48 Hours in Houston, Texas: Where to eat, drink, shop and stay
Everything moves slower down in Houston, and that’s not a bad thing.
The Texas city is no doubt cemented in popular culture: Toronto native Drake declared Houston his second home (and just announced he’s moving there), it’s the birthplace of Beyonce and Travis Scott, and for the science geeks, one of NASA’s HQ’s – all making for plenty to explore in this diverse metropolitan city.
Views of Houston, Texas. (Credit: Houston First)
From the best burgers and eats to trendy cafes and cocktail bars, we’ve rounded up our favourite spots to eat, play and stay on a weekend trip to the H-town.
Where To Shop
Montrose
Trendy Montrose has a history of being a 2SLGBTQIA-friendly neighbourhood and is home to an eclectic array of cute boutiques, the city’s best vintage shops and trendy cafes. Etsy comes to life at the adorable Emerson Rose, which has a curated collection of homewares, gifts, and clothing – including going-out attire from Sofie the Label and sweet seasonal crewnecks for the PSL drinking set.
The Emerson Rose boutique in Montrose. (Credit: Cassie Gill)
On the vintage front, Pavement is worth visiting for its well-executed high-low mix, with an assortment of luxury accessories at unbelievable prices and shirts for under $10. Down the street, fellow vintage shop Out of the Closet has a loyal following for its homewares and clothing items with all proceeds donated to the AIDS Healthcare Foundation.
A rainbow sidewalk in the Montrose neighbourhood of Houston. (Credit: Houston First)
Brands like Le Labo and Reformation also have outposts sprinkled amongst the local businesses, adding a contemporary flair to the colourful strip.
River Oaks District
Find the Equinox-going set here. A stone’s throw from the iconic Houston Galleria (which has everything and anything), the River Oaks District is an upscale outdoor complex that is lovely for an afternoon stroll. Find contemporary labels like Lele Sadhoughi and LoveShackFancy mixed in with NYC’s The Conservatory and designer heavy hitters like Hermes, Dior and Cartier. There are plenty of spots for a snack and cocktail, including Amorino Gelato and Italian restaurant Bari.
Houston’s River Oaks Shopping District. (Credit: River Oaks Shopping District)
Where To Drink
Diversion
You’re in for an experience at Diversion, which is slightly off the beaten path in the Spring Branch neighbourhood but worth the trek.
Diversion’s bar wall looks like an old-fashioned laboratory. (Credit: Diversion)
The bar is giving a slight spooky New Orleans vibe thanks to the dim lighting, throne-style chairs, and a wall that resembles a witchy-inspired laboratory.
Diversion’s Luau drink. (Credit: Diversion)
The drinks, created by Devin Courtney, are served in an equally dramatic fashion — for instance, the festive Hawaii-inspired Luau cocktail arrives smoking (literally).
The Pho-inspired cocktail at Diversion. (Credit: Diversion)
The most unique concoction has to be the bone broth and gin-based Pho Cup, inspired by the famed Vietnamese dish; it comes served like one, too. If an edible cocktail tickles your fancy, Courney’s “Ceviche” is a booze-infused gelatin that comes served with daiquiri cubes, cilantro pearls, mango, and pineapple alongside some chips.
Wild
Wild is the city’s first Cannabis dining experience, but if that’s not your thing, it’s easy to skip and enjoy the rest of the space. Bring your camera and best outfits for a photo at Wild, which is giving Tulum meets Barbiecore.
The Bali-inspired Wild. (Credit: Wild Concepts)
A Montrose coffee bar and cafe by day, the menu boasts plenty of flavoured lattes for the Ugg-wearing gals, like its signature Honey Lavender, the fall-themed Cinnamon Oat, as well as its classic matcha and chai variations.
Iced coffee at Wild. (Credit: Wild Concepts)
There’s also a CBD-infused menu of coffee drinks and Houston’s most Insta-worthy dispensary to the left-hand side of the store. Wild seamlessly transitions to an evening bar, with hemp-infused elixirs like the basil-limeade Hanoi Lofi and lots of its own non-enhanced boozy cocktails.
Where To Eat
Trill Burgers
Hip-hop fans will know this is the spot of the moment. UGK legend and Houston’s own Bun B co-owns this vibey burger spot, which has had lines an hour deep since opening earlier this summer.
The exterior of Trill Burgers in Houston’s trendy Montrose area. (Credit: Trill Burgers)
There’s also been plenty of celebrity action at Trill Burgers in recent weeks, with visits from Drake, 50 Cent, and Ludacris, to name a few. The cheesy OG Burger is melt-in-your-mouth level and comes served with perfectly crunchy fries in a combo meal.
The menu boasts America’s “best” burger and fries. (Credit: Trill Burgers)
Fast food aficionados will also appreciate Trill Burgers’ custom cola and bottled orange soda. As expected, Trill Burgers also retails its own merch boasting the fitting phrase “Houston Made.”
Navy Blue Seafood
Chef Aaron Bludorn – familiar to many from Netflix’s The Final Table – brings his interpretation of seafood to Houston at his second buzzy restaurant in the city.
Inside Navy Blue Seafood. (Credit: Navy Blue Seafood)
The menu at Navy Blue is inspired by the Texas Gulf Coast, with dishes like the Blackened Red Snapper, Seafood Gumbo and Southern-inspired biscuits (best ordered for the table). The tableside fish prep is a delightful touch.
Navy Blue’s seafood gumbo. (Credit: Caroline Fontenot)
Chinatown
Houston is a diverse metropolis, home to one of America’s largest Chinatowns with cuisine from various parts of Asia, including Vietnam, Cambodia and beyond.
Houston’s China Town. (Credit: Houston First)
Some favourites include the Taiwanese delights at Tao Rice Roll and the fusion Korean mochi corndogs at social media favourite Bing Su.
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For the dim sum lovers, Nam Giao – a James Beard nominee – has their own take with a savoury tapioca version. There are plenty of sweet treats in the neighbourhood, too: Hui Lau Shan serves up all things mango, while House of Sweet has the best Indian desserts in town.
POST Houston
One of the coolest hangouts in H-town. POST Houston is housed in a repurposed post office, describing itself as a “hub for culture, food, and recreation.”
The X-shaped staircase inside POST Houston. (Credit: POST Houston)
The modern design has touches of Art Deco meets Blade Runner, making this space worth a drop in just for the architecture and cup of joe. The ultra-futuristic Post Market food hall has become a downtown destination for its design, vibe and curated collection of the city’s best gourmet bites with flavours from Latin America, West Africa, East Asia, and of course, Texas.
The futuristic POST Market. (Credit: Cassie Gill)
Be sure to peep the events page for upcoming musical performances: Travis Scott’s pal Don Toliver just performed in the 713 Music Hall.
Le Colonial
Le Colonial’s fusion of French-Vietnamese is some of the best food in the city.
The exterior of Le Colonial channels the 1920s. (Credit: Le Colonial)
Inspired by the flavours of 1920s Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City), the stunning room also transports diners back to that era with dark woods and romantic floral accents that feel both timeless and elegant.
The Spicy Yellowfin Tuna Tartare. (Credit: Le Colonial)
The Spicy Yellowfin Tuna Tartare was a menu highlight offset with lime-infused vinaigrette and avocado, while the Cha Gio, consisting of crispy shrimp and pork rolls dipped in chili-lime sauce, remains a fan favourite.
The Breakfast Klub
Chicken and waffles, anyone? The Breakfast Klub has been an undisputed institution in the city since 2001 – and the best morning grub around. Don’t be alarmed at the long lines, especially on weekends, but as they say online, it’s “worth the wait.”
The Breakfast Club’s chicken and waffles, among other morning favourites. (Credit: The Breakfast Klub)
Other than the chicken and waffle combo, the Katfish & Grits is another local southern fave, alongside the Biskits & Gravy and the Klub’s Benedict. Don’t forget to order a Karmel Makkhiato.
Where To Explore
Nasa Space Center
One of the most iconic tourist spots in Houston. Get an education in space exploration at the Nasa Space Center just outside of the city, where world-renowned scientists do space flight training and research, and – every now and then – launch a rocket.
Rocket Park at the NASA Space Center. (Credit: Houston First)
The state-of-the-art 250,000-square-foot educational complex is home to 400 space artifacts, part of which is the largest collection of moon rocks and lunar samples for public view. Exhibits and various public events are also on rotation.
An exhibit at the NASA Space Center. (Credit: Houston First)
Contemporary Arts Museum Houston
The Contemporary Arts Museum is home to rotating exhibitions for modern artists — meaning there’s always something new to see. Housed in a famed steel building nestled in the city’s museum district, the Montrose Avenue destination was designed by award-winning architect Gunnar Birkerts back in 1972. The gift shop is also known to be a destination to find unique and unusual gifts from various artists, along with jewellery and other local goods. Admission is free.
The Contemporary Arts Museum building. (Credit: CAMH)
Where To Stay
You can’t beat the downtown convenience of the Marriott Marquis Houston, which is just a 10-minute walk from the Toyota Center – the home of the NBA team the Houston Rockets.
The Marriott Marquis Houston by night. (Credit: Marriott Marquis Houston)
The modern property isn’t your usual city hotel, with a resort-like feel thanks to the swanky Altitude Rooftop & Pool. Adults and kids can’t seem to stay out of the Insta-worthy Texas-shaped lazy river, especially during the hot weather – which is also adjacent to a stunning infinity pool and relaxing cabanas.
The Texas-shaped lazy river. (Credit: Marriott Marquis Houston)
The pool area doubles to host morning yoga before coffee at the on-property café Texas T or the Gulf Coast-inspired brunch at Walker Street Kitchen (our favourite restaurant in the hotel).
Breakfast Charcuterie at Walker Street Kitchen. (Credit: Marriott Marquis Houston)
Don’t sleep on the Tlayuda de Res (skirt steak, chichilo mole, quesillo, and black beans) at Mexican at Xochi down the hall, helmed by James Beard award-winning chef Hugo Ortega who adds his own Texas twist to Oaxacan cuisine.
Xochi offers a Texas twist on Oaxacan cuisine. (Credit: Marriott Marquis Houston)
The hotel is also home to the luxe Pure Spa, the perfect spot to rejuvenate with a facial, massage or pedicure with views of the city.
The relaxation lounge inside the Pure Spa. (Credit: Marriott Marquis Houston)
Finally, unwind after a day of exploring the city with a cocktail at the gorgeous Cueva — the hotel’s chic lobby bar.
Cocktails at Cueva. (Credit: Marriott Marquis Houston)
The writer of this article was hosted by the Marriott Marquis Houston.
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