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    Two Houston bars debut on best beer bars list

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    Mike Damante at 4:29 pm on January 15, 2013

    Hay Merchant is a popular place for fans of craft beer.: Dave Rossman/ For the ChronicleHay Merchant is a popular place for fans of craft beer.: Dave Rossman/ For the Chronicle

    Draft Magazine has released its list of America’s 100 best beer bars for 2013, and two Houston bars have cracked the lineup.

    Hay Merchant and Petrol Station made the list for their large selections of beer on tap and unique atmospheres. Both bars are new to the honor.

    Hay Merchant is popular for having 78 beers on tap, while Petrol Station stands out for being a converted gas station.

    Here is what the site had to say about the two winners:

    Hay Merchant

    This frisky new spot along one of Houston’s main thoroughfares is brick-dressed and brings it with 78 beers on tap, 5 of which are on cask. Not only is the selection deep, but it’s one-of-a-kind: The bar lends barrels to breweries for one-off projects. Plus, the food’s got flair, from fried headcheese to Chicken Fried Texas Water Buffalo.

    Petrol Station

    This cozy neighborhood hideaway is small, but it hosts a sizable beer selection that makes hopheads in other parts of the state green. Join its active beer-loving community on Facebook and chat about the latest, greatest release, or just head in blindly (you won’t be disappointed) for a burger and beer in this Houston hop spot.

    Comments

    BT Tue, 01/15/2013 - 5:59pm

    Whiskeys too rough, champagne costs too much, vodka puts my mouth in gear........ as a matter of fact I like BEER. Tom T. Hall

    Other Bill II Tue, 01/15/2013 - 6:12pm

    So many good places to get REAL beer in this town but I have to DRIVE so that rules most out. Thankfully, Petrol Station is reachable by bike by the back roads.

    Beer Lover Wed, 01/16/2013 - 9:29am

    Other Bill II- Watch out! I saw an episode of COPS in which they arrested a man for operating a bicycle while drunk. Just sayin'... be careful!

    Cornelius_Breadington Wed, 01/16/2013 - 9:48am

    Two signs that I'm not going to enjoy the atmosphere or attitude of a particular spot: porkpie hats and fad tattoos.

    :(

    TK Wed, 01/16/2013 - 11:07am

    Could you, would you with a goat?

    You know nothing about that guy or that place, but you are already predisposed to not liking that guy (who may not be there) or the place... because of a hat and a tattoo...

    Try it, Sam.

    turmeister Wed, 01/16/2013 - 12:31pm

    That is so funny! I'm with you, man. Porkpie hats...Ha! Great...

    Francesco Totti Thu, 01/17/2013 - 3:55pm

    stay away, too many tourists as it is

    boltgunner Wed, 01/16/2013 - 11:44am

    Have been to HM...Tap beer selection superior to Flying Saucer, but FS food and customer service is WAY better...HM waiter attitude got better as I drank more beer, higher priced beer. And, if I go back there, if I ask for a sample, don't say "that brew is not one you can sample" (because it is your best beer?)...FS samples all taps.

    DT Wed, 01/16/2013 - 1:58pm

    Both times I have been to HMI have never had anyone talk to my group unless it was to close out or offer water. I didn't like it because it feels dark (even in the afternoon) and just lack of friendliness by the staff

    Secret Squirrel Wed, 01/16/2013 - 2:01pm

    The Petrol Station is a beautifully weird display of Houston diversity. On any given day, you'll see suits drinking with hophead beer snobs and tattooed hipsters and everyone devouring the best burger in town.

    joe bleaux Wed, 01/16/2013 - 3:02pm

    4th largest city in the country and we have TWO??? Rather than celebrate/be proud, this is shameful!

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