B.U.S. Bar

This is a positive 3-​star. This is a bar that serves the Astro-​goers. It’s perfect for that – it’s a fun sports-​event atmosphere, and prices are reasonable when I was there (Monday night Astro’s game) for what was going on.

Stopped by for a beer before the Astros game. It was busy, but not overly so. The bartenders seemed distracted — I stood at the bar for minutes on end, money in hand, without even a glance. At least let me know you’ll be with me in a moment, and I’ll wait until the end of the earth.
I was unimpressed.

This establishment is now closed.
RIP Annual Halloween Bash.

Came here after an Astros game, not too bad. Probably had the coldest beers EVER here, which is a good thing — I hate less-​than-​cold beer. Sadly, the foosball table was out of commission, that would’ve made it awesome.

This place is a Houston Astros institution! I suppose if I was coming here for the first time, and rating the B.U.S. on some random (non-​Astros) evening, it would get 3 stars. But if you’ve been here 20 times per year (add another 5 to 10 times per year back in the glorious playoff years — sigh, seems like a long time ago…) for the last 10 summers like I have after (and occasionally before) an Astros home game, you will understand that this is sacred ground.
I have danced on the back bar here with bikini contest hotties during the playoffs. I have played pool with Dan Patrick and Rob Dibble here during All-​Star weekend. I have… well, you get the picture.
I see some other reviews here complaining about the beer prices… really? Who knew? I’m probably oblivious and well-​lubed by the time I get here, but compared to the captive prices in Minute Maid Park, it has always seemed reasonable to me. Plus, the beer selection blows away what you can get inside the park. And the packed crowds before and after the game make it quite a fun place to be. If you want a little less crowding, head towards the back bar, but it gets wild here as well during big games.
We’ve tried other bars in the area on Astros game days, but we always end up skipping out of those and heading back to our beloved B.U.S.

Are the beers here always so expensive?!? I guess it didn’t matter to people because there were still lots of patrons in there. This place could be cool, but not when I can get a 6-​pack for the price of one freaking miller lite.
All we wanted was a place for some cheap beers before heading into the game. That is not what we got. We even ran next door for a last minute drink because they were cheaper.

Basically, there is no reason to come here to drink before going to the game because the beers are actually cheaper inside Minute Maid.
That is a rip-​off, and it is super annoying. Oh, and the staff weren’t friendly at all.
Save your money, and your time.
Drink elsewhere. (May I suggest Eighteen Twenty Bar… at least that place is awesome, and the bartenders are friendly)

Like others have said, it’s a great atmosphere to do a little pre-​drinking before an Astros game. The beer is not much cheaper than what you are going to find at the game (maybe a dollar less) but that should be expected given the proximity to the ball park. My advice would be don’t stop at the first bar you see when you walk in — walk around to the back, it is usually way less crowded. Among a few of their beer selections they have St. Arnolds, Shiner 101 and Blue Moon on tap. Also, for your pregame entertainment they numerous TVs, several pool tables and shuffle board .
My only complaint about this place is that whenever they anticipate that it is going to be really packed they have a bathroom attendant (this seems to be the case with the women’s bathroom, apparently there is always an attendant in the men’s bathroom). I’m all for creating jobs, but in a sports bar, really? It just makes me feel bad since I’m one of those people who never carries cash.

Huge amount of space to watch games. The open-​air atmosphere is exactly what I love while watching college football games on Saturdays. Drive past Lucky’s and go to B.U.S bar across from Minute Maid Park. Drinks are about $ 6 and not watered down. There is also a hot dog «bar» attached with descent $ 5 dogs.

Ahh Yes… It’s Springtime. Birds chirping. Flowers blooming. Blue Skies. Astros playing. And. BEER BEER BEER !!
If you end up on Travis St. on the way to Minute Maid Park for an Astros game, just look for the big blob of Stro’s gear, Ray-​Bans, and Ice Cold brew all nestled under an open warehouse like bar right across from the stadium and you have come across the B.U.S.
Inside you will find 2 main bars made out of wood, many large old school big screen TVs, projections, pool tables, darts, shuffle board, über amount of sports memorabilia, and a bunch of happy, fired up baseball fans having a good time whether they have tickets to the game or not. The bar areas does get pretty poppin at times but the bartenders are usually quick to the punch and do not disappoint with alcohol content. Beer and liquor drinks may not be the cheapest in town but going to the B.U.S is an excellent option to pre drink before really spending some hard earned money on ridiculous prices at the game.
If you do decide to visit before a game, be sure to arrive early to grab a parking space free nearby or one of the cheaper lots as parking flies fast around the area. Also, promoters such as Cabo Wabo, Jagermeister, or other beer/​liquor brands do make appearances and give away beer, shots, and merchandise as well.
Overall, its a great place to unwind, relax, and drink up before or even after the game. Go Stros!
–Mr. Strong–

I always come here before rocket’s games but before the britney concert this place was ridiculous. It was like 95% women to 5% men, It was so easy to talk to women. The food was good, the drinks were ice cold. What else could you ask for?

There is only one saving grace to this place — cheaper alcohol than inside the Toyota Center.
Otherwise, this is just a run down warehouse with furniture that isn’t even worthy of a Goodwill store. Almost-​broken pool tables with tacky Jack in the Box sponsored printed felt and TV’s playing some closed-​circuit home-​edited show full of old betamax home videos and bloopers. And $ 5 beers.
But at the end of the day (and before the game or concert) this is the closest place to have a drink without succumbing to the cash-​sucking vampires of the Toyota Center food and beverage service. If it weren’t for that, this place would be toast. As it probably should be.

Oh heck yeah! This is my kinda bar! Huge comfy couches in an open old garage with a little patio and all sorts of fun stuff going on? You bet your bottom dollar I’m gonna love it. When we swung by, it was pretty empty (it was mid-​game at Minute Maid) but bet that same dollar I’ll be back here soon enough!

Aw yeah, hush that fuss, er’body move to the back of the B.U.S.
That song gets me pumped every time. As does this bar. Pumped for an all American baseball game at the adjacent Minute Maid Park.
If you’re looking for a happenin’ crowd (and by happenin’, I mean, this place gets pretty crowded before game time), then you must stop here. Garage-​style doors, tall ceilings, fans, A/​C blasting, small patio but HUGE interior equipped with pool, darts, vid games, Alma mater flags, multiple big screens, couches, high tops, multiple bars and beer well gals pretty much sum up the B.U.S.
Don’t think you’re gonna save all that much more per beer here compared to the ball park. They average $ 6 bucks at the bar – more with the beer well chicks only b/​c the wait is shorter. The best thing about pre-​game festivities here is that promo gals for Jack Daniels, Miller Lite and the such are handing out free drinks and swag left and right. I got 4 free cervezas and a cocktail during my visit last week. Needless to say, by first pitch, I was doing the one-​woman wave.
If you’re hungry, hot dog stands and pizza slices are served at some karts outside.
Tip: When headed to the game, do NOT jaywalk. The po-​pos do hand out tickets … because there’s no other crime in downtown to worry about (sarcasm).
Looking for something more low-​key before the game? Check out my list.