When I am asked where I am from, I always and proudly say Houston, Texas. It is one of the largest cities in the country (and growing). However, I sometimes feel like I’m lying just a smidgen when I say “I’m from Houston, Texas”. I was born in College Station, Texas, a college-town just shy of 2-hours northwest from Houston, and was raised in Clear Lake City, a suburb just 30-minutes southeast of downtown Houston. While I was raised in the city of Houston, my understanding of the real city was limited.

Now that I have moved back to Houston, I am determined to explore this city I call home. I don’t have any lofty goals like “visit every single restaurant ever”, which would be quite impossible since there are over 10,000 of them. Nor do I want to “find the best [insert food category here] in town”, although if I do I will definitely share. I simply want to explore, enjoy, and share places I discover along the way.

Key:
🐾 Dog-friendly patio/outdoor seating
🚘 Free parking on-site
💵 Metered parking

This is my Houston City Guide – Enjoy!

PLACES TO EAT

Breakfast/Brunch

Boomtown Coffee (Downtown, Heights) – 💵 🐾
The downtown location has a great vibe with ample lighting and lots of tables. Sit outside, sip your latte (or Diet Coke like me), enjoy your brunch and soak in the sun. We bring Gordo and let him enjoy downtown life.
My pick: Avacado benny (the roasted potatoes are AMAZE)

Christy’s Donuts Kolaches (Montrose) – 🚘 (limited)
We have been on the hunt for a donut/kolache shop that can satisfy our craving for the perfect no-fuss breakfast item and this place is it. They are as close to your favorite mom-and-pop suburb joint you can get in the city. Dare I say this is the *best kolache shop in town, and we’ve tried a lot*
My pick: Sausage and cheese kolache/croissant, glazed donut, donut holes

Dish Society (Heights, Galleria, various) – 🚘 (limited)
This is a great place for breakfast and lunch and dinner honestly. I love so many things on their menu and their style of serving – order at the counter, it’s “seat yourself” but not really because their staff will seat you. The menus can vary seasonally and by location so expect delicious variety!
My picks: Chicken & biscuits, skillet potatoes [Breakfast], seasonal bruschetta, shrimp tacos, truffle mac & cheese [Lunch/Dinner]

Down the Street (Cottage Grove) – 🚘 (limited) 🐾
They have great lemonade. This place is almost quite literally down the street from my house. They surprisingly have a casual patio and great brunch. You may need to get there a little early on the weekends because it’s a popular (and the only) brunch spot the neighborhood.
My pick: Brisket Hash, biscuit & gravy, lemonade

Kolache Shoppe (Heights, Greenway) – 🚘 (limited) 🐾
The original Shoppe opened in 1970, but it has since been passed on to new owners but with the same passed-down recipe. They serve traditional Czech kolaches but with a Texas twist: M-E-A-T. There is a drive-thru which makes lazy Saturday morning breakfast that much easier just get there early because everyone and their actual moms want that too. PS – I may favor this place because they featured Gordo on their Instagram.
My pick: Kiolbassa polish style sausage and cheese, breakfast style bacon, egg and cheese

Nourish (Heights, Montrose, Rice Village) – 🚘 🐾
Need something healthy and refreshing? This is the place for it. Nourish has my favorite acai bowl! We would get these every Saturday during busy season to “cleanse” after a week of eating carbs. The Heights location has a dog-friendly covered area outside with picnic tables outside so it’s our favorite location.
My pick: Acai bowl without shredded coconut or almonds (sorry) + extra granola, the basic avocado toast

Snooze AM Eatery (Galleria, Montrose, others) – 🚘 🐾
Initially from Austin, Snooze has finally moved to Houston and my heart is happy. Another dog-friendly favorite of ours for our weekend brunch. All of their ingredients are “Snooze approved” so they are sustainable for the environment and respectful toward the animals. All locations close at 2:30pm so, you guessed it, get there early – the lines can get up to 1.5 hours.
My pick: The Snooze Classic with bacon, chocolate chip pancake

The Breakfast Klub (Midtown) – 🚘 (limited)
This restaurant is Houston famous, y’all. The chicken and waffles are worth the wait. Get there early because the line builds quickly, like around-the-building-before-it-even-opens “quick”. The parking is slim but there are paid parking spots near the restaurant.
My pick: Wings & waffles, biskits & gravy, french toast

The Toasted Yolk (Heights, various) – 🚘
We had this from the first time with Drew’s parents in the ‘burbs and it was yummy! Be careful, the portions are are pretty big so maybe consider splitting a dish or plan for leftovers. They close at 3pm so get there early. Their Washington Heights location is opening in 2020 so rush on over when they open!
My pick: Cowboy scramble

Tinys No. 5 (West University) – 🚘 🐾
Super “Instagramable” dishes but also super delicious. This is a go-to spot for brunch with gal pals. I even considered it for a bridal shower but it’s on a smaller side. They have a great outdoor space for eating (taking pictures). Also check out the “sister” restaurant Tiny Boxwoods and the cookie shop Milk & Cookies on the side.
My pick: Fruit & yogurt parfait, house croissant

Lunch/Dinner

American

Backstreet Cafe (Shepherd) – 🚘 (valet)
A fancier comfort food restaurant, converted from an old Houston house. They have a great atmosphere! They say business casual attire so great for a date night!
My pick: Lump crab cakes

Brenner’s on the Bayou (Rice Military) – 🚘 (valet)
A steakhouse with a nice view! There is indoor seating and outdoor seating next to Buffalo Bayou. Another business casual only attire restaurant, but worth it for the food.
My pick: Jumbo shrimp cocktail, jumbo lump crap cake, gulf red snapper, herb & parmesan fries, truffle fries

Conservatory / Finn Hall (Downtown) – 💵
A modern twist on a food hall. A ton of options in one place (or two since that’s two separate halls). I’ve been there for lunch and happy hours with coworkers. The lines can get kind of crazy so GTA.
My pick: Moku bar (Conservatory), Dish Society (Finn Hall)

Hopdoddy Burger Bar (Heights, Rice Village, various) – 🚘
Another Austin favorite that’s expanded to my hometown. Delicious burgers, fries and milkshakes. You can’t go wrong with anything here!
My pick: The Classic Burger with bacon and cheese, parmesan truffle fries, sweet potato fries, Oreos cookies n’ cream shake

Jus’ Mac (Montrose, Heights) – 🚘
Who doesn’t like gourmet mac and cheese? Jus’ Mac has over 20 different twists to our favorite childhood dish in addition to sandwiches and other appetizers.
My pick: Chili cheese, half baked

Mia’s Table (Upper Kirby, Bay Area, various) – 🚘 🐾
Your classic comfort food. Everything here feels like a warm hug (is that weird?). They are dog friendly, which we love. The portions are HUGE so go hungry!
My pick: Chips and queso, hand-battered onion rings, chicken fried chicken with mac & cheese and mashed potatoes, glazed danish ribs

Onion Creek Coffee House, Bar and Lounge (White Oak) – 🚘 🐾
Dog friendly with outdoor seating. Right off of the Hike & Bike Trail on 19th street, Drew, Gordo and I will eat lunch or dinner there after a long stroll.
My pick: Mr. Ho’s Nachos with brisket, the trio, Vera’s turkey burger

Pink’s Pizza (Heights, Montrose, West U, various) – 🚘
Our go-to pizza place in the city, although I do love a thin-crust pepperoni from Dominos. We order from here for our annual Halloween party and not a slice is left behind.
My pick: Pepperoni, Big Boss

Postino (Heights Mercantile, Montrose) – 🚘 🐾
Another favorite place we like to walk to via the Hike & Bike Trail for dinner. Also dog-friendly, we love going there after a long stroll through the Heights. It’s a popular place for brunch, lunch and dinner. They do a happy hour special Monday and Tuesday, $20 for a bruschetta board and house bottle of wine.
My pick: Meatballs & goat cheese, NYC grilled cheese, sweet potato wedges, cheese board, bruschetta board with (1) sweet n’ spicy pepper jam & goat cheese, (2) burrata, bacon, arugula & tomato, (3) salami & pesto and (4) prosciutto di parma, fig & mascarpone

Union Kitchen (Washington, Heights, various) – 🚘
A comfort food favorite with large portions and an international twist. They have a long drink list for any wine/liquor connoisseur.
My pick: Classic fried shrimp, Texas blue lump crab cakes

Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse (Downtown) – 🚘 (valet) 💵
DATE. NIGHT. This is definitely one of the fancier ($$$) steakhouses in Houston, but DELICIOUS. Drew and I had our 2nd anniversary dinner here but I also come here a lot for company lunches. To be honest – the side are where its at here!
My pick: Jumbo lump crab cake, live Maine lobster, au gratin potatoes, brussels sprouts, creamed corn, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, crispy onion wedges

Asian

Blue Fish (Washington Heights, Downtown) – 🚘 (free, valet) 💵
My favorite place for salmon sashimi and I love their version of the “shaggy dog” roll. I haven’t had trouble getting a table at the Washington location, but if there is an event at Revention Music Center, the Downtown location can get crowded.
My pick: King salmon sashimi, 121 roll, sundae roll, miso soup, edamame, crab cake, cucumber salad, mochi

Fung’s Kitchen (Chinatown) – 🚘
A family favorite. We frequent this restaurant with my family on the weekends. They have great dim sum and full entree options! It is a popular spot on the weekends so get there early to get a table.

Golden Dumpling (Chinatown) – 🚘
Another family favorite. They are cash only but have huge portions that are worth any money you spend here. The crowd can pick-up quickly during lunch and dinner, but the tables turnover pretty quickly. I crave the ZhaJiang noodles from here on a weekly basis!
My pick: Fried pork dumplings, zhajiang noodles, pan fried onion cake, 

Happy Valley (Chinatown) – 🚘
My parents and I used to get lunch here on a weekly basis. The fried shrimp is my all time favorite dish – but make sure to get it fresh because the crispy-fried-ness is to be enjoyed immediately.
My pick: Fried shrimp with cumin, green onion pancake

Kura Revolving Sushi Bar (Midtown, various) – 💵
A fun twist on your average sushi restaurant. You sit at a table and grab plates of sushi from the conveyor belt or order directly on your personal screen. Each plate is the same price and special order items are priced separately.
My pick: Golden crunchy roll, spicy popcorn shrimp roll, shrimp tempura, crispy chicken, edamame, mango mochi ice cream

Local Poke (Washington Corridor, various) – 🚘
MY ALL TIME FAVORITE POKE PLACE IN HOUSTON. I have tried all of the poke places in town, and none of them seem to surpass how great Local Poke is. The portions are generous and the price is right! They have expanded to a few locations and Houston and this is my go-to poke place on an (almost) weekly basis.
My pick: Regular bowl with white rice, marinated tuna and salmon, kani, spicy kani, seaweed salad, edamame, pickled cucumber, fried onion, regular poke sauce, wonton chips

Nobi Public House (Webster) – 🚘 🐾
Our favorite “public house” in the suburbs. They serve Vietnamese-inspired food with your choice of over 30 beers. Drew and I frequented this place when we came home during the holidays while we were in college.
My pick: Pork egg rolls, pork banh mi, chicken fried rice

Ocean Palace (Chinatown) – 🚘
A classic dim sum place in Chinatown. They recently remodeled and have transformed their downstairs space into a modern restaurant. You can order from the menu or pick what you want from what’s on the carts. You can’t really go wrong with anything here!
My pick: Pork soup dumplings, shrimp shu mai, Chinese broccoli with oyster sauce, fried crispy egg roll, pan fried pot sticker, rice noodle roll with fried breadstick, fried noodle roll with shrimp, fried pork puff, steamed BBQ pork bao, congee with pork and preserved egg, sweet sesame ball

Osaka Japanese Restaurant (Montrose, various) –  🚘
Our first favorite sushi spot when we moved back to Houston. This is a great spot if you want delicious and affordable sushi. If you order enough food, they give you complimentary appetizer and dessert.
My pick: Edamame, pork gyoza, shrimp tempura, miso soup, Shaggy Dog roll

Pho Binh (Heights, various) – 🚘 (limited)  🐾
Great late night spot. We bike here from our house and stop by for a (super) quick bowl of pho. They have multiple locations, each with a different name.
My pick: Pho Binh egg rolls, P2 rare steak

Ramen Tatsu-ya (Montrose) – 🚘
My favorite ramen place in town. This is another restaurant that came from Austin. I used to bring my parents and friends here when they visited me in college because it was that good. You order at the counter but a server will seat you so you’re guaranteed a seat.
My pick: Tonkotsu original, Mi-so-not, edamame

Soma Sushi (Washington Corridor) – 🚘 (very limited, valet) 💵
We go here for their all-day Sunday and go all out. I think we’ve pretty much ordered everything on their happy hour menu. They only have valet but if you get there early enough you may be able to snag a place for free.
My pick: Edamame, pork belly tacos, house-made pork gyoza, petite crab cakes, salmon sashimi

Thai Village (Rice Village) – 🚘 (limited) 💵
The best pad thai in town. The flavors are delicious, the portions are generous and the prices are just right. I like ordering extra noodles with my pad thai and split it across two meals.
My pick: 

Indian

Surya India (Heights) – 🚘
When you want a little more formal but still cozy setting with great Indian food, this is the place. We would consider this place slightly fancier (and pricier) than Tarka, but still tasty!
My pick: Vegetable samosa, chicken tikka masala

Tarka (Heights) –  🚘 🐾
A quick-service restaurant that serves delicious Indian cuisine. We are pretty simple when it comes to Indian food, but this place is our go-to when we’re craving it.
My pick: Vegetable samosas, naan, garlic naan, chicken tikka masala,

Italian

Grotto Downtown (Downtown) – 🚘 (valet, paid garage) 💵
Think industrial-Italian restaurant with exposed brick with metal accents. You can tell they use high quality ingredients to make all of their food. They also serve cheese pizza sticks as an appetizer! There is paid garage parking nearby or metered parking on nearby Downtown streets.
My pick: Fritto misto, tomato bruschetta, missels, bolognese

North Italia (River Oaks) – 🚘 (valet, free garage)  🐾
An upscale Italian restaurant, fit for a meal with friends or an anniversary dinner. It’s located in a fun part of town with lots of options. I would definitely make a reservation because this place is popular. This is the same center as the Rooftop Cinema Club!
My pick: Zucca chips, Italian meatballs, crispy calamari, black mediterranean mussels, caesar salad, spaghetti & meatballs, bolognese

Mexican

Gringo’s Tex Mex (Pearland, various) –  🚘
BEST TAMALES IN TOWN. I have tried tamales everywhere in Houston and this place is still my favorite. They have the best meat to masa ratio and the best sauce. Oh, and their green sauce is amazing. LOVE THIS PLACE.
My pick: Queso dip, chicken taquitos, taco salad, full service pork tamales

Guadalajara (Downtown, various) – 💵
My coworkers and do our team lunch here every week – we love it so much! Their lunch portions are perfect but also satisfying.
My pick: Queso blanco, guacamole, tortilla soup, salman atlantico, chicken tacos al carbon, flautas del cielo

Lupe Tortilla (Shepherd, various) – 🚘
BEST FAJITAS IN TOWN. Alright so Lupe has a lot of great everything, but their beef fajitas are truly the best in the city. We go here just for those!
My pick: Guacamole salad, beef and chicken fajitas

Seafood

BB’s (Heights, Washington Corridor) – 🚘 (limited, valet) 🐾
I love crawfish and BB’s has fantastic crawfish – the perfect amount of flavor and spice. I usually get 2.5 pounds of crawfish to myself. Make sure to use the gloves and bib (I know, I know) and drink lots of water.
My pick: Fried pickle chips, hush puppies, crawfish with corn and red potato

Tookie’s Seafood (Seabrook) – 🚘
A little farther outside of Houston, the Tookie’s brand started out as a burger place and subsequently opened a seafood restaurant. My favorite items are the oysters!
My pick: NOLA grilled oysters

Tacos

Velvet Taco (Washington Corridor) – 🚘 (limited) 🐾
Seemingly healthy but a twist on your classic tacos – and they have plenty of vegetarian options! They have a coconut queso, which is definitely something you don’t see very often. But I love the energy and vibe of this place. Parking is tough so visit during off hours or get there before the usual lunch/dinner rushes.
My pick: Rotisserie chicken, Nashville hot tofu, crisp tots & local egg

Torchy’s Tacos (Heights, various) – 🚘 💵 (depending on location) 🐾
I clearly loved my time in Austin because yet another Austin favorite restaurant has become one of my Houston favorites. Everything here is great – chips, queso, breakfast tacos, deconstructed tacos. There are multiple locations, so plenty of options. You can order online for pick-up too!
My pick: The Wrangler, trashy (extra cheese) trailer park taco, baja shrimp taco, green chile queso and chips, guacamole and chips 

Healthy

Local Foods (Heights Mercantile, various) – 🚘 🐾
A great place for when you want filling but healthy food! My favorite location is at the Heights Mercantile because you can grab lunch on the patio then walk around the area and shop – and they are dog friendly so who doesn’t love that!
My pick: Banh mi with dill pickle spears and housemade chips

Other International Cuisine

Churrascos (River Oaks, various) – 🚘
Delicious Brazilian steakhouse. Don’t let it’s strip center location fool you, Drew and I loved everything we tried here. We came for our 10-year dating anniversary and it was incredible!
My pick: Plantain chips, spinach and mushroom empanadas, mar y tieera

Halal Guys (Kirby, various) – 🚘
Feel good Middle Eastern halal rice and chicken with delicious sauce. You can’t go wrong here with anything. I used to get similar food in my favorite place in Austin, The Halal Bros. Be careful, the red sauce is super spicy so a little goes a long way.
My pick: Chicken platter with extra rice, fries, extra white sauce

Phoenicia Specialty Foods (Downtown) – 🚘 (garage) 💵
I frequent this place with my co-workers for lunch. It is a Mediterranean market/eatery (think Whole Foods style but smaller). They have a bar, Market Bar, connected that has live music and nightly specials for dinner.
My pick: Chicken schawarma plate with homestyle rice, mac and cheese and roasted potatoes

Dessert

Amy’s Ice Cream (Upper Kirby) – 🚘 🐾
An Austin favorite that expanded to Houston. All of the ice creams are homemade and you can add any toppings you like. When you walk in, the atmosphere is fun and quirky – which is evident in their changing ice cream flavors!
My pick: Mexican vanilla with cookie dough

Cloud 10 Creamery (Heights Mercantile, various) – 🚘 🐾
Classic but rich ice cream. It is on the pricier side but they have some of the best vanilla ice cream in town. I like to walk to the Heights location with Gordo and sit outside while eating ice cream.
My pick: Vanilla bean in a sugar cone

House of Pies (Upper Kirby) – 🚘
We got pies from here for our wedding – that’s how much we love this place. It’s a diner style restaurant with the best pies in town! For some reason it’s always more fun to come here after 9pm, but apparently every in town thinks the same thing so the line can build up.
My pick: Pippin’ apple pie 

Macaron by Patisse (River Oaks, Galleria booth) – 🚘
Another one of my favorites. They have the best macarons in town! They are pricier but aren’t all macarons? I crave these macarons and strive to make some that are remotely similar in taste and texture. They have macaron baking classes too if you want to learn from the best!
My pick: Cookies and creme, lemon

Melange Creperie (Heights Mercantile) – 🚘 🐾
A cute creperie in the Heights. They also have great hot chocolate and lemonade. We like to stop by for a snack or refreshment after a long walk from our house. They have a Chinese style Jian Bing that is great and a taste of my home-away-from-home. It’s located right across from Cloud 10 Creamery too! Make sure to ask for a plate if you don’t want “street style” aka wrapped in foil.
My pick: Strawberry Nutella crepe, lemonade, Jian Bing

Nothing Bundt Cakes (Galleria, various) – 🚘
A bundt cake shop that sells the perfectly moist bundt cakes in a wide assortment of flavors. I always try to get one for my birthday because they are so rich and just special. The icing they use is the perfect amount of creamy and sweet. We always get the Bundtinis for birthdays at work!
My pick: Confetti, lemon

Sweet Paris (Rice Village, various) – 🚘 💵 🐾
A Parisian-themed creperie located in the heart of Rice Village. There is a light and airy feel about eating in the restaurant, but they also have a small patio in the front.
My pick: Strawberry Nutella crepe

Coffee

Common Bond (Montrose, various) – 🚘 (limited)
A fun coffee bar with great food options. In the heart of Montrose to take a stroll around to go shopping. It’s a great place to grab brunch with your girlfriends or to stop for a quick coffee in the afternoon.
My pick: Ham and cheese croissant

EQ Heights (Heights) – 🚘 🐾
Located off of Heights Blvd, this is a great place to stop by on Saturday morning to grab coffee and a bite to eat, or sit and relax for an afternoon. I did a lot of wedding planning here and loved it!

Slowpokes (Independence Heights) – 🚘
A sloth themed coffee shop. Enough said.

The Teahouse (Kirby, various) – 🚘 🐾
I come here with one of my good friends a play Bananagrams once a year. They have amazing milk tea, snacks and board games. A fun place to study or just hang out.
My pick: Milk tea tapioca, peach green tea, popcorn chicken

Bars/Breweries

Axelrad Beer Garden (Midtown) – 🚘 💵 🐾
My favorite part of this bar: Hammocks. They are located in a lot right next to Luigi’s pizza if you get hungry. Occasionally they will also project movies for free!

Captain Foxheart’s Bad News Bar & Spirit Lodge (Downtown) –  💵
This 2nd floor bar feels like a speakeasy, with a “law office” facade. There is an outdoor patio for those nice fall evenings.

Down the Street (Cottage Grove) – 🚘 🐾
If you’re wanting a more chill evening, this is the place to be. They even have a free golf cart service to take you home if you live in the neighborhood and aren’t able to (or shouldn’t) drive!

Flying Saucer (Downtown) – 💵 🐾
With what seems like 50+ beers on tap, the Saucer doesn’t disappoint. Once you drink a certain number of unique beers, you get your name on a plate on their wall/ceiling/anywhere! They also have trivia every Tuesday which is a blast.
My pick: Grilled cheese with tomato basil soup

Holman Draft Hall (Midtown) – 🚘 (free, valet) 💵 🐾
Outdoor, indoor, half-in-half-out – Holman has a place for you! I see many a happy hour here as it’s a popular after-work meeting place. They have complementary valet parking!
My pick: Chile con queso, fries, Holman nachos

King’s BierHaus (Heights, League City) – 🚘 🐾
Feels like a classic Beer Haus from Germany with lederhosen and beer steins! They have a great atmosphere and delicious food. The Heights location is connected to a kolache shop, EggHaus.
My pick: Gourmet deviled eggs, giant beer pretzel, pretzel bites, chicken wiener schnitzel

La Carafe (Downtown) – 💵 🐾
Drew’s favorite place. As Houston’s oldest bar, it’s cash only. They have two floors and outdoor seating. We like to go for the atmosphere and specifically on Halloween!

Okra (Downtown) – 💵
For each drink purchased, you get a token that gives you a vote for one of four local charities OKRA will donate to. At the end of each month, the charity with the most votes will get the next month’s proceeds!

Public Services Wine & Whiskey (Downtown) – 💵
Feels like you are relaxing in a friend’s living room. Great place to unwind after a long week at work.

Saint Arnold Brewery (Fifth Ward) – 🚘 🐾
My favorite brewery in Houston to spend a full Saturday! The outdoor space is dog-friendly and has a great atmosphere. They brew their own beer next door and you can even tour the facilities!
My pick: Pretzels, chips & santo queso, pepperoni pizza

Warren’s Inn (Downtown) – 💵
A cozy saloon with lots of wood accents located across the street from La Carafe. It get’s pretty busy on the weekends so get there early or expect to stand by the bar. I personally like the booth seat for a cozier feel.

THINGS TO DO & SEE

Shopping

19th Street in the Heights. Lots of quirky shops and historic buildings on this street. I like grabbing lunch at Torchy’s then strolling down, browsing all of the shops. Most are dog-friendly too!

AG Antiques on 19th (Heights). A huge antique shop on 19th Street! There are various “booths” with different types of antiques (vintage furniture, magazines, yearbooks, etc). You could spend an entire afternoon there (and I suggest it)!

Buchanan’s Native Plants (Heights). Where we got most of our plants for our plant wall! Parking fills up fast on the weekends so consider parking in the neighborhood. The plants are kind of pricey but it’s a local shop so we like to support. Another dog-friendly favorite.

Forth + Nomad (Heights). A shop filled with handmade items from artisans located across from the Heights Mercantile. You can find leather goods, hand-woven blankets and homemade candles/essential oils/jewerly. They are pet friendly!

Half Price Books (Westheimer). I love books, and books at decent prices! Check out their clearance and “Super Buy” books! They love when I bring Gordo so extra pet-friendly.

Rice Village. Located right next to Rice University, this area has stores (lots of your favorite chains), restaurants and a theater! There is metered parking almost everywhere.

West Gray Street (River Oaks). Particularly beautiful to stroll through during Christmas, I just love this area! You can find three Starbucks within one block of each other, my favorite macaron shop and your classic la Madeleine.

Activities

Bike along the Hike & Bike Trail in the Heights. Anytime the weather is nice, we (including Gordo) take a bike ride on the Hike & Bike Trail. We typically go to 19th Street for shopping, Heights Mercantile for food or even Target.

See a play at The Alley Theater or musical at The Hobby Center. Decently prices tickets for amazing plays. I recently watched Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express at the Alley! Bring a jacket because it can get chilly.

Visit the McGovern Centennial Gardens in the Museum District. I considered getting married here, it is just that beautiful!

Just walk into an H-E-B and Buc-ee’s to see Texas at its finest. Everything is bigger in Texas!

Play board games at Tea + Victory. For only $5, you have access to the cafe’s massive collection of board games. They also serve snacks and drinks. It’s right next door to King’s BierHaus too!

Watch a free Houston Orchestra performance at Miller Outdoor Theater. Tickets are free but you have to wait in line at the box office that morning to get tickets. The theater opens up unoccupied seats to the non-ticket-holding public 5 minutes prior to the show starting. You can also bring a picnic, lawn chair or blanket and sit out on the lawn.

Spa Day at The Houstonian. Nestled in what seems like a random forest in the city, the Houstonian spa experience is soothing! It’s perfect for a staycation spa day. Also two words: Tranquility Room.

Watch a movie on a rooftop with Rooftop Cinema Club (River Oaks). A new way to watch movies: on a roof! If you want to go with a friend, spouse or any number of tickets over 1, purchase your tickets early.

Do an escape room at The Escape Hunt. This place is run by a sweet couple who moved from Iowa to start their own escape room company. In our opinion, these are the best executed escape rooms in the city!

Go to the Houston Zoo or any museum in the Museum District. I personally love the Houston Museum of Fine Arts and the Houston Museum of Natural Science. The Houston Zoo also does their annual “Zoo Lights” event around Christmastime.

Walk around Discovery Green. They always have an art exhibition.

Events

Lights in the Heights. An annual event where you walk through the Heights and drink and be merry! We usually bring a cooler with drinks and snacks while we look at everyone’s homes decorated for Christmas. Feel free to bring your babies and fur babies.

Bayou City Art Festival. We went to this for the first time this year and I’m sad we have never gone before! Artists from all over the country come to showcase and sell their work. They have free coffee, food trucks and live music during the festival too! The Festival happens twice per year: Downtown and Memorial Park.

Houston Grilled Cheese Festival. Because cheese.

Art Car Parade. Watch the parade with your best lawn chair, a cozy sweater and warm hot chocolate. There is an Art Car Museum that you can visit if you want more cart art!

Houston Rodeo. Go for the food, go for the animals, go for the music. JUST GO! They have a concert every night ranging from country, pop, EDM and this year: K-pop!

Texas Renaissance Festival. Ren Fest (as we call it) is like Epcot of the Renaissance. It is broken out into different sections with themed games. I always get a flower crown and turkey leg because why not?

Zoo Lights at the Houston Zoo. Who doesn’t love Christmas lights and the zoo? It’s a unique experience for sure!

Search for Wall Mural Art. Houston is filled with amazing wall art and murals. Carrie Culbert is the queen of color and has a comprehensive guide to Houston’s colorful walls.

PLACES TO STAY

Hotel ICON. This is hotel was originally established as Union National Bank in 1911 and was subsequently transformed into a hotel in 2004. We stayed here on our wedding night and it was absolutely beautiful inside. We stayed in an Executive Suite, which had a seating area and huge bathroom with a claw-foot tub! They have valet parking but you can do paid self-parking in a lot near the block.

Places I Want to Try:
Marriott Marquis.
JW Marriot.
Vacation rental in the Heights.

 

Map of All of My Recommendations!