Downtown Houston

Spec's on Smith Street, Flying Saucer and D&Q.

 

Bovine & Barley just opened up downtown. 24 taps, a cask, and a large food menu. I have not been yet, but worth a shot to check out if you have a chance. As a whole there are not a lot of beer bars downtown, but there are plenty of good places to visit.

Hay Merchant is not downtown, you will have to Uber or cab it if you don't have a car, but worth it.
Mongoose Versus Cobra is in Midtown, and an easy train ride.
Wooster's Garden, in the same area is MvC
Flying Saucer, of coarse


Other places that are not beer bars, but good selection, with some food options
Weights+Measures is interesting. Good small beer list, with a bakery
MKT Bar
Batanga
The Honeymoon
Hearsay
The Springbok (next door to sauce, really good South Africa/fusion) They just have Saint Arnold and karbach, but the food is great.

Other spots that are just fun bars:
La Carafe
Captain Foxheart Bad News Bar
Moving Sidewalk
Public Services
Pastry War

Specs and D&Q (probably have to get a ride here to) are your only options for stores.

I could go on, but don't want to type anymore

 

There are some breweries in that area as well:

http://www.craftbeeraustin.com/texas-brewery-brewpub-tour-listings-map/

 

The only other couple nearby options if you work traditional hours are Moontower Inn and 8th Wonder.

Moontower is all outdoors, partly covered patio, mostly picnic tables in what seems like a backyard.

8th Wonder brewery is only a few blocks from downtown and open daily until at least 9 (St Arnold's has afternoon tours only)

 

One more -- Reserve 101. Great whiskey bar with a small but very good beer selection (4-5 taps, maybe 20 bottles/cans). I typically only drink whiskey cocktails there, but they've got beer covered too.

 

Houston is a great place! Glad you had a good time!!

 

You are very wise and correct.