Guidebook for Houston
Food Scene
Seriously good hot dogs. Don’t even think about going to the mainstream imitator (Good Dog) as Happy Fatz is far superior. Tell the owners you’re staying with us if you like, we’ve known them for years and they’ve watched our kids grow up! Try the Perro de Mexico or the Al Capone. Did I mention the free beer and live music on Wednesday nights???
16 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Happy Fatz
3510 White Oak DrSeriously good hot dogs. Don’t even think about going to the mainstream imitator (Good Dog) as Happy Fatz is far superior. Tell the owners you’re staying with us if you like, we’ve known them for years and they’ve watched our kids grow up! Try the Perro de Mexico or the Al Capone. Did I mention the free beer and live music on Wednesday nights???
The Big Nasty with double Havarti cheese paired with your favorite beer, calm outdoor patio, and a good football game is a perfect fall afternoon.
96 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Onion Creek Coffee House, Bar and Lounge
3106 White Oak DrThe Big Nasty with double Havarti cheese paired with your favorite beer, calm outdoor patio, and a good football game is a perfect fall afternoon.
If you’re new to Houston or the Southwest of the US in general then you have to try Mexican food, and Teotihuacan is a great place to do it. Walk in the front door and turn right to find the indoor/outdoor patio rooms which are amazing, food is great, and also cheap! Mexican farmers’ market is also just down the road on Airline.
47 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Teotihuacan Mexican Cafe
1511 Airline DrIf you’re new to Houston or the Southwest of the US in general then you have to try Mexican food, and Teotihuacan is a great place to do it. Walk in the front door and turn right to find the indoor/outdoor patio rooms which are amazing, food is great, and also cheap! Mexican farmers’ market is also just down the road on Airline.
Luke Skyburger is a real winner, but there are no bad burgers here. Basic beer selection available too.
30 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Stanton's City Bites
1420 Edwards StLuke Skyburger is a real winner, but there are no bad burgers here. Basic beer selection available too.
Favorite coffee around! We stop in several times a week, Marianna’s beverage of choice is the ‘dirty’ iced chai tea latte. Almond and soy milk are options as well.
76 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Antidote
729 Studewood StFavorite coffee around! We stop in several times a week, Marianna’s beverage of choice is the ‘dirty’ iced chai tea latte. Almond and soy milk are options as well.
If you’re a donut fan, pass by here and you won’t be disappointed. This was the original Shipley’s location that started a nationwide chain and it’s not hard to see why! Ask for just a simple glazed donut and prepare to have your mind blown. Apple fritters and jalapeno kolaches are also highly recommended.
57 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Shipley Do-Nuts
3932 N Main StIf you’re a donut fan, pass by here and you won’t be disappointed. This was the original Shipley’s location that started a nationwide chain and it’s not hard to see why! Ask for just a simple glazed donut and prepare to have your mind blown. Apple fritters and jalapeno kolaches are also highly recommended.
Hot new coffee house close by that’s run by very experienced Houston-based restaurateurs.
18 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Morningstar
4721 N Main StHot new coffee house close by that’s run by very experienced Houston-based restaurateurs.
Best Greek food in Houston, hands down. Selection isn't as plentiful as it could be because George prefers to specialize, but the menu he makes satisfies most palates and it is AMAZING. Tell George that we said hello, we've known him for years! Simon's favorite dish is the Arnaki, Marianna's is the Papa Poulaki.
Myth Kafe
1712 Westheimer RdBest Greek food in Houston, hands down. Selection isn't as plentiful as it could be because George prefers to specialize, but the menu he makes satisfies most palates and it is AMAZING. Tell George that we said hello, we've known him for years! Simon's favorite dish is the Arnaki, Marianna's is the Papa Poulaki.
Frozen snowcones in the summer, take them and walk across the street to the park to watch the sunset!
Mango Beach
2304 White Oak DrFrozen snowcones in the summer, take them and walk across the street to the park to watch the sunset!
Amazing for families and kids, the breakfast is to die for. Try the fresh squeezed orange juice and the green eggs!
257 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Barnaby's Cafe
414 W Gray StAmazing for families and kids, the breakfast is to die for. Try the fresh squeezed orange juice and the green eggs!
Best pizza in the Heights! They deliver, but plan ahead a little bit as it's ~1 hour lead time.
32 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Pinks Pizza
1403 Heights BlvdBest pizza in the Heights! They deliver, but plan ahead a little bit as it's ~1 hour lead time.
Drinks & Nightlife
Micro brews are EXPLODING in Houston, Town in City is delicious and close! Oftentimes they have events, crawfish boils, food trucks, or live music, so check their website.
24 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Town In City Brewing Company
1125 W Cavalcade StMicro brews are EXPLODING in Houston, Town in City is delicious and close! Oftentimes they have events, crawfish boils, food trucks, or live music, so check their website.
Bar-restaurant, solid place to have drinks with skyline views.
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Lucky's Pub - Heights
2520 Houston AveBar-restaurant, solid place to have drinks with skyline views.
Food is great and 70 or so beers on tap with tons of local micro brews. Tell George at Myth Kafe hello for us when you get the best gyros in the city!
34 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Conservatory
Food is great and 70 or so beers on tap with tons of local micro brews. Tell George at Myth Kafe hello for us when you get the best gyros in the city!
Sightseeing
Be sure to buy your tickets in advance! They are $2 but I heard it is free on Thursdays! The spots fill up.
To visit the Cistern:
1. Visit the following link:
buffalobayou.org/visit/d…
2. Scroll down to the button that says Purchase tickets
3. Pick the time to reserve your spot.
126 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern
105-B Sabine StBe sure to buy your tickets in advance! They are $2 but I heard it is free on Thursdays! The spots fill up.
To visit the Cistern:
1. Visit the following link:
buffalobayou.org/visit/d…
2. Scroll down to the button that says Purchase tickets
3. Pick the time to reserve your spot.
It was about $7-$7.50 to just see the gardens and I think around $12 for the gardens and the house. I would recommend to go when the weather is cooler because, well this is Houston. It reminded me of the Villa del Balbianello in Italy. It was gorgeous and well kept. I definitely want to go again especially in the spring time to see the azalea trail and also to visit the house since I didn't this time. Definitely worth the visit!
97 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens
6003 Memorial DrIt was about $7-$7.50 to just see the gardens and I think around $12 for the gardens and the house. I would recommend to go when the weather is cooler because, well this is Houston. It reminded me of the Villa del Balbianello in Italy. It was gorgeous and well kept. I definitely want to go again especially in the spring time to see the azalea trail and also to visit the house since I didn't this time. Definitely worth the visit!
We like Market Square Park because it has lots packed into a small space; park just one time and enjoy a variety of activities. There's the park, an adjacent dog park, on-site restaurants, a full schedule of events and the entire thing is ringed by some of the oldest buildings in Houston ... which just happen to house some fun, funky bars and eateries.
96 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque de la Plaza del Mercado
301 Milam StWe like Market Square Park because it has lots packed into a small space; park just one time and enjoy a variety of activities. There's the park, an adjacent dog park, on-site restaurants, a full schedule of events and the entire thing is ringed by some of the oldest buildings in Houston ... which just happen to house some fun, funky bars and eateries.
Arts & Culture
Still, quiet, serene, self-engaging. The Menil is perfect for anyone who may be in need of escaping their tumultuous reality, for someone who grasps a desire to dive into different worlds, different eras, various cultures, alternative paths and thought processes... But really, it's a great place for everyone who may just want pictures around a free museum! Hehhhh. It's a nice place to walk around outside. The inside of the museum is actually very quiet: whispers all around! Maybe not the most recommended place to bring your three year old child into, unless they enjoy interpreting art in a respectably quiet manner.
491 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
La Colección Menil
1533 Sul Ross StStill, quiet, serene, self-engaging. The Menil is perfect for anyone who may be in need of escaping their tumultuous reality, for someone who grasps a desire to dive into different worlds, different eras, various cultures, alternative paths and thought processes... But really, it's a great place for everyone who may just want pictures around a free museum! Hehhhh. It's a nice place to walk around outside. The inside of the museum is actually very quiet: whispers all around! Maybe not the most recommended place to bring your three year old child into, unless they enjoy interpreting art in a respectably quiet manner.
Great museum. More art installations to see than just the Art Cars, but the Art Cars are amazing! Very kid friendly - it is listed as a Museum but I'd class it more of an art gallery.
130 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Museo de Autos de Arte
140 Heights BlvdGreat museum. More art installations to see than just the Art Cars, but the Art Cars are amazing! Very kid friendly - it is listed as a Museum but I'd class it more of an art gallery.
What can I say, it's a house made of beer cans...Okay, not made but decorated with beer cans and bottles.
It's cool and the outdoor garden area is cool. What I think would be even cooler?! Some chairs and tables to hang out after the tour, maybe through in a BEER? It only seems fitting but I understand the law so I'll let it go.
Now is it worth the $5 each for a tour? I kind of think not but the Tour Guide was upbeat and excited to show us around, tell us about the owner so I wasn't too upset. There's also usually a Groupon for the place which makes it half the price, I recommend getting that.
Overall, a cool spot and a bucket list item for seeing Houston, in my humble opinion.
75 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Beer Can House
222 Malone StWhat can I say, it's a house made of beer cans...Okay, not made but decorated with beer cans and bottles.
It's cool and the outdoor garden area is cool. What I think would be even cooler?! Some chairs and tables to hang out after the tour, maybe through in a BEER? It only seems fitting but I understand the law so I'll let it go.
Now is it worth the $5 each for a tour? I kind of think not but the Tour Guide was upbeat and excited to show us around, tell us about the owner so I wasn't too upset. There's also usually a Groupon for the place which makes it half the price, I recommend getting that.
Overall, a cool spot and a bucket list item for seeing Houston, in my humble opinion.
Parks & Nature
I love this park! When I was a kid, I used to ride my bike around the park and try to climb up the red metal structure. I'd also come here to enjoy the fireworks on the fourth of July. Now I love to come here and run around the awesome trail. Lots of people run here, too. There are lots of 5k races that take place here.
I really love the new trail. Running along the bayou can get a bit stinky on some parts of the trail, but I don't care. I like to watch the fish jumping in the water. I like spotting the turtles along the water; some wander all the way up onto the grass. One time I even saw what looked like a whole family of turtles next to the bayou. A few times, I've even seen little rabbits hopping around in the downtown end of the park. The view of downtown is really pretty. I like to make a long loop around the park, from the Studewood end all the way to the UHD bridge and back, which is about 4.5 miles. And you can always customize your workout to make it as long or as short as you want.
In front of the community center, there's a bike rental station. I'm not much of a bike rider anymore, but I've seen lots of people riding the rental bikes or their own bikes. There's a couple of baseball diamonds. At the community center, they have fitness classes. I've also seen one trainer with his group of people exercising outside near the center. Next to the center, there's a playground for little kids.
This is a great park to do whatever you want because it's so big. You can even just sit on a bench and enjoy the great views.
12 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque Stude
I love this park! When I was a kid, I used to ride my bike around the park and try to climb up the red metal structure. I'd also come here to enjoy the fireworks on the fourth of July. Now I love to come here and run around the awesome trail. Lots of people run here, too. There are lots of 5k races that take place here.
I really love the new trail. Running along the bayou can get a bit stinky on some parts of the trail, but I don't care. I like to watch the fish jumping in the water. I like spotting the turtles along the water; some wander all the way up onto the grass. One time I even saw what looked like a whole family of turtles next to the bayou. A few times, I've even seen little rabbits hopping around in the downtown end of the park. The view of downtown is really pretty. I like to make a long loop around the park, from the Studewood end all the way to the UHD bridge and back, which is about 4.5 miles. And you can always customize your workout to make it as long or as short as you want.
In front of the community center, there's a bike rental station. I'm not much of a bike rider anymore, but I've seen lots of people riding the rental bikes or their own bikes. There's a couple of baseball diamonds. At the community center, they have fitness classes. I've also seen one trainer with his group of people exercising outside near the center. Next to the center, there's a playground for little kids.
This is a great park to do whatever you want because it's so big. You can even just sit on a bench and enjoy the great views.
Houston is very lucky to have such a wonderful park (rated one of the top 10 parks in the US). There are many activities to do at the park from swimming, golf, tennis, biking (mountain & road), volleyball, running and more... So if you want to be active and outside this is the place to be.
I've been here countless times to run the 3 mile loop. The loop is a wide compacted dirt trail with 3 water fountains. There is also cement mile markers placed on the trail too. Last year they finally finished building out the meetup area and it's pretty awesome. This spot includes wooden benches and wooden patio. It's located just under a few huge trees for added shade.
You can find people on the trail at all times of day so grab your athletic gear and get outside to this park and enjoy!
Ask me for details on the mountain biking scene, the trails are a bit hidden but well worth it!
246 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Washington Avenue
Washington AvenueHouston is very lucky to have such a wonderful park (rated one of the top 10 parks in the US). There are many activities to do at the park from swimming, golf, tennis, biking (mountain & road), volleyball, running and more... So if you want to be active and outside this is the place to be.
I've been here countless times to run the 3 mile loop. The loop is a wide compacted dirt trail with 3 water fountains. There is also cement mile markers placed on the trail too. Last year they finally finished building out the meetup area and it's pretty awesome. This spot includes wooden benches and wooden patio. It's located just under a few huge trees for added shade.
You can find people on the trail at all times of day so grab your athletic gear and get outside to this park and enjoy!
Ask me for details on the mountain biking scene, the trails are a bit hidden but well worth it!
Woodland Park offers a large playground, a historic trolley car built by an old friend of ours, lighted tennis courts, lighted sports field, an indoor gym and outdoor basketball pavilion.
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Woodland Park
212 Parkview StWoodland Park offers a large playground, a historic trolley car built by an old friend of ours, lighted tennis courts, lighted sports field, an indoor gym and outdoor basketball pavilion.
Shopping
This bookstore is a true diamond in the rough! My friend and her dad had recommended this place to me since I love reading all types of books, so I decided to give it a shot. After missing the store twice, I parked in the front and walked into the store. Or rather, I walked into a treasure trove:)
I was amazed and astounded by the sheer size of the store and the amount of books that they had. It was like a maze made up of treasures and you couldn't pick just one. I found myself strolling through the shelves just enjoying the quiet atmosphere and looking at the different books.
I will definitely be returning to this bookstore but if you decide to go then keep the following items in mind-
1. Enjoy the awesome selection and take your time wandering through the different sections.
2. Park in the back behind the house-it makes easier at the end.
3. Give yourself time to spend enjoying the patio in the back with the books you just purchased.
17 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Kaboom Books
3116 Houston AveThis bookstore is a true diamond in the rough! My friend and her dad had recommended this place to me since I love reading all types of books, so I decided to give it a shot. After missing the store twice, I parked in the front and walked into the store. Or rather, I walked into a treasure trove:)
I was amazed and astounded by the sheer size of the store and the amount of books that they had. It was like a maze made up of treasures and you couldn't pick just one. I found myself strolling through the shelves just enjoying the quiet atmosphere and looking at the different books.
I will definitely be returning to this bookstore but if you decide to go then keep the following items in mind-
1. Enjoy the awesome selection and take your time wandering through the different sections.
2. Park in the back behind the house-it makes easier at the end.
3. Give yourself time to spend enjoying the patio in the back with the books you just purchased.
If you need waxed canvas items/leather goods/vintage items this place is definitely what you need! Not only the shop is good, but the neighborhood where it's located is great as well! Manready may always be a great finding for those who 're looking for unique, special items for a gift for any guy!
20 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Manready Mercantile
321 W 19th StIf you need waxed canvas items/leather goods/vintage items this place is definitely what you need! Not only the shop is good, but the neighborhood where it's located is great as well! Manready may always be a great finding for those who 're looking for unique, special items for a gift for any guy!
I really like this resale shop! They have great baby/kids clothes selection from the fancier brands (Janie & Jack, baby/kids Gap, mini boden, etc). The best deal I've found are brand new Trumpette socks in box and not a crazy print for half the retail price, and we all know that brand never goes on sale.
They also have stock of baby gear like Ergobaby, baby bjorn, and Maclaren strollers.
Thread
2870 Gessner RoadI really like this resale shop! They have great baby/kids clothes selection from the fancier brands (Janie & Jack, baby/kids Gap, mini boden, etc). The best deal I've found are brand new Trumpette socks in box and not a crazy print for half the retail price, and we all know that brand never goes on sale.
They also have stock of baby gear like Ergobaby, baby bjorn, and Maclaren strollers.
Best place to buy new and used records!!!! Vinyl, cassette, or CD this place has everything you need. Sunshine, the girl with black glasses is really sweet and helpful. What can you expect with a name like Sunshine? Charlie the bearded maniac and Chuck the owner are two of the most knowledgeable music heads in Houston. They know their stuff!!! Come for the great events, classic records, and awesome staff. Vinal Edge is where it's at !!!!
Plus being on 19th street among so many great local businesses really sweetens the deal. Shopping in the Heights only gets better if you spend some time browsing through all the great old records. You never know what gems you may find!
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Vinal Edge Records
239 W 19th StBest place to buy new and used records!!!! Vinyl, cassette, or CD this place has everything you need. Sunshine, the girl with black glasses is really sweet and helpful. What can you expect with a name like Sunshine? Charlie the bearded maniac and Chuck the owner are two of the most knowledgeable music heads in Houston. They know their stuff!!! Come for the great events, classic records, and awesome staff. Vinal Edge is where it's at !!!!
Plus being on 19th street among so many great local businesses really sweetens the deal. Shopping in the Heights only gets better if you spend some time browsing through all the great old records. You never know what gems you may find!
This place is so full of color and life!! There is something to look at at every corner of the store. If you want to venture around for 70s-80s pieces, this cozy store is a sweet spot. I found such cute vintage dresses and hats. We spent a good amount of time walking around and lounging around with the cat too.
8 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Retropolis
742 W 19th StThis place is so full of color and life!! There is something to look at at every corner of the store. If you want to venture around for 70s-80s pieces, this cozy store is a sweet spot. I found such cute vintage dresses and hats. We spent a good amount of time walking around and lounging around with the cat too.
Essentials
I LOVE this Kroger location not only because of the awesome produce section and layout, but because of how friendly and helpful the employees are.
The deli counter is always manned and quick to get through. It's usually a hassle at other stores, especially at a Randall's that I used to go to in Midtown.
I also love their meat and fish counter. I try to eat fish a few times a week at least, and they always have a good variety of fish and their scallops are pretty awesome too.
With a Kroger card, you get insane discounts on meat and fish. I bought a 2.5 lb package of beef roast today that normally cost $19 but after using my card is cost $12
My favorite time to go is Saturday mornings when it's nice and quiet, and the hustle and bustle of the day hasn't started yet. The employees are quick to greet you 'Good morning!' with a big smile.
334 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Kroger
4000 Polk StI LOVE this Kroger location not only because of the awesome produce section and layout, but because of how friendly and helpful the employees are.
The deli counter is always manned and quick to get through. It's usually a hassle at other stores, especially at a Randall's that I used to go to in Midtown.
I also love their meat and fish counter. I try to eat fish a few times a week at least, and they always have a good variety of fish and their scallops are pretty awesome too.
With a Kroger card, you get insane discounts on meat and fish. I bought a 2.5 lb package of beef roast today that normally cost $19 but after using my card is cost $12
My favorite time to go is Saturday mornings when it's nice and quiet, and the hustle and bustle of the day hasn't started yet. The employees are quick to greet you 'Good morning!' with a big smile.
Pretty normal Target. Clean, large, bright.
Full disclosure: I'm not a fan of grocery shopping at Target. Even at the nicest Target, the selection of fresh produce and fish is pretty bad. This Target was no exception.
178 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Target
2580 Shearn StPretty normal Target. Clean, large, bright.
Full disclosure: I'm not a fan of grocery shopping at Target. Even at the nicest Target, the selection of fresh produce and fish is pretty bad. This Target was no exception.