Warren's Inn: Booze Available

There's no velvet rope to hurdle or doorman to bribe to gain entry, but you may need to wait three-deep at the bar because this Houston institution appeals to folks from all walks of life who have booze on the brain. Corporate cube pilots stop in to take off the edge after work. Actors and stage folk from nearby theatres are known to unwind here after a performance. Houstonist even saw two country-strong gentlemen in overalls that made Larry, the Cable Guy, look metro.

Stiff highballs at down-to-earth prices attract the eclectic clientele to Warren's. There's no reason to worry about whether or not you got a good pour and no need to explain what "neat" means. Katey, Christina and crew know what they are doing, but don't take our word for it. Warren's martini took top honors from Houston Citysearch Best of 2006 as it did in Houston Press' Best of Houston 2005. Not a martini type? Houstonist prefers to keep it simple with brown water (bourbon on the rocks) or a nice vodka tonic.

The bar also serves lunch and late-night fare (soup, sandwiches and chili) that is pretty good. Chicken salad sandwiches are apparently a hit, too. You may also bring in food if you wish, like pizza or birthday cake. And, steaks are not available despite what you may heard from the guy at the bus stop.

Seating at Warren's can be challenging during the weekend fray, but tables are big and can accommodate most groups. Keep an eye out for an empty seat in the gazebo, particularly if you've been having a rough day. It's hard not to imagine yourself as monarch of the moment as you watch over your subjects from the throne-like perch.

Before you park it on the throne, you should take a gander at the jukebox. The music selection is as diverse at the patrons and at least as entertaining. It may have been the whiskey talking, but we think we heard tracks from Fleetwood Mack ("Rhiannon"), Willie Nelson ("Whiskey River") and The Clash ("Rock the Casbah") back-to-back. You may want to pick your tunes before hitting the bar just to be sure you get your money's worth.

It is ironic how walking into a smoke-filled barroom can be refreshing, but bellying up to the bar at Warren's can take your cares away in a New York minute and that ain't bad. It's no wonder that Houston Press named Warren's Best Neighborhood Bar - Downtown for 2006.

Warren's Inn
307 Travis St. (near Congress)
(713) 247-9207

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Photo: flickr user laanba.