News

Washington: A Street that Never Sleeps

January 30, 2012

Washington Avenue Known as Houston's Hotspot for Hotspots

In recent years, the Washington Corridor, a 3-mile strip running east-west from the northern tip of downtown, has rapidly gained a reputation as Houston’s number one nightlife destination. Amidst decades- (and even century-)old Houston establishments speckled along Washington Avenue, visitors will find a cropping-up of new, inventive and wholly entertaining bars and eateries. Listed below are some of the Halloween & Party Expo’s favorite Washington hangouts. For more information on these and other establishments within nearby Houston neighborhoods, visit the Houston Information page.

Dining
Dining options on the Washington Corridor vary widely, but one thing remains constant: a fabulous dining experience in an entertaining part of town.

• Brunch at Max’s Wine Dive is a wholly gratifying experience. The huge plates include a three-fried-egg sandwich drizzled with truffle oil and sea salt, and topped with apple-wood smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato and Gruyere, plus a side of hand-cut truffle chips. Need something to drink while you’re there? Try one of Max’s special grapefruit juice mimosas.
• Down the road at TQLA, you’ll find unique brunch options like the Blue Corn Pancakes and the Pumpkin Seed Crusted French Toast. But as the name implies, TQLA is much more than brunch; the tequila selection here is unrivaled, with over 170 different kinds, including eight on tap, plus hyper-cooled tequilas served at 5 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Named the “Best Comfort Food” restaurant by Houston Press in 2010, Zelko Bistro on East 11^th St. operates in a quaint, refurbished 1920s bungalow. Diners will delight in the down-home creations of young chef Jamie Zelko, such as the ZB Meatloaf with Yukon Mashed Potatoes, the PB & J Beignet, and even classic carnival Funnel Cake.
• It wouldn’t be Texas without a little barbeque, and Hickory Hollow has been a Houston barbeque favorite for over 30 years. Their extensive menu boasts USDA Choice rib eyes and brisket, American Farm Raised catfish and never using bottled ketchup to avoid spoiling.

Nightlife
With the Washington Corridor being known as one of the supreme locations in Houston for nightlife, there is no shortage of locations well-suited for those looking to let loose.

• Washington Avenue Drinkery, between Thompson and Jackson Hill streets, is open ‘til midnight or later every day of the week, while also offering unique drink specials each night. Stop by on Monday for $5 “Pint the Power” night – you buy the beer and keep the glass.
• Another spot open late every day of the week is Pearl Bar, just across the street from Washington Avenue Drinkery. Pearl Bar features a daily happy hour until 8 p.m., as well as a ping pong table and hula hoops in addition to the other more traditional pub games. Visit Pearl Bar on the weekends and check out DJ Madsound as he spins dance music from the 80s, 90s and today.
• Visit Brixx just a few short blocks down the road, between Reinerman and Roy streets. Brixx is open until 2 a.m. every night but Mondays, and offers specials during their “Sippy Saturdays.”
• While you’re around Brixx, stop by their next door neighbor, Taps House of Beer. The appropriately-named Taps offers over 90 draught beers, and, like a number of other Washington Corridor favorites, offers unique drink specials every day of the week. Ever heard of a 100 ounce Mimosa? Well they sell them on Sundays!
• Catty-corner to Brixx and Taps, you’ll find Kung Fu Saloon. This popular hangout offers over 30 vintage arcade, table and board games, as well as two private karaoke rooms available for $25/hour. And Kung Fu Saloon is open ‘til 2 a.m. every night of the week so you can sing and play the night away.
• If games aren’t quite your style, consider Absolve Wine Lounge. The interior of Absolve is decorated with a sophisticated-yet-carefree modern Bohemian quality. The ever-evolving wine list offers traditionally popular market wines, as well as hand-selected boutique specialty wines. Absolve Wine Lounge is open until midnight or later every day but Monday.

For more information on all these establishments, as well as numerous other dining and entertainment options ideal for Halloween & Party Expo attendees, visit the Houston Information page on our website or refer to the 2012 Expo Map handed out at show registration.

Absolve Wine Lounge
(281) 501-1788
920 Studemont St.

Brixx
(713) 864-8811
5110 Washington Ave.

Hickory Hollow
(713) 869-6300
101 Heights Blvd.

Kung Fu Saloon
(713) 864-0642
5317 Washington Ave.

Max’s Wine Dive
(713) 880-8737
4720 Washington Ave.

Pearl Bar
(713) 868-5337
4216 Washington Ave.

Taps House of Beer
(713) 806-2441
5120 Washington Ave.

TQLA
(281) 501-3237
4601 Washington Ave.

Washington Avenue Drinkery
(713) 426-3617
4115 Washington Ave.

Zelko Bistro
(713) 880-8691
705 E. 11^th St.