Top 5 Date Night Spots in The Heights: Bar Edition
Planning the perfect date night in The Heights? Here’s a quick guide to the top 5 bars, each offering a unique vibe, great drinks, and memorable experiences:
- Incanto: Cozy and intimate with whimsical decor. Known for creative cocktails and happy hour specials (Mon–Fri, 4–7 PM; Sun, 2–11 PM). Features private dining and valet parking.
- Johnny’s Goldbrick: Relaxed and charming. Offers $9.99 house cocktails and a fun “Tuesday Date Night” special (burger + tater tots + Old Fashioned). Transforms into a festive Christmas pop-up in December.
- Heights & Co.: Stylish yet inviting with an outdoor patio. Seasonal cocktails ($12–$16) and “Vinyl & Vino” nights every Thursday. Monthly cocktail classes available for $65/person.
- Best Regards: Elegant cocktail lounge with a breezy terrace. Signature drinks like “The Wolf of 11th Street” and coffee cocktails in collaboration with Tenfold Coffee.
- Plume: Modern Deco Hollywood vibe with luxurious design. Offers inventive cocktails and a romantic atmosphere perfect for special occasions.
Quick Comparison Table:
| Bar Name | Ambiance | Signature Features | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incanto | Intimate, eclectic | Happy hour, private dining, valet parking | $$ ($7–$16) |
| Johnny’s Goldbrick | Relaxed, festive | $9.99 cocktails, holiday pop-up | $ ($9.99) |
| Heights & Co. | Stylish, outdoor patio | Seasonal cocktails, “Vinyl & Vino” nights | $$ ($12–$16) |
| Best Regards | Elegant, terrace | Coffee cocktails, mocktail options | $$ ($12–$16) |
| Plume | Luxurious, romantic | Modern Deco vibe, inventive cocktails | $$ ($12–$16) |
Whether you prefer cozy vibes, seasonal drinks, or lively atmospheres, The Heights has a bar for every kind of date night.
1. Incanto
Ambiance
Located in The Heights, Incanto combines a touch of whimsy with elegance. Its cozy setting, highlighted by dim lighting and eclectic decor, creates the perfect backdrop for a romantic night out.
“For an enchanted evening in The Heights, Incanto offers a unique blend where ambiance and cocktails are as thoughtfully paired as the finest food and wine.” [1]
Maria Fair shared her experience, saying, “Very cozy and intimate vibe. All of our food and drinks were delicious and our server was very attentive.” [2][3]
Now, let’s dive into the cocktails that make Incanto a favorite for date nights.
Signature Drinks
Incanto’s skilled mixologists, including the highly praised bartender Daniella, are known for creating top-tier cocktails that perfectly match the venue’s sophisticated vibe. One guest raved:
“Atmosphere is great and eclectic. Cocktails are amazing! Some of the best in the city!” [2][3]
Happy hour is a highlight (Monday–Friday, 4–7 PM; Sunday, 2–11 PM), offering couples these tempting deals:
| Happy Hour Specials | Details |
|---|---|
| Signature Cocktails | 50% off with food purchase |
| Beer Selection | $7 specials |
| Gulf Oysters | Special pricing |
But there’s more to Incanto than just drinks – its unique features truly elevate the experience.
Special Features
For those looking to make the evening extra special, Incanto offers:
- Private Dining Options: Perfect for intimate celebrations.
- Valet Parking: Hassle-free arrivals and departures.
- Attentive Service: A team dedicated to making your visit unforgettable.
With a Google rating of 4.6/5 from 84 reviews, Incanto stands out as a go-to destination for its romantic setting and outstanding service.
2. Johnny’s Goldbrick
Ambiance
Johnny’s Goldbrick captures the essence of the Heights neighborhood with its warm, laid-back vibe [5]. It’s not flashy, but it strikes a sweet spot between casual and charming – perfect for a relaxed date night [4]. The cozy atmosphere encourages real conversations, free from any pretentious distractions. And the cocktail menu? It fits the mood perfectly.
Signature Drinks
The cocktail menu here is a standout, offering expertly crafted drinks without breaking the bank. For $9.99, you can enjoy house cocktails that highlight the bartenders’ skill while staying budget-friendly. Plus, the menu changes every month, so there’s always a fresh option to try with your date.
| Weekly Special | Details | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday Date Night | Burger + Tater Tots + Old Fashioned | $9.99 |
| House Cocktails | Classic and Contemporary Options | $9.99 |
| Monthly Features | Rotating Seasonal Creations | Varies |
Special Features
One thing that makes Johnny’s Goldbrick stand out is how it embraces the festive spirit during the holidays. Each December, the bar transforms into a cheerful Christmas pop-up, offering couples a cozy, magical spot for holiday date nights [5]. This seasonal tradition has become a favorite among locals in the Heights.
3. Heights & Co.
Ambiance
Heights & Co. combines a classy yet inviting atmosphere. Think exposed brick walls, Edison bulb lighting, and cozy leather booths – all while keeping the music at a comfortable level for conversation.
The 1,200-square-foot outdoor patio is a standout feature. Decorated with string lights and lush greenery, it’s the perfect spot for a romantic evening, especially on mild Houston nights (65°F-75°F). Pair this setting with their standout cocktail menu, and you’ve got a winning combination.
Signature Drinks
The cocktail menu shifts with the seasons, offering drinks priced between $12 and $16.
| Signature Cocktail | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Lavender Fields | Lavender-infused gin, fresh lemon, honey syrup | $14 |
| Smoked Manhattan | Small-batch bourbon, vermouth, served in a smoked glass | $16 |
| Patio Spritz | Prosecco, elderflower liqueur, fresh mint | $12 |
| Date Night Special | Shareable cocktail for two with seasonal ingredients | $24 |
Special Features
Heights & Co. knows how to set the mood for a memorable date. Every Thursday from 7 PM to 10 PM, they host “Vinyl & Vino”, where local vinyl collectors play romantic classics while guests enjoy discounted wines.
Whiskey lovers will appreciate their collection of over 75 options. For a hands-on experience, their monthly cocktail classes are a hit. Limited to 12 participants, these 90-minute sessions teach couples how to craft three classic cocktails, complete with light appetizers. Classes are $65 per person.
4. Best Regards
Ambiance
Best Regards is a cocktail lounge owned by women, offering a mix of elegance and coziness. The space combines an inviting indoor lounge with a large outdoor terrace, perfect for unwinding. The decor encourages meaningful conversations, while the terrace provides a breezy, open-air option. As night falls, a carefully selected DJ set adds a lively yet subtle energy, making it easy to enjoy intimate chats.
The bar’s cocktail menu adds to the venue’s unique atmosphere.
Signature Drinks
The cocktail menu showcases drinks crafted with attention to detail and bold flavors.
| Signature Cocktail | Description | Key Ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| The Wolf of 11th Street | Hoja Santa Sous Vide Tequila with cantaloupe melon | Honey cilantro syrup, ancho verde, black salt |
| White Collar Crime | Texas bourbon infused with cacao nibs | Pecan turbinado, cacao blanc, Aztec chocolate bitters |
| Coffee Cocktails | Created with Tenfold Coffee | Includes espresso martinis and carajillo variations |
Special Features
Best Regards offers more than just drinks. Its flexible seating options suit any vibe, while collaborations like the one with Tenfold Coffee bring standout additions like expertly crafted coffee cocktails. For those not drinking alcohol, their mocktails are just as impressive, ensuring everyone feels included.
5. Plume
Ambiance
Plume in The Heights offers a Modern Deco Hollywood vibe with luxurious design, shimmering accents, and cozy seating that creates a romantic atmosphere.
“From the moment you step in, you’re transported into an ambiance that blends timeless elegance with high-energy fun.” – PlumeHTX.com
This mix of sophistication and energy makes it a great choice for everything from special celebrations to laid-back date nights.
Signature Drinks
Plume’s cocktail menu showcases premium spirits mixed in inventive ways to suit a variety of tastes. Each signature drink comes with detailed tasting notes, making it easy for couples to find their perfect match.
| Signature Cocktail | Description | Style |
|---|---|---|
| In The Shade | A refreshing mix of premium spirits with well-balanced flavors | Modern Classic |
| Zen Garden | Features Asian-inspired botanical notes with a subtle complexity | Contemporary |
The same creativity seen in the cocktails is reflected in the venue’s thoughtful design.
Special Features
Plume pays attention to every detail to ensure an unforgettable visit. As one review puts it:
“Plume is more than just a destination; it’s an experience.” – PlumeHTX.com
Neighborhood Cocktail Bar, Houston Heights …
Final Thoughts
The Heights boasts an impressive variety of bars, each with its own charm, making the neighborhood an ideal spot for a memorable date night. Whether you’re after a lively vibe, expertly crafted drinks, or a cozy place to mark a special moment, there’s something here for everyone.
Incanto stands out for its magical ambiance and outstanding menu. Other favorites like Johnny’s Goldbrick, Heights & Co., Best Regards, and Plume each bring their own personality to the mix, adding to the area’s dynamic bar scene. Together, these spots reflect the lively energy that defines The Heights.
When picking your ideal bar, think about the kind of atmosphere you want, your drink preferences, and the best time to visit to enjoy any specials. Whatever your choice, The Heights sets the stage for a romantic and unforgettable night.