Since opening in June, Fuego’s Saloon has established itself as a go-to spot on on the Washington Avenue-area bar scene for a few reasons. First, there are 25 beers on tap, so lovers of suds have been flocking here to sip craft brews. Second, word has gotten out about Fuego’s firecracker shrimp, said to be fresh, plump, and seasoned just right.

Fuego's also has some kitschy touches like shuffleboard if you’re in the mood to challenge your friends. And you’ll never have to miss the big game here because there are more than 20 wide-screen televisions scattered throughout the place. You can even bring your furry friend — the outdoor patio is dog-friendly! Last but not least, Fuego’s is a destination for happy hour, and it’s easy to see why. It runs from 4-7 p.m. every day, and you can get discounts on cocktails, beer, wings, and fries! Perhaps best of all, Fuego’s is only about two miles from Siena at Memorial Heights. So, what are you waiting for?

Fuego’s Saloon
817 Durham Drive
Houston, TX 77007
fuegossaloon.com
www.yelp.com/biz/fuegos-saloon-houston

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr André Hofmeister

Whether it's a salad, a cocktail, or a dessert, everything tastes better served in a mason jar. At least, that seems to be the train of thought at The Moonshiners Southern Table and Bar, an eatery that opened in July about two miles from Siena at Memorial Heights. The eatery serves up everything from sides to sweets in mason jars, a nod to its country-chic inspiration.

So sip your water from a jar while you look over the menu of signature cocktails, such as the Apple Pie. It features Ole Smokey Apple Pie Mooshine mixed with Licor 43 and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. You can also try the Lavender Dream, a cocktail crafted with lavender-infused American Born Moonshine, vanilla syrup, melon liqueur, and lemon juice. Match your cocktail with shrimp and grits, honey barbecue chicken, or rainbow trout.

The Moonshiners Southern Table and Bar
1000 Prairie Street
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 226-7717
www.themoonshinershouston.com
www.yelp.com/biz/the-moonshiners-southern-table-bar-houston-2

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr Neon Tommy

A new bar and restaurant in the growing Midtown foodie scene, Izakaya offers Japanese/pub food fusion fare that's both unique and tasty. Opened in July less than two miles from Siena at Memorial Heights, this place is noted for the fact that it doesn't offer the typical sushi, hand rolls, and teriyaki that you'd find at the typical Japanese restaurant.

Instead, its food is what you might expect to find on the menu of any gastropub, but with an Asian twist. Mochi and bacon skewers, street corn with togarashi bonito flakes, and Japanese curry dip, and poached egg with fries and bonito flakes are the kinds of small plates you can find here. The bar is stocked with beer, wine, cocktails and, of course, sake to pair perfectly with these avant-garde dishes. Izakaya recently added desserts like the Elvis in Tokyo, an almond flavored cake topped with vanilla ice cream, peanut butter and jelly – a perfect finisher for a night out.

Izakaya
318 Gray St.
Houston, TX 77002
www.yelp.com/biz/izakaya-houston

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr n_sonic