RICE VILLAGE. This location of the regional chain is a boon to the student-heavy neighborhood and is a reliable, if crowded, go-to any night of the week. Elegant wood paneling distinguishes the spot from more run-of-the-mill college bars, as do spectacular happy hour specials (Monday to Saturday, 2pm-9pm; all day Sunday). While many patrons happily quaff domestics, beer connoisseurs are pleased with around 50 bottled choices and 20 on-tap options. TVs, darts, pool, and a refreshing patio round out the amenities.

MONTROSE. The Black Lab is traditionally British, complete with dark woods, fireplaces, low ceilings, and a warm welcome. It even has patio seating and an enormous outdoor chessboard that's a beacon for folks with a competitive bent. The drinks menu includes imported beers and single malt scotches, and food options range from sandwiches and grilled salmon to classic dishes like fish pie, beef Wellington, and bangers and mash. A great place for a date or a casual night out with friends.

RICE VILLAGE. For a casual, unpretentious setting, locals laud this pub, which has sister locations in Austin, Dallas, and New York. Indeed, cozy setting awaits you at the Ginger Man, where space is at a premium on the wrap-around porch once the sun sets. Inside, this old brick house offers a good mix of charm of general friendliness, making it the type of place where the barkeeps are ready and willing to give you the low-down on one one's of Houston's most extensive draught beer selections. Indeed, tour the globe via the tap with ambers, stouts, and ales hailing everywhere from the Czech Republic and Netherlands to Belgium and Ireland.

MIDTOWN. Boasting maybe the town's best combination of live music and tap beers, McGonigel's has long been considered one of Houston's top watering holes. Irish in theme, the pub sports rustic-looking tables and booths, cranberry-colored walls, and a cornucopia of Irish and Guinness-themed collectibles. Well-known local and regional acts have appeared from time to time, including such Longhorn notables as Lyle Lovett, Alejandro Escovedo, Toni Price, and Guy Clark. A pleasant patio offers patrons a chance to catch some fresh air, and the kitchen sates late-night appetites with standard pub grub. (A word to the wise: Fish-n-chips always goes better with a pint of Guinness.)

MONTROSE. Happily appointed with all the trappings of an authentic British pub, Red Lion pleases expats and locals alike. Along with wood and brass detailing and red-leather upholstery, visitors find a wonderful array of food and drink. Imported beers, English ales, terrific wines, and single malt scotches quench any thirst, and you can treat yourself to burgers, sandwiches, Indian curries, and mainstays like shepherd's pie and breakfast "fry-ups." At Sunday lunch, a traditional roast dinner is served and has become quite a fan favorite.