Guidebook for Houston
Drinks & Nightlife
Yummy brunch, reasonable prices & huge patio! Try the frozen mimosa in the morning and the frozen sweet tea vodka at night. ***parking gets crowded so just walk the 3 blocks from our house***
76 locals recommend
Cedar Creek Cafe Bar & Grill
1034 W 20th StYummy brunch, reasonable prices & huge patio! Try the frozen mimosa in the morning and the frozen sweet tea vodka at night. ***parking gets crowded so just walk the 3 blocks from our house***
Great patio and even better tower with views of downtown from both spots! Local beer selection and live music on weekends. Located right next to The Heights and beside White Oak Music Hall, an outdoor/indoor venue and amphitheater with weekly shows.
21 locals recommend
The Raven Tower
310 North StGreat patio and even better tower with views of downtown from both spots! Local beer selection and live music on weekends. Located right next to The Heights and beside White Oak Music Hall, an outdoor/indoor venue and amphitheater with weekly shows.
Boheme
307 Fairview StHUGE outdoor patio with great wine and some eats too.
Hip & modern brewery in new area of town, EADO (east downtown). The ALTernate universe is my beer of choice. Food trucks and TVs for watching football a plenty here. Good for hanging out in the afternoon or evening--lots of live music too.
253 locals recommend
8th Wonder Brewery
2202 Dallas StHip & modern brewery in new area of town, EADO (east downtown). The ALTernate universe is my beer of choice. Food trucks and TVs for watching football a plenty here. Good for hanging out in the afternoon or evening--lots of live music too.
Karbach is closeby near The Heights and has a newly renovated restaurant/brewery tour area and plenty of outdoor space and food trucks, of course. Good to stop by any time of the day--most likely there will be some live music. Or if it's rainy bring a game or deck of cards and sit inside the new, modern restaurant for some craft beer, sports and surprisingly good bar bites. ***if they have the Barn Burner Saison in season, you're in luck***
115 locals recommend
Karbach Brewing
2032 Karbach StKarbach is closeby near The Heights and has a newly renovated restaurant/brewery tour area and plenty of outdoor space and food trucks, of course. Good to stop by any time of the day--most likely there will be some live music. Or if it's rainy bring a game or deck of cards and sit inside the new, modern restaurant for some craft beer, sports and surprisingly good bar bites. ***if they have the Barn Burner Saison in season, you're in luck***
Big Easy is a hole in the wall but worth the trip! Cheap drinks coupled with great live blues music and dancing. Great crowd too. Hou Dat!
29 locals recommend
The Big Easy
5731 Kirby DrBig Easy is a hole in the wall but worth the trip! Cheap drinks coupled with great live blues music and dancing. Great crowd too. Hou Dat!
Low key bar pours the strongest drinks in Houston. Sit in the Gazebo.
15 locals recommend
Warren's Inn
307 Travis StLow key bar pours the strongest drinks in Houston. Sit in the Gazebo.
Fridays are "New Noise" nights and Saturdays offers up "80s Night" for your dancing pleasure. Not fancy--kind of a hole in the wall but we love it.
31 locals recommend
Barbarella
2404 San Jacinto StFridays are "New Noise" nights and Saturdays offers up "80s Night" for your dancing pleasure. Not fancy--kind of a hole in the wall but we love it.
Oldest bar in Houston. If the second floor is open (there's a bar up there too) try to snag a table on the deck and take in the lights downtown. Be careful going up those steep, tiny stairs though!
59 locals recommend
La Carafe
813 Congress StOldest bar in Houston. If the second floor is open (there's a bar up there too) try to snag a table on the deck and take in the lights downtown. Be careful going up those steep, tiny stairs though!
For every item you purchase at OKRA you get one ticket that you can use to vote for one of the three charities they've selected to donate proceeds to that month. Stunning architecture inside--huge, wood curved beam & glass ceiling. As you'd hope the fried pickled okra here is great.
62 locals recommend
OKRA Charity Saloon
924 Congress StFor every item you purchase at OKRA you get one ticket that you can use to vote for one of the three charities they've selected to donate proceeds to that month. Stunning architecture inside--huge, wood curved beam & glass ceiling. As you'd hope the fried pickled okra here is great.
They've got an flow chart to help you pick the perfect cocktail for your mood/where you want the night to go.
19 locals recommend
Moving Sidewalk
306 Main StThey've got an flow chart to help you pick the perfect cocktail for your mood/where you want the night to go.
The Nightingale Room
308 Main StFun bar with great cocktails and live music on occasion!
One of our new favorite spots--Axelrad boasts great craft beer and live music. Owned by Kermit Ruffins (famous NOLA trumpeter) and he's there every Wednesday to play a live set. Huge beer garden area with string lights and complete with lots of hammocks, games, small deck with awesome view of downtown Houston and a pizza parlor.
269 locals recommend
Axelrad Beer Garden
1517 Alabama StOne of our new favorite spots--Axelrad boasts great craft beer and live music. Owned by Kermit Ruffins (famous NOLA trumpeter) and he's there every Wednesday to play a live set. Huge beer garden area with string lights and complete with lots of hammocks, games, small deck with awesome view of downtown Houston and a pizza parlor.
Open air (small indoor section) sports bar, perfect for bringing the pups along. Always food trucks around and in the spring there's always a crawfish boil happening. Large selection of local craft beers and full bar.
34 locals recommend
Little Woodrow's Heights
2631 White Oak DrOpen air (small indoor section) sports bar, perfect for bringing the pups along. Always food trucks around and in the spring there's always a crawfish boil happening. Large selection of local craft beers and full bar.
Lei Low Bar
6412 N Main StReal life tiki bar--need I say more? Outdoor area out back.
Closest brewery to our house--new, haven't been able to try it yet but I hear good things.
30 locals recommend
Eureka Heights Brew Co.
941 W 18th StClosest brewery to our house--new, haven't been able to try it yet but I hear good things.
Again, good any time of the day. Lesser known brewery in Houston, but serves quality craft beer.
24 locals recommend
Town In City Brewing Company
1125 W Cavalcade StAgain, good any time of the day. Lesser known brewery in Houston, but serves quality craft beer.
The Corkscrew
1308 West 20th StreetWine bar with outdoor patio.
Huge outdoor beer garden, good brunch, live music, fun late at night. Lots of bar games and feel free to bring the dogs!
38 locals recommend
Cottonwood
3422 N Shepherd DrHuge outdoor beer garden, good brunch, live music, fun late at night. Lots of bar games and feel free to bring the dogs!
The beers here are organized by the Star Wars master/jedi/padawan system. Enough said!
17 locals recommend
Petrol Station
985 Wakefield DrThe beers here are organized by the Star Wars master/jedi/padawan system. Enough said!
Food Scene
Crisp
2520 Research Forest DrGreat food & patio--the falafel gyro plate & veggie pasta are to die for!
Best burger in Houston can be found at this unique dive (local selection of beer available) ***cash only***
54 locals recommend
Hubcap Grill
800 Bradford AveBest burger in Houston can be found at this unique dive (local selection of beer available) ***cash only***
Limited but delicious breakfast selection of tacos, quiche & sandwiches--try to Mayan Mocha or the Salted Caramel Latte, delish!
130 locals recommend
Boomtown Coffee
242 W 19th StLimited but delicious breakfast selection of tacos, quiche & sandwiches--try to Mayan Mocha or the Salted Caramel Latte, delish!
Set near downtown on the bayou with great views of nature and Houston architecture this place is our new favorite brunch spot. The inside is gorgeous with vintage chandeliers, tables and chairs (some thrones) scattered about and the patio makes you feel like you're in a jungle (with plenty of fans). The lox on toast and kale or avocado breakfast sandwiches are our favorite and try the Frozen Rose' drink complete with a fruit popsicle or the blueberry smoothie. Plenty of vegetarian/vegan options too.
48 locals recommend
The Kitchen at The Dunlavy
3422 Allen PkwySet near downtown on the bayou with great views of nature and Houston architecture this place is our new favorite brunch spot. The inside is gorgeous with vintage chandeliers, tables and chairs (some thrones) scattered about and the patio makes you feel like you're in a jungle (with plenty of fans). The lox on toast and kale or avocado breakfast sandwiches are our favorite and try the Frozen Rose' drink complete with a fruit popsicle or the blueberry smoothie. Plenty of vegetarian/vegan options too.
Favorite place to bring out of towners--great tapas, adult beverages (try the sangria or one of the specialty drinks) and lovely patio in the middle of downtown. If you don't want dinner at least stop for a drink and people watching while you admire the tall buildings downtown.
33 locals recommend
Batanga
908 Congress StFavorite place to bring out of towners--great tapas, adult beverages (try the sangria or one of the specialty drinks) and lovely patio in the middle of downtown. If you don't want dinner at least stop for a drink and people watching while you admire the tall buildings downtown.
Second favorite restaurant--cabanas a plenty complete with maragaritas in pineapples or cocnuts and delicious Guatemalan food. Plan to stay for a while and have dinner or just go for happy hour. ***if you want a cabana make sure to call and get a reservation & specify where you want to sit***
9 locals recommend
El Pueblito Patio
1423 Richmond AveSecond favorite restaurant--cabanas a plenty complete with maragaritas in pineapples or cocnuts and delicious Guatemalan food. Plan to stay for a while and have dinner or just go for happy hour. ***if you want a cabana make sure to call and get a reservation & specify where you want to sit***
Local/organic food made by an energy conscious restaurant. Veggie/vegan options. Don't skip dessert! The Tres Leches, Domino Cake or Pink Velvet cake are to die for.
71 locals recommend
bellagreen
748 E 11th StLocal/organic food made by an energy conscious restaurant. Veggie/vegan options. Don't skip dessert! The Tres Leches, Domino Cake or Pink Velvet cake are to die for.
Dacapo's Pastry Cafe
1141 E 11th StIncredible cakes, pies, cookies and other baked items.
Haven't been here yet because it's always packed but I hear very positive things about it. ***get a reservation ahead of time***
42 locals recommend
Ritual
602 Studewood StHaven't been here yet because it's always packed but I hear very positive things about it. ***get a reservation ahead of time***
Classic Tex-Cajun inspired foods. Get the Chalmette macaroni, you won't be disappointed.
116 locals recommend
BB's Tex-Orleans
2701 White Oak DrClassic Tex-Cajun inspired foods. Get the Chalmette macaroni, you won't be disappointed.
Southern food with a twist. The Deviled Egg Oysters are a must get every visit for me.
63 locals recommend
Liberty Kitchen & Oyster Bar
1050 Studewood StSouthern food with a twist. The Deviled Egg Oysters are a must get every visit for me.
My favorite Mexican food in the city. Gets really busy around dinner time on the weekends. Can't go wrong with the fajitas that are served on their own little fire pot/grill.
123 locals recommend
El Tiempo Cantina - Washington
5602 Washington AveMy favorite Mexican food in the city. Gets really busy around dinner time on the weekends. Can't go wrong with the fajitas that are served on their own little fire pot/grill.
BEST BARBECUE IN HOUSTON! The Gatlin family are so friendly and gracious--wonderful service and even better food. Their new location is modern, clean and much bigger than their old hole in the wall spot that we loved near our house. ***get there before peak hours, lunch/dinner, to ensure you don't have to wait in a long line--this place is really popular***
55 locals recommend
Gatlin's BBQ
3510 Ella BlvdBEST BARBECUE IN HOUSTON! The Gatlin family are so friendly and gracious--wonderful service and even better food. Their new location is modern, clean and much bigger than their old hole in the wall spot that we loved near our house. ***get there before peak hours, lunch/dinner, to ensure you don't have to wait in a long line--this place is really popular***
Arts & Culture
The Menil Collection
1533 Sul Ross StMost popular museum in Houston--rotating collections. FREE!
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Beck Building
1001 Bissonnet StIncredible museum--must see!
More impressive than the DC museum of natural science in my opinions--the dinosaur fossils are AMAZING.
863 locals recommend
The Houston Museum of Natural Science
5555 Hermann Park DrMore impressive than the DC museum of natural science in my opinions--the dinosaur fossils are AMAZING.
Essentials
Huge Kroger a minute from our house, complete with gas, pharmacy, great organics/beer/wine selection, deli, bakery, fruits/veggies, sushi, fresh made food and kitchen essentials.
334 locals recommend
Kroger
4000 Polk StHuge Kroger a minute from our house, complete with gas, pharmacy, great organics/beer/wine selection, deli, bakery, fruits/veggies, sushi, fresh made food and kitchen essentials.
Like any Whole Foods, this place can get crowded--but is perfect for all your gourmet/organic/craft beer needs.
450 locals recommend
Whole Foods Market
515 Elgin StLike any Whole Foods, this place can get crowded--but is perfect for all your gourmet/organic/craft beer needs.
Shopping
Funky 19th Street is a short drive (or 10 minute walk) from our place. You'll find a "manready" store, a record store, antiques, jewelry shops, cute clothing boutiques, a neighborhood grocery store, unique resale shops--all locally owned. In between shopping stop in at Shade, Boomtown or Harold's roof top deck for good views, drinks, coffee or a bite to eat.
21 locals recommend
West 19th Street
West 19th StreetFunky 19th Street is a short drive (or 10 minute walk) from our place. You'll find a "manready" store, a record store, antiques, jewelry shops, cute clothing boutiques, a neighborhood grocery store, unique resale shops--all locally owned. In between shopping stop in at Shade, Boomtown or Harold's roof top deck for good views, drinks, coffee or a bite to eat.
The Galleria
5085 Westheimer RdAny store you could want, it’s all here !
Parks & Nature
Enjoy running/biking trails along the bayou, dog parks, fields for relaxing or playing as well as kayaking from The Kitchen at The Dunlavy downstairs.
549 locals recommend
Buffalo Bayou Park
Memorial DriveEnjoy running/biking trails along the bayou, dog parks, fields for relaxing or playing as well as kayaking from The Kitchen at The Dunlavy downstairs.
This hidden gem near downtown is perfect for a short hike with the pup, kids or just your friends! FREE
188 locals recommend
Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
4501 Woodway DrThis hidden gem near downtown is perfect for a short hike with the pup, kids or just your friends! FREE
LEED certified park with yoga classes, kayaking, small dog park, cafes and restaurants plus great picture spots and art sculptures.
933 locals recommend
Discovery Green
1500 McKinney StLEED certified park with yoga classes, kayaking, small dog park, cafes and restaurants plus great picture spots and art sculptures.
Entertainment & Activities
Comfy seats+full bar+grille+gourmet candies+popcorn=the perfect movie experience!
120 locals recommend
AMC Dine-in Houston 8
510 Texas AveComfy seats+full bar+grille+gourmet candies+popcorn=the perfect movie experience!
Old historic theater located in the heart of the up-upscale River Oaks area. Shows indie/older films usually. Definitely an experience! And there's a bar upstairs just in case. Lots of shops and restaurants in the shopping center too.
77 locals recommend
Saint Cloud River Oaks
2020 W Gray StOld historic theater located in the heart of the up-upscale River Oaks area. Shows indie/older films usually. Definitely an experience! And there's a bar upstairs just in case. Lots of shops and restaurants in the shopping center too.
BINGO night every Thursday! Get there by 5/5:30 (it's a minute walk) to avoid the line. BYOB (they also have beer pitchers there) and order delivery food or pizza. Always a huge turn out. Great for kids to grandparents and everyone in between.
SPJST Lodge Pokrok
1435 Beall StBINGO night every Thursday! Get there by 5/5:30 (it's a minute walk) to avoid the line. BYOB (they also have beer pitchers there) and order delivery food or pizza. Always a huge turn out. Great for kids to grandparents and everyone in between.