Johnny McElroys Introduce
Welcome, fellow Texans, to Johnny McElroy's, a true Irish pub and grill that has become a beloved fixture in Houston's vibrant scene. For those of us in the Lone Star State who appreciate a genuine pub experience – a place where the drinks flow freely, the atmosphere is inviting, and you can always catch a game – Johnny McElroy's on Waugh Drive is a must-visit. This isn't just any bar; it’s a meticulously designed establishment that brings a piece of Ireland right here to Houston, offering a unique blend of traditional pub charm and modern amenities.
At Johnny McElroy's, we believe in creating a space where everyone feels welcome, from long-time regulars to first-time visitors. Our commitment to friendly and efficient service, even during peak hours, ensures that you can always get a drink and enjoy your time without feeling overlooked. We understand that in a bustling city like Houston, finding a spot that truly prioritizes customer experience can make all the difference, and we strive to deliver just that.
Our patrons consistently highlight what makes Johnny McElroy's special. One delighted customer, who visited twice in two days during a nearby comedy fest, raved, "The bartenders don’t just cater to the regulars which is nice. You can easily get a drink and friendly service even when it’s busy. Really liked this place and will be back!" Another concisely stated, "Great place for a drink and to watch a game." These testimonials speak volumes about the welcoming atmosphere and the quality of service you can expect here.
Stepping into Johnny McElroy's, you'll immediately notice the inviting ambiance. The pub boasts an impressive selection of Irish whiskeys and an extensive range of beers, including local Texas craft brews and imported favorites like Guinness. The decor features rich wood and comfortable seating, including red booths and couches, creating cozy nooks perfect for conversation or simply relaxing. With plenty of TVs always tuned to sports, it's an ideal spot to catch your favorite game with friends.
Beyond the drinks, Johnny McElroy's offers a menu designed to complement your sips, serving up traditional pub fare. While known for its excellent bar, the addition of a complete kitchen ensures you can enjoy a satisfying meal alongside your beverage. Whether you're looking for a casual evening out, a spot to watch the big game, or simply a friendly place to unwind, Johnny McElroy's provides a genuine and enjoyable experience for all Houstonians. Come discover your new favorite local spot!
Johnny McElroy's is conveniently located at 1223 Waugh Dr, Houston, TX 77019, USA. This prime address places it in the vibrant Montrose area, a diverse and bustling neighborhood renowned for its eclectic mix of businesses, cultural attractions, and dynamic nightlife. Waugh Drive is a well-trafficked street that ensures high visibility and easy access for patrons from various parts of Houston.
Situated in the 77019 zip code, Johnny McElroy's is readily accessible to residents of key Houston areas such as Montrose, River Oaks, and the Inner Loop communities. Its central location makes it a convenient destination whether you're coming from work, heading out for an evening, or meeting friends. For those driving, the pub typically offers parking options, which is a significant advantage in such a popular urban area. This bungalow-turned-pub is part of the well-established McElroy family of Irish pubs in Houston, known for choosing accessible and community-oriented locations.
For those utilizing public transportation, Waugh Drive is served by various METRO bus routes, providing alternative ways to reach the pub without a personal vehicle. The ease of access, combined with its prominent location, makes Johnny McElroy's a straightforward and desirable spot for Houstonians looking for a great bar and grill experience. We encourage you to visit and experience the convenience of our Montrose location.
Full Bar Service: Johnny McElroy's features an impressive bar with an extensive selection of Irish whiskeys, local and imported beers (including a wide range of craft beers with many taps), and other spirits and beverages to cater to all preferences.
Dine-In Food Service: With a complete kitchen on-site, the pub offers a menu of traditional pub fare and light bites. While reviews suggest it's a bar first, they aim to provide satisfying food options.
Sports Viewing: The establishment is equipped with "15+ TVs," all typically tuned to ESPN or other sports channels, making it an excellent venue for watching "any number of sporting events, from baseball to soccer and basketball."
Dog-Friendly Patio: Enjoy the expansive "large wrap-around dog friendly patio," which provides ample outdoor space for mingling, socializing, and enjoying drinks and food with your furry companions.
Friendly and Efficient Bartenders: The staff, particularly the bartenders, are praised for being "friendly" and providing "friendly service even when it’s busy," ensuring that customers can "easily get a drink" without feeling overlooked.
Event Hosting/Gathering Space: With its ample indoor and outdoor seating, the pub is suitable for casual gatherings, social events, and meeting friends for drinks and conversation.
Late Night Hours: As a pub, Johnny McElroy's typically maintains late operating hours, catering to the evening and late-night crowd looking for a place to unwind.
Authentic Irish Pub Ambiance: Johnny McElroy's is designed to evoke the classic charm of an Irish pub, featuring rich wood interiors, comfortable seating including red booths and couches, and a generally inviting atmosphere that feels both cozy and spacious. It's described as a "new British/Irish/American bar" that brings the Irish spirit to Houston.
Impressive Beer and Whiskey Selection: The bar is a significant highlight, boasting an "impressive selection of Irish whiskeys" and an "extensive range of beers," including "57 taps" with a mix of local craft brews, European imports, and classic Irish stouts like Guinness.
Sports-Watching Destination: With "15+ TVs" strategically placed throughout the venue, Johnny McElroy's is a prime spot for watching sports. Patrons can enjoy "any number of sporting events," making it a go-to for game nights.
Large, Dog-Friendly Outdoor Patio: A major draw is the "large wrap-around dog friendly patio," offering abundant space for mingling and enjoying the Houston weather with pets, contributing to a relaxed and social environment.
Exceptional and Inclusive Bartender Service: Customers highly praise the bartenders for their "friendly service" and for not exclusively "cater to the regulars," ensuring everyone receives prompt attention even when the place is "busy." This inclusivity fosters a welcoming environment for all visitors.
Comfortable and Spacious Layout: The interior offers a blend of high-top tables, a long bar, and a dedicated patio space, ensuring ample room for lounging, dining, and socializing, making it suitable for various group sizes and preferences.
Consistent Return Visits: The positive experiences at Johnny McElroy's encourage repeat visits, with customers stating they "Really liked this place and will be back!", indicating a strong draw and customer satisfaction.
For inquiries, directions, or to learn more about specials and events at Johnny McElroy's, please use the following contact details:
Address: 1223 Waugh Dr, Houston, TX 77019, USA
Phone: (713) 523-2444
Mobile Phone: +1 713-523-2444
We encourage you to visit our website or social media channels for the most up-to-date information on hours, events, and specials. We look forward to welcoming you to Johnny McElroy's for a truly enjoyable pub experience right here in Houston!
For Texans, especially those residing in the dynamic city of Houston, Johnny McElroy's on Waugh Drive stands out as an exceptionally suitable and appealing local establishment. It embodies the essence of a great neighborhood pub – a place where quality drinks, engaging atmosphere, and excellent service converge to create a truly enjoyable experience for everyone.
One of the most compelling reasons for locals to frequent Johnny McElroy's is its genuinely welcoming atmosphere. In a city as large as Houston, finding a bar where you don't feel like an outsider can be a challenge. However, as one customer highlighted, the bartenders "don’t just cater to the regulars which is nice. You can easily get a drink and friendly service even when it’s busy." This inclusivity ensures that whether it's your first visit or your fiftieth, you’ll feel right at home and receive prompt, courteous service. This reflects the warm hospitality that Texans value.
Furthermore, for sports enthusiasts across Texas, Johnny McElroy's is a prime destination. With "15+ TVs" consistently tuned to games, it's the perfect spot to "watch a game" with friends, grab a drink, and cheer on your favorite teams. This focus on sports, combined with a "long bar" and an "extensive outdoor patio," creates an ideal environment for lively game-day gatherings. The impressive selection of "57 taps," offering everything from local craft beers to classic Irish stouts, ensures that every taste preference is catered to, further solidifying its appeal to the diverse Texan beer scene.
The location at 1223 Waugh Dr in Houston's Montrose area is also a significant advantage. This easily accessible spot, complete with typically available parking, makes it a convenient choice for a spontaneous happy hour, a planned night out, or a casual weeknight gathering. The existence of a "large wrap-around dog friendly patio" is an added bonus, allowing Houstonians to enjoy the pleasant weather with their beloved pets, a common desire in our pet-friendly city.
In essence, Johnny McElroy's is more than just a bar and grill; it's a community hub that successfully blends authentic Irish pub culture with Texan hospitality. It's a place where you can unwind, enjoy quality beverages and pub fare, catch your favorite sports, and always feel like a valued patron. For any Houstonian looking for a reliable, friendly, and enjoyable spot to relax and socialize, Johnny McElroy's comes highly recommended – you’ll "Really like this place and will be back!"
Johnny McElroys Photos










Johnny McElroys Location
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Johnny McElroys Reviews
Went here twice in the last two days bc we were at a nearby comedy fest. The bartenders don’t just cater to the regulars which is nice. You can easily get a drink and friendly service even when it’s busy. Really liked this place and will be back!
Apr 05, 2025 · Lauren AndersonGreat place for a drink and to watch a game.
Jan 05, 2025 · Michael C.Great place for beers on tap. Mixed drinks are good. I usually come here for my soccer teams supporters club and steak night on Tuesdays
Aug 21, 2024 · Luigi TorresA great pre St. Patrick's Day celebration at Johnny McElroy's! Great music and waitstaff! Friendly crowd and, of course, the leprechaun that greeted the crowd.
Mar 16, 2025 · Liam CoffeyAmazing service, cozy inside, and great place all around. Only downside, when it rains you have to walk through some mud to get to your car. But we live in Houston, so the same can be said about most any other business in the city so it's no skin off my bones.
May 28, 2021 · Celso Espejo
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