A Ranking of Houston’s Free Bar Snacks
Not all bar snacks are created equal, as you will soon find out.
Bar snacks. They’re an important part of every imbiber’s diet. While we have a soft spot for the foil-wrapped tamales commonly carted into bars by outside vendors and the patio-side food popups, you really can’t beat free bar snacks. Although they’re sometimes hard to find, several bars in Houston provide their patrons with free bites upon request, ranging from popcorn and Goldfish crackers to Bloody Mary toppings and Slim Jims. While they each can go a long way in sobering someone up or satisfying the munchies, not all free bar snacks are created equal.
We decided to rank our favorite free bar snacks in Houston based on edibility, appeal, and hunger abatement. At the end, we’ll crown a winner.
Judging Scale
Edibility: 1 (bad for tummy) to 10 (good for tummy)
Appeal: 1 (appeals to a small crowd) to 10 (most people like it)
Hunger abatement: 1 (not very filling) to 10 (fills you up)
The Rundown
Two Headed Dog
Popcorn
Although popcorn is a bit boring, it’s a good source of fiber, which makes it a filling food. The high fiber content also helps break down and absorb alcohol, helping those trying to sober up a bit before requesting a rideshare. The ease of access (it’s self-serve) also makes it a convenient option.
Edibility: 8 out of 10/ Appeal: 5 out of 10 / Hunger abatement: 8 out of 10 / Total score: 21 out of 30
Public House
Chips
While potato chips are extremely tasty, they’re high in fat, which makes them hard to digest. The saltiness from the chips can also keep you from feeling full, further increasing your appetite. They’re also a bit dehydrating, which is a big no if you’re already feeling dehydrated from your alcohol consumption. Although they’re tempting, chips aren’t necessarily the best bar snack.
Edibility: 4 out of 10 / Appeal: 8 out of 10 / Hunger abatement: 3 out of 10 / Total score: 15 out of 30
Poison Girl
Goldfish
Ah, Poison Girl’s Goldfish. Many a night on the town have been saved thanks to a bowl of these cheese-laden snacks. But are they really that good for you? Like chips, they’re pretty high in salt and refined carbohydrates, leading to dehydration. They’re also quite low in fiber, meaning they aren’t going to fill your tummy up that much.
Edibility: 5 out of 10 / Appeal: 7 out of 10 / Hunger abatement: 4 out of 10 / Total score: 16 out of 30
Refuge
Dried peas
While we like our dried peas to come dusted with wasabi or doused in Sriracha, Refuge’s dried peas come plain. This lessens their allure a bit for us. When it comes to edibility and hunger abatement, however, dried peas are optimal choices since they’re a good source of both protein and fiber. While unappealing to some, they make for a pretty good bar snack. And the fact that they’re served plain means they won’t be competing in flavor with whatever painstakingly created cocktail you’ve just watched your bartender spend 15 minutes crafting.
Edibility: 9 out of 10 / Appeal: 4 out of 10 / Hunger abatement: 7 out of 10 / Total score: 20 out of 30
Little Dipper
Bloody Mary garnishes
A little bowl of cubed cheese, salami, olives, and pickled veggies when you’re hungry? There are few things more edible or filling. Just think of it as a quick salad pick-me-up to fuel the rest of your evening. While some of the elements of a Bloody Mary garnish might not sit well with all tummies, the variety of toppings offered means there’s a little bit of something for everyone. Overall, this is a pretty appealing bar snack option.
Edibility: 7 out of 10 / Appeal: 8 out of 10 / Hunger abatement: 9 out of 10 / Total score: 24 out of 30
George
Pub mix
While pub mix is generally pretty filling and appealing, it also contains quite a bit of sodium and is high in carbs and fat. Though perhaps not the best option, it’s still better than others. If you’re going to enjoy a bowl of it, just remember not to feed any to the bears.
Edibility: 6 out of 10 / Appeal: 7 out of 10 / Hunger abatement: 7 out of 10 / Total score: 20 of 30
Shady Acres Saloon
Slim Jims
Slim Jims are polarizing. While some people love them, most eat them only as a last resort. When it comes to bar snacks, they’re one of the worst options since they’re filled with sodium nitrate, which can cause a variety of tummy issues. We think it’s best to stay away from them.
Edibility: 2 out of 10 / Appeal: 4 out of 10 / Hunger abatement: 5 out of 10 / Total score: 11 out of 30
And the winner is…
With a score of 24 out of 30, Little Dipper’s Bloody Mary garnishes are the clear winner. In the world of free bar snacks, this just goes to show that it’s best to lean into unprocessed options. An even better way to enjoy the garnish? That would be atop an extra-boozy Bloody Mary.
