There’s much to sadly shake your head at in Pan, a sort of Peter Pan Begins that manages the unlikely feat of making battles between flying pirate ships a crushing bore. Most miserably, there’s the great heap of action set pieces that are easier to wait out than to track…
You’d have to be a monster not to be sniffling by the end of Peter Sollett’s Freeheld, a weepy/rousing retelling of real-life gay-rights triumph that serves as a helpful reminder that the dark ages were just, like, ten years ago. It’s love that lights up that darkness, of course, and…
The death of izakaya Goro & Gun was sad, but it made way for new life in the form of an innovative bar. Moving Sidewalk (run by Goro’s former bar manager, Alex Gregg) initially received a lot of attention for creating nitro-frozen cocktails, some of which were designed to change…
This laid-back, family-owned neighborhood bar in the Heights features a nice little patio out front that local food trucks come and visit so you can get some grub; venture a few steps inside and get some craft beers or excellent signature cocktails to wash your food selections down with. There…
Cezanne is such a self-contained little island within the Houston music scene that it’s sometimes easy to forget it’s not a private club. But there it is, sitting atop ivy-covered Montrose pub the Black Labrador, open to all every weekend. Besides its movie-worthy aesthetic surroundings — a better date-night spot…
International literary stars Salman Rushdie and Sandra Cisneros are two of the nine noted authors appearing at the 2015/2016 Inprint Margarett Root Brown Reading Series. Houston-based Mat Johnson, who many believe is destined for the same level of success, is on that list. The series has hosted 56 Pulitzer Prize…
Tony’s is just as serious about its pasta quality as it is about everything else. “All Pasta Made by Hand In House” proclaims the menu. The question is not whether to have pasta. The question is which pasta to have. Shall it be the pillow-like pansoti filled with squash and…
This sister cafe to CityCentre’s Sweet Bakery is the kind of place you want to hang around all day. Maybe that’s because you really can hang around all day. Open from morning till midnight, the sprawling eatery hits that sweet spot between coffee shop, bakery and full-fledged restaurant. Sink into…
Andes Café is both understated and ambitious. It’s a simple place with no fancy designer furnishings. The ambition is on the menu. Let it not be said that chef David Guerrero does anything halfway. The dishes come from seven different South American countries: Guerrero’s native Ecuador as well as Peru,…
In the few short years since Local Foods opened, its name has become synonymous with excellent sandwiches in Houston. Under Dylan Murray’s stewardship, the fast-casual concept offers a range of gourmet sandwiches that go a step above the traditional deli version or something Mom might make at home. Specialty breads…
Super-crispy, golden duck skin with all the fat rendered, with hoisin sauce and shaved chives on the side: When you want a no-fail Peking duck experience in Houston, Fung’s Kitchen is where it’s at. A specialty that’s available every day at this spacious Cantonese restaurant, the Peking duck is a point…
Perched on a quiet corner on Heights Boulevard, Revival Market is that local farm-to-market restaurant that makes you glad you live in the neighborhood. Serving up breakfast, lunch and dinner, though the market itself has shrunk to a few select shelves and a cold case, Revival is now what we…
After making barbecue for years under the Baker’s Ribs franchise, Russell Roegels noticed that Houston barbecue was changing. He closely examined what up-and-comers like Aaron Franklin of Franklin Barbecue in Austin were preaching, and attended Barbecue Camp at A&M. He returned to his Houston store, decided not to renew the franchise agreement…
Finding a great auto mechanic can be like stumbling across a winning lottery ticket blowing across a parking lot. There are plenty of “good” mechanics across the Houston area, but Bruno Vazquez at Bayon Auto Service in the Heights has consistently gone the extra mile for customers who aren’t put…
For mysterious reasons, Houston’s municipal pound — BARC — only accepted animal fosters who lived in the city’s limits. But in 2015, BARC expanded the boundaries to 15 miles outside those limits, and we couldn’t be happier. Houston is blessed with so many people willing to offer their time —…
The word “bartender” doesn’t do Lainey Collum justice. She’s more of a Mixology Mastermind; a Tincture Titan; a Cocktail Queen. With ninja-like skills and a seriously impressive résumé — including stints at The Hay Merchant, Double Trouble and Provisions — her knowledge of all things beverage is unparalleled. Today, you’ll…
There are fancier dog parks around, with manicured lawns fit for bougie poodles. And then there’s this sucker, a sprawling expanse that’s actually built to give your dog room to be a dog. Split into small- and large-dog areas, the park features man-made ponds with clean water, as well as…
The beaches near Houston often undeservedly get a bad rap. Houstonians have plenty of great choices for sun and surf, but the one that stands out is Galveston’s East Beach, a good stretch of coastline that offers both free and pay parking, access to bathrooms and outdoor showers, and occasional…
Okay, so you can catch the latest blow-’em-up blockbuster at any of dozens of movie theaters around town. Why pick one over the other? Parking? Prices? Popcorn? All those things are important, sure, but Alamo Drafthouse Cinema — Vintage Park takes our Best Movie Theater award because of its super-special…
From script to sugar skulls, hearts to portraits, and yes, roses and anchors, your best bet for that amazing body ink is Rose & Anchor Tattoo. Husband-and-wife team Erik and Victoria Del Rio take pride in their award-winning work, with more than 20 years of combined tattooing experience between them…
Classic comfort foods get a refresh at this hot Washington Ave bistro-market hybrid. The energized, urban vibe of the exposed brick and art-filled space makes its way into the menu through things like duck fat camper’s hash, buttermilk beignets and fried chicken, and “3 Pig” truffled mac and cheese —…
According to D&T Drive Inn’s web site, until 1959 it was an actual icehouse, a place that stored and sold blocks of ice until in-home freezers became viable options. When a Mrs. McKeehan bought the place, she named it after her sons, Dan and Ted. Today, D&T sports more than…
In the Dun Huang Plaza off Bellaire Boulevard near Beltway 8, big, flashy neon signs are the rule rather than the exception. In the midst of it all sits Houston’s best ramen house, and it’s almost as invisible as Platform 9 3/4 from the Harry Potter books. The name in…
This food truck turned lil’ green brick-and-mortar boasts an all-star lineup of plant-based eats and refreshing juices that won’t have you missing meat and dairy. Take the “cheesesteak,” for example. Beefy portobello mushrooms are earthy and rich, caramelized onions add a wonderful buttery flavor, and vegan cheddar packs a hint…
Killen’s Barbecue in Pearland still is the one to beat, but you don’t have to take our word for it. In June 2015, Food Network named Killen’s the second-best barbecue joint in America. (The Bar-B-Q Shop in Memphis took the top spot.) It’s not just that Killen’s puts out competition-level…
Named after the family matriarch, Lupe Garcia, Lupitas in Sugar Land is the quintessential family-run Tex-Mex restaurant that we all wish we had in our neighborhood. The food here is not your mass-produced chain-restaurant food. You can taste the difference immediately in the freshness of the various dishes, which are…
In Houston, the name “Himalaya” has become synonymous with the best in Pakistani fare. A great deal of that success is due to Kaiser and Azra Lashkari’s tireless efforts, which started back in 1993. That was when they opened their first restaurant, a tiny affair with only six seats. These…
There are many dishes that North Italia does well, but the restaurant puts in the effort and creative thought to make sure even its salads really hit the spot. The seasonal vegetable version is lightly dressed in a sherry vinaigrette, balanced with toothsome farro and quinoa and adorned with delicate…
Fake risottos abound in Houston. So many restaurants put something on the menu called “risotto” that ends up being just rice cooked in broth with some cream thrown in. Good risotto starts with using the correct rice, like short-grained Arborio from Italy. Mascalzone, thankfully, understands this. As a result, its…
The feeling you get when walking into a barber shop shouldn’t be the fear of getting another bad cut. You can definitely put your anxiety aside with the staff at Cutthroat Barbers. They specialize in straight razor shaves and fades. Need a beard trim? They’ve got the warm towel prepped…
Houston has a fair number of historic cemeteries. One of the oldest is Washington Cemetery (its rather modest entrance is on Washington). Started in 1875, the then Deutsche Gesellschaft von Houston was outside the city limits. Today it’s just a few short blocks west of downtown. There was a name…
There are malls, and then there’s the leviathan otherwise known as The Galleria. Developer Gerald Hines started planning the indoor mall back in the 1960s, and he drew on the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a shopping arcade in Milan, Italy, as inspiration for his shopping extravaganza. The result was The…
We like to buy all our major holiday gifts here, be it a foxtail butt-plug (faux fur, of course — we wouldn’t want to feel guilty) for Uncle Walt, a satin-and-lace bustier for Grandma or a hot pink silicone vibrating dong dildo for the office Secret Santa exchange. Point is,…
In the sports world, there are certain high-profile symbiotic relationships, partnerships that feed off one another — coach and player, general manager and owner. But perhaps the most underrated is the relationship between a team, its fans and its public address announcer. John Paul Stevenson, the Houston Rockets’ PA guy,…
The old downtown YMCA was a dark, dank relic of 1930s physical fitness, but the Tellepsen Family Downtown YMCA is our go-to place when we want to hit the gym to burn off the beer calories. Replacing the historic building less than two blocks away, this YMCA opened in 2010,…
Somewhere along the radio dial, amid the bluster of conservative blowhards and guy-centric sports talk, is public radio. And while those words can be code for “liberal, hippie, elites” in a state like Texas, KUHF has managed to deliver the kind of legitimate local discussion so often missing from radio…
The Firehouse Saloon is so popular with its customers that it started booking private holiday parties in July. Owned by retired West University firefighter Tom Imber, the honky-tonk at 59 South and Fountain View is known for the pairs of cowboy boots suspended from the ceiling, the impressive collection of…
Life is too short to drink bad Bloody Marys. And if you’re going to get your morning boost through tomato juice and vodka, you may as well tack on a crispy and tender fried chicken wing and beer backer, right? The peppery Big Ol’ Bloody Mary at this packed-for-good-reason Heights…
Drive by Fitzgerald’s most weekend nights, and plenty of weeknights, and the line to get in often snakes out the door and around the corner, and sometimes around the block. It’s a pretty good sign that something great could be about to happen on one of the venue’s two stages…
A stellar Brazilian steakhouse may start with the quality of the meat, but to truly separate itself from the pack, it also needs to deliver when it comes to the salad bar and the service. Chama Gaúcha, located on Westheimer near The Galleria, succeeds in all three criteria. Want quality…
There are Sunday brunches, and then there’s the Sunday buffet brunch at Quattro at the Four Seasons Hotel Houston. The luxe affair takes place in Quattro’s shiny commercial kitchen, weaving its way into the main dining room so that guests can wander, discover, imbibe and linger. Starting with a pancake…
Celebrating its 50th year in the biz in 2015, Tony Vallone’s eponymous Tony’s is, without a doubt, Houston’s finest fine-dining establishment. From celebrities like Barbara Walters and Andrea Bocelli to Houston’s local elite and billionaires, this is the place to go when you want to experience the highest level of…
Anyone familiar with Deepak Doshi, or the story behind Doshi House in the Third Ward, gets a kind of fuzzy feeling about this place. In 2010, Doshi left his six-figure-income job to open up a cafe and community center, a place for people to come by for a cup of…
Be it a great hot dog, burger, chicken-fried oyster, foie gras mac and cheese, or braised and grilled beef belly, BRC Gastropub’s recipe for over-the-top comfort food is always eminently satisfying. Consequently, the chicken-fried steak, available on the menu as an “evening breakfast” or on the brunch menu in a…
Though pastry chef Roy Shvartzapel — who laid the groundwork for the Montrose cafe’s cult following — has since left to pursue other opportunities, you’re still likely to find a line at the door. And while you may be tempted to get everything on the pastry bar’s colorful lineup, you…
Mexico is not known for its wine (yet), so what’s a sommelier at a seafood-driven Mexican restaurant to do? Make new rules. Beverage director and sommelier Sean Beck went through the same challenge when developing the wine list at Hugo’s and brought that experience to bear when it was time…
Some pawn shops have a way of making you feel sad and creepy, about both the world and yourself. This is not one of them. Bellaire’s Money Mart is a big, bright, clean store with friendly, laid-back salespeople and a huge, organized inventory of jewelry, electronics, instruments, tools, handbags and…
Sadly not blessed with a sweet nickname like the “Disco Kroger” in Montrose, the behemoth at Buffalo Speedway and Westpark could nonetheless swallow that one for breakfast. This place is so big it deserves its own ZIP code, but the important thing about its size is it never feels crowded…
Whether you’re looking for the perfect protein shake or a particular vitamin supplement that your best friend swears will make you stop bruising like a peach, Total Nutrition in the Heights is the place to go. Unlike most places that just hand over the vitamins, the folks at Total Nutrition…
Carol’s doesn’t look like much on the outside, but it’s a place where clothing miracles are worked. You walk in with a dress your granny wore in the 1940s, 97 percent sure that there’s no way to fix it, and then the good tailors at Carol’s take over and with…
More and more people are getting wise to the fact that one of the best places to do some canoeing runs right through the center of Houston. Whenever we feel the need to get our hands on a canoe and do a little paddling on the water, we head straight…
Officially, the Sarofim Picnic Lawn is the dedicated space for picnicking at Discovery Green. But with almost 12 acres of cultivated gardens, lawns and promenades, not to mention a lake and a couple of fountains, there are lots and lots of choices as to where to spread your picnic blanket…
Jennifer Mathieu has the perfect combination of skill and curiosity every good writer needs. On top of that, she considers teens and young adults, who make up both her characters and her readers, “fascinating.” Mathieu’s first young-adult novel was The Truth About Alice; it examined the results of malicious gossip…
Part of the fun of drinking at this recently built, sleek downtown hotel is how many places you can do it. Drink at the long bar adjacent to restaurant Main Kitchen. Drink on one of the plush sofas and people-watch. The best way to drink here, though, is with a…
Houston is a fun city with a lot of options. Like sports? We’ve got pro teams galore — Astros, Rockets, Texans and the Dynamo (and now the Dash). Restaurants? Our city’s diversity is reflected in all the different types of cuisines we have here available all hours of the day…
Opened in 1982, Lola’s Depot, Houston’s ultimate dive bar, still counts among its loyal regulars people who have been hanging out there since the ’80s; in recent years the bar has had a resurgence as a whole new generation of thrill seekers has discovered the place thanks to social media…
Though the cash-only spot has been around awhile — in various forms since 1941, to be exact — this isn’t some tired cafeteria. The unassuming eatery brings in fresh farmers’ market produce daily and has an inhouse butcher. It isn’t your school cafeteria, either. Here, “hot lunch” means you’re getting…
Yes, you can get Pappas burgers at William P. Hobby Airport these days, but nothing beats the original location on Westheimer, located next to Pappas Bros. Steakhouse. Pappas burgers are made that much more delicious because the burgers are processed next door, so what you get is hand-formed patties made…
The almost nondescript exterior of this restaurant, located off the beaten path in a strip-mall setting, belies what waits inside: A welcoming, mom-and-pop gem where the mom is the waitress, the dad is the cook and the food is like your Japanese grandmother might make. It’s the reason why, on…
Moving into the posh digs at the new BLVD Place at the corner of Post Oak and San Felipe is Peska Seafood Culture, which has captivated Houstonians with its beautiful design as much as its novel concept: It’s both a restaurant and a seafood market, and fresh seafood is…
What started out as a brother and sister catering business has flourished and grown into Houston’s best Peruvian restaurant. Here is a place where you can experience the true essence of Peruvian cuisine. Chef Roberto Castre’s dishes shine with authenticity as well as artistry. His simple trio of three causas,…
It’s cool that Hubcap Grill has received national accolades, thereby putting one more feather in Houston’s cap. It’s great that owner Ricky Craig and his parents have tirelessly worked to grow from a tiny, cramped joint on Travis Street to locations in the Heights and Kemah, with a future airport…
After spending years as the bread purveyor of choice for Houston’s finer restaurants and retailers, baker Heath Wendell finally has a retail bake shop…
You’ve heard of a comedian’s comedian? An actor’s actor? Well, Dr. Melanie McKinnon is a chiropractor’s chiropractor. She counts several other chiropractors among her patients. A native Houstonian, McKinnon has been cracking bones for more than 25 years. She’s had special training in alternative pain care methods and neurology. (Dr…
It’s too bad that most people only know about this local law because of all the convoluted legal wrangling. It’s too bad that many people only know it as “The Bathroom Bill” and believe it was designed solely to give predators easy access to children. It’s too bad the Texas…
You’re coming to the rodeo anyway, and you’re probably in the mood: Why not pick up some new Western threads while you’re there? Within the vastness of NRG Center, an entire row of merchants like Cavender’s and Pinto Ranch set up tent-like structures whose inventory can’t quite compare to their…
It’s your wedding day and everything has to be perfect, right? Well, you can count on The SenterPiece to provide beautiful, affordable flower arrangements that capture your vision for the day. Like elaborate and elegant? The SenterPiece has you covered. Maybe you’re looking for simple and sensational. The SenterPiece has…
From a sheer analytical standpoint, it’s impossible to name anyone else on the Texans aside from J.J. Watt as the Best Houston Texan. After all, this past summer, his peers in the NFL named him the best football player on earth, with Watt taking home top honors in the NFL’s…
If there were ever a contest to name a Dynamo player, past or present, as the face of the franchise (“Mr. Dynamo,” if you will), with apologies to Brian Ching, it would have to be midfielder Brad Davis. An original member of the Dynamo since the team arrived in Houston…
The exhibit “Luis Jiménez: Prints, Drawings & Sculptures,” the first solo show for the artist since his death in 2006, was almost a decade in the making. Moody Gallery owner Betty Moody and her late husband, artist Bill Steffy, were friends with Jiménez, who died in a studio accident during…
On a basic level, Discovery Green is a fascinating place to people-watch because there’s so much going on around the park at any one time. Depending on the time of year, we’re talking festivals, music, ice skating, people playing with their dogs, people getting fancy photos taken, art installations, flea…
Ritzy Rice Village has an improbably rich history with the blues and R&B. Besides the Gallant Knight, a mainstay of live jazz and soul from the ’70s to the ’90s, the Big Easy celebrated its 20th anniversary last year and today sits at the epicenter of Houston’s very much alive…
KCOH’s sports director and Sports Rap host Ralph Cooper is a Houston institution. In 2010, the Houston Association of Black Journalists honored his 40 years in print and broadcast media with a lifetime achievement award, recognizing his work in the late 1960s for the Forward Times and Houston Post, on…
This messy burger-slinging truck already had good grades on its report card, but when it turned brick-and-mortar last year, the king of beef earned honor roll status. And with air conditioning, plenty of seating and an expanded menu featuring things like salad, poutine fries and boozy milkshakes, it’s the kind…
This intergalactic food truck has had quite the history in its five-year life span — it has been a food trailer, an ice cream truck and a duo brick-and-mortar/food-truck operation. Though the owners shut down their Montrose cafe earlier this year, that just means they can focus their culinary chops…
Walk into Cafe TH on any given day, and the tiny shop’s owner, Minh Nguyen, will be there to greet you with smiles and great service. To call it a neighborhood spot is almost a misnomer, because this is the kind of place that people will drive from all over…
Restaurants often forget one of the keys to bringing all the full, earthy flavors out of tomato-based salsa: Warm it up! El Real Tex-Mex never forgets, which is why diners may find themselves needing a salsa refill five minutes after they arrive. The other secret is fire-roasting tomatoes and jalapeños…
Walk into Pho Dien on a Saturday at 9 a.m., and you’ll undoubtedly have to put your name on a list to get a table. But not to worry; the wait won’t be too long. Pho Dien is the restaurant that Vietnamese know to frequent when they want a high-quality…
The Pass, the fine-dining side of The Pass & Provisions, puts on a show a few nights a week. There’s no singing and dancing, though. The show is quiet, and it’s on the plates. Special-occasion restaurants should be memorable, and The Pass always is. Dishes on the menu, which can…
It was cause for rejoicing to hear that one of Houston’s best-loved pizza joints was opening a second location on the border of Montrose and Midtown. Black-tiled, fire-breathing, twin monsters of pizza ovens stand guard in the kitchen. One crispy-edged Neapolitan pizza after another is rescued from these ovens on…
If you like to make noise with shoes and you want to do so in a place with other adults, then Tap Happy hits the spot. The adult tap dance studio started out as a single introductory class in 2008, but it has grown into a host of classes offered…
From the Wonky Power HQ on Navigation Boulevard, Mario Rodriguez is gradually showing Houston what the city sounds like in the 21st century. Rodriguez himself is a member of two of Houston’s most adventurous rock bands, Tax the Wolf and Satellite D’Homme; his other band, Bang Bangz, is the group…
There are places to buy running gear and then there’s Luke’s Locker, which takes that concept to a whole other level. We love this place because the staff is a crew of extremely cheerful and incredibly helpful running experts. They have all the gear you could possibly imagine and a…
Dogs are the absolute best, but sometimes we need a little help because, say, our furry friends have taken to barking all night long or shredding books to ribbons or trying to attack other dogs on sight. That’s where Donald Chambers comes in. Chambers is a certified dog trainer and…
Hermann Park was set up after George Hermann donated a tract of land to Houston to create the first city park in 1914. That initial gift of about 285 acres has since grown into a 445-acre site that features some of the best parts of Houston, all grouped together on…
The area behind the 100-year-old cabin that houses Rainbow Lodge is so lush and expansive, it’s like the patio to end all patios. There are multilevel decks and bridges that make the most of the abundant natural beauty, including a citrus grove and creek bed. The sophisticated wild game and…
Established in 1965, Griff’s claims to be Houston’s “oldest surviving sports bar,” which sounds right. One thing we know for sure: It’s our favorite sports bar. We attribute that in large part to the friendly neighborhood vibe, but there’s also the 22 TVs, every NFL game and a happy hour…
Texas Real Estate & Co. commissioned the Museum of Cultural Arts Houston to paint an outdoor mural on a wall of the company’s parking lot. Showing a stylized black-and-white portrait of Sam Houston accompanied by a silhouette of the Houston skyline against a blue sky, the mural has a simple…
Moody Gallery gets the nod for Best Art Gallery this year in part because of its well-received exhibition “Luis Jiménez: Prints, Drawings & Sculptures.” It was the first solo exhibition of the late Houston artist since his death. With it, gallery owner Betty Moody did what no one else had…
Wooster’s Garden is the definition of a clean, well-lit space. The front wall and ceiling are composed mainly of iron and glass, which lets in lots of sunlight. The aged, white-painted bricks of the back wall reflect it, filling the space with a natural glow. At night, wire framework lanterns…
This greasy spoon next to Canino’s Produce may be old school (you may get called “honey” or “darlin'”), but that just makes it taste all the better. The family-owned and operated diner has been keeping Houstonians happy and full since 1942. With new, self-proclaimed “comfort food” concepts popping up all…
The Viet-Cajun crawfish craze is as strong as ever in Houston, with many of the popular joints competing each year to get on the top lists. At the top of the pack this year? Cajun Kitchen. Not only is the quality top-notch (bigger, consistently good-size crawfish), but beyond the Cajun…
Tuesday is Steak Night at D&T Drive Inn and, with the backyard setting, it feels like a big family picnic — except the beer selection is much better. For $18 or $28, you get your choice of a ten-ounce sirloin or a 16-ounce rib eye, house salad and a baked…
On the strength of a weeklong visit to Houston to visit friends and family, Philippe Verpiand took the ultimate gamble in 2012, moving his family lock, stock and barrel from San Diego to Houston and opening the modest yet refined Etoile Cuisine et Bar in Uptown Park. It was a…
You wouldn’t expect to find the best Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches in Houston on Gessner in the Spring Branch area near the city’s Korean community, but that’s exactly what you get. Owned by Ronnie and Linda Nguyen, a young Vietnamese couple in their late twenties, the fast-casual cafe offers banh…
Tucked away within the unassuming facade of Culinary Institute LeNôtre is one of Houston’s best values in French dining. Kris Bistro, helmed by chef Kris Jakob, is staffed by aspiring culinary students both on the floor and in the kitchen. The net effect is earnest but not amateur, and everything…
When Cactus Music stops deserving to be called Houston’s best record store, we’ll stop doing it. In the past year or so, the vinyl stock at the Shepherd Plaza mainstay has probably doubled, reason enough to give them this year’s award. The frequent in-stores with free Saint Arnold’s you may…
Taking the vows traditionally has been reserved for churches and traditional wedding facilities. But if it’s something unique you crave for your special day, consider a trip to one of the most beautiful monuments to art deco architecture around, at the 1940 Air Terminal Museum. Literally the site of the…
Revival Market has become an important local stop for Houstonians seeking nose-to-tail cuts of beef, heritage breed pork, lamb and chicken, as well as occasionally available seasonal game meats. This is made possible largely by the skills of Revival’s head butcher and charcutier, Andrew Vaserfirer, who brings a passion for…
This being Texas, there’s not exactly a shortage of gun stores. But not all such stores are equal, and Full Armor distinguishes itself from the crowd with a massive selection of both new and used pistols, revolvers, rifles, shotguns and accessories, all at decent prices and with excellent customer service…
There are tons of races and fun runs happening in Houston’s cooler months, but the annual TXU Energy Houston Turkey Trot is the one we look forward to every year. It’s held on Thanksgiving morning near The Galleria, and participants can choose to trot in the Phillips 66 10k or…
The Nightingale Room is a small, intimate space with a good sound system that offers patrons the fun experience of choosing a vinyl record from the bar’s large collection of around 2,000 discs for the bartender on duty to play for them, or they can bring their own albums to…
Connor Walsh was just 21 years old when he was promoted to principal dancer with the Houston Ballet making him the youngest person ever to achieve that level with the company. He joined the company in 2004 as a member of the corps de ballet (that was the same year…
When we heard that one of our favorite adult film stars, Alexis Monroe — star of Buns of Anarchy 2 — was coming (heh) to Houston in August, we didn’t even have to ask where she’d be performing. Of course it would be Vivid, which is also scheduled to host…
KPFT is much more than a radio station: It’s a public forum, community bulletin board and a lifeline to those of us who are completely put off by what passes for commercial radio these days. (It’s got a great history, too, being firebombed by the KKK shortly after signing on…
Mat Johnson, University of Houston Creative Writing Program professor, has carved out a unique place in the American literary scene. He writes about the serious aspects of contemporary race relations, and he does it in hilarious prose. The New York Times Book Review compared Johnson’s latest release, Loving Day, to…
Inspired by the nostalgic decadence of the 1920s, this luxurious supper club sets the mood for a night at the theater. Lavishness is apparent the moment you step into the stunning chandelier-lit space, modeled after old-style American hotels and European cafes — but it comes even more alive when you…
When it comes to fajitas, the choices in Houston are abundant, but at the end of the day, the all-time winner for consistency and plain old deliciousness all around is, and always will be, The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation. It’s the reason why, at any given moment, Mama Ninfa’s original…
Houston’s west side has long deserved a noteworthy sushi spot, and now it finally has one. Diners should angle for seats at the sushi bar for a bird’s-eye view of chef Adison Lee and his staff diligently forming perfectly textured sushi rice into neat blocks and topping them with some…
Pizza is a personal thing for many people. The crust needs to be right, the toppings need to be fresh and varied, the cheese should be of high quality and the sauce should be made with the correct mixture of herbs with just enough zing to complete the…
Tucked away in the corner of a strip mall on Bellaire in Chinatown, One Dragon Restaurant is as unassuming as it is special. This one-room hole-in-the-wall with no more than ten tables is presided over by a husband and wife who barely speak English but whose mission is to…
Ask anyone what his neighborhood Montrose pick is, and Paulie’s will usually top the list. The casual, friendly, moderately priced counter-service Italian restaurant is the place to stop (it’s open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays) for sandwiches, pastries, cookies, coffee, salad or the daily comfort-food special (meat…
The store is packed to the doors with clothes, jewelry, hats and shoes that have somehow survived long enough from the ’20s, ’30s, ’40s, ’50s and on to end up in this gem of a place in the Heights. It’s basically a vintage mini-mall with different vendors offering up their…
Wine can be tricky. There are so many kinds and so many bottles of it, and let’s not even get into the question of whether it was a very good year. Sometimes you know exactly what you want and you can walk into a store and rattle off the name…
8th Dimension just keeps getting bigger and better. The store is moving to a new location across the street from the old one (opening August 26) that expands the retail space and opens up 8th Dimension’s gaming/event area to more than three times the original size. The store continues to…
This Sears is awesome for all kinds of reasons. Back when the place opened in 1939, it was a huge deal around here because this $1 million Sears was the first to open in Houston. On top of that, the department store featured the first escalator in Texas, and was…
The Gulf Coast boasts an abundance of nature areas but few are as varied in geography and history as Galveston Island State Park. There’s a low $5 entrance fee and, once inside, visitors have a choice of Karankawa Reef (the story goes that the Karankawa indians could wade on the…
Lynn Lane is a master at photographing performing artists, dancers in particular. No trick shots, mind you. With just their athletic artistry and his creative vision, he’s done some of the most stunning dancer portraits we’ve seen in the city. When he isn’t busy shooting around town, he’s teaching photography…
With the recent Supreme Court ruling making same-sex marriage legal in all 50 states, it’s important to recognize and appreciate the history and importance of early Houston gay bars like The Ripcord, which opened back in 1980, when our city was not as tolerant toward the LGBT community as it…
By only opening her mouth, Moji Abiola echoes some of the greatest music of the past while pushing her eponymous trio in bold new directions. Abiola and her bandmates, David Garcia (drums) and Troy Creagh (guitar), have hardly been together a calendar year, but already there’s no other group in…
There’s an irony that in Space City, it’s so hard to see the stars some nights. We still have the moon, for now at least, and we’ve got indie-rock group Race to the Moon to remind us of the heavens every time we see their name. Race to the Moon…
There are certainly a whole lot of contenders for this action-packed category, but Midtown’s newest cocktail and beer garden has a dedication to excellence that shines through. With 49 craft beers on tap, a rotating selection of around 40 inventive cocktails, and a wine and spirit list to rival that…
This West U eatery may have started out as the younger, more casual sister of Coppa, but when its big brother closed, the Italian resto continued to shine bright on its own. With a glass-windowed “dough room,” modern, candlelit dining space, and walk-up pizza window, there’s something for everyone in…
When you want a good Indian food experience in Houston, you head to the Little India area off Hillcroft. When you want a superlative Indian food experience, you head to Kiran’s, whose chef and owner is Kiran Verma. It’s there that you’ll experience Indian food on par with the best…
Urban Harvest’s attitude is the epitome of local pride. Every Saturday, they set up the Eastside Farmers Market to celebrate local farmers and restaurants, small businesses and charities, and pretty much the entire Houston community through a beautiful bounty of fresh products and artisan goods. Along with a happy-to-be-up-this-early crowd,…
There’s a reason the owners of Cousins Maine Lobster walked away with a $55K cash infusion from the hit television show Shark Tank. Their products — traditional lobster rolls, lobster quesadillas, tater tots and a lobster bisque — are just plain delicious. The Los Angeles-based food truck expanded to Houston…
Don’t drive past this modest Independence Heights eatery without stopping in for a plate full of rib-sticking, soulful Cajun fare. The brothy bowls of chicken and sausage gumbo have a hot pepper bite, and the shrimp and crawfish étouffée is thick and bright with cayenne. The red beans cook for…
The most fanciful sundaes are to be found at Cloud 10 Creamery. That’s thanks to chef Chris Leung’s creativity as well as the experience he gained at acclaimed restaurants like Bootsie’s and Kata Robata, among other places. There’s a seasonal sensibility at work here. Flavor combinations change right along with…
According to the Briar Shoppe website, this Houston institution was born from a $500 loan from legendary Texas attorney Richard “Racehorse” Haynes to single mother Alice Amason, who had trouble getting a loan to open a tobacco shop because, bless her heart, the poor thing didn’t understand it was a…
If you hadn’t noticed, Houston has more than its fair share of homeless dogs and cats, and area shelters are generally overcrowded. The biggest weapon we have in the fight against an ever-increasing stray population is the ol’ snip-snip sterilization. And earlier this year, the Austin-based Emancipet came to Houston’s…
Whenever we see the “Hi Cleaners” sign, we like to say “hi” back. And wave. Yes, we realize it’s dorky, but we can’t help getting a lift in spirits, because it’s a sign (literally) of quality and dependability. We hope the day never comes when we get oil, grass stains…
Whether you’re a new rider, a casual rider or king of the mountain on every Strava segment you’ve traveled, Blue Line Bike Lab is our choice for Best Bike Shop. Not exactly sure what you want? Blue Line Bike Lab offers excellent advice for your next whip, and keeps the…
A few weeks after the All-Star break, Carlos Correa was leading the Astros in hits, home runs and RBIs since being called up in early June, and already drawing comparisons to A-Rod for his play at shortstop. The 20-year-old rookie had drawn the attention of The New York Times for…
The West End has a massive patio that can seat more than 400 people, making it a good spot for after-work get-togethers and parties; the clientele is made up largely of young professionals and business people who work in the Galleria area. The bar food menu is extensive, so you…
In the past year, the Houston Museum of Natural Science has featured exhibits about a lost Chinese civilization, incredible nature photography, samurai warriors and one-of-a-kind jeweled creations from one of the most famous design houses in history. That’s in addition to all of its permanent exhibits on ancient Egypt, Texas…
Monday is “Geeks Who Drink Trivia and Steak Night” at this unabashedly nerdy bar, and Sunday is “Magic The Gathering.” Truth be told, though, there are games every day at Neil’s Bahr, because the space abounds with them. There are stacks of board and card games in the various lounge…
Stanton Welch, artistic director for the Houston Ballet, created an important new work for last season, a new Romeo and Juliet. (For the last 28 years the company has been performing a production created by Ben Stevenson.) Bringing a fresh take on the classic romance, Welch found a lovely mix…
The competition for Best Film Festival is always fierce. Between the dozens of themed festivals including the Indian Film Festival of Houston, which hosts dozens of exciting contemporary Indian filmmakers every year, and Latin Wave, which brings in provocative, cutting-edge Latin American filmmakers; a half-dozen superior micro-cinemas in town; Rice…
This classic taco truck doesn’t include the word “caliente” in its moniker by accident. The house-made salsas — both roja and verde — are tongue-scorching in the best kind of way. Drizzle a little of each over freshly made corn tortillas stuffed with brick-red pastor, melt-in-your-mouth barbacoa, and the richest,…
Blacksmith has become the morning hub for sommeliers, bartenders, restaurant owners, chefs and, yes, food writers. It’s like the taverns of old, but without the booze. Instead, its regular customers start coming in at 7 a.m. for caffeinated elixirs and conversation. The baristas use coffee beans roasted in small batches…
Pork ribs were all the rage during the past two decades. For a while, it seemed as if baby back ribs were on every other menu. Now, beef ribs are king again. They owe their newfound popularity in the greater Houston area largely to Ronnie Killen of Killen’s Barbecue. These…
Tucked away on the side of the road off Longpoint near Gessner is this small, humble, mom-and-pop Korean restaurant called Korean Noodle House. Walk up a wooden plank to the yellow-painted facade and you are immediately greeted when you enter. Service is friendly, and laminated menus offer Korean language on…
There is no dearth of steakhouses in Houston, but for a quintessentially local experience that couples the finest meat with delicious sides and impeccable service, you’ve got to give it to Killen’s Steakhouse. Under the direction of newly named executive chef Joe Cervantez, the restaurant founded by Ronnie Killen is…
Right off the bat, Karbach Brewing Co. smartly ensured its beer was packaged and distributed even to Houston suburbs. It was a strategic business move that helped the company quickly establish a customer base — and a fan base. Consistency in brewing is extremely important, and Karbach nails it time…
This sprawling bazaar bills itself as “A Texas-Size Marketplace,” and this is one time where the hyperbole is warranted: It features more than 100 acres of goods — we’re talking art, jewelry, auto parts, bicycles, electronics, comics, housewares and everything in between. Since 1989, Traders Village has basically set the…
Burn #2 doesn’t have a website, and the Facebook page hasn’t been updated for a year, but that seems fitting for this low-profile, laid-back provider of all your smoke-related needs. The shop does tweet frequently, to let folks know about new arrivals from High Tech Glass Works or Cali Crusher,…
Two things set Tree Climbers apart from other tree-removal and cutting services in Houston: the company’s ability to respond to emergencies and its attitude regarding conservation. Houston’s weather, which can seemingly change from a drought to a flood in just a few minutes, can weaken trees. Weak trees can fall,…
Going golfing is not for everyone, but almost anyone can find the joy in using a stick to hit a ball as hard as he or she can. Topgolf, through a combination of technology and alcohol, has found a way to make that joy even better, which is why come…
When we’re looking to go for a real run, we always head straight for Memorial Park. As one of the largest urban parks in the United States (it spans 1,466 acres), Memorial has everything a runner needs. The three-mile loop along Memorial Drive is always a fun place to run…
treadsack.com/johnnysFans mourned The Boom Boom Room when it closed its doors, but the building is now home to a worthy successor. While the bartenders at Johnny’s are perfectly capable of coming up with complex cocktails (some of them even compete in local and national competitions), the real appeal here is…
This little open-air spot has all the charm of Houston’s other favorite icehouse down in Montrose, but is just a little more gruff, unpolished and down to earth, giving Jimmy’s its signature cool, relaxed vibe. On weekends, you can catch chatty old-timers elbowed up to the bar, armed with stories…
This Montrose mainstay has stayed the same while aggressively hip and trendy bars and shops around it have come and gone. We expect Slick Willie’s to be there even after the mattress stores leave, and perhaps it will even survive a nuclear war, which would be awesome, because even radioactive…
The building that houses this biker bar is an old Jiffy Lube that converted perfectly into an icehouse. This friendlier-than-most biker joint has plenty of character, the kind of place with bras hanging from the ceiling and a whole bunch of really nice Harleys parked out front. The Dam Ice…
You can, and maybe you do, dance in a different venue every night in Houston. We’re a city with a lot of great spaces to shake your thing, but there’s something about Barbarella that feels different. Maybe it’s the way everything seems to glow inside it, creating an atmosphere that’s…
Helmed by crêpe guru Sean Carroll (a.k.a. Buffalo Sean), this reigning champion of the Houston Press’s Best Crepes deserves another win. The fan-favorite Parisienne-style crêpe stand launched a Kickstarter campaign in hopes of going brick-and-mortar earlier this year. Since dreams do come true, the campaign was a smashing success. Soon…
Since it opened in January 2014, the spiffy, upbeat, sunnily bright Dish Society in the Gables Tanglewood complex at San Felipe and Bering has quickly established itself as the local eatery of choice in the area. The food is unfussy and locally sourced and often has a healthful spin. The…
With a name like Liberty Kitchen & Oysterette, you’d expect a strong oyster program, and that’s what you get at this gorgeous River Oaks establishment. The little brother of the more established Liberty Kitchen in the Heights, this location is always packed with people. One of the reasons? The oysters…
There’s a reason the Kolache Shoppe on Richmond has endured for the past 45 years. The original dough recipe — which hasn’t changed since the place opened and involves a process that raises the dough three times — yields a soft, slightly sweet, melt-in-your mouth filled pastry that simply keeps…
Occupying a stately corner in the Saigon Houston Plaza on Bellair is Tony Thai Restaurant, one of the most beautifully appointed Thai restaurants in Houston. Step through the doors, and you’re greeted by ornate sculptures and fountains shipped to Houston direct from Thailand. Tony is the owner and…
Blacksmith is well-known as a coffee spot, but its fast, flexible and varied breakfast options are equally enticing. The staff is always helpful and tries to meet dietary requests, even if that means coming up with a combination that’s not exactly on the menu. Trying to increase your vegetable intake…
Heights Cigar Lounge calls itself “Your den away from home,” and for those who enjoy a good cigar, it certainly has all the amenities. You can visit and engage in good conversation with fellow customers over a few smokes while lounging on comfortable leather recliners or sofas; the great selection…
This family-owned costume emporium has been helping kids and adults play make-believe since 1976. Danny’s has just about everything you could imagine for your dress-up desires, no matter what age you are or what kind of character you’re looking for. They’ve got adult costumes, kids’ costumes, plus-size costumes, sexy costumes,…
When we’ve got a yen for some unusual old stuff, we head straight for AG Antiques to get our fix. Nestled on West 19th Street in the Heights, AG Antiques offers way more than the usual array of doilies and ugly 1970s furniture that turn up at so many “antiques”…
When the kids beg and plead to “take me out to the ballgame,” it’s nice to know that you can still go see a Major League product at a price where you don’t have to donate a kidney. (It’s also nice to have a team now that we can call…
With all due respect to the crazy Texans tailgaters, the Red Rowdies and whatever rough assemblage passes for Astros spectators these days, there are no fans more insanely loyal than those who root for Houston’s MLS franchise. Just showing up in the dead of summer at the open-air BBVA Compass…
For some, it may be nostalgia. For others, perhaps it’s a final requiem to a dying icon. Whatever the case, there is no better option for getting your selfie on than in front of the Eighth Wonder of the World. With all due respect to the David Adickes sculpture “We…
Patrick Renner’s Funnel Tunnel on the Montrose esplanade in front of the Art League Houston building was a real attention getter. The 7,000 pound wood and steel sculpture introduced the found-object artist to a city-wide audience. Over the last year, he’s gained a regional audience. A vibrant mix of engineering,…
No other Houston wine bar is as focused as Camerata is on serving a side of knowledge alongside a glass of wine. That said, this is no boring classroom (even if the back wall does look a bit like a chalkboard). The staff of Camerata will wax so enthusiastically about…
We go back and forth on what we think about the job of Marian Luntz, curator of film and video for the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Some days we think, “Wow, she gets to travel around the world to dozens of film festivals. She sees hundreds of movies, documentaries…
It’s not often you find a great jukebox in a burger joint, but owner Ricky Craig is a huge fan of music, especially from the ’80s. The jukebox at Hubcap Grill is stocked with hits from Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, Tears For Fears and Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers. For…
Not only does this Washington Avenue grill serve some excellent burgers, dogs and tacos, but you can also hit up the drive-through window to get a couple of margaritas to go. We repeat. Margaritas. TO. GO. (It’s legal because they cover the straw hole with tape. On a side note:…
Chef Pamela Graham’s marriage of Creole and soul food wins new fans daily, with both her homestyle cooking and her warm, welcoming demeanor. Her restaurant, Le’ Pam’s House of Creole, brings much-needed life to a part of north Houston that has few culinary bright spots. Her Creole-style gumbo is chock-full…
Evan Turner has proven that if you shout at the wind long enough, eventually someone will hear you. He fell in love with Greek food and culture at the young age of 11. Seventeen years ago, as an adult, he started a serious exploration into the country’s wines and he’s…
Andes Cafe’s ceviche is not only one of the most complex in Houston, it may also be the best value for the price. The portion size is huge and the seafood included is both interesting and exquisite. For $18, you get a big bowl full of corvina (delicate, white South…
The Ham O’ The Day has been on the Provisions menu since day one, and is still the must-order appetizer that manages to be light and flavor-packed at the same time. Paper-thin slices of cured domestic ham from heritage pigs are piled up across a smooth, oblong platter and rest…
This Texas-based chain of fresh, nutritionally balanced kitchens lets you feel good about eating takeout. That’s because choosing something healthy (and actually enjoying it) is a “snap.” The refreshing concept uses in-season, local ingredients to craft crave-worthy meals — think grass-fed beef meatballs and peppers, butternut squash macaroni and chicken…
Designer Kate de Para is both an artisan and an artist. The textiles and women’s clothing she designs are simple, elegant and forward-thinking. With an MFA in fibers from the Savannah College of Art and Design, de Para creates responsibly sourced textiles that are dyed and printed in her Houston…
We all know someone who loves her dog a little more than she should. Even those who don’t fill their Instagram feeds with doggie snapshots and spend thousands of dollars every year on organic pet treats can occasionally be excessive with Fido. But why not? You can’t put a price…
There are plenty of plants that will grow in Texas, but not all of them belong here. That’s where Buchanan’s Native Plants comes in. As the name implies, this Heights nursery specializes in plants indigenous to the Lone Star State. We’re talking about Texas Firecracker, Texas Kidneywood, Texas Olive, Texas…
Remember Junction Jack? The buck-toothed bunny replaced Orbit, the Astros’ beloved alien mascot, after the team moved from the Astrodome to Minute Maid Park. But much like the miserable failure that was the Rockets’ pinstripes and cartoon rocket logo in the mid-1990s, the bloom came off the rose. By 2013,…
If you’re looking to tie the Houston Texans’ 2014 improvement, from 2-14 in 2013 to 9-7 last season, to one statistic, look no further than the defense’s ability to force turnovers. In 2013, the Texans’ defense set a record for the fewest turnovers forced in a season (11); in 2014,…
Andy Noble and Dionne Sparkman Noble introduced NobleMotion Dance just six years ago at the 2009 Big Range Dance Festival in Houston. In the last season, the company filled Hobby Center’s Zilkha Hall for a two-night run — a rarity among local performing arts companies. The company, part of the…
When you think talk radio in Houston, tune your brain in to Houston Matters instead of all that right-wing rabble on the AM dial. Every weekday at noon, host Craig Cohen and his well-informed guests undertake an always thoughtful, sometimes provocative consideration of all things Houston, balancing topical affairs with…
It’s easy to take for granted just how cool Hermann Park is if you live in Houston. On those rare days when it doesn’t feel like the world is melting, there’s no better place to be outside. Not sure how to spend a day with company? If they enjoy zoos,…
Taking its name from a 1947 novel by English writer Malcolm Lowry that was made into a film by legendary director John Huston in 1984, Under The Volcano is an eccentric bar with a unique style and atmosphere about it. The features include elements from the novel, such as a…
Located in the cavernous main hall of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, “Shadow Monsters” is a clever and whimsical interactive art exhibit that kids have to see to believe. Using projectors and a vision-recognition program, you can transform your shadow into an ever-shifting monster on one of the three…
There are few restaurants that fulfill the promise of “you get what you pay for” better than BCN Taste & Tradition. Chef Luis Roger came to Houston from Spain, and he does his best to import fine Spanish ingredients — such as jamón Ibérico — or comparable domestic ones to…
Is there anything that even comes close to Kenny & Ziggy’s in Houston? Time and again, this place wins. Seriously, what’s not to like? The ambience is old-school deli, complete with framed caricatures of famous people on the wall. And the food; it’s all about the food, really: lox and…
Yeah, when it comes to plain glazed, we’re a Shipley town and everyone knows it, but there has always been room for more creative takes on Houston’s favorite morning pastry. Enter Hugs & Donuts, a storefront operation by Matt Opaleski and Jason Hill. These are the same minds who brought…
Overseeing the pastry programs at both Revival Market and sister restaurant Coltivare is Alyssa Dole. This under-the-radar pastry chef cut her teeth at establishments such as Corner Table and Recipe for Success before taking on her current role, which involves overseeing the desserts at both restaurants, as well as the…
This spot in Webster brings a wide selection of craft beer to patrons south of Houston. The beer list is updated on the website daily, which is helpful for those who might have to make a drive to the southern outpost. On any given day, there are more than 40…
If you think making great french fries is easy, think again. Not every potato lends itself to great fries. The starch content and moisture vary from one variety to the next and even within the same variety at different times of the year. The Hay Merchant’s Kevin Floyd says that…
Parking lots are the worst. Our most base, selfish selves come out in them. An event ends and we all pour back to our vehicles, ready to declare war on each other just so we can get into traffic a few seconds sooner. While the METRORail has been real handy…
In the world of liquor stores, Spec’s is the undisputed ruler in Houston. The jewel in the crown is the company’s Midtown location, which can be described as a magical place packed full of interesting beers, spirits, cigars and specialty foods. Every aspect of this store is top-shelf, with low-priced…
Rarely can a person say a store has everything one needs for a special occasion, but Arne’s might be the exception. Quinceañera tiaras? Check. Kids’ birthday balloons? Check. Penis-shaped bachelorette party favors? Double check. It’s bustling on most days and packed to the gills leading up to national holidays, so…
Jeff “The Dude” Lebowski would like this venerable bowling alley as much as he likes White Russians and Creedence. It’s an old-school joint, with a friendly, laid-back vibe and plenty of specials, like the Rent-A-Lane Fun Packs for up to five people, the Friday night special and the Monday &…
Sure, this trail will lead you on a leisurely ride through some of the Heights’s fancier neighborhoods. But in the past year, the Heights Hike and Bike Trail has become a critical connector in Houston’s growing bike trail network. At one end, where the trail dumps you out near UH-Downtown,…
From winning the 2012 Bear Bryant Award in his first year at Penn State to overseeing the Texans’ seven-game turnaround in his first season in Houston, Bill O’Brien’s ability to lead by instilling belief is unquestioned. But it’s his leadership at home, along with his wife Colleen, that makes him…
Generally speaking, nothing ruins a good dive bar like talking about what a great dive bar it is — because then the people who “just love dive bars” show up in droves — but Alice’s Tall Texan has long been the exception to that rule. With its neon signs and…
Nouveau Antique Art Bar has been around for a while now as trendy clubs have come and gone nearby and the fact that it actually has a large parking lot is unique itself in Midtown; the big draw here is the large collection of reproduction Tiffany lamps and Art Nouveau…
Zack Palmer came by the nickname “Zack on Washington” honestly, literally growing up in the nightclub business as his mother, Pamela Robinson, ran Walters on Washington and then Walters Downtown. He had the kind of adolescence that many kids dream of, working for his mom for many years and eventually…
The Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts has snagged a Best Small Museum nod before. It wins again this year for the very simple reason that it’s doing excellent work. The brilliance in its programming is that it showcases works rarely seen publicly from small, private collections held locally. Early…
Addis Ababa may not be in the sexiest shopping center. However, inside the restaurant, the warm, welcoming staff and hearty food will make diners forget the lackluster exterior. In fact, it may be the best Ethiopian restaurant with which to familiarize the uninitiated with the cuisine. The staff are happy…
This Montrose haunt — the brainchild of revered chef Bryan Caswell and Texas food authority (and former Houston Press food critic) Robb Walsh — is highly dedicated to authenticity. With a menu focused on “vintage Tex-Mex” (they render fresh lard in-house, y’all), it’s no surprise the scratch-made enchiladas are menu…
There are a lot of Chinese restaurants in Houston, but none as enduring or as consistent as Fung’s Kitchen. Since it debuted in 1990, Fung’s has entertained dignitaries, VIPs and royalty. Every year, it holds a spectacular Chinese New Year’s celebration presided over by Martin Yan of Yan Can Cook…
Fat Bao is one of those places that is easy. It’s easy to order (you do so at the counter). Easy to get to (it’s at the corner of Kirby and Richmond). Easy to park (translation: free). Plus, it’s easy to visit several times a week. The brainchild of owner…
For all the fine restaurants that make their own fried chicken, there’s still not one of them that can beat Houston fast-food icon Frenchy’s. The Scott Street location is still the best. For some reason, the coating there just seems to be slightly more flavorful and crispy than the rest…
Charivari Restaurant, owned by Transylvania-born Johann Schuster and his wife, may look like a throwback to a 1980s restaurant somewhere in the middle of Europe, but that’s part of the charm. Schuster earned his chef’s whites in the old country, which means that the food here is prepared with the…
Sweet Cup Gelato opened in 2012 and has been Houston’s most underrated ice cream shop — until now. It’s a complete mystery as to why more people aren’t raving about inventive and exotic flavors like Kashmir Rose, Bacio (after the Italian chocolate-hazelnut candy) and Malai Kulfi. The shop also sells…
There are tons of choices when it comes to yoga studios in Houston these days, but Joy Yoga Center is hands-down the place to go for your stretching and bending and mindful breathing. The thing that’s so great about Joy Yoga is that it offers all kinds of options for…
Kaboom’s website says this used bookstore is stocked with 100,000 books, and we’ll take their word for it: Walking into this charming shop in the Woodland Heights, you’ll see ceiling-high shelves filled with what seems like an endless selection of titles. Kaboom boasts 76 different sections, and while it does…
Now this is what we call a no-brainer: Not only is this gigantic store filled with every kind of electronic thingamajig and watchamacallit imaginable, it’s got it all for incredible prices and even better service. If you’re not the super-geek type who likes to wander the aisles staring in awe…
Cypress Trails is located near George Bush Intercontinental Airport, but it’s hard to remember this place is anywhere near civilization when you’re out on a horse moving through the dense forest along the banks of Cypress Creek. The instructors are patient and helpful with beginners, and they also approve experienced…
Dogs and their human companions both find the Paul Carr Jogging Trail that runs through the Heights Boulevard esplanade the best place for a walk. Magnolia trees, live oaks and a few palm trees line the 60-foot-wide wooded strip that extends from 4th to 20th streets along Heights. Weaving in…
Most amusement centers these days look like what they are: relics from another time. They may fight the good fight to keep the lights on, but the chipped paint and faded signs show that they’re not fighting that hard. For those times you’re feeling nostalgic for the glory days of…
It was perhaps the most important 18 minutes in American history, the 1836 Battle of San Jacinto. Texas forces led by Sam Houston faced off with the Santa Anna-led Mexican army and the fate of two nations hung in the balance. Houston’s forces won; Texas became an independent nation, eventually…
When Chanson d’Eau, a contemporary Belgian circus and dance troupe, came to Discovery Green for Maravilloso! 2015: The Water Festival, the group was looking for a local partner. Chanson d’Eau found Karen Stokes Dance. Choreographer Stokes created DRENCH!, a site-specific commissioned work performed in water. Stokes, both a past Houston…
Rice University commissioned artist Ben Butler to create a site-specific installation. Butler, an assistant professor of art at Rhodes College, crafted “Unbounded,” a maze of 10,000 hand-cut sticks of poplar wood. He pre-assembled some 300 flat sheets in his Memphis studio, transported them to the Rice University Art Gallery and…
This Miami-inspired, upscale Latin nightclub has a trio of house DJs who spin a mix of salsa, merengue and bachata music, as well as hip-hop, Top 40 and Spanish rock. Fuego has an impressive audio and lighting system that was installed by the same company that handled the lights and…
Triniti’s pastry chef, Samantha Mendoza, understands what makes for memorable desserts: flavors, luxurious textures, elegance and restraint. She graduated from the baking and pastry program at the Art Institute of Houston and first made desserts professionally at Bedford, Robert Gadsby’s former restaurant. Later, Mendoza became the executive pastry chef at…
Executive Chef Austin Simmons is ambitious. That’s not a bad thing for someone responsible for overseeing the menus of three restaurants in The Woodlands. He is tasked with the care of Hubbell & Hudson Bistro and the more casual Hubbell & Hudson Kitchen. However, it’s at Hubble & Hudson Cureight,…
In a town where Tex-Mex is so abundant that you can get it at gas stations, Cuchara is a breath of fresh air. Stylish and artsy, owners Ana Beaven and Charlie McDaniel created the restaurant to bring a piece of Mexico City to Houston. You won’t find any yellow cheese…
Tucked away on the second floor of the Hotel Sorella, where it is accessed via a stairway from the lower-floor bar, Radio Milano is one of those places that you have to go and find. When you do, you’ll discover modern Italian cuisine that’s a pleasure to savor. Under the…
Located in the heart of lower Westheimer on the corner of Montrose, Aladdin is a humble mom-and-pop operation that easily wins hearts. The cafeteria-style restaurant provides an excellent bang for the buck. Select a protein and the sides you want, grab a cafeteria tray and then choose from a smorgasbord…
At Prohibition Supperclub & Bar, it’s gentility in the front and decadence in the back. The front dining room, with deep, upholstered porter’s chairs and marble flooring, speaks of old Southern luxury. A long, sturdy bar anchors the back, and there are giant upholstered booths so huge that a party…
JINYA Ramen Bar fulfilled the dreams of barhoppers and late-night workers when it opened its Midtown location. At midnight on a Friday, who wants pancakes when he can have warm, silky tonkotsu with pork belly instead? Really hungry people will do well to also get an order of the fried…
Walking into Game Over is like walking back into childhood. The store is completely packed with beloved old hits reaching from before Atari to the present generation. Game Over also traffics in all kinds of obscure and hard-to-find titles, accessories and systems like the Philips CD-i and Japanese imports. You…
You have to hit Baybrook at the right time to get the maximum pedestrian value out of it, but if you do, there’s no finer walking arena in the city. (No point trying this on a Saturday afternoon.) It takes two laps around to walk a mile and the building…
A good nail place offers a manicure that is the holy trinity — nice to look at, long-lasting and cheap. That’s where Neon Nails comes in. It’s got a quiet, relaxed feel and the most comfortable spa chairs around. Once you’ve settled in and tucked your feet into a vat…
In 2012, it looked like the Rockets were heading toward their nadir under the stewardship of general manager Daryl Morey. Three nondescript seasons in the back end of the NBA lottery had the city in a hoops malaise. Then, on October 27, 2012, it all changed. Morey was able to…
With the emergence of J.J. Watt, Jose Altuvé, Carlos Correa and James Harden, it could be argued that Houston has four of the best players at or below the age of 26 in all of sports. And while the Texans are working to overcome more than a decade of futility…
When times are tight, Houstonians still love to golf, but we don’t want to sacrifice quality for the price. That’s why Wildcat Golf Club, since opening in 2001, has been the benchmark for daily-fee public golf courses in this city. It’s a private-course experience at a public-course price, with rolling…
The last time we went to PJ’s, we waited in anticipation inside the nearly empty upstairs cave while the Karaoke Man set up the sound system, tweaking this knob and that. We wanted to get there early to get a good seat. He wore all black, which blended nicely with…
Between the low lighting, comfortable chairs and scrumptious bar food, it’s easy enough to mistake the Mucky Duck for someone’s actual den. The only thing that gives it away is the soundboard console, big and intimidating enough to resemble something out of a ’60s or ’70s sci-fi film. Other details…
Just because it’s 2 a.m. doesn’t mean you have to head back to the house. Nothing quite caps off a night out of dancing/drinking/singing/(choose your own adventure) than a bite to eat with the people you love. When it’s too early to go home but too late to stay at…
There are more than 2,400 traffic signal control cabinets in Houston: Big, drab gray boxes that sit on the side of the road. Thanks to the Mini Murals project, dozens of them have been covered by bright, colorful mini murals. Elia and Noah Quiles of UP Art Studio launched the…
Let’s face it: It is not difficult to love milkshakes. Fat Cat Creamery gives us additional reasons to love these cold confections even more. First off are the inventive — but not overcomplicated — house-made ice creams with a focus on Texas products. Waterloo Strawberry Buttermilk (made with Waterloo Texas-Style…
This food truck turned Market Square taco shop makes more than just a laundry list of globally inspired tacos (though we think you should try those sometime). Its overloaded nachos are grade A thanks to chefs and owners David Grossman and Julia Sharaby’s commitment to flavor. The kitchen spices up…
There’s a reason Damian’s Cucina Italiana has been in business for more than 30 years. Like Old Faithful, this is a place that sticks to old-school traditions. Waitstaff are clad in black vests and provide attentive, solicitous service. Pastas and sauces are made with family recipes passed down through generations,…
No one in town does hot dogs better than Good Dog Houston. This “little hot dog place that could” originally operated exclusively from a baby-blue truck. These days, it’s in a charming cottage that’s been converted into a restaurant with a pleasant front porch. The difference is in the ingredients…
Brooks’ Place in Cypress made quite the media stir when it said it was getting static from neighbor Dunkin’ Donuts over its new breakfast tacos. Area residents thronged to the little trailer to see what all the hubbub was about. A place that already makes stellar barbecue just doesn’t have…
Set in a refurbished old home in Montrose on the lower Westheimer drag, Da Marco offers a $29 business lunch prix fixe that’s the best in town. You arrive to find all kinds of brand-name cars in the tiny parking lot, ably maneuvered by the on-hand valets. Reservations are a…
The “3 Pig Truffled Mac & Cheese” at Urban Eats is one of the best versions of the dish in Houston. The secret is a complex cheese sauce that includes Fontina, Gouda, Cheddar, Velveeta and cream cheese. As if that weren’t enough, Urban Eats gilds the lily by adding bacon,…
If you’re a geek who loves non-digital games, you may have already met the folks from Ettin Games even if you’ve never stepped in their store. At local conventions, they show up not only to sell their wares, but to help others discover new games via their board game library…
You don’t want to drop off your precious pup with just any doggie day care. You want a safe, clean, fun, engaging environment where dogs get to romp and play and get a few hugs. That’s the Houston Dog Ranch. It is styled after an old Western town complete with…
If you’re driving along Washington and all of a sudden find yourself stuck behind a parade of cars all trying to turn in to one little parking lot, chances are you’ve found yourself in the Keep It Clean zone. There’s a reason for this: This hand-wash mecca has built up…
800-433-5747 fortworth.com At four hours away, Fort Worth is a bit of a drive for a weekend getaway, but the city’s many offerings make it worth the trip for both families and couples. Fort Worth likes to brag that it offers “cowboys and culture.” On the cowboy side, there’s the…
The only way this route works is on foot, at sunset. Start at the parking lot of the CVS at Westheimer and 610. Walk south on the sidewalk and look up as your view is dominated by one of Houston’s tallest and most recognizable skyscrapers, the Williams Tower, looming so…
Even before the construction of Frolic’s Castle, Memorial City Mall sported the best indoor playgrounds in the city. Now it’s so good it’s hard to believe it’s free. It features a massive, multi-story castle set among an equally huge fairy-tale forest, and kids can run, jump, climb and play for…
La Chicana Laundry Pictures founder and filmmaker Stephanie Saint Sanchez was inspired to start Señorita Cinema by Real Women Have Curves filmmaker Josefina Lopez’s Boyle Heights Latina Independent Film Extravaganza. Sanchez screened her film The Legend of La Llorona at the festival a few years ago and was so encouraged…
Houston is currently without an FM station that plays Texas country and Red Dirt music, apart from one of KILT’s HD feeds, but Badlands Radio is more than just the next best thing; it’s probably better. The only commercials are brief spots for Firehouse Saloon’s open-mike night or musical happenings…
Because of municipal code changes over the past few years, there aren’t really any “cigar bars” in the traditional sense inside the city of Houston aside from a few private establishments with hefty membership fees. The key is to find a place with a patio large enough that you can…
Oporto’s Midtown location opened without a lot of fanfare, content to sit quietly until curious diners drifted in and discovered this elegant gem. Owned by husband and wife team Rick Di Virgilio and chef Shiva Patel-Di Virgilio, Oporto takes the best of their earlier endeavors — the original Oporto and…
There’s an art to excellent service that starts from the minute you walk through the door of an establishment. You are greeted as if you’re a regular, treated like the most important person in the room, then led to your dinner table, where the entire meal goes without a hitch…
The Veruca Salt cake at Fluff Bake Bar is so good, it might make you put aside whatever fanciful, special-order cake-and-frosting combo you thought you were going to get. Most ideas suddenly seem unbearably dull compared to luscious, incredibly dark layers of devil’s food cake divided by layers of salted…
Walk into Viet Hoa International Foods, and if the polished concrete floor doesn’t impress, then the displays of fresh and affordably priced local and exotic fruit will. Fruit such as mangoes and Asian pears are pre selected and prepacked attractively so that the customer can just grab and go. The…
Since its days as a small hole-in-the-wall inside the shopping center at Travis and McGowan, Thiên Ân Sandwiches earned a strong following for its delicious, authentic Vietnamese cuisine. It’s now in much larger, swankier digs on San Jacinto in Midtown, and the expanded menu makes Thiên Ân the place to…
It’s hard to beat a place that has its own French bakery. Le Mistral’s basket features bread freshly baked by Foody’s Gourmet next door. Le Mistral’s own whipped signature butter is served right alongside warm, rustic baguettes, crusty slices of bread and country hearth rolls encrusted in sesame seeds. Suddenly,…
We love our margaritas. Really, they should be declared the official drink of Houston. El Big Bad understands, and that’s why it offers nine different margaritas on its cocktail list. Actually, the potential variants probably number in the hundreds if you include all the possible combinations. El Big Bad specializes…
It has a little more competition these days, but Rockin’ Robin still is synonymous with where to go when something goes wrong, but also when it goes right; like when it’s time to roll over all that gig money into some new gear. With a full-time repair shop and a…
So if you’re going to spend three-months salary on an engagement ring (that’s the general guideline), you want to make sure you get the most wonderful, beautiful, spectacular diamond you can, right? And at the fairest price possible. That’s where Helzberg Diamonds comes in. Morris Helzberg started the company in…
Not many businesses — of any kind — can boast the staying power of this charming little house on the corner of South Shepherd and Welch, which has quietly and professionally tended to Houstonians’ watches and clocks since 1947. The staff is downright incredible, both in friendliness and expertise —…
Former Astros player and now longtime broadcaster Alan Ashby grew up in Long Beach, California, and retains some of that laid-back California attitude in the booth, which works well with a wit as dry as his home state has been this year. Named to the Astros’ all-time 25-man roster in…
Longtime Astros play-by-play man Bill Brown doesn’t call as many games as he used to, but whenever he is in the booth, it’s like listening to your super-knowledgeable favorite uncle call balls and strikes — he’s no homer, but it’s not hard to guess who he’s rooting for. Although frequent…
