Dean’s Downtown

Dean’s is another cool spot downtown Houston! Incredible cocktails, cool bears and nice service. All that makes the place one of the best of its kind. I am sure I will be coming to the Dean’s Downtown over and over again!

I need to say I totally adored it. The place, the manner the establishment was set up, and the bartenders we are real friendly. The House shots alone had sold me in on this place and if you are trying to find a great time this place is a must. Shout out to Brody who looked actual chill as we spoke for a bit within their front veranda, you are doing an excellent job man keep it rolling I Will be back shortly!

Being two locals me and my husband knew that Dean’s Downtown was extremely fun pub, so when we were in the mood for it we took a few our friends and made our evening incredible!
Their cocktails are so cool! The atmosphere, staff and service are always so welcoming and charming. If you’ve never been to this take a chance to have friendly casual environment that you’d be impressed with! High score!

This is a curious location in the midst of the Downtown revival along the northern part of Main Street. The place has an awkwardly mixed vibe, with the lighting and bar of a classy upscale location mixed with the run down furniture and prices of a hole in the wall locale. I’ve never seen more than about eight people in here.
There’s a small seating area outside that looks like it was converted from a display case from when this used to be a retail clothing store. As you walk in, the rest of the place gives off a similar «we didn’t try to conceal that we roughly renovated a discount store» feel. On the bright side, the bartenders are friendly and the drinks are stiff. Prices are pretty reasonable, especially during happy hour.
This wouldn’t be my first stop on a block loaded with other good options, but if you’re going to be bar-​hopping along the Light Rail, as I usually am when I swing by here this is well worth visiting.

The bar scene downtown has really improved over the last couple years. Especially with the Super Bowl coming to town, development will only continue. We had dinner at a food truck right outside Dean’s and they were so nice as to let us sit down and eat at their tables even though we hadn’t bought anything. Nice gesture on their part and we returned there later that night. Nick cocktail menu, it’s just that nothing really stands out to me about Dean’s. However, it’s a solid happy hour option and I would return again.

Nice bar. This place has a good vibe. I went at around 6:45 on a Friday and left about 45 minutes later. Place only had a few people.
The bartenders are fine. I knew what I wanted but good recommendations were made for others.
Nice happy hour that includes a better than decent Manhattan $ 5 that goes until 8:00.
Was told that they have the oldest electric elevator in Texas… kind of doubt it but check it out for yourself. Nether also have a lot of good games including Simon Say.

Second stop on all girls valentines weekend. We were greeted and carded, (which I love by the way) by the most beautiful exotic man working the door, his name escapes me now. I ordered a Moscow mule and the girls were drinking champs. We mentioned we were from out of town and they made us their signature shots that taste like a warm apple pie, so delicious. The 4 of us girls were checked on the entire night the place was packed! The gentleman that was the bouncer was also working inside. I whispered to him that there was a man harassing me, please protect me. The man was very intoxicated and was not served. Mad props first of all for that! So beautiful exotic gentleman bouncer went into action, he took all of our purses, (to help us move our stuff) and said go sit in the elevator now (if you don’t know they have this elevator that is the 3^rd oldest in the country that is now a sitting area) he got the guy out and kept us safe. We closed the place down, and I cannot wait to go back to Houston. As 4 girls going out feeling safe, and having a great experience, atmosphere and yummy cocktails is a top priority. The owner or main manager (ponytail and glasses) even was very kind about announcing last call, unlike most places you go. This Houston stop made this San Diego girl feel so welcome. Texas, can you please give Cali some lessons on your wonderful hospitality?!

Great place! Great music! A definite must stop in downtown! Ask for Joe!!!

Great happy hour! The hound dawg So refreshing. They fresh squeeze there grapefruit juice. So good!

I am visiting from NYC and I have to say, Jody makes a better Old Fashioned than any other «mixologist» I have ever encountered. This place is top notch. A good friend of mine is a regular here and I am so grateful he brought me. Houston’s best, without a doubt. Great cocktails and good vibes. Total win.

I really enjoy coming to Dean’s. It is one of my favorite places to come to in downtown. Every drink I have gotten from here was very good. The music is always good, the crowd is diverse. Good place to hang out!

I’m giving it a 2 star because of an experience at this bar. I was alone in the restroom and a guy knocked on the door, said he was the owner and asked if the bathroom was in good condition. I was washing my hands by that time and told him I was almost done. He comes in as I’m drying my hands and I felt so uncomfortable and quickly got out. Well I’m glad he was who he said he was (I checked) but he should have send in a female employee to check for him. I felt so uncomfortable… it was just a little frightening to have a man walk in to a woman’s RR. I can’t help to feel how I feel. Anyway the drinks and music were really good, if you’re wondering about that. And I get it I was a business owner myself, but I think he should’ve handled that differently.

My wife and I are in town for the weekend so we asked a local for a fun pub/​bar to go hang out at for a few cocktails. He suggested Deans of course !
What a great suggestion and fun night. The staff is awesome and ambience and tunes add to the welcoming feel. Kudos to Jody, Britney, Joe and E who not only mix a great drink and pour a cold beer but definitely make you feel right at home at Deans. It’s a fun casual environment and would be our favorite hangout if we lived in Houston !

I’m not one to leave a review. This is actually the first time I feel the need to post my experience at a bar. The whole feel of the bar is great, the music selection was on point. Walked in to Big K.R.I.T. playing and they even played some Lupe Fiasco!!! I went to the bar with my Girlfriend and a group of friends to celebrate something real special to me. The staff was friendly and professional, I wish I remembered the bartender’s name. He was a tall white male with dread locks if a remember correctly. The bar was packed and there was no wait time to order my drinks, all the bartenders were really attentive. Definitely going back for their Old Fashioned.

I have to say, I was impressed by the new Deans. I used to come here quite often around 2010 for the various fashion shows, bands, and other things they had, but the place looked and smelled old and overall had no real identity. Oh, and I saw a fist fight break out there too!
The new Dean’s removed the display windows outside and turned it into sidewalk front seating and it’s much better and opens up the bar. The bar itself is modern but still keeps with the downtown dive bar charm. Overall, they did a great job.

Another cool little downtown Main Street bar. Cool spot, good beers, good cocktails. Outdoor and indoor seating. Good service. Loving these great Main Street bars! Definitely add it to your downtown Main Street bar hopping night (with Moving Sidewalk, Captain Foxheart’s, La Carafe, and more)!

I had a pretty good time at Deans. I got invited to go for a birthday party and it turned out to be a pretty nice event. I would for sure go again if I was invited, but probably not on my own.
The music was pretty good, it was a playlist that someone had on their iPhone, when songs would replay, you could see them run over the I home and change the song. Regardless, the mix was pretty good and the sound was nice.
The bar area was clean and it was easy to get too. There wasn’t too much crowding and it seemed to always be a few empty seats, that’s always nice. The drinks to me were just okay, they had a really nice selection of 5 and 6 dollar craft and local drinks which is always really nice. I love that the drinks are craft! The thing I didn’t love, was my bar tender. He clearly had a few of friends there and was casually taking shots and talking to them. Not that there’s any problem with bar tenders enjoying their friends or regulars, but when everyone else has to wait because their doing triple shots and making their drinks a priority, that kind of puts a damper no the night.
Also, there were random people going to the back of the bar and making drinks, when we asked them to make us a drink, they quickly assured us that they don’t work there and would get in trouble if they were to serve us a drink –_​_​-​, that’s the first time I’ve ever heard anything like that or even seen someone go to a bar that they don’t work at, hang out with the bartender and make themselves a drink.
Other then what was going on behind the bar, everything else was cool. The vibe is nice, its pretty chill, you don’t have to get all dressed up. Everyone is nice and you don’t feel the need to impress someone or that you’re going to be followed around all night by someone that wants your number.
So, like I said, I would go again if I was invited, but I probably wouldn’t request to go myself. I think everyone should give it a shot though.

Quick after work bar-​hop, stop #2.
This little hipster spot might be a cool spot with a better crowd. There were only a few people in the place and there was a band that was setting up (check one, check two, sibilance). Cool lounge seating that is more antique than modern… but really, just hipster.
Anyway, the drinks were fine and bartender was nice… just have to give this place another chance probably… and wont forget to grow a beard and wear my fedora before I come back.

I didn’t know this place existed as I am not a frequent downtown person. I avoid downtown as the parking is horrible and usually there are a ton of homeless peeps. We came here after El Big Bad and I’m so glad I did. The drinks were great and the environment was happening. I definitely want to come back here and try out the other drinks.
The only reason I’m giving it a 4 is because there was definitely a creeper at the bar who was trying to hit on me and get me to meet him the next Saturday. I had seen that he was sitting at the bar by myself and had another drink next to his. 20ish minutes after my friends and I ordered at the bar, we went to sit down at one of the couches and he followed us. He offered me that drink that had been sitting there and I immediately LEFT the bar after that. Who knows what he could’ve put in there.
I’m sure I’ll be back but hopefully that creeper isn’t there! ha

First timer on Friday night (04-​10-​2015) and I have to say I absolutely loved it. The location, the way the establishment was set-​up, and the bartenders we’re real friendly.
The House shots alone had sold me in on this place and if you’re looking for a good time this place is a must.
Shout out to Brody who seemed real chill as we talked for a bit in their front patio, you’re doing a great job man keep it rolling I’ll be back soon!

I’ve never been to the old Dean’s so I can’t say anything about the different atmosphere between the old and the new Dean’s. However, the new Dean’s is a pretty cool place to chill with a group of friends.
I’ve never had to wait too long at the bar to get a drink, and the atmosphere is pretty laid back. The music they play (at least on Friday nights) aren’t too bad. Good enough to dance to, even though nobody’s really dancing. Everybody’s really just talking/​mingling/​drinking. Note that they don’t serve Jäger and Cointreau though. I wanted a couple shots that had these liquors (no, other orange liquor just won’t do) and they couldn’t make it.
There’s an elevator car that was turned into a seating area that could fit probably a group of six to eight people. It’s pretty cool since you can actually close the elevator door and turn it into your own little private room. Remember that it’s first come first serve though.
The couple of times I’ve been here, there wasn’t a line at the door to get in. No douchiness and no pretentiousness. Some of the ladies come all dressed up like they were going to the club, but some are wearing something more casual but still classy. They also seem more approachable here compared to a bar like, say, Okra.
All in all, Dean’s is a good place to start your night before you make your way to other downtown/​midtown bars where you can just go crazy.

Dean’s Downtown is a quaint little gem, tucked away at the end of Main st. near Goro & Gun and the Pastry War. With direct access to the metro rail this bar is a chill little spot not to be ignored, but unfortunately often is.
they will have cocktails on tap, just like beer and they are quite tasty and unique. Donald, the Bartender, toted that their Old Fashions are «the best in Houston!» Make sure you try one of those too as they are on happy hour for $ 5!

Now I have been to what I’ll refer as «Old Dean’s» and that was also before I joined Unilocal.Dean’s had a change of ownership and the new owners pretty much re-​did everything on the inside and out to make this joint a great bar on par with all the other ones next to it in the Houston downtown Main Street scene. This bar has a good front patio for smokers to have a cigarette and still drinking. One of the small detail for their patio is that they have plants that does make a difference.
Now on the inside, you can tell by the photos uploaded to this page, that it is now a chill lounge-​y bar with a bit of dark lighting. The music volume level is decent as it does get a bit loud sometimes. On weekdays, the happy hours goes all the way to 10PM, which is a plus as their old fashioned is pretty good. They have a little bit of everything for everyone, from fairly good price $ 3 beer to great selection of whiskey, scotch, and bourbon.
One of the thing I like about this bar is the awesome spooky elevator. Okay, it’s not really spooky but as you may tell, this place used to be a clothing store with more than one story tall. So they kept the elevator in tact and transformed it into a cubby hole with some seats, a stomp for table, and a faux candle light to illuminate the cubby hole. If things are a bit too loud for you to talk to your friends, you can always hide in there and actually close the elevator door for some privacy.
I would certainly recommend this place for out of towners, local Houstonians who haven’t been to downtown bar scene for some time, and anyone that’s 21+ to check out this bar. You will certainly enjoy it in some way.

A-​OK!
I hate giving three star reviews. It seems somehow damning, but it’s not. Dean’s is not a place I frequent. It occupies a kind of awkward nether-​region of «dive» bar and quasi-​upscale mixology destination. It’s sort of divey, in that it’s warm, dark, and the couches and chairs are well-​worn. But the beers and cocktails are not cheap! Dive bars require cheap and strong drinks. Unfortunately, Dean’s doesn’t really deliver on that. So I look to the other end of the spectrum, where fancy bars only put on a patina of divey-​ness to up their coolness factor. But the drinks just didn’t really live up to that standard either. The menu looked promising, but the bartender was just overwhelmed with the big group I was with, and drinks were coming out kind of weak and uninspired. That said, she was very pleasant and kept her cool, so that’s why I didn’t ding this place too much.
Dean’s offers some food options, including pizzas that looked good (but I didn’t get to taste). For those doing a downtown pub crawl, I would probably recommend Dean’s as part of your journey, but I’m not sure that I would park myself there for an evening.

I quite like the new Dean’s.
Instead of the funky, house-​of-​horrors-​ish décor of the old Dean’s, they now have exposed brick, wooden panels, comfy fabric chairs, drapes, and a chandelier which gives it a more sophisticated speakeasy vibe. Their menu of old-fashioned’s (mostly whiskey and bourbon) can attest that that’s the direction they’re going for.
Our last visit was on a late Sunday night, so our bartender was entertaining us with stories about some previous patrons while slinging some tasty cocktails. He also showed us the elevator in the back, which happens to be the oldest electric elevator in Houston and was also considered to be an «outside» elevator which meant smoking was permitted in there (as evidenced by the metal ashtray embedded to the wall). They’ve converted it into a comfy little seating area, in case anyone wanted to get randy and say they got it on in an elevator.
To top it off, he showed us a painting of a creepy-​looking clown which had been stuck inside the elevator doors for 30 years before they finally opened it and released it into an unsuspecting world. Thank you for giving me nightmares that night, Dean’s. (If anyone’s interested, the painting is hanging high on the wall, hidden behind some drapes, in the hallway leading to the bathrooms. If you get possessed by the spirit of an evil clown, please don’t blame me. Call Ghostbusters).