The Den: A Houston Bar & Grill with Great Food and Local Charm

The Den Introduce

Introduction / Overview

Located at 4835 Calhoun Rd, The Den is more than just a bar and grill; it's a vibrant hub in the Houston community. Perfectly situated near the University of Houston, this spot has earned a reputation for its excellent food, lively atmosphere, and a wide variety of drinks. While its location might suggest it caters exclusively to college students, The Den's welcoming and cozy environment draws a diverse crowd, from families and groups to locals of all ages and tourists looking for a taste of authentic Houston hospitality.

The Den successfully combines the best elements of a classic pub with the quality of a top-tier kitchen. The menu is far from typical bar food. It features a range of delicious offerings, from perfectly crafted burgers and gourmet tacos to an extensive list of appetizers and flatbreads. What truly sets The Den apart is its commitment to quality. As one customer noted, the food is "much better than it has any right to be," with a clear sense of pride in everything they serve, down to the surprisingly great fries. This dedication to culinary excellence elevates the entire experience.

Whether you're looking for a quick bite, a place to watch the game, or a lively spot for a night out, The Den offers a dynamic environment. With its blend of great food, an impressive drink selection, and an atmosphere that’s always buzzing with energy, it's a must-visit destination in Houston.

Location and Accessibility

The Den is conveniently located at 4835 Calhoun Rd, placing it in a prime spot for both the University of Houston campus and the surrounding Houston neighborhoods. Its location is a major draw, providing easy access for students, faculty, and local residents.

Parking is a breeze at The Den. The establishment offers a free parking lot, ensuring you can find a place to park your vehicle without any hassle. Additionally, there is free street parking available in the vicinity, providing even more convenience.

The Den is also committed to ensuring that all guests feel welcome and are able to enjoy their visit. The restaurant provides a wheelchair-accessible entrance, a wheelchair-accessible parking lot, a wheelchair-accessible restroom, and wheelchair-accessible seating. This focus on inclusivity makes it a comfortable and accessible spot for everyone in the community. Its central location and thoughtful amenities make The Den a go-to spot for any occasion.

Services Offered

Outdoor Seating: Enjoy your meal and drinks in the fresh air on their outdoor patio. This is a great option on a nice day and is pet-friendly, as dogs are allowed outside.
Curbside Pickup: For a quick and easy option, The Den offers curbside pickup. Place your order ahead and have it brought right to your car for a convenient, no-hassle experience.
Delivery: Enjoy The Den's delicious menu from the comfort of your own home with their delivery service. It’s perfect for a night in or a game day gathering.
Takeout: The takeout service is a popular choice for those on the go. Call in your order and pick it up to enjoy wherever you like.
Dine-in: Experience the lively and cozy atmosphere by dining in. With plenty of seating, you can relax, watch a game, and enjoy your meal with friends or family.
Accepts Reservations: For larger groups or planned events, The Den accepts reservations, making it easier to secure a spot during peak hours.

Features / Highlights

Bar Games and Trivia Night: The Den is a hub of entertainment, offering a range of bar games and a popular trivia night. These features create a fun and engaging atmosphere that goes beyond just eating and drinking.
Great Beer and Cocktail Selection: With an extensive list of draft beers, including a variety of local brews like Cougar Paw and Yellow Rose, The Den is a beer lover’s paradise. They also offer a creative cocktail menu, including "Moonlight Blasts" and classic frozen margaritas.
Serves Local Specialty: The menu includes local favorites like the Cougar Club sandwich and brisket nachos, embracing and celebrating the regional flavors and culture.
Lively Atmosphere: The bar is known for being a vibrant and trendy spot, particularly for sports events. It's a great place to watch a game and cheer on the local teams.
Happy Hour: The Den offers happy hour deals on both food and drinks, making it a perfect spot to unwind after a long day without breaking the bank.
Late-Night Food: As a bar and grill, The Den offers late-night food options, catering to those late-night cravings after a game or a night out.

Contact Information

Address: 4835 Calhoun Rd, Houston, TX 77004, USA

Phone: (281) 888-4299

What is worth choosing

The Den is more than just a place to grab a drink and a bite; it’s a Houston institution that offers a comprehensive and enjoyable experience. The first thing that makes it worth choosing is the food. While many might expect mediocre food from a college-adjacent bar, The Den shatters this stereotype. Their food is consistently praised for its surprisingly high quality and attention to detail. From the incredible brisket nachos to the flavorful sandwiches and the "best fries ever," the kitchen takes pride in its work. This dedication to great food makes The Den a destination in its own right, not just a place for drinks.

The atmosphere is another major draw. It’s lively and energetic, especially on game days, but also has a cozy, comfortable vibe that makes it suitable for quieter moments. The inclusion of bar games and trivia night ensures there’s always something to do, creating a fun and social environment. The staff, including friendly bartenders and attentive servers like "Mr. Chucho," are consistently praised for their excellent service. This human element, combined with the great food and drinks, creates a welcoming space where everyone feels like a regular.

Finally, The Den offers a great value and a wide array of options. The menu is diverse, catering to different tastes and appetites with small plates, quick bites, and full meals. The drink selection is extensive, with something for every palate, from local craft beers to creative cocktails and frozen drinks. The happy hour deals provide an extra incentive to visit. Overall, The Den’s ability to blend a fun, social atmosphere with high-quality food and excellent service makes it a standout choice in Houston. It's a place where you can feel the local pride and enjoy a top-notch experience, proving that a bar and grill can be both a great hang-out spot and a destination for serious food lovers.

The Den Vibe

Appetizers
Chips & Queso $10.95
Our queso is loved by everyone who tries it. White queso dip with the perfect blend of peppers.
Cougar Queso $12.95
Our traditional queso dip with guacamole and your choice of chicken, steak fajita (+$2) or brisket (+$3) added. It's delish!!
Mozzy Sticks (6) $9.95
(6) Mozzarella sticks. Crispy on the outside and cheesy goodness on the inside. Served with your choice of ranch or marinara.
Fried Mac & Cheese $8.95
Crispy on the outside, mac & cheesy goodness on the inside. This is a Den favorite!
Nachos $11.95
A huge portion of nachos topped with queso, pico, jalapenos and sour cream. Add your choice of chicken (+$4) or steak (+$7)!
Irish Nachos $15.95
A basket of our golden fries topped with smoked brisket, queso, pico, jalapenos and sour cream. Oh so yummy!
Ultimate Platter $18.95
Try a little of everything... 4 juicy chicken tenders, 3 mozzy sticks, 5 mac & cheese wedges and a side of fries.
Buffalo Cauliflower Bites $8.95
The perfect vegetarian bar food! Fried cauliflower seasoned with Buffalo hot sauce and served with a side of our house-made ranch for dipping.
Fried Pickles $8.95
Crispy, tangy and pickly with just a little bit of spice. Served with our house-made ranch for dipping.
Basket O' Fries $7.95
You've never had fries like these. Everyone loves our fries! We think you will too.

Burgers
Den Pub Burger $11.95
1/4 lb. Ground Steak Angus Patty. Served with American Cheese, Lettuce, Tomato, Pickles, Onion and Mayo.
Guac & Bacon Burger $13.95
1/4 lb. Ground Steak Angus Patty. Topped with Pepper-Jack Cheese, Bacon, Creamy Guacamole and Pico.
BBQ Cheddar Burger $12.95
1/4 lb. Ground Steak Angus Patty. Topped with Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Crispy Bacon, Smokey BBQ Sauce and pickles. If you love onions you can add them for free in the options.

Chicken
Traditional Wings
Boneless Wings
Chicken Tenders

Sandwiches
P.B.&J. $14.95
Not your mom's P.B.&J. Pork, Beef & Jalapeno. Texas Pit Smoked Brisket, Bacon and tangy jalapenos topped with pepper-jack cheese and Texas BBQ Sauce. A crowd favorite! Your taste buds will leave satisfied.
Cougar Club $12.95
A campus favorite! Ham, turkey, pepper-jack cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato and mayo. Served on our sourdough hoagie roll.
Turkey-Bacon Guac $11.95
Mesquite Smoked Turkey Breast, Crisp Bacon, Pepper-Jack Cheese and topped with Guacamole. Served on our sourdough hoagie roll.
Mexadelphia $14.95
This is what happens when a Philly Cheese-steak goes to Mexico. Grilled Steak Fajita smothered in queso and topped with pico. It's delicious!!
Phi Slamma Hamma $12.95
True Coog Fans will know where the inspiration of the name comes from! Ham, Pepper-Jack Cheese, Lettuce, Tomato and Spicy Cajun Mayo on a toasted Sourdough Hoagie roll. Yum!!
Chicken Bacon Ranch $10.95
Served crispy or grilled. Chicken, bacon, provolone cheese, lettuce, tomato and topped with our house-made ranch dressing. Served on our sourdough hoagie roll.
Chicken Marinara $9.95
Italian style sandwich. It's simple but oh so yummy! Served crispy or grilled. Chicken, marinara sauce and provolone cheese. On our sourdough hoagie roll.
Veggie Sandwich $11.95
A Vegetarian delight! Guacamole, lettuce, tomato, onion and pepper-jack cheese on our sourdough hoagie roll.

Gourmet Tacos
Texas Tacos $12.95
There's nothing more Texas than brisket on a taco. (2) Tacos with smoked brisket, BBQ sauce, jalapenos and shredded cheese.
Steak Fajita Tacos $11.95
(2) Tacos with marinated steak fajita, lettuce, pico and shredded cheese.
Chicken Fajita Tacos $8.95
(2) Tacos with seasoned fajita chicken breast, lettuce, pico and shredded cheese.
Hillbilly Tacos $8.95
A crowd favorite! (2) Tacos with fried chicken, smothered in queso and topped with pico de gallo.

Flatbreads
Pepperoni Pizza $9.95
Personal sized pepperoni pizza. Our special pizza sauce and Italian herbs, topped with mozzarella and provolone mix and a generous topping of pepperoni. Even better with our house-made ranch to dip.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Flatbread $11.95
One of our best sellers! Grilled mesquite chicken, bacon topped with mozzarella & provolone cheese then drizzled with the perfect amount of ranch. It's mouth-watering delicious!
0-4-4 Flatbread $10.95
We made our best sandwich into a flatbread for those not wanting as much bread. Grilled chicken, mozzarella & provolone cheese then topped with Buffalo Sauce and our House-made ranch.
Spicy Texas BBQ Flatbread $12.95
A pizza made for Texans. Smoked brisket, bacon bits, jalapenos, a melted white cheese blend and smoky BBQ sauce.
Cheesy Bread $7.95
A perfect snack or appetizer. A thin-crust bread topped with mozzarella and provolone cheeses and topped with italian herbs. Served with your choice of marinara or house-made ranch dressing for dipping.

Side Items
Chips & Queso - Side $5.95
Chips & Salsa - Side $2.95
Fries - Side $3.95
Queso Side 4 oz. $4.95
Salsa Side 4 oz. $1.50
Guac Side 2 oz. $2.50
Mozzy Sticks 1/2 Order (3) $5.95
Jalapenos - Side $0.75

DRINKS (non-alcoholic)
TOPO CHICO $4.50
BOTTLED WATER $2.00
16.9 oz Bottled Water
SODA (Fountain 16 oz.) $3.25
TEA $3.25
RED BULL $4.50
SODA (Can 12 oz.) $2.75
Beach Break Swell Berry D9 Seltzer $10.00
5MG Hemp derived THC Selzter - can
Beach Break Watermelon D9 Seltzer $10.00
Jarritos Grapefruit $3.95

Draft IPAs
Art Car
St. Arnold's - American (7.2%)
Hopadillo Juicy IPA
Karbach - New England IPA (7.3%)
Mini Boss
Eureka Heights - American (6.8%)
Rodeo Clown
Karbach - Double IPA (9.5%)
Yellow Rose
Lone Pint - American (6.8%)

Local Draft Beers
Buckle Bunny
Eureka Heights - Cream Ale (4.5%)
Cougar Paw
8th Wonder - Red Ale (5.2%)
Crawford Bock
Karbach - Bock (4.5%)
Dry Cider
St. Arnold's - Cider (5.5%)
Love Street
Karbach - Kolsch Blonde (5.2%)
Rotating Seasonal Beers

Other Draft Beers
Angry Orchard
Angry Orchard Cider Co. - Cider (5%)
Austin Eastciders Pineapple
Austin Eastciders - Cider (5%)
Blue Moon
Blue Moon Brewing Co. - Wheat (5.4%)
Dos XX
Dos XX - Lager - Mexican (4.2%)
Guinness
Guinness - Stout (4.2%)
Lone Star
Lone Star Brewing Co. - Lager - American (4.72%)
Mango Cart
Golden Road Brewing - Wheat Beer (4%)
Michelob Ultra
Anheuser-Busch - Lager - American (4.2%)
Miller Lite
Miller Brewing Co. - Lager - American (4.2%)
Modelo Especial
Modelo - Lager - Mexican (4.4%)
Shiner
Spoetzl Brewery - Bock (4.4%)
Twisted Tea
Hard Iced Tea (5%)
Yuengling
Yuengling - Lager - American Amber/Red (4.5%)

Bottles & Cans
Bud Light
Budweiser
Coors Lite
Corona
Heineken
High Noon
Pineapple, Mango, Black Cherry, Watermelon, Lime
Nutrl
Lemonade, Watermelon
Pacifico
Shiner Bock
Spaten German Lager
St. Arnolds Lawnmower
Stella Artois
White Claw
Mango, Raspberry, Black Cherry

MERCH
Den Shirt $25.00
Please put address in special requests! (Will be shipped in 1-2 business days)
Den Sticker $3.50
Please put address in special requests! (Will be shipped in 1-2 business days)
Den Hat $27.00
Please put address in special requests! (Will be shipped in 1-2 business days)
Den Shirt, Hat, & Sticker $50.00
Please put address in special requests! (Will be shipped in 1-2 business days)

Cocktails
Boozy Creations For Every Taste
Hard Cherry Limeade $7.00
Svedka Cherry Vodka. Refreshingly sweet & sour! Our take on your favorite childhood drink!
Blackberry Bubbles $8.00
Effen Cucumber Vodka. Served with black raspberry liquer & lime juice.
Classic Margarita $8.00
House Tequila. Better than any Tex-Mex restaurant in town. Make it Jumbo size for $3 more.
The Drunken Golfer $7.00
Deep Eddy Sweet Tea Vodka. Made with refreshing lemonade. A classic Palmer with a kick!
Long Island Tea $9.00
Pick your favorite flavor: Traditional, Strawberry, Watermelon, Peach, Sour Apple, Grape, Melon, & Blue Curacao. Make it a Jumbo size for $3
Texas Tea $9.00
Just like a long island tea but with TEQUILA!
The Den Mule $9.00
Our take on the classic Moscow Mule! Choice of Vodka, Tequila, Whiskey, Irish Whiskey, Carribean Rum
Spicy Paloma $9.00
Ghost Spicy Tequila. Made with Jarritos Grapefruit and dressed with Tajin!

Moonlight Blasts
Giant Boozy Red Bull Mixed Drinks (2 max per person)
Irish Trash Can $12.00
Vodka, Gin, Rum, Peach Schnapps and Blue Curacao with Original Red Bull
Coco Loco $12.00
House Rum, Malibu Coconut Rum, and Blue Curacao with Coconut Red Bull
What'a'melon Blast $12.00
Vanilla Vodka and Whipped Cream Vodka with Watermelon Red Bull
Vampire Blood $12.00
Vodka & Lime Juice with Watermelon Red Bull
La Pina $12.00
Tequila and Pineapple juice with Tropical Yellow Red Bull
Smashberry $12.00
Vodka and Strawberry Liquer with Blueberry Red Bull

Frozen Drinks
Lime Margarita $8.00
Our house margarita but frozen!
Strawberry Margarita $8.00
Our classic frozen margarita with strawberry!
Frozen Drunken Golfer $8.00
A classic Palmer, but served frozen!
Frozen Cherry Limeade $8.00
Sweet, tart, & tangy frozen version of our Famous Hard Cherry Limeade!

THC Seltzers
Hemp derived seltzers
Beach Break Watermelon $10.00
5 mg Delta 9 Seltzer - can
Beach Break Swell Berry $10.00
5 mg Delta 9 Seltzer - can

The Den Details

Service options
Outdoor seating
Curbside pickup
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Bar games
Fast service
Great beer selection
Great cocktails
Serves local specialty
Sports
Trivia night

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Comfort food
Dancing
Food
Food at bar
Happy hour drinks
Happy hour food
Hard liquor
Late-night food
Quick bite
Small plates
Wine

Dining options
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating

Amenities
Bar onsite
Restroom
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy

Crowd
College students
Family-friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Parking
Free parking lot
Free street parking

Pets
Dogs allowed outside

The Den Photos

The Den Location

The Den

Texas Harris County Houston South Side Calhoun Road

4835 Calhoun Rd, Houston, TX 77004, USA

The Den Reviews

An average rating of ★4.2 from 248 user reviews.

bartendercampuscollegesandwichesatmospherestudentsgamewingsareatacos

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Woo go Coogs! Honestly, we were driving around downtown and we pulled into the spot and it was awesome! The bartender was super friendly and so is everybody else around! Now mind you, we are a little bit older, but everybody still was very friendly and very nice! I had the brisket nachos. My husband had the chicken tacos and both were delicious. They had great drink options and a very cozy little atmosphere! Naturally, U of H was gonna win no doubt about that but right when it hit 7 o’clock that place was wall-to-wall packed! Will definitely be back again!
April 07 · Jacinda Baker
The food is much better than it has any right to be.Since this is a college restaurant, pub type place, I wasn't expecting much. Most places like this don't feel the need to try. The food usually only has to he adequate because hungry coege kids will show up regardless.That is NOT what's going on here. It's very clear that these guys take pride in their food. And it's often the small things. The texture, flavor, crust of the bread for their sandwiches for instance, excellent.Everything was really good. I especially want to point out the fries. Most places have mom's of the same fries, but the fries here are very different. In a Great way. Fries, good fries are supposed to have the right amount of the following qualities - Salty, crispness on the outside, softness on the inside, the subtle sweetness from the Maillard reaction and the flavor you can only get from good potatoes. They UNDERSTOOD the assignment. Some of the best fries I've ever had and I don't even like fries that much!The food, the prices, all great. Mr Chucho who waited on us was superb. Attentive, courteous, humorous and personable.Don't dismiss this place for what it seems to be. Give it a try. You'll likely be amazed.
July 29 · John
I used to LOVE The Den! Myself and my coworkers frequent this establishment quite often and the service has always been great and food pretty good for bar food, but I think recently something has changed. Apparently there is a new owner/manager and he does not acknowledge his clientele AT ALL! He will walk right past you and not even say "Hello, or thank you" NOTHING! Not only once, but every time we are there he does not even look our way! Not just us either. Guess what, WE are UH Employees! You would think he would show appreciation for our support, but we get NOTHING AT ALL! This is SAD, the food is decent...could be better, the atmosphere is pretty good, but mostly when he is not there it's much better. We just want some type of appreciation for our business because there are so many other choices where we could take our hard earn dollars. Note: The Regular Guys there are Wonderful and very accommodating, they are the Bomb! The Owner, Do better please!
August 01 · Nefarious Rex
I look forward to exploring more of their menu options. I barely ordered tinders and fries and I was blown away by the simplicity mixed with a lively atmosphere and matching an ambiance that just worked. Even though I took mines to go the experience stuck with me. The price wasn’t anywhere as high as I presumed it would be. #iloveit
June 04 · Phillip B. Lastrapes
Just left about 30 min ago, Cool place, food was awesome, server was horrible. She barely greeted us when we walked in, did not have any type of welcoming attitude. Our son attends Houston and is in the band, so for us and I’m sure everyone else on campus, should be in an awesome mood after lasts night win. She killed the vibe as soon as she spoke. Someone else walked in as we were sitting down, and she was completely different with how she greeted them. I understand that she might knew them but it was very obvious that she made a choice to be how she was being towards us. Either way I would go back but just ask for a different server, not really sure what her name is but she knows. Go coogs !!!!
April 06 · Jarvistan Johnson