There are places you go when you want to have a drink. There are other places you go when you want to be had by a drink. Why order a double when you can get one, right out of the gate, without having to prop up the bar every night?

Here are some sure bets if you're in the mood to watch your cup runneth over:

Warren's Inn (307 Travis)

Warren's is a mythological sanctuary of sorts for those who seek strong drinks with minimal fanfare. It has been a surrogate home for all manner of bon vivant and simpleton -- from corporate attorneys to harried journalists, drifters straight off the bus and young Montrosians with ambitious livers. The bartenders are largely career drink-slingers, having put their children through college and food on the table by pouring some of the best cocktails in Houston.

What not to do: Order a double. Ever. It's pompous and insulting, like you met Joe Frazier and ask him to hit you not hard, but really hard.

Leon's Lounge (1006 McGowen)

Leon's has the same lived-in feeling you get from Warren's, except that it's a smaller bar geared toward a younger crowd. That being said, it's far too classy for a younger crowd, so the majority of people who muscle up to the bar are fairly mature drinkers. Though right at McGowan and Main, Leon's is a world away from the sloppy Jager-bombs and light-beer-swilling douchebaggery of Midtown proper.

What not to do: Look or act like a douchebag from Midtown proper.

Mugsy's (3200 Kirby)

Mugsy's is a touch more cosmopolitan than Leon's, even though the bars share the same owner. It's inadvisable to venture into Mugsy's on the weekends, when the bar can be packed wall-to-wall, but the first half of the week provides great ambiance, a good smattering of whiskies and some of the most well-crafted (and potent) cocktails around.

What not to do: Be difficult, finicky or indecisive. Mugsy's has a knack for hiring friendly staff, but they also emphasize efficiency. You'll have much better luck if you order like you've been to a bar before.

Lola's (2327 Grant)

The seedy black heart of Montrose nightlife has drinks that speak for themselves and a spirit that seems immortal. Despite sitting right in the middle of a hotbed for gentrification, Lola's still draws the same sort of lowlifes, artists, yuppies, outlaws, hardcore alcoholics, kind-hearted hucksters and fast-talking con-men. Only now that demographic includes numerous generations of like-minded drinkers, many of whom have been boozing at Lola's since the days when Montrose was forging its reputation as Houston's capital of weirdness.

What not to do: Order anything more difficult than a kamikaze. This includes martinis, manhattans, cosmopolitans, pina coladas or anything that could be construed as high maintenance or prissy.

Next Door Bar (2020 Waugh)

A younger cousin to Lola's, Next Door isn't sparkling clean, terribly friendly or even all that safe. It's dark, somewhat ominous and predominantly attended by industry types, all of whom are ready, willing and able to drink one other into oblivion. While a new face pops up behind the bar every so often, many of the bartenders have held their posts for a while, their time spent serving other bartenders leaving them seasoned and knowledgeable. It also has given most of them heavy pouring-hands, though you'll see the occasional shot measured with a jigger. With $3 wells and $5 premiums, you can always go long way on a little cash.

What not to do: Display impatience, especially if it's your first time visiting.

The Davenport (2117 Richmond)

When the sun dips below the horizon and Davenport turns into a clubby, down-tempo make-out and/or date room, the ambiance can become awkward. During happy hour, however, the sun filters in through the shades and the drinks come on strong. Though martinis are the specialty here, you also have access to an impressive scotch selection, and every cocktail that comes across the bar is well-poured.

What not to do: Stay after sundown or get confused and think you're at an elegant hole-in-the-wall like Marfreless.

Big Top (3714 Main)

The Big Top is one of the most underrated bars in the Midtown/Downtown area, and that's not such a bad thing: the bar draws a consistent group of regulars and weekly passers-through who enjoy imbibing in a dark lounge, while the low profile discourages droves of ill-mannered creeps from wandering over from West Gray to jockey for position at the bar. The decor is interesting, if a bit gaudy, but the former toy store has a personality all its own. Weekly music residencies (and occasional touring acts) range from relaxed to rowdy and pours are never the least bit disappointing.

What not to do: Order a bloody mary, or ask to hear any music recorded after 1979.

Mary's (1022 Westheimer)

While it's common knowledge amongst seasoned drinkers that gay bars pour uniformly strong drinks, Mary's has long been a haven for dedicated straight boozers. The bar opens earlier than most and has a steady stream of traffic until they close the doors. Mary's may not be for everyone -- it can be more than a little seedy, if not plain dirty -- but it's certainly no worse a place than Lola's, in addition to being more of a neighborhood bar.

What not to do: Shots. Mixed drinks are the way to go, and Mary's has one of the more famous bloody marys in Houston.

Shiloh Club (1321 Studewood)

The Shiloh may never be a hip place to go on a Friday night, but it's a veritable oasis during those times you want a glass of bourbon and no nonsense. A steady crowd of younger folks pass through as the week progresses, while the first half of the week sees the Shiloh acting as the equivalent of Cheers for blue-collar Heights residents. Don't expect any fancy drinks -- only strong ones.

What not to do: Make a lot of noise. Also, avoid sitting at the long table, in the chair nearest the exit to the patio. The seat "belongs" to a regular, well into his 80s, and though he won't ask you to move, someone else very well might do so on his behalf.