Things To Do in Houston
Saint Arnold Brewing Company (Food & Drink) - Craft Beer Brewery
Houston's oldest craft brewery and a beloved local institution. Tour the historic brewery, explore the beer garden, and raise a pint in true Texas fashion. Don't miss the Fancy Lawnmower (a crisp, refreshing Kölsch) or the Elissa IPA — two St. Arnold classics worth every sip.
The Gypsy Poet - Pizza (Food & Drinks)
A one-of-a-kind Midtown gem serving up handcrafted Neapolitan-style artisan pizza in a funky, intimate setting that doubles as a live music venue
The Rustic (Food & Drinks)
A lively Texas-style hangout in the heart of Uptown Houston with live music five days a week, a full bar, and crowd-pleasing American eats.
Grove Market & Provisions (Outdoors & Parks)
Counter-serve burgers, franks & such in a modern dining room with lakeside & shaded veranda setting. Nestled within Discovery Green and walking distance from the reception venue.
Buffalo Bayou Park (Outdoors & Parks) FREE
Scenic walking and biking trails right along the bayou.
Discovery Green (Outdoors & Parks) FREE
A vibrant 12-acre urban park right in the heart of downtown Houston and next to the venue. Free admission, live events, a lakeside walking trail, an amphitheater, and some of Houston's best people-watching. In mid-November, catch the opening of Ice at Discovery Green — an outdoor ice skating rink that's a Houston holiday tradition.
McGovern Centennial Gardens (Outdoors & Parks) FREE
A stunning eight-acre garden oasis tucked inside Hermann Park, featuring themed garden rooms, a rose garden, a 30-foot summit mount with sweeping views, and the Hawkins Sculpture Walk. Free admission and beautiful in November as the heat fades. A peaceful escape right in the heart of the city.
The Menil Collection (Arts & Culture) FREE
One of the finest private art museums in the world, and it's completely free. Set across a serene 30-acre campus in Houston's Montrose neighborhood, the Menil houses an extraordinary collection spanning Surrealism, tribal art, and minimalism. Don't miss the Cy Twombly Gallery and the iconic Rothko Chapel — a meditative space unlike anything you've ever experienced.
Truth BBQ (Food and Drinks) - Texas Style Barbeque - Currently Ranked Top 10 Best In Texas
Truth BBQ is currently ranked among the Top 10 BBQ joints in the entire state — no small feat in a state that takes its BBQ seriously. Brisket smoked for 18 hours on wood-burning offset smokers, fall-off-the-bone pork ribs, house-made jalapeño cheddar sausage, and scratch-made sides like corn pudding and mac & cheese that'll have you going back for seconds. This is a bucket-list meal. Get there early — they sell out every single day.
Juicy Box (Dessert) - Taiwanese Sweets
A Bellaire Blvd gem serving authentic Taiwanese desserts that are as comforting as they are unique. The red bean with rice ball soup is a warm, soul-satisfying classic and Jeff's personal favorite — you won't find anything quite like it anywhere else. Or cool down with the fresh fruit shaved ice with ice cream bowl. A one-of-a-kind sweet experience that's worth every bite.
San Dong Noodle & Dumpling House (Food) - Chinese Handpulled Noodles
Hand-pulled noodles done the right way. A Bellaire staple for authentic Chinese noodle dishes.
Phở Sapa (Food) - Vietnamese Noodles
A Bellaire Blvd staple for authentic Vietnamese pho done right. Rich, slow-simmered broth with the freshest ingredients and your choice of proteins — don't miss the Pho Dac Biet, loaded with rare steak, brisket, tendon, and meatballs.
Thim Hing Banh Mi (Food) - Vietnamese Sandwiches
A Bellaire Blvd hidden gem serving some of Houston's best Vietnamese bánh mì sandwiches. Crispy on the outside, pillowy on the inside, and loaded with flavor — don't miss the Thap Cam combination packed with grilled pork and shredded chicken. Most sandwiches are under $6. Cash only, so bring your wallet.
Blue Nile (Food) - Ethiopian
Houston's go-to for authentic Ethiopian cuisine since 1994. Dishes are served communally on spongy injera bread — a dining experience unlike anything else. Don't miss the Doro Wot, a rich and deeply spiced chicken stew, or the Beef Tibs for something bold and savory. End the meal with the traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony — roasted tableside with frankincense burning. Unforgettable.
Bún Bò Huế Đức Chương Midnite (Food) - Vietnamese Spicy Beef Noodle Soup
A Bellaire Blvd late-night institution specializing in one thing and doing it better than almost anyone — Bún Bò Huế, the spicy, lemongrass-infused Vietnamese beef noodle soup from the city of Huế. Rich, bold broth with tender beef, pork hock, and Vietnamese ham. Pair it with their signature nuoc mat green drink for the full experience. Simple menu, Small or Large bowl only.
Aria Suya Kitchen (Food) - Nigerian
Houston's premier destination for authentic Nigerian cuisine with a modern twist. The suya — smoky, boldly spiced grilled meat skewers — is the star of the show and an absolute must. Don't sleep on the Jollof rice, the Egusi soup, or the suya shrimp with plantains. A vibrant, flavorful experience that brings West African food culture straight to Houston.
Ding Tea (Dessert) - Taiwanese Tapioca Drinks
A beloved Taiwanese bubble tea chain that's been perfecting the craft since 2004, Bubble tea — also known as boba — is a Taiwanese drink made with tea, milk, and chewy tapioca pearls at the bottom. The perfect pit stop between meals on the Bellaire food corridor. Don't miss the Dalgona Milk Tea or the timeless Classic Oolong Tea with Boba — both are dangerously good.
Cyclone Anaya's Tex-Mex Kitchen (Food & Drinks) - TexMex
A Houston Tex-Mex institution and home of the Original Jumbo Margarita. Sizzling fajitas, housemade enchiladas, and chile con queso that'll keep you coming back. Lively atmosphere, strong drinks, and the kind of Tex-Mex that reminds you exactly where you are. A Houston staple worth every bite.
Ekko's Greek American Deli (Food) - Gyros
Don't let the gas station exterior fool you — Ekko's is a Houston hidden gem serving generous, made-from-scratch Greek classics. Home of Houston's best gyro sandwich — perfectly seasoned meat, fresh toppings, and homemade tzatziki all wrapped in warm pita. Unpretentious, affordable, and absolutely worth the stop.
Karbach Brewing Co. (Food & Drinks) - Craft Beer Brewery
One of Houston's most beloved craft breweries, producing over 100,000 barrels a year right in the heart of the city. Tour the brewery, grab a pint in the sprawling biergarten, and don't miss the Love Street Blonde — light, crisp, and dangerously easy to drink — or the bold Hopadillo IPA. Great food, cold beer, and pure Houston energy all under one roof.