Howdy H-Town Ultimate Guide to Houston

1. Tiny Champions

Italian- modern Italian restaurant with handmade pizza and pasta. The intimate setting with funky beats playing guarantees a good time, especially during Happy Hour (Tues-Thur 5-6pm). https://www.tinychampionshouston.com/

2. Street to Kitchen

Thai- Having food from a gas station is a unique Houston experience. However, this food was so good it won a James Beard award. Now they are moving to a bigger location! The owner of Street to Kitchen was a sous chef at one of Houston’s best restaurants, Theodore Rex. She is originally from from central Thailand, and she saw this venture as a way for her to get back to her roots, making everything by hand, including her own pastes. Since discovering this place it has been nominated for a James Beard award and has moved to bigger location. https://www.streettokitchen.com/

3. J-Bar-M

BBQ– There are lots of BBQ options in Houston that range in price. This new Eado venue is slightly more expensive than most, but everything they do is amazing. The meat and sides are mouthwatering. They have a large outdoor area where you can watch the game or enjoy live music. https://www.jbarmbbq.com/

4. Koffeteria

Pastries- This is the one place on this list that you can’t miss when you come to Houston. The unique flavor combinations of the laminated pastries (both sweet and savory) guarantee a delicious experience. https://www.koffeteria.com/

5. London Sizzler

Indian- The national dish of Britain is Chicken Korma. It is no wonder that this British-style Indian cuisine always delivers. Aga’s is another good option for Indian food. http://www.londonsizzler.com/

6. Oishii

Sushi- This small place consistently has a line because of its cheap but consistent sushi, especially during happy hour (Mon-Fri 3pm-7pm/Sat 3pm-6pm). If money is not a problem and you want the best sushi in town, head to MF Sushi. http://oishiihouston.com/

7. Laredo Taqueria (Snover Street)

Mexican- Houston’s large Latino population means that you’re always spoiled for choice when it comes to tacos, but this is one of the best. If you are still craving Mexican at dinner, Alma is a good option. https://www.laredotaqueria.com/

8. Govindas Vegetarian Cuisine

Vegetarian- Attached to a Krishna Temple, this restaurant serves up fresh plant-based food with an abundance of flavor. The buffet-style service makes sure that there is something for everyone to enjoy. https://govindashou.com/

9. POST Houston

Variety- There are many great upscale food halls in downtown: Finn Hall, Underground Hall, and Bravery Chef Hall to name a few. But POST Market is the best. Latin, West African Pizza, Mediterranean, Thai, Chinese, Wine, Cocktails, and Beer—it’s got something for everyone. The perfect place to start your night out on the town. https://www.posthtx.com/eat

10. Banana Leaf

Asian- Houston’s Asian food scene in Bellaire can be intimidating because its strip malls seem to go on forever. A great place to start is Dun Huang Plaza. You can walk around this plaza drinking bubble tea, eating shaved ice (Star Snow Ice & Teriyaki), or trying all sorts of cuisines from across Asia. Banana Leaf serves up some delicious Malaysian cuisine. Some favorites are Beef Rendang, Sizzling Tofu and Indian Pancake with Egg Roti.

1. Shady Acres Saloon

Neighborhood Bar- Great outdoor area, pool table, and people of all ages. https://shadyacressaloon.com/

 

2. Better Luck Tomorrow

Happy Hour- Modern cozy cocktail bar. Half-price off all booze weekdays before 5pm. http://betterlucktomorrowhou.com/

 

3. Neighbors

Wine- Casual neighborhood wine and pizza bar. Live Jazz Mondays! https://www.neighborspizzabar.com/

 

4. Lightnin’ Good Times

Cocktail- Quality cocktails in a sleek environment. The Gin is a must try. Happy hour from 4-6pm, Sun/Mon- All day. https://www.agricolehospitality.com/lightnins-good-times

 

5. Julep

High-End- Elevated small southern cocktail bar with nibbles. The expert bartenders are always willing to advise on flavor combinations for their unique cocktails. https://www.julephouston.com/

 

6. Equal Parts

Brewery- Not as big as some of Houston’s other breweries, this intimate neighborhood brewery turns out some of Houston’s best beers. https://equalpartsbrewing.com/

 

7. West Alabama Icehouse

Icehouse- Pull a tattered stool to the bar at this boisterous neighborhood bar. It’s all about the basics here. Bring your dog, play some basketball out back, grab some food from a food truck, or watch the game. https://www.visithoustontexas.com/listings/west-alabama-ice-house/20653/

 

8. Fabian’s Latin Flavor

Dance- Serving up food from across Latin America during the day, this place kicks off Thursday to Saturdays from 5 – 8pm with a happy hour. After that, the place turns into a Latin dance party till 2am. https://www.fabianslatinflav.com/

 

9. Barbarella

Dance- If you want to relive your youth this is the place. A variety of different nights playing all the classics from the 80s, 90s, 00s. https://www.instagram.com/barbarellahtx/?hl=en

 

10. Boomtown

Coffee- Coffee how it should be made. This small-batch roaster serves up the best coffee in Houston at its two locations (the Heights & Downtown). https://www.boomtowncoffee.com/

1. Cidercade

A day pass is only $10, allowing you to play all the classic games you loved as a child as well as the latest machines.  There is a bar so you can enjoy all of Bishop’s hard drinks (Cider, Kombuchas, Seltzer, and Smoothies). They don’t sell food, but you can get it delivered or bring your own. https://www.cidercadehouston.com/

2. Buffalo Bayou Cistern

Since the 1920s, Houston used to get its drinking water from this cistern. The Cistern was decommissioned in 2007 but its architectural beauty made it the ideal public space for ever-changing art installations. https://buffalobayou.org/visit/destination/the-cistern/

3. Houston Zoo

Started in the 1920s, the zoo has grown to be the second-most visited zoo in the nation (behind San Diego). It features over 6,000 animals. https://www.houstonzoo.org/

4. National Museum of Funeral History

Here you will discover the weird and wonderful world of funeral services at America’s largest collection. One-of-a-kind caskets, coffins, and hearses from various points throughout history, along with items from the funerals of presidents, popes, and celebrities. https://www.nmfh.org/

5. San Jacinto Battleground

A battle that lasted 18 minutes changed the course of history forever. It resulted in Mexico granting Texas its independence and ultimately led to almost a third of what is now the United States changing ownership. Visit the 480-foot-high observation deck at the world’s tallest war memorial. https://www.sanjacinto-museum.org/

6. Momentum Indoor Climbing

This 43,000-square-foot bouldering gym is a great place to get a workout in. If you make a mistake, you will fall on soft pads that help protect you from injury. A variety of different routes for people of all skill levels. https://momentumclimbing.com/silver-street/

7. Houston Botanical Garden

The 30-year plan to make the 132-acre former golf course Houston’s premier greenspace is taking shape. The subtropical climate allows the garden to feature flora from pretty much every climate zone. https://hbg.org/

8. BCycle

The city has 1800 miles of bike lanes planned—Houston is investing $220 million to develop over 3,000 acres of greenspace. Please check which of the 140 BCycle stations are open before use.   https://houston.bcycle.com/

9. Museum District

Houston is second to New York in how much is spent on the arts. The Museum District consist of 19 nonprofit organizations. Admire world class exhibits at the Museum of Fine Arts, marvel at the 50-foot waterfall in the Butterfly Enclosure at the Museum of Natural Science, or take a ride on a Pedal Boat at Herman Park. The activities in this area are endless and all are walkable. https://houmuse.org/

10. Lucky Land

A random, kitschy, and fun way to see some of the most significant and cultural sites in China. Terracotta Warriors, a Great Wall of China, hundreds of koi fish, and Transformers welded out car parts. https://www.luckyland-houston.com/