Each month at On the Town, we bring you Metro Hotspots—a spotlight on several places to visit in one of the neighborhoods within the Houston Metro area. This month we visited The Woodlands Waterway, located in the Town Center district of The Woodlands. The Waterway Square features more than a dozen bars and restaurants, most of which are among the area's most popular nighttime attractions.

America's

The restaurant at America's features Chef Micahel Cordua's progressive South American creations in an upscale environment. The restaurants offers indoor and patio seating with views of the Waterway. At night, the scene shifts to the street level to Club 1492, a reference to the year Christopher Columbus discovered the Americas. The club features a live DJ mixing electronic dance music in an ultra-modern setting. Mojitos and martinis are favorites among club-goers at 1492. 21 Waterway Ave. 281-367-1492

Crush

Featuring hundreds of distinctive wines, Crush has become a favorite of wine aficionados in The Woodlands and beyond. The menu offers a variety of cheeses and salads, along with pizzas and sandwiches. The Crush rooftop bar features one of the best views in The Woodlands, overlooking the Waterway and distinctive Woodlands architecture of Town Center. Private cabanas are available to rent. A live DJ turns out more electronic dance music at one of the area's most popular nighttime scenes. 20 Waterway Ave. 281-362-7874

Baker St. Pub & Grill

The familiar and popular pub offers the usual bar fare with a British flavor (Scotch Egg, anyone?) and dozens of beers either on tap or in bottles. The Woodlands location is an especially popular location after midnight on the weekends. The bar features live music most nights, as well as two pool tables and dart boards. 25 Waterway Ave. 281-367-7431

The Goose's Acre

This Irish pub and bistro was the first restaurant to open along the Waterway after relocating from Ireland. The outdoor patio is the ideal spot to enjoy the diner's excellent Irish-flavored kitchen creations along with one of dozens of beers on tap. The Goose's Acre often features live music or a DJ on the weekends and offers a more relaxed scene than some of the more crowded and high-energy bars along the Waterway. 21 Waterway Ave., Ste. 140. 281-466-1502

Bar Louie

The newcomer to the Waterway bar scene, Bar Louie also features some of the area's best drinks and food. The bar offers among the most distinctive cocktails you'll find anywhere, such as The Clover. Cocktails, beer and wine are also available in plenty. Like most other bars in the area, Bar Louie features a great patio and a waterfront view. 24 Waterway Ave. 281-719-1900