by Nikki Metzgar - 206 Reviews - 77 List
Visitors usually have a hard time making heads or tails of Houston. You pretty much need a car to get around and our downtown is a no man's land after hours. But we like to think that everything there is to see and do in Bayou City is even better because it's hidden. From chowing down in Chinatown to experiencing our art scene, we've got your ultimate guide to Houston.
Updated: July 14, 2010
Part of the Menil Collection, this nationally renowned chapel right here in Houston is decorated with the work of abstract expressionist Mark Rothko (and is said to be one of Patti Smith's favorite places on Earth). People of all beliefs are welcome to visit and meditate.
The Texas capitol city gets credit for being wacky, but there are definitely some Houston landmarks that can give Austin a run for its money. Adorned with metal spires and spokes, the Art Car Museum looks post-apocalyptic on the outside and houses changing exhibits from local Houston artists on the inside.
Some might say Houston's downtown skyline isn't quite as impressive as one might hope for a city of our size. But looking out from one of downtown's highest buildings is a worthwhile sight. Visitors to the Chase Tower in Houston are free to take the elevator up to the 60th floor during office hours at no charge for what is really an incredible view of the the Medical Center, the Galleria and other far-flung neighborhoods.
What has spurred a active community in downtown Houston is Discovery Green Park. Grassy knolls, top-notch restaurant the Grove and tons of free programming, from concerts to movie screenings, make this a great place to visit Houston if you're bringing the kids.
If you want to get to know a place, you drink its beers. Visit the local brewery on a Saturday morning at 11am (arrive early) or weekday afternoons at 3pm for samples and a souvenir tasting glass of beer from Houston.
There are several Mexican folk art stores across Houston, but this one is perched along 19th Street in the Heights, a quaint, walkable neighborhood unlike any other in the city. Peruse the embroidered dresses and skeleton trinkets before heading down the street for a gelato at Crickets and antiques at Grace Hart Co.
This seemingly endless open air market showcases some of the best of Mexican culture in Houston. Spices, fruits and every type of pepper are available dirt cheap. Even if you're not staying in town long, it'll be difficult to resist purchasing something.
Bubba's isn't just a place to get burgers (which we're really good at here in Houston); it's a place to feel Texan. Cast in the shadow of a freeway, it's a prime example of Houston's lack of zoning. But don't worry, it won't interfere with your enjoyment of a messy buffalo double patty and cold beer.
Anvil has been setting the bar (no pun intended) for mixology in Houston ever since it opened in 2009. Since it's located in historic Montrose, you can stop in for an exceptional cocktail served in vintage glassware before roaming around the other bars, antique shops and coffee shops along Westheimer.
Chinatown should be on your must-visit list for Houston and this is just one of the good restaurants to consider. Houston's Chinatown is among the county's brightest in terms of quality of food and breadth of cultures represented and has experienced a burst of growth over the past decade. Start here, order the ma po eggplant, and be sure to explore the rest the area has to offer.
One of "Food and Wine" magazine's Best New Chefs of 2009, Bryan Caswell is one of Houston's most notable chefs for a reason. His cuisine is a prime example of what's unique about Gulf Coast fare, combining seafood with Asian, Hispanic and Southern flavors.
Marco Wiles is the reigning Italian restaurateur in Houston, with this casual pizza joint and the more upscale Da Marco and Poscol in his empire. We love the relaxed yet trendy vibe and the robiola pizza topped with leeks and pancetta at Dolce Vita but definitely try Wiles? other restaurants if you have the budget.
Hillcroft is the Little India of Houston and there is a surfeit of food and shopping to be done in the area. While there are plenty of worthwhile hole-in-the-wall joints, this family run, English-style curry house is one of the more spruced up options.
You simply can't come to Houston, Texas without eating BBQ. The 70-year old brick pit at this battered building turns out some of the most flavorful ribs in the city. Try to save room after all the brisket, chicken and sausage for dessert--the coconut cake and banana pudding shouldn't be missed.
