Houston Tour Guide

[missouridawg]

Ok, folks. I've seen quite a few people ask about things to do, where to stay, etc... regarding the Houston game. Here's a little guide.

If you're looking for a good place to stay, here are some options:
Hotel Zaza- Located near Hermann Park. This is a great place to stay if you have young kids. You can find the Zoo, Hermann Park, and several museums within walking distance. I recommend the Children's Museum for the youngin's. Take a loaf of bread or some peanuts to the park for the ducks/squirrels.

Hotel Derek - Located near the Galleria Mall, this isa great hotel that I used for my wedding. Right next door to Grotto (great Italian food) and Sullivan's Steakhouse(great place for dinner and/or a nightcap - really good live bands). Also, just down the straight is the largest/nicest mall in Houston, The Galleria. For breakfast, walk east about 1 block to Le Peep (get the lumberjack, unless you're wearing a skirt).

Hotel Indigo - Also located in the Galleria area. All of the same amenities listed for Hotel Derek are the same for here. The Galleria area has all the shopping/dining that you could imagine.

Inn at the Ballpark - Loacted in downtown, just down from Minute Maid Ballpark. Pretty nice hotel with a Vic and Anthony's in the same building. You're a short cab ride away from everything in downtown.

Other things to do in Houston:
Rice Village - Located right next to Rice's campus, this is a collection of shops/restaurants that's pretty unique. Also has a decent selection or bars to relax in, if you feel like going for a night cap. You can findBlack Walnut Cafe, Jason's Deli, etc... all in Rice Village.

Bars/Nightclubs -
Currently, Washington Avenue is about as close to a Bourbon Street as Houston has... and it's much, much more spread out than Bourbon. You'll want to cab from bar to bar, if you choose to bar hop. Here's a selection of the ones I've been to and enjoyed.

Pearl Bar - Has an indoor club like atmosphere... as well as a back patio with plenty of seating and room. This place does get pretty crowded though (as do all the bars on Washington).

Taps - This place also has an indoor and outdoor area, but it's much smaller than Pearl Bar. Great selection of beers here. Also located on Washington Avenue.

Sawyer Park - This place is pretty neat as well. Lots of seating inside and outside and is definitely more of a bar than a club. Tons of TVs too, to watch whatever is on.Also on Washington Avenue.

Rebels Honky Tonk - If you can imagine a club for rednecks, this is your place. Will be playing 95% country music with lots of two-stepping... and occassionally, for reasons I can't comprehend, will break out a rap song. Wranglers and cowboy boots welcome. This place is pretty fun as well, if you like country music. Also located on Washington.

Howl at the Moon - This bar is in Midtown. It's a dueling piano bar and is pretty fun, if you like the Silky's or Pat O type bars of Memphis and New Orleans, respectively.

Pete's Piano Bar - This is Houston's other piano bar and it's located in Downtown. I've been to both and prefer this one... the musicians are really talented here and they do a great job of keeping the crowd into it.

Flying Saucer - This bar is located in Downtown and has a wonderful selection of beers (over 300 I believe).

Restaurants to Try:
For good Tex-Mex try Pappasito's or El Tiempo. The El Tiempo on Washington is good place to eat prior to going out...

If you can go to Le Peep for breakfast (link in to of message) do so. If not, try a kolache. It's a Texas stylebreakfast food. Sweet bread with anything you can imagine in the center (sausage, eggs, ham, bacon, cheese, jalapenos, fajita meat, etc..). You can get them at a lot of places, but I recommend Kolache Factory (several locations throughout Houston).

I'm not a big seafood eater, so I don't have any good recommendations for that. If anyone is looking for something specific, dropme a private message and I'd be glad to opine.

Golf in Houston:
U of H's campus is located pretty close to downtown, meaning most of the golf courses are a 20 or 30 minute drive to get to... However, there are some good ones, if you plan on playing while you're here.

Redstone Golf Course - This is where the Shell Houston Open is played. It's pretty expensive, but I enjoy playing the course. The quality of the course is unmatched in Houston.

Wildcat Golf Club - This course is two, 18 hole, links style courses.Wildcat is the closest courses (not muni's) to downtown.

Cypresswood Golf Course - Has two 18 hole courses. The Tradition is a much better course, and as expected, slighlty pricier than the Cypress Course.

Blackhorse Golf Club - This club is run by the same company as Redstone. Pretty pricey, but the course is phenomenal.

If you're looking to play cheaply, play Hermann Park or Memorial Park. They're both muni's and will be a long 18, because it'll be crowded.

I didn't proofread this either, so please refrain from crucifying me for spelling/grammar errors.

 

[missouridawg]

Ok, folks. I've seen quite a few people ask about things to do, where to stay, etc... regarding the Houston game. Here's a little guide.

If you're looking for a good place to stay, here are some options:
Hotel Zaza- Located near Hermann Park. This is a great place to stay if you have young kids. You can find the Zoo, Hermann Park, and several museums within walking distance. I recommend the Children's Museum for the youngin's. Take a loaf of bread or some peanuts to the park for the ducks/squirrels.

Hotel Derek - Located near the Galleria Mall, this isa great hotel that I used for my wedding. Right next door to Grotto (great Italian food) and Sullivan's Steakhouse(great place for dinner and/or a nightcap - really good live bands). Also, just down the straight is the largest/nicest mall in Houston, The Galleria. For breakfast, walk east about 1 block to Le Peep (get the lumberjack, unless you're wearing a skirt).

Hotel Indigo - Also located in the Galleria area. All of the same amenities listed for Hotel Derek are the same for here. The Galleria area has all the shopping/dining that you could imagine.

Inn at the Ballpark - Loacted in downtown, just down from Minute Maid Ballpark. Pretty nice hotel with a Vic and Anthony's in the same building. You're a short cab ride away from everything in downtown.

Other things to do in Houston:
Rice Village - Located right next to Rice's campus, this is a collection of shops/restaurants that's pretty unique. Also has a decent selection or bars to relax in, if you feel like going for a night cap. You can findBlack Walnut Cafe, Jason's Deli, etc... all in Rice Village.

Bars/Nightclubs -
Currently, Washington Avenue is about as close to a Bourbon Street as Houston has... and it's much, much more spread out than Bourbon. You'll want to cab from bar to bar, if you choose to bar hop. Here's a selection of the ones I've been to and enjoyed.

Pearl Bar - Has an indoor club like atmosphere... as well as a back patio with plenty of seating and room. This place does get pretty crowded though (as do all the bars on Washington).

Taps - This place also has an indoor and outdoor area, but it's much smaller than Pearl Bar. Great selection of beers here. Also located on Washington Avenue.

Sawyer Park - This place is pretty neat as well. Lots of seating inside and outside and is definitely more of a bar than a club. Tons of TVs too, to watch whatever is on.Also on Washington Avenue.

Rebels Honky Tonk - If you can imagine a club for rednecks, this is your place. Will be playing 95% country music with lots of two-stepping... and occassionally, for reasons I can't comprehend, will break out a rap song. Wranglers and cowboy boots welcome. This place is pretty fun as well, if you like country music. Also located on Washington.

Howl at the Moon - This bar is in Midtown. It's a dueling piano bar and is pretty fun, if you like the Silky's or Pat O type bars of Memphis and New Orleans, respectively.

Pete's Piano Bar - This is Houston's other piano bar and it's located in Downtown. I've been to both and prefer this one... the musicians are really talented here and they do a great job of keeping the crowd into it.

Flying Saucer - This bar is located in Downtown and has a wonderful selection of beers (over 300 I believe).

Restaurants to Try:
For good Tex-Mex try Pappasito's or El Tiempo. The El Tiempo on Washington is good place to eat prior to going out...

If you can go to Le Peep for breakfast (link in to of message) do so. If not, try a kolache. It's a Texas stylebreakfast food. Sweet bread with anything you can imagine in the center (sausage, eggs, ham, bacon, cheese, jalapenos, fajita meat, etc..). You can get them at a lot of places, but I recommend Kolache Factory (several locations throughout Houston).

I'm not a big seafood eater, so I don't have any good recommendations for that. If anyone is looking for something specific, dropme a private message and I'd be glad to opine.

Golf in Houston:
U of H's campus is located pretty close to downtown, meaning most of the golf courses are a 20 or 30 minute drive to get to... However, there are some good ones, if you plan on playing while you're here.

Redstone Golf Course - This is where the Shell Houston Open is played. It's pretty expensive, but I enjoy playing the course. The quality of the course is unmatched in Houston.

Wildcat Golf Club - This course is two, 18 hole, links style courses.Wildcat is the closest courses (not muni's) to downtown.

Cypresswood Golf Course - Has two 18 hole courses. The Tradition is a much better course, and as expected, slighlty pricier than the Cypress Course.

Blackhorse Golf Club - This club is run by the same company as Redstone. Pretty pricey, but the course is phenomenal.

If you're looking to play cheaply, play Hermann Park or Memorial Park. They're both muni's and will be a long 18, because it'll be crowded.

I didn't proofread this either, so please refrain from crucifying me for spelling/grammar errors.

 

[holydawg]

Hacienda Guadalajara has pretty good Mexican food as well. Cafe Adobe has killer Margaritas. On Washington Ave, one place to try and eat is Max's Wine Dive, upscale comfort food, pricey but good. Cova is also on Washington and is a wine bar/tapas place(for lack of a better word)that is very good.

The Bayou City Arts festival is downtown and worth a look. You can get some cool stuff there and they serve beer. Runs all day Saturday and Sunday.

The Houston area alumni chapter is having our annual golf tourney at Tour 18 on Friday beginning at 1 pm. If you are interested, please pm me and I will get you details on this.

Other than these few things, missouridawg gives good advice. Oh, if your interested in kick *** drinks, Anvil has a pretty good reputation.

 

[bonedaddy401]

<div>I would throw it up there as a very cool place to stay in Houston.</div><div>
</div>And yes Pete's Piano Bar is a good time.<div>
</div><div>Hotel ZaZa is the place to stay IMO but I called a couple days ago and today and they are booked solid. The Monarch Bar in that Hotel is legit also. Last time I was there a bunch of the Texans were in there.</div><div>
</div><div>Rice Village is a cool place. College town feel in the middle of a giant city.</div><div>
</div><div>For Golf I would alsorecommendTour 18. A collection of the most famous 18 holes in golf including all three holes of Amen Corner. It's out by Bush airport. Good drive but a lot of fun.</div><div>
</div><div>If you are going to eat downtown you can't go wrong with Vic & Anthony's. I would also suggest Three Forks. Both great steak houses.</div><div>
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[missouridawg]

+1 for the Three Forks too... great steak... especially if you liked the charred edging that they're famous for.

 

[holydawg]

good bar....

 

[goindhoo]

has the best mexican food anywhere in my opinion. There is one near the galleria on the other side of the 610 loop and one on Voss Rd.

 

[bonedaddy401]

Great atmosphere and yea a great bar also.

<div>There is a bar next door to Pete's that has good live music occasionally also I just can't remember it's name......?</div><div>
</div><div>
</div>

 

[missouridawg]

http://www.houstonpavilions.com/

Mia Bella is GREAT for Italian food... as is Maggiano's in the Galleria.

House of Blues located in the Pavillions too.

 

[SheltonChoked]

Hotels:

The 4 seasons will have a reasonable rate for the weekend, as will the Hilton Americas (if Hotel Zaza is your price range) Both are Downtown and have easy access to Discovery Green, the Light Rail system, and near the House of Blues/ Houston pavillions.</p>

</p>

Eating out</p>

I like Beavers Ice House (Good texas style local food-- Great drinks, off Sawyer south of Washington Ave), Yelpa Playa (Central Mexico Mexican at Richmond and Kirby), Hugo's (also central mexican food Westheimer near Montrose), Catalan (great wine selection awesome food, Off Washington near TC Jester), Feast (best resturant in Houston right now Westhiermer near the downtown spur), and Hanks Ice Cream(off Main near the 610 south loop,next to Baytown seafood)</p>

Drinks

Gingerman (in Rice Village), and Anvil (off Westhimer near Montrose)</p>

 

[missouridawg]

I heard all the buzz about Feast and ate there... and absolutely hated it. That place was awful.

But hard to argue with the rest of your stuff. Thanks for adding to it. Hopefully this will help a few of the out-of-towners making their way in to Houston in 10 days.</p>

 

[radiodawg]

I also live in Houston and have for a while.

A few thoughts - Of the Mexican places listed - El Tiempo is probably the best. I would give Cafe Adobe a thumbs down unless you are just going for Margaritas. If you like Beef Fajita's the best choice is probably Lupe Tortilla's

If you want steak, lots of good options. If $$ is no object, Killen's is the best in the area (better than Vic and Anthonys, Capital Grille, Pappas, Morton's, etc..). It's in Pearland but is well worth the drive.

For Seafood - Traditional seafood - I still think Goode Company seafood is tough to beat. For a more modern interpretaion, try REEF.

For breakfast, if you are in the Galleria Area, try the Buffalo Grille but Le Peep is also really good.

If you want something cheap and near UH - Try a Frenchy's Fried Chicken - Local chain but has great fried chicken - blows away popeyes, kfc, etc.. Little Bigs off of Montrose and Westheimer has the best sliders I have ever had.

I can't offer much help on the hotels. I live in the exurbs so I can't offer much input on the bars but I will make this comment. If you prefer beer, definitely do the Gingerman. If you prefer mixed drinks, Anvil is for you.

 

[Yossarian39]

I have reservations at the University of Houston Hilton (on Campus). Anyone stayed here, or know anything about it. I am hoping that I can just walk to the stadium from the hotel to save the hassle of shuttles, parking, or cabs.

Additionally I need to take my wife for seafood on Friday prior to the game. She has good taste, and would like to eat somewhere with good food & exceptional service. I am spending quite a bit on the trip (dont make it to as many games as I like anymore, so I enjoy the ones I get to) so the dinner should be at a nice place. A few places have been mentioned, but is there a consensus on good seafood in the downtown area?

Thanks in advance

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[missouridawg]

but I do know that U of H's campus is not in the best part of town. And more than likely, you're not going to find anything fun to do (besides the game) within walking distance of the hotel.

As far as seafood downtown, try McCormick and Schmicks's. If you're interested in someplace other than downtown, do the Oceanaire in the Galleria area. It's in the Houston Pavillions, which is linked above in another post. You'll find Pete's Piano Bar, House of Blues, Lucky Strikes, and a few other bars all in the Pavillions. /You can thank me later for the vacation sex you're going to have.

 

[Yossarian39]

I am okay with the drive (or cab ride) downtown for non game related food & entertainment. I anticipate that this will be easier to deal with than trying to get onto & more importantly off of campus for the game.

Oceanaire may be the place we end up. I believe it is owned by Landry's which is generally good. I would rather stick with downtown, but I know my wife will not let a trip to Houston pass without a visit to the Galleria. It may be convenient to eat in the area while we are out that direction. McCormick & Schmicks is not my favorite. I had a pretty poor Cioppino at the Austin location & haven't been back.

Regardless I appreciate your advice... & ... of course vacation sex with the wife

 

[radiodawg]

Been a few times and not really a fan. Way too hit and miss. In addition to Goode Company and Reef, I have had heard good things about Ocenaire. Food is not nearly as good but the Aquarium downtown can be fun if you have kids.

<span style="text-decoration: underline;">http://www.aquariumrestau...downtownaquariumhouston/</span>

http://reefhouston.com/

PS - I am an idiot and get the links to work but paste them in your browser or search if curious

 

[Yossarian39]

Have any of yall eaten at the Brennan's in Houston? Love the New Orleans original & the Owen Brennan's in Memphis is not bad

 

[DAWGS1.sixpack]

that is either in the area or on the way to the Stadium or near the Stadium?
Also, how far is the Galleria from campus and how is parking around the Stadium? Would a cab be a better option to the game maybe?
Thanks!

 

[holydawg]

Any of the Little Woodrows will have cold beer and SEC football.</p>

 

[holydawg]

I like Fish CIty Grill on 59....good seafood that will leave you a little beer money.

 

[holydawg]

There are several Chuy's in the area that are fun to eat at. Get the green ranch salsa if you go...

 

[J-Dawg]

by a friend. Was wondering the same thing about parking on campus/getting a cab. Any advice on that and we'll be set.

 

[missouridawg]

I'd suggest going to Coaches in midtown off of Webster. Tons of TVs there.

 

[missouridawg]

You're only about a 10 to 15$ cab ride from downtown to U of H.... and you won't have to deal with parking. When you get in the cab, make sure he starts the meter... otherwise he'll try to charge you some BS flat rate fee which will be higher than the meter.<div>
</div><div>(713)236-1111 is Yellowcab's number. You'll need to call them just before you leave the game to have them pick you up too.</div><div>
</div><div>Good choice with the America's. You'll be within walking distance of Houston Pavillions which has just about everything you'll need for Friday night.</div>

 

[missouridawg]

and it was phenomenal. Brennan's was actually shut down for a while... it caught fire during Hurricane Ike and did quite a bit of damage.... but it's definitely back open and going strong from what I hear.

 

[missouridawg]

U of H is about a 20$ cab ride... one way. From there, I would think driving would be better. I honestly don't know what to expect with parkings, as I've only been to one U of H game (Texas Tech last year). Their stadium isn't big, so I don't think parking is going to be miserable.

My favorite spot to watch games is at Coaches on Webster in Midtown. It's between the Galleria and U of H.

 

[ckDOG]

Get the green ranch salsa if you go...

Incredible.

 

[ckDOG]

If you have the time, it's a fun brewery tour. And by tour, I mean a few hours of getting hammered while picking up a fact or two about brewing beer. I went last year and I'd recommend it to anyone that likes a decent brew. I think they moved locations since then, but I'm going to assume it's still a good time...

http://www.saintarnold.com/

 

[missouridawg]

Heard great things about it though.... Isn't it a pretty good drive out from the city though?

 

[ckDOG]

It's great if you are on a work trip and you have a seafood craving but no time to research the good local places.

 

[ckDOG]

I'm not very familiar with Houston, but the old location wasn't too far out. I was staying with a friend that lives within 5 miles from downtown and the cab to the old location was about 25 bucks...

 

[Creativeusername]

Some good information here about Houston. Most of the stuff has been covered.

I would not stay on the campus of UH. It is in a terrible part of town and there is nothing to do there. There are plenty of good hotel options downtown, galleria, med center/Herman Park, or Greenway Plaza (In between galleria and downtown). Houston is known for its mexican food, steaks, and seafood, so I assume that is what most people will be looking for. I do not think there aremany good BBQ restaurants in the city limits, although a new place calledGatlins in theW.Heightshad someof the best brisket I have ever had the other day.

Mexican - El Tiempo is the best in the city. I like the brisket tacos, crab nachos/enchilladas, beef tenderloin fajitas, etc. Pretty much everything on the menu is good. They also make some very strong/interesting margaritas. There are three locations in houston (Richmond near Greenway Plaza/Upper Kirby area, Washington Ave, and on Montrose). http://www.eltiempocantina.com/

Also, Guadalajara, Chuy's, Molinas are all good bets.

Steak - Pappas, Flemmings, Vic and Anthony's, Perry's (really good pork chop), Strip House are my favorites.

Seafood - Goode Company Seafood is off Kirby near Rice Village and is solid. Also, Oceanaire, Pesce, Trulucks.

Nightime - Washington Ave. has a ton of new bar/clubs that have opened in the past 2 years. There are a ton of young people on the street, but it can be really crowded and I do not like the scene. Overpriced and overcrowded. I am only 26 and think the scene is very cheesy already.

Rice Village area is way more laid back. (Brian O'Neils, Baker Street, Little Woodrows, Gingerman)

Near Rice Village on Bissonett there are some really good bars that are all walking distance on a neighborhood street.

Kays Lounge - Old Dive bar with the best juke box in Houston. Has a table shaped like the state of Texas and cheap drinks.

Under the Volcano - Interesting bar that is very relaxed. Known for the many specialty drinks (frozen screwdriver, frozen rum and coke, great mint juleps, mojitos) also has an incredible beer list. A mid to upper 20's preppy crowd typically in this bar.

Gallant Knight - Live bands Thurs - Sunday. Imagine the type of band that will play a fun wedding, and thats what is typically playing there. Also has a large porch if it is a nice night. Seems like the age group is 35+ until around 11 or 11:30, then by 2AM the average age is 23-27.

 

[Ol Blue.sixpack]

Ouisies Table on San Felipe
El Tiempo on Richmond

 

[radiodawg]

Most of the suggestions on here are good. I want to echo something Missouridawg mentioned. I would definitely rent a car rather than take cabs. Cab from either airport are expensive and then you need a cab to at least get to and from the game. Houston is not a great city for finding cabs if you are not a hotel or at the airport. Also, if you have never been here, the city is pretty spread out. A random cab ride from Washington Ave area to downtown, galleria area or UH will cost you - I'm guessing about $20+. If you rent a car with GPS, you have the option of hitting many of the city's different restaurant and attractions. Someone has to stay sober but I think its much cheaper.

On restaurant choices, those of us who live here or spent a lot of time here could likely argue for hours about the best Mexican, Steak, or Seafood places in town. Houston is a great restaurant city so if your choice is between a chain restaurant you could get in most major cities (Mckormicks, Morton's, etc..) or a local place you may have only read about on this board or from your own research, take the chance on the local place.

One last note, the Houston Press just put out its Best of Houston 2010 edition with a great food and drink section. The Houston Press is not everyone's cup of tea but their annual "Best of" issue is always great. I don't agree with all of their choices. In many cases, the readers made different choices. Give you some additional choices that have not been discussed here.

Link below:

http://www.houstonpress.com/

 

[ShrubDog]

Thats the one thing I miss about living in Houston

Get the green ranch salsa if you go...

 

[hullabaloodog]

I was in Houston last Friday night, and visited a couple of places mentioned above.

We had dinner at Lupe Tortilla. Inexpensive and damn good fajitas. They make their own tortillas and they were extra thin and delicious.
After that, we headed down to Sawyer's on Washington Ave. Cool place, tons of tvs, and a really nice upstairs balcony bar with a great view of the Houston skyline. Plenty of female talent there as well. We stayed at Sawyer's for a while, so the rest of my night gets a little hazy, but stopped by a few other bars on Washington. All of them were crowded, but not too bad. I really liked that area.

 

[McMeat]

I have lived in Houston my whole life. Trying to name all the great restaurants is impossible because there are so many good places. ****** restaurants dont last in this town. So in choosing spot,a lot of these places are splitting hairs. I don't have time to link them. You can pm me if you have any questions.

Steaks: Ruth's Chris -just west of galleria, Vic & Anthony's -downtown, Moe's - Galleria, Del Frisco's- Galleria, Capital Grille-Galleria, Flemings-Upper Kirby, Morton's - Galleria, Pappas Bros-Galleria, Smith & Wollensky-Galleria, Sullivans-Galleria, The Palm - West of Galleria, Shulas-Dowtown, III Forks, Downtown, Mortons - Downtown, Striphouse-Downtown, America's-Shepard & Galleria, Churrasscos

Seafood: Goode Company-West U, Trulucks-Galleria, Oceanaire-Galleria, Tony Mandolas Gulf Coast Kitchen- River Oaks, Pesce-Upper Kirby, Brennans-Downtown (GREAT), Reef-Downtown, Eddie V's -West Town and Country (x2 better than the ones in Austin) VERY GOOD, McComrmicks-Galleria,

Southwestern: Canyon Cafe - Galleria, RDG+Bar Annie -Galleria (Cool Spot), Irma's- Downtown

BBQ; Goode Company - Kirby West U, Pizzatolas -On Shepard just north of Washington (Best Ribs in town), Luling - Galleria, Beavers- Washington

Mexican; Armando's - Upper Kirby (Fancy / Interior Mexican), Berryhill - Galleria, Chuy's- Upper Kirby, Cyclone Anaya's-Midtown& Washington & Post Oak, El Patio -West of Galleria, El Tiempo- Upper Kirby & Washington , Escalantes - Galleria, La Mexican - Montrose, Last Concert - Downtown , Hugo's - Westheimer, Lupe Tortilla - Kirby & 59, Ninfa's on Navigation -Downtown (the original-GREAT), Tila's- S. Shepard, Teala's- W. Dallas, All Molinas, All Pappasitos,

New American; Lexington Grill-59 and Lexington (Great spot across from Mia Bella) in West U area, Backstreet Cafe-Shepard, Benjy's -Rice Village, Artista-Bagby near Downtown, Glass Wall-The Heights, Max's Wine Dive-Washington, Gravitas-Taft near Downtown, Ibiza-Midtown, Marks -Westheimer near Downtown, Mockingbird Bistro-off Shepard, Raven Grill-West U, Ouisies- Galleria, Post Oak Grill-Galleria, Rainbow Lodge-near the Heights, BRC Big Red Cock-Shepard before Washington, Masraffs-Galleria, Tonys -Richmond just west of Kirby (wonderful), Catalan (Spanish) -Washington

Italian: Carrabba's - on Kirby and one on Woodway (these are the originals that Johnny Carrabba still runs.No comparrison to the chains. They are great. Arturo's-Uptown park near /galleria, DiAmico's- Rice Village, Damians-Midtown, Dolce Vita-near Midtown, Da Marco-near Midtown, Grappino de Nino-near dowtown, Vincents right next to Grappino, Nino's right next to both of Grappino & Vincents, Grotto-Galleria, La Griglia-Shepard @ West Gray, Piatto-galleria, Patrenella's-near Washington, Mia Bella -Lexington St. near West U, Maggianos-Galleria, Stella Solla-near heights

Breakfast: Goode Company Taqueria- Kirby(best breakfast in town) Too many other spots I cant think of.

Bars: I don't do the "new" hip bars so I'm not up so speed on them. All the steakhouses have great bar scenes. Kays -Bissonettnear Rice Village(good beer joint, best juke box in town, Marquis-Bissonett near West U(No windown, dive, strongest drinks in town, Kenneally's-Shepard ( My favorite,Great Bar-best pizza in town), Tasting Room-Uptown, Baker Street-Rice Village, Gingerman-Rice Village, Little Woodrows-Rice Village and Midtown, Continetal Club -Downtown near Midtown (Good live music), House of Blues-Dowtown, too many more I cant think of.

Plenty of good sushi places. Just pick one near where you are staying. They are all good.

Any other questions just pm me or reply to this.

 

[J-Dawg]

[No message]

 

[Yossarian39]

Anybody got recommendations for very good cocktail bars in downtown. Someplace that knows how to make a sazerac or old fashioned & has a good scotch selection. A good jumping off point to get the evening started off right.

 

[SheltonChoked]

I'd try the bars at one of the hotels or La Carafe. La Carafe is a old bar and a Houston Lawyer hangout. Good wine collection and good bartenders. Just outside of downtown, again I'd go to Anvil for cocktails. Anvil makes most of thier own mixers in house for quality reasons.

Check out the Houston Press for some suggestions for places to eat and drink. The yearly Best of Issue is this week and has a good starting point for places inside the loop.