Cover Photo by Matthew Guzman
Houston offers a variety of nightlife options. As a result, Coogs’ toughest decision is figuring out where to spend their weekends in the wild, whether it’s at local shows or city bars. It all depends on each person’s taste and the scope of what they want out of the evening, but a night out never ceases to create a memorable impression.
Vibrancy runs through the city.
Garage bands echo throughout Houston.
Whether at The End in Lawndale/Wayside, BFE Rock Club in northwest Houston or a random parking lot just north of downtown at 800 Walnut St., the freedom of expression shines through for attendees, becoming an escape from reality.
Josue Pereira, a junior who serves as creative director for several shows, emphasized the uniqueness of the scene here in Houston.
Pereira, who has experienced the same scene in places like New York, suggests that it’s the openness of the people in H-Town that creates a stronger bond within the city’s nightlife scene.
Bassist of the local band A4X, Isaiah Gunabe, says, “[The city’s garage band scene] is an amazing way to be a part of the local community and give support to local bands.”
For the performers on stage, it’s a space to express their experiences through the lyrics of a song, the movements of their bodies or even the clothes they wear.
Attendees of the shows feel the sheer power of the music in the vibrations of the amps and can’t help but channel their energies into the experience as well.
“Super inviting for self-expression,” Pereira says. “That’s the perfect physical depiction of just expressing yourself.”
Pereira even recalls a time when someone crashed into the mosh pit inside a shopping cart, and the crowd circled the shopping cart to the music.
“That encapsulated the scene where it’s really chaotic but there’s some sort of order to it,” Pereira says.
So, whether it’s moving their head up and down or tossing their body in the action, there’s always a way for Coogs to stay engaged in one of these venues.
At every show, a new realm of Houston opens up—spaces free of judgment, powered by music.
Houston’s bar and club scene is still alive-ish.
The realm of Houston’s bar and club scene has undergone significant changes over the years, culminating in the current poor sectioning culture and limited venues.
Several clubs have shut down, including notable names such as Drink Houston, The Flamingo Club and Koko Bongo, which have made it challenging to find new spots.
Seth, a University of Houston junior who only wishes to be identified by last name, says, “They shut down a lot of clubs.”
Speaking on sectioning culture, Seth says, “This is only in the span of, like, two years? It’s definitely gotten worse.”
Despite the changes in recent years, however, the nightlife scene in Houston still holds a place for Coog self-expression.
Notable areas include West 20th St. through the Heights, as well as the “Gayborhood” in the greater Montrose area, as Seth names it.
The feel Coogs get in the Heights is a bar patio with a homey vibe, encased with live music.
One notable place is Shady Acres Saloon, which the owners describe as “a feel of Luckenbach here in the backyard of Houston.” They embody a country two-stepping southern night with live music on an open patio, an arcade room and bocce ball.
Continuing along the way, across West 20th St., Coogs find themselves in several other bars that match the same energy. It’s up to you to decide which one meets your fancy.
In West Central Houston, Coogs find themselves in the accepting scene of Montrose.
This area of Houston remains true to a welcoming mentality that’s tolerant of anyone, regardless of whether they are LGBTQ or not.
“The Gayborhood has always kind of stayed true to itself,” Seth says. “If you want to go baddied up, go baddied up; if you want to go chill, you go chill, no one cares.”
In Montrose, the priority is more on having a great night rather than being in an environment of judgment. It’s arguably the freest space Coogs could go in the city.
A notable example is South Beach, which is one of the few clubs in Houston that still holds onto authentic partying and dancing culture. Next door is JR’s, which hosts karaoke nights and has quick service of cheap drinks, notably $2 Tuesdays.
These experiences are only some of the many nightlife options that Coogs in the wild come across. Truthfully, the possibilities for weekend fun are endless.
Whether it’s a classic southern dancing night, partying until 3 a.m. or moshing to decibel-smashing guitars, Coogs know how and where to go to have fun in the wild.
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