Meteor is the Houston gay community's classiest bar. The bar's main draws are the stylish lounge atmosphere, great cocktails and large selection of signature martinis (get Nick to make you a black tie or Godiva chocolate martini), and less-crowded atmosphere when compared to other bars. When Meteor first opened a few years ago, this was the place to see and be seen for a while, although some of that seems to have worn off. Sure you'll still see a large number of "A gays" here as well as guys dressed like they just stepped out of the cover of GQ, but for the most part, Meteor has a relaxed atmosphere and you don't have to be dressed in the latest styles to fit in.

Meteor is divided into two sections. When you enter, the area to the right is the lounge, filled with comfortable sofas and chairs, video screens, and a bar along the back wall. This section is always open. To the left is a room with a few tall tables and stools, a large circular bar in the middle, and plenty of places to stand and check out the guys. This section is open on weekends. Restrooms are located in the back and are far nicer than your average bar. Be sure you remember your biology before you go do your business; in keeping with the hip urban atmosphere, doors are simply marked "XX" and "XY" (in case you've forgotten, boys are XY and use the room to the right, XX girls to the left).

Some would argue that Meteor is inconvenient to get to. It is a little off the beaten path and several blocks away from the more crowded Pacific St. gay bar area. However, I think this is one of Meteor's strengths. Being a little farther from the rest of the bars than most people are willing to walk makes the crowds more manageable. Yes, it does get loud when the bar is crowded, but you don't have to yell nearly as loud here as you do at other bars like JR's to talk to your friends. Also, I prefer the more upscale atmosphere of Meteor, and the bartenders are some of the best (and cutest) you'll find in Houston. Meteor also features a fun lineup of special events and happy hours during the week, including drag queen BINGO every Tuesday night from 9:00-11:00 PM, and professional men's happy hour on Thursdays from 5:00-9:00 PM. Draq queen BINGO, hosted by local drag queens Lillian Devereaux, Sofonda and Samantha St. John, and others, is one of my favorite midweek events; for $5 you can play all six BINGO games and possibly win some great (and some not so great) prizes. $1 shots are available whenever someone wins or the number O-69 gets called, and money from the BINGO cards goes to support a couple of charitable GLBT organizations.

• Website: www.meteorhouston.com. Check the website for special events and happy hours.
• Phone: (713) 521-0123