Houston Guidebook
Food scene
Niko Niko's
2520 Montrose BlvdBest Gyros
Paulie's
1834 Westheimer RdBest Pasta
Riva's Italian Restaurant
1117 Missouri StreetBest FABULOUS Pasta
Riel
1927 Fairview StBest Happy Hour
Uchi
904 Westheimer RdBest Upscale Sushi
Osaka Japanese Restaurant
500 Westheimer RdBest less fancy Sushi
Ramen Tatsu-ya
1722 California StBest Ramen
The Burger Joint
2703 Montrose BlvdBest Burger
Star Pizza
77 Harvard StBest pizza and Greek salad!
Brookstreet BBQ
10705 Westheimer RoadBest BBQ
Common Bond Café & Bakery
1706 Westheimer RdBest Coffee and Pastries
Top Places to Eat Brunch
Hugo's
1600 Westheimer RdBest Brunch close to your Airbnb
a'Bouzy
2300 Westheimer RdBest people watching brunch
Superica
1801 N Shepherd DrBest hangover brunch for Tejano classics
Feel like an Oil Tycoon and feast on an epic, three-course brunch that will put a dent in your pocket book but you wont need food for days after.
71 personas locales recomiendan
Brennan's of Houston
3300 Smith StFeel like an Oil Tycoon and feast on an epic, three-course brunch that will put a dent in your pocket book but you wont need food for days after.
State Fare Kitchen & Bar
947 Gessner RdBest comfort food brunch
Pondicheri
2800 Kirby DrIndo-fusion casual brunch and "bake-lab".
Squable
632 W 19th StBrunch from scratch with chef Mak Clayton
Best BBQ
Gatlin's BBQ
3510 Ella BlvdTrue essence of messy BBQ
Pinkerton's Barbecue
1504 Airline DrPerfectly pink BBQ
Tejas Chocolate+Barbecue
200 N Elm StBBQ and chocolate
Feges BBQ
8217 Long Point RoadInexpensive BBQ
Roegels Barbecue Co
2223 S Voss RdLess sauce, more meat!
The Pit Room
1201 Richmond AvenueConventional and modern BBQ in one stop
Best City Trails
Arboreto y Centro de Naturaleza de Houston
4501 Woodway DrNamed after the slow-moving river that winds through Houston, Buffalo Bayou Park offers something for everyone. When you set off for this hike along the river, consider downloading the Buffalo Bayou Revealed audio tour from Houston Public Media to learn about local wildlife, flora, and fauna, as well as local history. This is a gem in the heart of Houston!
549 personas locales recomiendan
Parque Buffalo Bayou
Memorial DriveNamed after the slow-moving river that winds through Houston, Buffalo Bayou Park offers something for everyone. When you set off for this hike along the river, consider downloading the Buffalo Bayou Revealed audio tour from Houston Public Media to learn about local wildlife, flora, and fauna, as well as local history. This is a gem in the heart of Houston!
Memorial Park in western Houston is an essential stop for outdoor enthusiasts. The Green Ridge Trail is one of many trails that wind through the meticulously cared for park. With the goal of returning the area to its perfect natural balance, the Memorial Park Conservancy is adding woody species and herbaceous plants, removing invasive species, and carefully maintaining the trails. See Houston as it was when it was dominated by wetland, forest, savanna, and prairie.
Memorial Park Green Ridge Trail
Green Ridge TrailMemorial Park in western Houston is an essential stop for outdoor enthusiasts. The Green Ridge Trail is one of many trails that wind through the meticulously cared for park. With the goal of returning the area to its perfect natural balance, the Memorial Park Conservancy is adding woody species and herbaceous plants, removing invasive species, and carefully maintaining the trails. See Houston as it was when it was dominated by wetland, forest, savanna, and prairie.
Peace and quiet are no strangers to Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary. Home to 200 different bird species, mammals, reptiles and amphibians, it is the perfect sanctuary for all. The easygoing trail that winds through the sanctuary is full of life and surrounded by many different tree species. In addition to the living sanctuary, the area is also a historically important location for the Houston Audubon Chapter, which helped Edith L. Moore turn her log cabin home into a nature sanctuary.
Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary
440 Wilchester BlvdPeace and quiet are no strangers to Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary. Home to 200 different bird species, mammals, reptiles and amphibians, it is the perfect sanctuary for all. The easygoing trail that winds through the sanctuary is full of life and surrounded by many different tree species. In addition to the living sanctuary, the area is also a historically important location for the Houston Audubon Chapter, which helped Edith L. Moore turn her log cabin home into a nature sanctuary.
The nationally recognized Mercer Botanic Gardens is a feast of beautiful colors and smells. The site is a designated Center for Plant Conservation. It has the most native and cultivated plants in the Houston area. The grounds are carefully maintained by an entire team of botanists and gardeners who are available to share their knowledge with you. Take the time to enjoy the floral displays, native Texas plants, camellias, camphor daisies, and countless other gorgeous flora and fauna
40 personas locales recomiendan
Jardines Botánicos Mercer
22306 Aldine Westfield RdThe nationally recognized Mercer Botanic Gardens is a feast of beautiful colors and smells. The site is a designated Center for Plant Conservation. It has the most native and cultivated plants in the Houston area. The grounds are carefully maintained by an entire team of botanists and gardeners who are available to share their knowledge with you. Take the time to enjoy the floral displays, native Texas plants, camellias, camphor daisies, and countless other gorgeous flora and fauna
Best Spas
FACE FOUNDRIÉ is now open in Plaza in the Park at 5152 Buffalo Speedway. Founder and CEO Michele Henry opened FACE FOUNDRIÉ in 2019 with walk-in service accommodations for an array of beauty and facial services, including lash extensions and facial waxing. She was determined to build the bridge to accessible and approachable skin care, per the website. Houstonians can select from a variety of results-driven 20- or 40-minute facials with the ability to customize with enhancements like facial cupping, collagen eye mask, jelly mask and more. Affordable membership options are also available.
FACE FOUNDRIÉ - Houston
5152 Buffalo SpeedwayFACE FOUNDRIÉ is now open in Plaza in the Park at 5152 Buffalo Speedway. Founder and CEO Michele Henry opened FACE FOUNDRIÉ in 2019 with walk-in service accommodations for an array of beauty and facial services, including lash extensions and facial waxing. She was determined to build the bridge to accessible and approachable skin care, per the website. Houstonians can select from a variety of results-driven 20- or 40-minute facials with the ability to customize with enhancements like facial cupping, collagen eye mask, jelly mask and more. Affordable membership options are also available.
Houston’s first Yon-Ka Paris spa treatments are exclusively available at the Forbes five-star Post Oak Hotel Spa. The Yon-Ka treatments and rituals were custom-created for Tilman Fertitta’s award-winning, premiere hotel.
9 personas locales recomiendan
The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston
1600 W Loop SHouston’s first Yon-Ka Paris spa treatments are exclusively available at the Forbes five-star Post Oak Hotel Spa. The Yon-Ka treatments and rituals were custom-created for Tilman Fertitta’s award-winning, premiere hotel.
Lymphatic drainage massages are all the rage lately. They’re not new to the wellness industry, but they have quickly become a favorite for detoxing and moving fluid out of the tissues and into lymph nodes. Per the company’s website, The Tox Technique is a unique blend of body work that works directly with the lymphatic and digestive systems to detoxify the body and mind.
The Tox Houston Uptown
1700 Post Oak BoulevardLymphatic drainage massages are all the rage lately. They’re not new to the wellness industry, but they have quickly become a favorite for detoxing and moving fluid out of the tissues and into lymph nodes. Per the company’s website, The Tox Technique is a unique blend of body work that works directly with the lymphatic and digestive systems to detoxify the body and mind.
Once settled at the Trellis Spa sanctuary, guests will never want to leave. The peaceful lodge inside the Houstonian Hotel offers an outdoor oasis with a soaking pool and garden, a tranquility room to retreat to before and after spa treatments, and exquisite meals. The health-focused menu is prepared and curated by Houstonian Executive Chef Neal Cox. Indulge in a calming experience with Trellis’ wonderful array of treatments such as the Citrus Drench or CBD Massage.
9 personas locales recomiendan
Houstonian Trellis Spa
111 N Post Oak LnOnce settled at the Trellis Spa sanctuary, guests will never want to leave. The peaceful lodge inside the Houstonian Hotel offers an outdoor oasis with a soaking pool and garden, a tranquility room to retreat to before and after spa treatments, and exquisite meals. The health-focused menu is prepared and curated by Houstonian Executive Chef Neal Cox. Indulge in a calming experience with Trellis’ wonderful array of treatments such as the Citrus Drench or CBD Massage.
Visit the Omni Houston Hotel for some much-needed pampering in a time crunch. The Mokara Spa will instantaneously refresh the mind, body and spirit with relaxation rituals lasting under an hour. The iconic Deluxe Renewal Facial and Sole Therapy Massage help balance the body with acupuncture, antioxidants and organic fruits, quenching your skin’s thirst for relaxation. Mokara also offers a Mother to Be Massage to soothe and moisturize the body as new moms enter their second or third trimester
Mokara Spa
4 RiverwayVisit the Omni Houston Hotel for some much-needed pampering in a time crunch. The Mokara Spa will instantaneously refresh the mind, body and spirit with relaxation rituals lasting under an hour. The iconic Deluxe Renewal Facial and Sole Therapy Massage help balance the body with acupuncture, antioxidants and organic fruits, quenching your skin’s thirst for relaxation. Mokara also offers a Mother to Be Massage to soothe and moisturize the body as new moms enter their second or third trimester
The famous Four Seasons Hotel is a lavishly classic staple worth more than just staying cooped up in a suite. The in-house spa creates a serene space to unwind and recover through massage therapy or an herbal facial. Start your visit by detoxifying with the Plant Assisted Facial and end with a soak of hydration from the Winter Glow Body Scrub. Your body will feel rejuvenated, moisturized and ready to take on the day.
Four Seasons Hotel Houston
The famous Four Seasons Hotel is a lavishly classic staple worth more than just staying cooped up in a suite. The in-house spa creates a serene space to unwind and recover through massage therapy or an herbal facial. Start your visit by detoxifying with the Plant Assisted Facial and end with a soak of hydration from the Winter Glow Body Scrub. Your body will feel rejuvenated, moisturized and ready to take on the day.
Best Salads
Chef Hugo Ortega may be known for the bold Mexican flavors he turns out down the road at Hugo’s, but he also has an excellent command of seasonal American fare. Settle in at this classic Houston café and try his roasted pear salad spiked with blue cheese, dried fruit and nuts, or his fried green tomatoes over arugula, portobello mushrooms and pecans.
62 personas locales recomiendan
Backstreet Cafe
1103 S Shepherd DrChef Hugo Ortega may be known for the bold Mexican flavors he turns out down the road at Hugo’s, but he also has an excellent command of seasonal American fare. Settle in at this classic Houston café and try his roasted pear salad spiked with blue cheese, dried fruit and nuts, or his fried green tomatoes over arugula, portobello mushrooms and pecans.
This gem, nestled next to the gift shop at the Menil Collection in Montrose, offers eight different salad choices, all of which include the option to add a protein such as chicken, tuna or a crab cake. The kale-and-quinoa salad with goat cheese is a popular selection, but we love the more idiosyncratic zucchini salad with Parmesan and pancetta.
23 personas locales recomiendan
Bistro Menil
1513 W Alabama StThis gem, nestled next to the gift shop at the Menil Collection in Montrose, offers eight different salad choices, all of which include the option to add a protein such as chicken, tuna or a crab cake. The kale-and-quinoa salad with goat cheese is a popular selection, but we love the more idiosyncratic zucchini salad with Parmesan and pancetta.
The fresh fruits and vegetables served here are grown in the restaurant’s own garden, enabling the kitchen staff to create a long list of unique salad blends. The menu changes daily, but spring may be the best time to dig into a dish of homegrown lettuce, herbs and lemon. Additions often include chiles, house-made croutons and avocado.
135 personas locales recomiendan
Coltivare Pizza & Garden
3320 White Oak DrThe fresh fruits and vegetables served here are grown in the restaurant’s own garden, enabling the kitchen staff to create a long list of unique salad blends. The menu changes daily, but spring may be the best time to dig into a dish of homegrown lettuce, herbs and lemon. Additions often include chiles, house-made croutons and avocado.
The menu here veers toward the healthy and locally driven, so it’s no surprise salads play a major role. Among the standouts: Brussels sprouts with quinoa, dried cherries and golden raisins, and a citrus-beet creation made with Texas fruit. Diverse protein options include turkey, shrimp and brisket.
89 personas locales recomiendan
Dish Society
1050 Yale StThe menu here veers toward the healthy and locally driven, so it’s no surprise salads play a major role. Among the standouts: Brussels sprouts with quinoa, dried cherries and golden raisins, and a citrus-beet creation made with Texas fruit. Diverse protein options include turkey, shrimp and brisket.
The ever-changing menu of salads here always incorporates fresh Texas ingredients. As the days get warmer, cool down with the tomato and cucumber salad served with spinach, arugula and pecans. The protein-rich vegan taco salad, made with kale, vegan “taco meat” and avocado, is a favorite among diners year-round.
33 personas locales recomiendan
Local Foods
2555 Kirby DrThe ever-changing menu of salads here always incorporates fresh Texas ingredients. As the days get warmer, cool down with the tomato and cucumber salad served with spinach, arugula and pecans. The protein-rich vegan taco salad, made with kale, vegan “taco meat” and avocado, is a favorite among diners year-round.
Speakeasies
While it may look like this cinema plays all of the old classics, there is only one feature presentation here: Juliet. Beyond its retro movie-theater façade, complete with a lit-up marquee, a ticket window, and a concession stand, Juliet is an upscale, modern American restaurant boasting old-Hollywood glam. Film stills adorn the walls; the movie-inspired menu sections off into Preview, Main Event, and Co-Stars; and instead of bread service, guests are given bowls of popcorn when they are seated. Curated by beverage experts Ladies of Libation, the cocktail program features dreamy drinks worthy of a photo. And save room for the Credits: Juliet touts a spherical chocolate dessert with dulce de leche and bourbon caramel that will make you want to return for a sequel. Just please don’t ask when the film will be shown.
11 personas locales recomiendan
Juliet
5857 Westheimer RoadWhile it may look like this cinema plays all of the old classics, there is only one feature presentation here: Juliet. Beyond its retro movie-theater façade, complete with a lit-up marquee, a ticket window, and a concession stand, Juliet is an upscale, modern American restaurant boasting old-Hollywood glam. Film stills adorn the walls; the movie-inspired menu sections off into Preview, Main Event, and Co-Stars; and instead of bread service, guests are given bowls of popcorn when they are seated. Curated by beverage experts Ladies of Libation, the cocktail program features dreamy drinks worthy of a photo. And save room for the Credits: Juliet touts a spherical chocolate dessert with dulce de leche and bourbon caramel that will make you want to return for a sequel. Just please don’t ask when the film will be shown.
No need to double-check the address—if you pull up to Savoir in hopes of dining at Patton’s, you’ve reached your final destination. The intimate, 38-seat steakhouse is a true hideaway, located behind Savoir’s bar and through a speakeasy-style entrance. The high-end concept differs from its casual-chic counterpart in its Old World design and elevated steakhouse menu featuring prime cuts of steak and an extensive wine list. Guests can indulge in an elegant Waldorf salad, followed by a New York strip sourced from Colorado’s Gable Cattle Co. Dimly lit and romantic, the L-shaped space offers cozy corners in which to dine and an exclusive bar with six highly sought-after seats. While Patton’s is out of sight (in more ways than one), the restaurant serves as the Heights neighborhood’s only dedicated steakhouse, making it all the more enticing to seek out.
Patton's
1344 Yale StreetNo need to double-check the address—if you pull up to Savoir in hopes of dining at Patton’s, you’ve reached your final destination. The intimate, 38-seat steakhouse is a true hideaway, located behind Savoir’s bar and through a speakeasy-style entrance. The high-end concept differs from its casual-chic counterpart in its Old World design and elevated steakhouse menu featuring prime cuts of steak and an extensive wine list. Guests can indulge in an elegant Waldorf salad, followed by a New York strip sourced from Colorado’s Gable Cattle Co. Dimly lit and romantic, the L-shaped space offers cozy corners in which to dine and an exclusive bar with six highly sought-after seats. While Patton’s is out of sight (in more ways than one), the restaurant serves as the Heights neighborhood’s only dedicated steakhouse, making it all the more enticing to seek out.
Downtown’s posh Four Seasons Hotel houses two wonderful food-and-drink destinations: the lobby bar, Bayou & Bottle, and Toro Toro, helmed by celebrity chef Richard Sandoval. But it also boasts an ultra-exclusive cocktail bar tucked beyond a mock bookcase and completely hidden from guests. Bandista, the hotel’s new 20-seat bar, is an upscale speakeasy — one that requires a secret numerical code to enter. Once inside, patrons can experience the bar’s innovative cocktail program, including libations poured over dry ice and presented in vintage glassware. There are rare spirits, with pours priced as high as $8,000, and cocktails large enough for couples to share. A seat at the bar allows guests to witness all of the thoughtful prep that goes into crafting drinks, but the intimate space boasts a comfortable lounge area, affording dazzling nighttime views of the city. Bandista is reservation-only, with guests receiving a confirmation by text and instructions on where to meet to be escorted up.
Bandista
1300 Lamar StreetDowntown’s posh Four Seasons Hotel houses two wonderful food-and-drink destinations: the lobby bar, Bayou & Bottle, and Toro Toro, helmed by celebrity chef Richard Sandoval. But it also boasts an ultra-exclusive cocktail bar tucked beyond a mock bookcase and completely hidden from guests. Bandista, the hotel’s new 20-seat bar, is an upscale speakeasy — one that requires a secret numerical code to enter. Once inside, patrons can experience the bar’s innovative cocktail program, including libations poured over dry ice and presented in vintage glassware. There are rare spirits, with pours priced as high as $8,000, and cocktails large enough for couples to share. A seat at the bar allows guests to witness all of the thoughtful prep that goes into crafting drinks, but the intimate space boasts a comfortable lounge area, affording dazzling nighttime views of the city. Bandista is reservation-only, with guests receiving a confirmation by text and instructions on where to meet to be escorted up.
What appears to be a comic book store on the outside is an omakase-only dining experience in Uptown, appropriately named Hidden Omakase. The multicourse experience is precisely that: an experience from start to finish, and with only two seatings per night, it is one of the hottest chef-led dinners in town. Upon entering the front door, guests find themselves in a dining room anchored by a large, wraparound sushi bar with only 14 seats. In the center of the room, chef Niki Vongthong and her team of skilled sushi chefs prepare course after course, hand-delivering pieces of 11-day aged fish, Wagyu nigiri, noodle bowls, and more to each diner. The fixed menu leaves no room for changes or substitutions, but guests can choose from an entire a la carte menu of add-ons, including hand rolls and foie gras, should they be hungry for more.
Hidden Omakase
5353 West Alabama StreetWhat appears to be a comic book store on the outside is an omakase-only dining experience in Uptown, appropriately named Hidden Omakase. The multicourse experience is precisely that: an experience from start to finish, and with only two seatings per night, it is one of the hottest chef-led dinners in town. Upon entering the front door, guests find themselves in a dining room anchored by a large, wraparound sushi bar with only 14 seats. In the center of the room, chef Niki Vongthong and her team of skilled sushi chefs prepare course after course, hand-delivering pieces of 11-day aged fish, Wagyu nigiri, noodle bowls, and more to each diner. The fixed menu leaves no room for changes or substitutions, but guests can choose from an entire a la carte menu of add-ons, including hand rolls and foie gras, should they be hungry for more.
With only 10 seats inside a narrow, 400-square-foot space, Kanpai Club is one of the most exclusive drinking places in H-Town. Those in the know can access the bar through a shared door located inside Hando, its sister hand-roll restaurant, and partake of craft cocktails, martinis, sake, beer, and wine. As a perk of being right next door, guests can order many of Hando’s small plates, including Brussels sprouts, edamame, and Wagyu gyoza. Visitors looking for a nightcap can also score heartier eats like chicken karaage and curry fries from the late-night menu, served from 10 p.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday and 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
Kanpai Club
518 West 11th StreetWith only 10 seats inside a narrow, 400-square-foot space, Kanpai Club is one of the most exclusive drinking places in H-Town. Those in the know can access the bar through a shared door located inside Hando, its sister hand-roll restaurant, and partake of craft cocktails, martinis, sake, beer, and wine. As a perk of being right next door, guests can order many of Hando’s small plates, including Brussels sprouts, edamame, and Wagyu gyoza. Visitors looking for a nightcap can also score heartier eats like chicken karaage and curry fries from the late-night menu, served from 10 p.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday and 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
Nestled amid the lively bars along Washington Avenue is a pastry shop featuring glass cases stocked with macarons, cakes, and sugary concoctions. Upon further investigation, visitors will realize that there is much more to the innocent storefront beyond an unassuming pantry door. A large, dimly lit, speakeasy-style cocktail bar, Sugar Room, lies through the passage. The swanky bar with 1920s-inspired décor transports you to the Prohibition era, when hidden bars were more necessity than luxury. Head-turning cocktails are reason enough to linger around, but if you’re not a drinker, there is also hookah on the patio.
30 personas locales recomiendan
Sugar Room
5120 Washington AveNestled amid the lively bars along Washington Avenue is a pastry shop featuring glass cases stocked with macarons, cakes, and sugary concoctions. Upon further investigation, visitors will realize that there is much more to the innocent storefront beyond an unassuming pantry door. A large, dimly lit, speakeasy-style cocktail bar, Sugar Room, lies through the passage. The swanky bar with 1920s-inspired décor transports you to the Prohibition era, when hidden bars were more necessity than luxury. Head-turning cocktails are reason enough to linger around, but if you’re not a drinker, there is also hookah on the patio.