QueerHouston

Nightlife

Michael's Outpost

Intimate piano bar near the Menil Collection with sing-alongs and weekly drag.

What it's known for

Michael's Outpost is an intimate piano bar at 1419 Richmond Ave, close to the Menil Collection. The piano is the whole point here. Instead of a DJ, you get live players, sing-alongs and themed music nights, with weekly drag and comedy-style shows mixed in. It is a welcome change of pace from the louder bars on Fairview and Pacific. Sources disagree on its founding year, so we have left that out, but it has clearly been around for decades.

Regular nights

  • Monday: The Broad's Way, 9 to 11:30 PM
  • Thursday: Laugh Track, 9 to 11:30 PM
  • Friday and Saturday: Piano Night, 9:30 PM to 1:30 AM
  • Sunday: Sheet Music Sunday, 8 to 11 PM

Lineups change. Check with the venue before you go.

Crowd and vibe

Expect a close, conversational room where strangers end up singing the same chorus. It suits anyone who likes a show tune, or who simply wants to hear the people they came with. Listings say the piano plays Wednesday through Sunday, and the named shows above fall on specific nights, so it is worth checking what is on before you make the trip. It also works well for a date or a low-key birthday, since the room is small enough to feel like a private party.

Getting there

The bar is south of the Fairview strip, near the Menil, so it can round off an afternoon at the museum. It is a short ride from the main Montrose bars rather than a quick walk, and we could not confirm parking, so check the street when you arrive. Call 713-520-8446 if you are planning around a particular show.

Related events

Nearby

All Houston nightlife