Finding a good pub that serves craft beer isn’t as hard as it used to be. However, finding one that serves the level of variety I’m looking for is rare. That’s why I was surprised to find one in the middle of the Washington Avenue corridor in Houston.
Washington Avenue is known for its nightlife, but not very well known for locations with great beer selection. Most of the bars serve cocktails and cater to the hordes of young 20-somethings drinking the typical fare of Lone Star, PBR, and other corporate beers (who shall remain nameless). However, one gem (aptly named, Underdogs) is a small, non-descript pub in the heart of the corridor between Yale Street and Shepherd Drive. Specializing in both infused liquors and craft beer, Underdogs has something that appeals to a little bit of everyone.
The owner, Dustin Evans, was the first to greet me and eager to make a suggestion. This was my first time visiting the bar, but my buddy who was with me said he had visited four times and was asked the same question each time, “what kind of beer do you like?” I love hearing this is a regular thing that a committed and knowledgeable owner does. My answer? “I like to drink Texas beers. I’m really looking to try an IPA I’ve never had before and if you can keep it local, that’s even better.” He tells me that he just got in Town in City’s Chipped Tooth IPA, explained the exact location of the brewery to try more of their beer, and said that I should give this a shot since it was new and fresh. I had heard of Town in City, but had yet to sample their beer since their opening.
The beer was great and he even made sure to give me a little bit of background on the brewery. From there, I watched him talk to his regular customers and recommend the different infused liquors he had available. He regularly tried to make sure everybody feel welcome and wanted to make sure his customers would return to try something new next time.
Enough about me, let’s talk about the bar. What else is there to say except they have 200 different beers available including some of the most sought-after and rare bombers and bottles available. Putting this into perspective, he had bottles of both Saint Arnold Divine Reserve #14 and #15 available even with the limited availability. He also had Karbach Yule Shoot Your Eye Out! available from this past winter. If you can find those anywhere else, please let me know because it’s nearly impossible!
The beer selection is always available on Taphunter so finding a full selection isn’t hard in the tech age. Plus, if you have a feenin’ for something rare, you can check it out before you go!
My choices for the night were:
Town in City Chipped Tooth IPA
Hops & Grain Alt-eration
Martin House Bockslider
Huff Original
Considering that the Alt-eration, which is an absolutely perfect Alt, was on special for $3 made the night that much better. With too many choices, I felt like I barely scratched the surface on the variety available. If you get the opportunity, go check this place out. I know I’ll be back trying to accomplish the impossible – drinking all of the different Texas beers they have!
Underdogs Sports Pub
4212 Washington Ave
Houston, TX 77007