Wine bars and lounges galore allow you to party well into the evening or enjoy one more drink before you release the babysitter.
By the Glass
5713 Kavanaugh Blvd. | 663-9463
Choose from an eclectic menu of premium wines; enjoy live music, live artist series and the occasional visit from wine makers. Pair wine with a selection of savory appetizers including cheeses from around the world, cured meats and sausages, hummus, Mediterranean olives, black olive tapenade and more. Open 4-10 p.m. Mon.-Thurs. and until midnight Fri.-Sat.
Cajun’s Wharf
2400 Cantrell Road | 375-5351
Weekly live music Wednesday to Saturday. The deck lures locals and visitors out for beautiful scenery, great music and delicious drinks. Call for hours and live music times.
Cheers in the Heights
2010 N. Van Buren St. | 663-5937
Located in the heart of the Heights, Cheers offers burgers and sandwiches, vegetarian options and salads at lunch and adds fish specials and mouth-watering steaks in the evening. This restaurant is intimate, with a hint of Cajun influence, whether you dine inside or on the patio. Indulge in the expansive wine selection and full bar. Open 11 a.m-9:30 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
Ciao Baci
605 N. Beechwood St. | 603-0238
This Hillcrest home-turned-restaurant-and-nightspot is the place to see and be seen, particularly among young professionals. After an inventive meal, diners can retire to the covered porch that wraps around the house to sip a glass of wine, specialty cocktail or try one of the half bottles. Open 4 p.m.-2 a.m. Mon.-Fri. and 4 p.m.-1 a.m. Sat.
Hillcrest Fountain
2809 Kavanaugh Blvd.
The Fountain caters to young professionals and new bohemians alike. The shotgun structure and layout of the bar, combined with the fact that it’s a smoking establishment, gives the place the feel of a real “joint.” The Fountain features an impressive list of wines by the glass and by the bottle, as well as draft and bottled beer. Follow us on Facebook. Open 4 p.m.-2 a.m. Thurs.-Sat. and 4 p.m.-1 a.m. Sun.-Wed.
Next Bistro & Bar
2611 Kavanaugh Blvd. | 663-6398
European bistro-style food, martinis, wines and some of the best cocktails around! Open 5 p.m.-1 a.m. Mon., 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Tues.-Fri. and 5 p.m.-1 a.m. Sat.
SO Restaurant
3610 Kavanaugh Blvd. | 663-1464
Call it a French brasserie with a sleek American finish. Ingredients are prepared with simple elegance, from salads and sandwiches to a four-course prix fixe menu starring a buttery filet mounded with lump crab and French-style cold seafood platters, along with shrimp, crab and lobster. Free valet parking. Open 4 p.m.-10 p.m. Mon.-Wed., 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Thurs.-Fri., 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Sat. and 2 a.m.-10 p.m. Sun.
Sushi Café
5823 Kavanaugh Blvd. | 663-9888
This modern eatery serves new-world interpretations of market-fresh fish, grilled steaks and great cocktails in a small and lively setting, with a rich and sophisticated ambiance. The modern fusion, full-flavored dishes reflect Sushi Café’s “East meets West” style. More than 180 café creations and full bar are available. Open 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Mon.-Fri. and 5 p.m.-close Mon.-Sun.