In case you’ve been living under a rock, the Astros are headed back to the playoffs this year. World Series 2019, here we come! The first playoff game is happening this Friday afternoon, with another home game Saturday evening and televised away games Monday and Tuesday of next week. If a fifth game is needed to decide the winner of the series, they’ll be back at home on next Thursday. Tickets for playoff games can get pricey, and it’s not nearly as fun watching an exciting, high-stakes game at home by yourself, so here are a few of our favorite places to catch the home team in action if a trip to Minute Maid Park is not in the cards this playoff season.
Providence Heights
1308 West 20th Houston,TX 77008
Providence Heights is a solid go-to sports bar option. It’s not fancy, but it’s clean, comfortable, serves good drinks, and has a full food menu. There’s a big patio in addition to indoor seating, and the drink specials can’t be beat. Buffalo mac and cheese and brisket and pickle pizza are among the most popular menu items, and they set up a big screen projector for important sporting events.
T-Bones Sports Pub
1971 W T C Jester Blvd, Houston, TX 77008
T-Bones is a fan favorite of those who prefer a darker, slightly dive-y sports bar atmosphere. With specials on local beers, great burgers, and plenty of TVs, it’s a great spot for a chill night out. It’s strictly 21+, so if you hate sharing bar space with families of young children, T-Bones is a good bet.
Little Woodrow’s
2631 White Oak Dr, Houston, TX 77009
If you can brave the heat, Little Woodrow’s is always a fun, laid-back place to cheer on the Astros and enjoy a few cold ones. There are few indoor seats; it’s all open-air, so if AC is a must for you, keep looking. Shade and fans help take some of the sting out of the heat, though. There are tons of beers on tap and even more in bottles, but wine drinkers and cocktail snobs might be less inclined to choose Little Woodrow’s. Fancy it is not, but Little Woodrow’s is always lively and fun. Grab a quick dinner from the food truck parked on site.
Beer Market Co.
920 Studemont St #900, Houston, TX 77007
While the name says beer, you can’t do much better looking for a sports bar that makes great cocktails. Beer Market Co. is unpretentious but not a dive in the least, and serves up craft cocktails and wine in addition to the eponymous beer. Speaking of beer – there are over 365 varieties available, so you could literally come every day of the year and never drink the same beer twice. Beer Market Co. boasts the largest beer menu in Houston, and you’re sure to find ten things that would suit any preference. Choose from standard bar fare like wings and fried mac & cheese balls, or opt for one of their surprisingly delicious salads, flatbread pizzas, or sandwiches.
Pluckers
1400 Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77007
If you’re in the mood for more of a sit-down place with a full kitchen, Pluckers Wing Bar is a good choice. TVs in the bar area will be playing the playoff games, and there are other menu items besides wings. Parking is limited nearby, but there is valet service, so you don’t have to worry about it. Cocktails can be a bit pricey for a casual wing place but they’re very good, and the drink specials are on point.
With so many solid sports bar choices, the hardest part is deciding which one to go to first. Luckily, there will be several chances to watch the Astros in action, so you’ll have a chance to try them all once. Whatever your game plan, make sure it includes a safe, sober ride home.