Betelgeuse Betelgeuse Houston | Guide to Ironclad Pizza, Cosmic Cocktails & Weird Vibes (Verified & Reviewed - July 2025)
- HTownPicksTeam
- Jun 25
- 8 min read
Updated: Jul 26
Last verified & reviewed: July 2025
Betelgeuse Betelgeuse Houston At a Glance
Overall Rating
| Washington Ave: 4.2 Stars (885+ Reviews) Montrose: 4.2 Stars (330+ Reviews) |
|---|---|
Best For | Date-night fans searching for the best pizza for a date night Houston; funky bars with patios in Houston; groups celebrating with bold cocktails. |
Vibe & Atmosphere | Cosmic, eclectic, neon‑lit. Think sci‑fi installations, infinity mirrors, UFO fixtures, plus a roomy Washington Ave patio. Montrose adds karaoke nights and late‑night energy. |
Price Point | $$ – Pizzas ~$11–16, snacks ~$7–13. cocktails ~$11–16. |
Signature Cuisine | Ironclad pizza Houston style. Round cast‑iron pies with lacy caramelized cheese crust and creative toppings like Alpha Centauri, Hercules Hercules, That Sweet Funk. |
Reservations | Walk-ins encouraged; no formal online reservations. Private events possible via website inquiries. Expect waits Friday–Saturday nights. |
Welcome to Betelgeuse Betelgeuse Houston, the passion project of veteran restaurateur Chris Cusack. “Houston has a proud history of weirdness,” Cusack said and this is his cosmic tribute to HTown! This isn't just another pizza place; it’s a neighborhood cocktail bar first, with ironclad pizzas turning heads nationwide and cocktails that are as imaginative as they are delicious.
Consider this your definitive guide to choosing between two stellar locales. The Washington Avenue original serves as a sprawling patio-driven hub. Perfect for relaxed evenings and Washington Ave bar crawls. In contrast, the Montrose restaurant spot buzzes with a karaoke bar. Montroses energy and late-night flair. We’ll help you pick the right experience and give you insider tips so your Houston pizza and cocktail adventure is out of this world.
The Need-To-Knows For Betelgeuse Betelgeuse
Addresses:
Washington: 2101 Washington Ave, Houston, TX 77007
Montrose: 4500 Montrose Blvd, Houston, TX 77006
Hours:
Washington:
Monday - Thursday: 4:00PM – 2:00AM.
Friday - Sunday: 12:00PM – 2:00AM.
Montrose:
Monday - Thursday: 4:00PM – 12:00AM.
Friday: 4:00PM – 2:00AM.
Saturday: 12:00PM – 2:00AM.
Sunday: 12:00PM – 12:00AM.
Parking Guide for a Stress-Free Arrival
Washington Avenue location:
Betelgeuse Betelgeuse has its own private lot. A rare gem on Washington Ave where parking is otherwise a hassle. In addition to metered street parking within the city's Parking Benefit District. That dedicated lot alone makes early evening arrivals a total win.
Montrose location:
Street parking is available but prone to permit‑only zones. Read signs carefully to avoid towing. For peace of mind, the Montrose Collective garage on Grant Street is a pay option just a short walk away. If you're lucky, the restaurant’s validated lot behind the building may save you a few bucks.
Whats on Betelgeuse Betelgeuse's Menu?
Well here below we gathered our faverote picks that you must try. From recommended pizzas to the sides on the best correlating drinks to make your night amazing!
The Legend of Ironclad Pizza
Pizza Name | Description | Price Range | Perfect For |
|---|---|---|---|
Hercules Hercules | Four‑meat combo with pepperoni, sausage, pancetta & salami; crispy, cheesy iron‑clad rim. | ~$16–18 | Meat-lovers craving bold texture. |
Alpha Centauri | Italian sausage, sautéed peppers, Calabrian chili oil & orange zest for spicy‑savory‑bright balance. | ~$16 | Fans of punchy, layered flavors. |
That Sweet Funk | Brussels sprouts, pancetta, Point Reyes blue cheese & Mike's Hot Honey drizzle. | ~$17 | Adventurous eaters seeking sweet‑savory contrast. |
Pickle‑Bacon Ranch (PBR) | Curated blend of bacon, ranch drizzle and pickled peppers. Tart, creamy, smoky. | ~$16 | Unique twist for taste explorers. |
Must‑Try Appetizers & Snacks
Snack | Description | Price | Why You’ll Love It |
|---|---|---|---|
Space Balls | Puffy dough balls tossed in roasted garlic butter, with marinara sauce.. | ~$8 | Light, flavorful starter. Garlic beignets with personality. |
Brick Sticks | Cheese-stuffed sticks with crispy exterior, with dipping sauce. | ~$9 | Gooey inside, crunchy outside. Comfort food elevated. |
Fried Spaghetti Squares | Crisp-fried bites of spaghetti tossed in cheese and herbs. | ~$7–9 | Textural surprise, ideal as shareable munchies. |
Buffalo Wings | Large chicken wings in tangy buffalo sauce. Big, meaty, bold. | ~$10–12 | Crowd-pleaser with punchy sauce and size. |
Cosmic Cocktails & Other Concoctions
Cocktail | Description | Price | Best With |
|---|---|---|---|
Hellfire Margarita | Tequila cocktail with house-made spicy shrub, balanced by citrus | ~$12–14 | Ironclad pizza that could use a cooling firebreaker |
Nitro Espresso Martini | Haku Vodka, cold‑brew, simple syrup, coffee liqueur served over nitrogen bubbles with mint‑chocolate foam | ~$13–15 | Ideal post‑pizza nightcap or espresso‑lover’s sweet, frothy treat |
Half Frozen French 75 | Gin, lemon, simple syrup & bubbly served slushy-style | ~$13 | Delightful crushable sipper on warm patio nights |
The Vibe of Two Betelgeuse Betelgeuse Locations
The Washington Avenue Venue | An Expansive Patio & Social Hub
Located in the historic Liberty Station building of Houston’s Old Sixth Ward, the Washington Avenue outpost leans into Washington Ave bars energy with a 2,000-square-foot outdoor patio. Ample space for happy hours, group outings, and lounging under string lights and neon features. Inside, you’ll find the immersive Sci‑Fi Hallway and quirky Octagon Room, filled with art, vintage mannequins, and taxidermy. The relaxed vibe is bolstered by a causal food-truck–style window for patio service, making it ideal for sunny afternoons and spirited evenings. This spot nails the combination of casual and cosmic.
The Montrose Location | Intimate Cocktails & Karaoke Nights
In the heart of Montrose, this version delivers a more karaoke bar Montrose experience. A dedicated back room for karaoke and live music doubles as private event space. With a full indoor kitchen, Montrose offers a richer menu. Including 10-inch personal pizzas and the popular Fried Spaghetti Squares. The ambiance is artsy, inclusive, and energetic. Perfect for date nights or bold nights out.
Washington Ave Location V.S Montrose Location
Comparison | Washington Ave | Montrose |
Best For | Big groups, bright patio vibes, cocktail & pizza nights. | Intimate date nights, karaoke lovers, nightlife seekers. |
Key Feature | Massive 2,000 sq ft patio plus immersive art rooms. | Lively karaoke stage and flexible private event space. |
Kitchen Setup | Food served via dedicated patio window/truck. | Full indoor kitchen (expanded menus, personal pizzas). |
Menu Options | Core 14″ ironclad pizzas, apps, burgers. | Expanded offerings like Spaghetti Squares + 10″ pies. |
Kid-Friendly? | Of Course, the open patio makes it amazing for families. | Yes, Children are only welcome until 9:00PM for safety. |
Frequently Asked Questions for Betelgeuse Betelgeuse
Q: Is Betelgeuse Betelgeuse good for a first date?
A: Absolutely. Choose your vibe: for a laid-back patio scene and easy conversation, head to the Washington Ave location.Looking for something more playful and lively? Montrose, with its dedicated karaoke stage and creative cocktails, offers a memorable and energetic backdrop. Perfect for the best pizza for a date night.
Q: Can I bring my kids? Is Betelgeuse Betelgeuse family‑friendly?
A: Yes! Families are welcome at both locations. Montrose specifically allows children until 9 PM, making it ideal for early dinner visits. Washington Ave’s expansive patio also offers ample room for families to spread out comfortably.
Q: Which Betelgeuse location has karaoke?
A: If karaoke’s your vibe, Montrose is the spot. It features a dedicated stage and back room for live performances. Saturday nights here are some of the most talked-about karaoke events in Houston.
Q: What vegetarian options are available?
A: Plenty! Start with the fan-favorite Space Balls, Garlic-Parm Fries, Brick Sticks, and Fried Spaghetti Squares. All vegetarian. For pizzas, try Spinach Artichoke, Pesto Fungo, A Veg Supreme, or Ursa Major.
Q: What’s the parking situation like at each location?
A: Washington Ave gets a win with its own private lot. Plus metered street spots. At Montrose, street parking exists but be mindful of permit-only zones. For ease, the nearby Montrose Collective garage is a safe paid option.
Q: Do they accept reservations or host private events?
A: Betelgeuse Betelgeuse operates primarily on a walk-in basis, with no standard online reservations. That said, both locations host private events, which can be arranged via their website.
Q: Do they offer non-alcoholic drinks or mocktails?
A: Yes, their creative mocktails are part of the appeal! Including the NA gin-based. Their "Sure, Why Not?", a boozeless Nah-Groni, and other booze-free spritzes. Great for dry January visitors or sober-curious patrons.
HTownPicks Final Thoughts | Betelgeuse Betelgeuse
From its bold, caramelized ironclad pizza Houston style to inventive cocktails and cosmic decor, Betelgeuse Betelgeuseis far more than just a meal. It’s a true Houston original. Whether you're sharing Alpha Centauri with friends on a sunny Washington Avenue patio or performing a karaoked night-to-remember in Montrose, you’re stepping into a local legend rooted in Houston’s love for weirdness and hospitality. With this guide, you’re ready to pick the perfect location, timing, and dishes for a memory that feels uniquely Houston.
The Final Verdict
Betelgeuse Betelgeuse serves up an energizing blend of bold flavors, whimsical ambiance, and distinctly local character. Making it a standout among Houston pizza spots and cocktail bar Washington Corridor destinations. It’s not just pizza or cocktails. It’s the kind of place you’ll keep coming back to.
Best For…
Social groups and sunny evenings: Washington Avenue patio is perfect for relaxed cocktail crawls, happy hour gatherings, or large parties.
Date nights with flair: Montrose blends karaoke fun and cozy intimacy. Ideal for artsy, energetic evenings.
Bold food and drink adventurers: The ironclad pizzas and cocktails like Hellfire Margarita and Pickletini are consistently celebrated by locals.
Worse For…
Reserved diners seeking quiet elegance: Both locations get lively, and kitchen service may slow during busy nights.
Fans of mild, soft-crust pizza: The signature char on crust is intentional. Crispy, not overcooked.
Early birds or families with small children: The vibe ramps up after 9 PM. Kids are officially welcome only before then.
Have you been to Betelgeuse Betelgeuse Downtown? If you have, let us know in the comments below or tag us on your posts on Instagram or Facebook to be featured! @HTownPicks
Nearby Locations Around Betelgeuse Betelgeuse Houston
Other Great Pizza Spots!
Pie Tap (4.9 Star Google Rating - 135+ Reviews)
Cuisine: Neapolitan-style pizzas with 96‑hour fermented dough and craft cocktails
Hours: Monday - Thursday 11:00AM – 10:00PM. Friday 11:00AM – 11:00PM. Satruday 10:00AM - 11:00PM. Sunday 10:00AM - 10:00PM.
Their Website: Pie Tap
Nestled just a short ride away off Washington Ave, Pie Tap offers crispy yet chewy pies with gourmet toppings. Great for comparison if you’re exploring Houston pizza options beyond the ironclad style. It’s a favorite for chilled evenings and refined comfort food.
Magdalena’s Trattoria Pizzeria (4.9 Star Google Rating – 660+ Reviews)
Cuisine: Upscale Italian. Seafood pasta, Italian classics, wood‑fired pizza
Hours: Tuesday - Thursdays 11:30AM - 9:00PM Friday & Saturday 11:30AM - 10:00PM. Sunday 11:30AM - 9:00PM. (Closed Mondays)
Their Website: Magdalena's Trattoria Pizzeria
A longer walk or short drive toward Upper Kirby, Magdalena’s delivers polished atmosphere and coastal-inspired Italian. Ideal if you’re after elevated pizza after your Betelgeuse experience.
Talespin Pizza | (4.9 Star Google Rating – 385+ Reviews)
Cuisine: Neo-Texan, with Neapolitan techniques blended with bold Texas ingredients (think brisket, steak, honey-chipotle pork)
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday: 11:00AM - 8:00PM. Sunday: 11:00AM - 7:00PM (Closed On Mondays)
Their Website: Talespin Pizza
If you’re curious about Houston’s innovative pizza scene, Talespin offers a Texas twist in a fast-selling, pickup-based model. Worth a detour for bold and inventive pizza lovers consulting multiple local options.
Nearby Parks & Activities!
Memorial Park (4.8 Star Google Rating – 10,140+ Reviews)
Features: 1,466-acre urban green space with jogging/biking trails (Seymour Lieberman Exercise Trail), tennis courts, softball fields, swimming pool, and the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
Address: 6501 Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77007
Hours: Everyday, 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Their Website: Memorial Park
Stretch your legs through miles of trails, or relax at picnic areas and the garden center. A perfect companion stop after patio cocktails, especially if you want to walk off those ironclad slices or squeeze in a jog before dessert.
Houston Arboretum & Nature Center (4.7 Star Google Rating - 4,000+ Reviews)
Features: 155-acre arboretum inside Memorial Park with forest, ponds, wetlands, and specialty gardens like Hummingbird Island and Sensory Garden; over 5 miles of nature trails
Address: 4501 Woodway Dr, Houston, TX 77024
Hours: Everyday, 9:00AM - 4:00PM.
Their Website: Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
Escape into a botanical wonderland just off the main park. Ideal for a quiet post-dinner walk or to que up peaceful greenery before grabbing drinks out on the patio.
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