I live and work in the fourth largest city in the United States, and I’ve been here all my life. The sprawling city, the surprising number of trees, the bayous, the traffic, the heat & humidity, the mosquitoes, and the unlimited food options are all a part of every day life for this Houstonian. So when my out-of-town friends come to visit, I like to show them a mix of local favorites and touristy attractions in the short amount of time they’re here. I’m sharing a list of MY favorite hotels (yes, we do staycations here), favorite restaurants and bars, and favorite attractions in this city (and surrounding areas). None of the businesses listed here are sponsoring Red Shoes. Red Wine., so all opinions are my own. Here’s my non-trendy, non-douchey every day guide to visiting Houston as a local and/or as a tourist.
Where to Stay Like a Local
Hotel Icon – Downtown
- Contemporary luxury hotel in the heart of historic Houston and downtown nightlife
Hotel Derek – Inside the Loop/Galleria
- Posh hotel, dog friendly
Hotel Granduca – Inside the Loop/Galleria
- Quiet Italian Villa style luxury hotel for romantic getaways and relaxing girl’s weekend retreats
Where to Stay Like a Tourist
Marriott Marquis Houston – Downtown
- New classically styled hotel in the heart of the convention area with a rooftop Texas shaped lazy river
Hilton Americas Houston – Downtown
- Spacious hotel in the heart of the convention area adjacent to Toyota Center (NBA and other events)
Where to Stay that’s Worth the Drive
Tremont Hotel – Galveston
- Classic and historic hotel in the heart of the Strand District of Downtown Galveston
Hotel Galvez – Galveston
- Resort style hotel overlooking the Galveston Seawall and Gulf of Mexico
Where to Eat Like a Local
Phoenicia Specialty Foods – Downtown
- International food market and deli, favorite downtown lunch spot, conveniently located near offices and convention center
The Original Irma’s – Downtown
- Legit Mexican food, specialty hours, close to Minute Maid ballpark, worth every calorie
Ninfa’s on Navigation – East Downtown
- Also Legit Tex-Mex, great margaritas, close to Dynamo soccer stadium
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar – River Oaks
- My all time favorite special occasion steakhouse, best happy hour in the city, impressive and revolving wine selection
Killen’s BBQ (or Steakhouse or Burger) – Pearland
- THE best BBQ, rivals Texas Hill Country BBQ, prepare for a line out the door that’s worth it
- Killen’s Steakhouse and Killen’s Burgers are also stellar
King’s Biergarten & Restaurant – Pearland
- Authentic German Food and traditional Bavarian beer garden atmosphere, das boot, sausages for days
Where to Eat Like a Tourist
Spindletop – Downtown
- Revolving rooftop restaurant with gorgeous views of Downtown Houston, located in Hyatt Houston
Guadalajara Hacienda – Downtown
- Mainstream Tex-Mex and damn good, great margaritas and happy hour
Hubcap Grill – Downtown
- Killer burgers…yeah we eat a lot of meat here
Goode & Company BBQ – West University
- Great variety of BBQ, definitely a crowd pleaser, pair with Texas beer
Any restaurant on the Kemah Boardwalk – Kemah
- The Disneyworld of chain seafood and penultimate tourist trap, families and kids love the Boardwalk
Where to Eat that’s Worth the Drive
Gaido’s Seafood Restaurant – Galveston
- Galveston’s oldest restaurant, mid-century classic, located on the Galveston Seawall
The Spot Island Famous – Galveston
- Childhood favorite burger bar, patios overlooking the Galveston Seawall and Gulf of Mexico, great people watching
Bernie’s Burger Bus – Meyerland/West Loop
- Gourmet burger restaurant satisfying all your beefy needs
Where to Drink Like a Local
Okra Charity Saloon – Downtown
- Donation concept, best sidecars in town, pretty-people atmosphere
Oporto Wine Bars – Midtown & River Oaks
- Spanish tapas and wine, cozy European atmosphere, friendly staff, comfortably taste out of your comfort zone
Beckrew Wine House – River Oaks
- Upscale wine bar with an unpretentious atmosphere, wine flights and tapas, next door to Fleming’s Steakhouse
Camerata at Paulie’s – Montrose
- Specialty wine bar in an industrial atmosphere, best damn sugar cookies on the planet at Paulie’s next door
St. Arnold’s Brewery – The Heights
- A craft brewery success story that Houstonians are proud of, beer garden great room overlooking copper beer tank room, something for everyone here
Where to Drink Like a Tourist
Flying Saucer – Downtown
- So much beer I can’t even, around the world beer challenge, Main Street people watching
The Pastry War – Downtown
- Tequila and tamale bar with an impressive selection of Mexican spirits, great happy hour spot
13 Celsius European Wine Bar & Cafe – Midtown
- Extensive selection of wine and charcuterie, specialty wine tasting events scheduled regularly, industrial atmosphere
Where to Drink that’s Worth the Drive
Messina Hof Resort & Winery – College Station
- Winery, vineyard, resort, and restaurant in Bryan/College Station (Texas A&M) with a huge selection of wine sure to please anyone
Haak Vineyards & Winery – Santa Fe
- Vineyard, winery, and even space for weddings or enjoying live music, worth the drive
The General Public – City Centre
- Beautiful marriage of bar, pub, restaurant, living room at your best friend’s house…perfect chill spot
What to Do/See Like a Local
Prohibition Theatre – Downtown
- Burlesque show and dinner, art deco decor and Gatsby style drinks
Houston Museum of Natural Science – Museum District
- My favorite nerd hangout, there might be a time vortex in the building, easy to lose track of time here
- Read about my recent visit to HMNS’s upgraded Wiess Energy Hall here
The Menil Collection & Rothko Chapel – Museum District
- Free museums within walking distance of each other in the Museum District, Bistro Menil across street
Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo – NRG Stadium
- IF in town in March, attending Rodeo Houston is a MUST
What to Do/See Like a Tourist
Discovery Green – Downtown
- Multi purpose and revolving event space in the convention center area with restaurants, bars, parks, and waterworks for the kids
Main Street – Downtown
- Bar hop like a 20-something year old on Main Street in Downtown Houston
Houston Zoo – Museum District
- Does a bear poop in the city? Yes, it does.
Johnson Space Center (NASA) – Clear Lake
- Fun fact: Houston is (or was) called Space City, many exhibits from the Space Race here
What to Do/See that’s Worth the Drive
Moody Gardens – Galveston
- Aquariums, rainforest, and outdoor activities for the family here on Galveston Island, touristy
Galveston Seawall – Galveston
- Built after the Galveston Hurricane of 1900 to protect the island, spans 10 miles, open beaches
Pier 21 – Galveston
- Waterfront dining and entertainment on Galveston’s historic harbor, home to 1877 Tall Ship Elissa, close to cruise terminal
Historic Strand District – Galveston
- A must-see Victorian era historic port district if in the area, many shops and restaurants, walking distance to cruise terminal
Geologic Walking Tours by Red Shoes. Red Wine.
Skyline Geology: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Downtown Houston’s Buildings (City Hall Loop)
Happy Houstoning!
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