H-town Favorites
Cullen Sculpture Garden, MFAH
Free sculpture garden at the MFAH campus, next to Glassell School of Art. Features pieces by Henri Matisse, Frank Stella, Ellsworth Kelly, and the stainless steel "Cloud Column" by artist Anish Kapoor, completed before his most famous work "The Bean" in Chicago. This piece anchors the Brown Foundation Plaza.
The Glassell School of Art Rooftop Terrace
Climb the steps to the top of the building for a panoramic view of the city!
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
Visit the website above for current and permanent exhibits, including Harry Bertoia: Echoes in Space and Good Times, which displays "The Sugar Shack", the painting which became a nationally celebrated icon when it was added to the end credits of the Good Times television series.
Broadacres Historic District
Stroll down the boulevard under century old oak trees on North Blvd and South Blvd in Broadacres Historic District to view the charming historic homes and neighborhood! For more information, visit the website above and search "Broadacres".
Hermann Park
Walk the path through and around the park. See the website for a map.
Houston Zoo
Visit our amazing zoo during the day, or Zoo Lights during the holidays at night! See website for tickets! Advanced purchase recommended.
Rice University
Walk the 3 mile gravel path which loops around the campus to see the beautiful scenery and nearby homes.
Houston Museum of Natural Science
See the dinosaurs or experience the butterflies!
River Oaks Christmas Lights
Tour the Christmas Lights throughout this historic neighborhood while viewing the magnificent homes!
The Menil Collection (& Rothko Chapel)
Designed by Renzo Piano Building Workshop and houses Dominique and John de Menil's collection of over 10,000 works spanning ancient, African, and surrealist modern art. Free to visit.
Shop Rice Village
Shop the local boutiques! Free 2 hour parking in the garage.
Shop Heights Mercantile
A hip retail and restaurant development which includes a mix of national and local shops, some housed in restored bungalows. Forth and Nomad is designed to reflect the heartbeat of this neighborhood, which is renowned for its support of local brands and businesses. and is merchandised like a mini gallery. Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott is a boutique with elevated western wear and jewelry. Download the parking ap--the first 2 hours are free!
Shop M-K-T
Michael Hsu Office of Architecture designed space for creatives! Original boutiques such as The Doll House, Chloe Dao & Buckle Bunny Hat Bar.
Shop Montrose Collective
A creative canvas in the heart of Houston's most culturally eclectic neighborhood. Shops include The Real Real & Reformation. Paid parking in the garage.
Shop Highland Village
From Anthropologie to Brandy Melville and Madewell to Johnny Was, plus Crate & Barrel, Restoration Hardware and Design Within Reach.
Shop River Oaks District
Luxury Boutiques such as Dior, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Carolina Herrera, Zimmermann, LoveShackFancy, Alice & Olivia Pucci, Cynthia Rowley, Frame, Hermes....and a favorite boutique, Saint Bernard!
Shop The Galleria
Flagship stores include Neiman Marcus, Saks, Nordstrom, Macy's and a huge Dillard's!
Shop River Oaks Shopping Center
Sur La Table, The Style Concierge, White House/Black Market, Hemline & French Cuff Boutique, Ballard Designs and Barnes & Noble....
Shop Kuhl-Linscomb
A lifestyle store which covers nearly 3 city blocks!
Shop along Westheimer
If you can find a place to park, walk up or down the block to visit Hi-Lo Vintage & Leopard Lounge plus other unique boutiques.
Brunch at Tiny Boxwoods
In addition to eating in the charming cottage, visit the Stone House and Garden for boutique shopping for home and garden!
Brunch at Common Bond
Beautiful pastries and desserts!
Brunch at Monarch
Sit on the patio under the strung lights at Hotel Zaza and enjoy a tasty meal or cocktail!
Brunch at Local Foods
Seasonal chef-driven menu using local ingredients from nearby farms.
Brunch at CasaEma
Unusual pastries/unusual combinations in this award-winning eatery
Brunch at Badolina Bakery & Cafe
Great pastries!
Brunch at Melange Crêperie
Creative and Delicious Crepes!
Brunch at Lucille's
Great Southern Cuisine!
Brunch at State of Grace
Sit in the oyster room for their lavage and oysters with bubbly!
Brunch at Hugo's
The BEST Sunday buffet!
Dine at Rosie Cannonball
Great apps, pasta and wood-fired pizza and meats. Especially great bolognese.
Dine at Candente
Same owners as The Pit Room barbeque--they use the fat drippings in the tortillas and beans! Great cheese enchiladas!
Dine at Pappas Bros. Steakhouse
The BEST steakhouse in Houston!
Dine at Handies Douzo
Tasty and creative handrolls, sashimi, crudo....cocktails.
Dine at Hamsa
Modern Israeli Cuisine
Dine at The Pit Room
Great BBQ!
Dine at Trill Burgers
Co-founded by Houston rap legend Bun B. These smashburgers won "Best Burger in America" from "Good Morning America" in 2022.
Dine at Perseid
Next to the swanky Augustine Lounge. Michelin 2025 Recommended. Great brunch too!
Dine at Doris Metropolitan
Israeli Steakhouse. The best seat is at the bar during happy hour! Order from the happy hour menu.
Dine at Tacos A-Go-Go Midtown
Houston Grunge. We love the brisket or shrimp taco!
Dine at Pie Tap
The dough rises for 96 hours and is made from a starter that is OLD. Great pizza crust but also salads and pastas....
Dine at Pondicheri
Indian food fusion and with a twist! Delicious desserts in their dessert lab.
Dine at Pizzana
Great pizza & pasta. Try the Caesar Salad too!
Dine at Loro Asian Smokehouse & Bar
The Far East meets Down South. Asian Smokehouse and bar with boozy slushees, craft beer and batch cocktails. Live music on Fridays 5-7pm.
Dine at Urbe
Hugo's more relaxed cousin! Flavors of Mexico.
Dine at Maximo
In the Michelin Guide for 2025. Try the mushroom taco!
Dine at Goode Company Armadillo Palace
Live music often! Quintessential Texas--a dance hall, two bars, three stages and a kitchen serving indoors and out.
Dine at Uchi Houston
Great sushi and drinks!
Dine at Nonno's
Interesting pizza place with a cool vibe!
Dine at Coastline Pizzeria
Great pizza and aps and cocktails! Try the meatballs.
Drink Coffee at Un Caffe
The BEST espresso in town!
Drink at Anvil
Inventive cocktails!
Drink at 13 celsius
Cool ambiance. Great wine list and cheese/meat selection.
Drink at Saint Arnold Brewing Company
One of the first to start the craft beer movement. Great bar food too!
Drink at Augustine Lounge
Swanky lounge for cocktails!
Dessert at Milk + Sugar
Homemade ice cream + inventive flavors, dairy free options too!
Dessert at Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams
Fun flavors!
Dessert at Milk & Cookies
Delicious chocolate chip cookies, ice cream & other treats!
Dessert at Amy's Ice Creams
We love the Mexican Vanilla!
Dessert at Crave Cupcakes
Love the Red Velvet!
Quick Salad/Snack at Bread Zeppelin Salads Elevated
Creative salads either in a bowl or a hollowed out toasted fresh-baked loaf from a local bakery.
