PERFECT PRE-GAMING
12 home run hot spots near Minute Maid Park to pregame before the Astros
Jayme Lamm
Aug 8, 2018, 11:11 am
This article originally appeared on CultureMap.
There’s no better time to catch your World Series champs than right now in Houston. The hot bats, the All-Star pitching rotation, Orbit’s hilarious antics — it all adds up to an amazing fan experience in one of only six covered, air-conditioned ballparks in the league.
To add to that fan experience, we’ve rounded up some of the best Astros pregame destinations. These bars and restaurants' happy hours, free shuttles, and nearby free parking make them go-to, pregame favorites. So, don your favorite orange and blue gear, grab your tickets, and hit up these 12 Houston hot spots before the game.
Truck Yard
You won’t find happy hour here, but you’ll find pretty much everything else a Houston sports fan could want, including a huge selection of frozen drinks — all made in-house ($8-$15) — as well as barrel-aged and canned cocktails. To take your Truck Yard adventure up a level, pair a drink with a ride on the on-site, vintage Ferris Wheel for only $10. And then, of course, snap a pic in your favorite Astros gear and post it on Instagram. This new Houston spot has a fun vibe with refreshing drinks with combined indoor and outdoor seating. 2118 Lamar St.
Distance from Minute Maid Park: 10-minute walk
Parking: Free parking in East Village lot, as well as street parking and rail proximity.
Rodeo Goat
Enjoy happy hour from 4-7 pm Monday through Friday (our favorite pick is half-off cheese fries every Wednesday), or grab a beer bucket anytime — where you’ll get five beers for the price of four. Though it’s not on the happy hour menu, you need to try the super festive Moontang drink ($7) — a mix of Firefly Moonshine blended with Tang — that just so happens to be Astros orange. Talk about a team spirit. 2105 Dallas St.
Distance from Minute Maid Park: 10-minute walk
Parking: Free parking in East Village lot, as well as street parking and rail proximity.
Lucky’s Pub Downtown
Happy hour is 4 pm-7 pm with $3 domestic drafts and wine and $4 well drinks, plus Astros game day specials like $18 buckets of beer — and the fun game day drink special called Orange Crush. Enjoy the 16,000 square feet of indoor space, four private rooms, or two outdoor patios, then take a free shuttle to and from all games and enjoy indoor and outdoor seating, plus the occasional block party for big games. 801 St. Emanuel St.
Distance from Minute Maid Park: 5-minute walk
Parking: Free parking in both of their lots (fill up fast), plus nearby free street parking after 6 pm and all day on Sunday, plus a free shuttle to and from all games.
Lucky’s Lodge
Enjoy a weekly happy hour from 4 pm-7 pm with $3 domestic drafts and wine, $5 Moscow Mules and Old Fashions, and $5 mini flatbreads. Or, you can indulge in cigars, high-end bourbon and scotch, if that’s more your thing. There are four indoor TVs and two more on the patio (if you don’t feel like making the walk over). Don't miss the live music on Thursdays (before or after the game). 2024 Rusk St.
Distance from Minute Maid Park: 5-minute walk
Parking: Free parking in both of their lots (they fill up fast), plus nearby free street parking after 6 pm and all day on Sunday and FREE shuttle to and from all games (parked across street at Lucky’s Pub).
8th Wonder Brewery
Located in EaDo, 8th Wonder is one of Houston’s top craft breweries and one of the city’s top sports havens. If you want space to roam and drink your beer among other sports fans, you’ve found your spot. This pre-game destination offers happy hour prices (three 12-ounce beers for $12.99) and is decked out with Houston sports memorabilia. Look for beers like Dome Faux’m (a throwback Cream Ale) and Rocket Fuel (Vietnamese Coffee Porter). 2202 Dallas St.
Distance from Minute Maid Park: 15-minute walk
Parking: Nearby free street parking or a pay lot on Dallas Street between Emancipation and Hutchins.
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The Houston Astros return to Daikin Park on Tuesday night looking to keep their momentum going as they host the AL Central-leading Detroit Tigers. First pitch is set for 8:10 p.m. ET, with Ryan Gusto (3-1, 2.78 ERA) on the mound for Houston against Detroit’s Reese Olson (3-1, 3.29 ERA).
Winners of seven of their last ten, the Astros (15-13) have found their rhythm after a rocky start to the season. Their recent surge has been fueled by dominant pitching — a 2.35 ERA over the last 10 games — and improved production at the plate, including a .264 team batting average over that span. Houston has also outscored opponents by 18 runs during that stretch and boasts a solid 10-6 record at home.
While the offense has yet to fully catch fire, signs of life are emerging. Jeremy Peña continues to be a steady presence with five doubles and three homers, while Christian Walker has driven in six runs over his last 10 games, including three long balls. The Astros’ bats will be tested against a Tigers staff that leads the American League with a 2.86 ERA.
Houston’s Tuesday starter, Ryan Gusto, has been sharp through his first five outings, posting a 1.10 WHIP and 23 strikeouts. He’ll look to keep Detroit’s bats quiet, especially red-hot Zach McKinstry, who’s hitting .406 over his last 10 games, and slugger Spencer Torkelson, who already has eight homers this season.
The Tigers (18-11) may sit atop their division, but they’ve struggled away from home, going just 5-8 on the road. The Astros will look to capitalize and even the season series in their second matchup with Detroit.
With the offense trending upward and the pitching staff in a groove, Houston has a prime opportunity to keep building momentum in front of the home crowd.
Here's a sneak peek at the Astros lineup. Altuve is once again batting second after asking manager Joe Espada to move him down in the batting order. Zach Dezenzo is playing right field with Cam Smith getting the night off. Jake Meyers is back in center field and Mauricio Dubon is starting at second base.
Image via: MLB.com/Screenshot
A big test awaits
It appears the Astros may have tipped their hand regarding tomorrow's starting pitcher. Chandler Rome is reporting AJ Blubaugh is at Daikin Park today.
The Astros are listed as TBA for tomorrow. Blubaugh last pitched on April 23. Connect the dots. https://t.co/AqPtmMtESd
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) April 29, 2025
Following Tuesday night's game, Blubaugh has been officially announced as the starter.
AJ Blubaugh will start tomorrow’s game against the Tigers. It will be his major-league debut.
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) April 30, 2025
Espada said Hayden Wesneski is not injured but needs more time to recover from his last start.
*ChatGPT assisted.
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