Shady Tavern Location View

Shady Tavern

The Shady Tavern is located deep on the north side of the Heights district. Believe it or not, the Shady is a 70 year old ice house and really does look its age. The best way to describe the Shady Tavern is in fact "Shady". It doesn't seem like the place you would like to be alone after dark. Fortunately the Shady is living proof that appearances can be deceiving. I can best describe going to the Shady as being at a buddy's house and drinking in his back yard. The bar itself is nothing more than a counter-top and some coolers. Two of the four walls are composed almost entirely of garage doors and are left open during business hours throughout the fall, spring, and summer. In fact, most of the spring and summer isn't even spent "in" the Shady. Considering that the bar is essentially a converted house it has its own backyard in which patrons are often found either throwing washers, sitting under the covered porch or grilling their own food on the complementary barbeque. On Saturdays the bar hosts "Secret Saturday Shows" which usually includes local bands performing free live shows in front of anyone who wants to listen. The Shady is definitely one of the best kept secrets in Houston.
Shady Tavern

Location Reviews

Review Title:	I LOVE THIS BAR	View Review
Rating:		View Venue
Reviewer:	Josh B	View All Reviews (1)

Review:
The Shady has everything that I look for in a bar. They are a true icehouse so don't expect to find any liquor here. Its all beer and its all bottled. As far as pricing is concerned, you probably aren't going to find too many better deals in Houston. Domestics are always $2.50 and "Imports" stay at 3.25 every day, all the time. There is plenty of seating under the covered por.ch and the entire place is wired with a digital juke-box that has an awesome selection. If you are worried about leaving your dog at home during happy hour, worry no longer. You can bring your dogs! (As long as they can get along with everyone). The backyard of the Shady is really a "BACK YARD". Your pet can run around without the risk of running away and you can relax, enjoy good beer, good friends, and good music (live on Saturdays). My only dispute with the Shady would be the fact that it has no air conditioning (as it is an open air bar) and during those muggy summers the bugs can be a bit of a nuisance. Culturally you will find someone from every bit of society. Its relaxed attitude is open to all comers. Don't be surprised if you show up to the Shady and its a packed house, but at the same time don't be surprised if its closed. The bar is privately owned and operated and they are not in it for the money. They open when they want and they close when they want. The Shady Tavern is a hidden gem of Houston and is my favorite bar.