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.
