights Theater and both times there has been a problem with a drunk in the balcony. What's the problem here? Can the management get the disrupting personalities under control?? There seems to be a lax attitude about overall crowd control...Pretty disappointing and something to think about...

Great venue for an intimate show. The concert experiences here are top notch by both sound quality and closeness of the performer. Now the bad. The staff. I am not sure any of them are aware that they are there to be host, or helpful at all. Rudeness all around. They will not allow professional photographers to bring in their gear, even at the request of the performers. They do however allow every single patron to take pictures and videos with their cell phones throughout the show...major distraction.

I worked on this street for several years and then some d bags moved in and took over the theater. I went to a show with my husband and they had made a little 5'7 duct tape square that you had to stand in in on the 2nd story??? Really? I got chastised if my foot left the tape line with a flashlight! Nice management skills!! What a joke! I will never set foot in that place again! We paid a lot for tickets there! Nice theater but f that place! Never again!!!

Came here for a show and was really disappointed in the service. Beware of walking in the door on the left - the door guy will give you a hard time for not walking in the "will call" door. Door guy is the first impression of a place and he gave a very bad first impression.

This place is a jewel. Just the perfect size layout and very nice acoustics for concerts. The seat spacing is a bit close but it offers great views of the stage both upstairs and downstairs. The Dixie Dregs sounded awesome on the night I went and I hope more groups decide to book at this location in the future. Excellent parking as well.

I bought tickets for a concert that was cancelled due to Covid. I requested a refund and was told that the show was going to be rescheduled so no refund would be made. I purchased tickets so out of town friends could attend a show of one of their favorite bands. Now I am out $300. Be careful when you purchase tickets in advance!