Nationally known as a hub of scientific progress thanks to its connection to NASA (Houston, we have a problem), Houston is also one of America’s most desirable cities in terms of diversity, entertainment, food and cost of living.
When it comes to hidden gems around the city, there are more than a few that longtime Houston locals want to keep to themselves. We’re here to open up the door to you and highlight some of Bayou City’s best places for food, drinks, entertainment and outdoor excursions.
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Underrated Houston Restaurants
The Houston culinary scene is defined by an entirely unique combination of flavors that reflects the diverse population of the city. These flavors include traditional Texas barbecue, Viet-Cajun seafood, creative breakfast tacos and crispy chicken, just to name a few. Listed below are eight great restaurants that are sure to show off the best of what the Houston culinary scene has to offer.
Phat Eatery
You simply can’t talk about the Houston food scene without mentioning Phat Eatery. Headed up by James Beard-nominated chef/owner, Alex Au-Yeung, this strip mall-based gem is hidden away a little over a half hour outside of Houston in Katy and well worth every minute of the drive it takes to get there. Phat Eatery serves up Malaysian fare with a passion that is seldom seen in any industry. Known for an unbeatable selection of appetizers, a great atmosphere and dim sum that is to die for, Phat Eatery is something you need to experience to understand.
Theodore Rex
Ever wonder what the “T” in “T-Rex” stands for? Well, turns out it’s not tyrannosaurus, it’s actually Theodore. If you ask Theodore Rex chef and owner Justin Yu, that is. This New American restaurant serves up elegant dishes in an elevated space but somehow manages not to feel stuffy at all. Great, vibes, artisanal drinks and food made with care, sound good? The menu may be small but it sure is mighty. Regulars will likely recommend you try everything at least once.
Afrikoko
Afrikoko is undeniably one of, if not the, best West African restaurants in Houston. Opened with the goal of giving the people around Braeburn a place to experience Ghanaian cuisine, Afrikoko serves up authentic stews, fufu, jollof rice and more for lunch and dinner seven days a week.
Loro
Loro is an Asian smokehouse and bar that serves up smoked meats with an Asian fusion twist. Running the show are two James Beard winners in Chef Tyson Cole and Aaron Franklin. Needless to say, when you walk through the doors at Loro, you’re in not just good hands, but quite possibly the best hands. Stop by and chow down on some of Houston’s tastiest brisket, enjoy a slice of classic peach cobbler and let loose with happy hour deals and delicious cocktails including house-made frozen drinks.
Nobie’s
The fine people behind Nobie’s set out to create a restaurant that gave off strong living room vibes. They succeeded. Nobie’s welcoming atmosphere is entirely unique and curated through an obvious attention to detail that’s apparent from the moment you walk in. Spinning vinyl records and churning out great food Wednesday – Sunday, this New American restaurant specializes in artisan pizza, crowd-pleasing small plates and rustic main dishes you aren’t likely to find anywhere else. Be warned, they unapologetically play their records at near-full volume. If you are sensitive to noise, be sure to reserve a table on the patio ahead of time!
Lankford’s Grocery and Market
Lankford’s Grocery and Market is a classic no-frills spot to grab a big breakfast, traditional chicken fried steak or even authentic enchiladas. Established in 1937 and featured on Guy Fierri’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, where Guy highly recommended the Firehouse Burger, this gem is perfect for a quick bite in a nostalgic setting.
Street to Kitchen
If you’re looking to find authentic Thai flavors in Houston, look no further than Street to Kitchen. Known around the city for its legendary drunken noodles, this casual stop is located next to a gas station and offers limited parking. Be sure to make a reservation beforehand if you don’t want to wait as Street to Kitchen has quickly become the go-to spot for Houstonians looking to scratch that authentic Thai food itch.
Blood Brothers BBQ
Hot links, pork ribs, jalapeño cheddar sausage and even fried rice grace the menu at this casual spot for top-notch barbecue with an Asian-Cajun flair. Established in 2013, Blood Bros BBQ is located in the nearby Bellaire area about fifteen minutes south of Houston. Ask around and you’ll hear all about their pork belly burnt ends, jalapeño creamed corn and banh mi offerings.
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Houston hot spots for drinks
From cold beers to craft cocktails in a scenic setting, Houston is full of fun spots to chill out and enjoy a drink with those closest to you. Here are three Houston hotspots that are making waves now.
Rabbit’s Got the Gun
Nestled comfortably in the heart of Houston’s Northside neighborhood, Rabbit’s Got the Gun is a small craft bar known for its mural-adorned walls, meticulously crafted cocktails and on-site taco truck. Opened with the goal of being more of an experience than simply a place to get a drink, Rabbit’s Got the Gun is consistent with the vibe and constant with the quality. Can’t ask for much more out of a neighborhood hangout.
NettBar
Large outdoor area? Check. Dog-friendly? Check. Cold beers and fun games? Double check. NettBar is one of those all-day-hangout-type-places. You can get there around lunch, head out at closing and feel like you had a full day when you get home. Located south of Houston’s Greater Heights neighborhood, this locally-adored bar was built around a structure that has existed at their location since the 1950s. This watering hole has been a meeting place for families, young professionals, and people passing through town since they first opened their doors.
Trash Panda Drinking Club
Not to disrespect any of the other businesses appearing on this list, but you just can’t beat a name like Trash Panda Drinking Club. Accompanied by a great name, this little neighborhood dive bar has just the right mix of punk rock attitude and instagramable aesthetics. Stop in, enjoy a craft cocktail and see for yourself.
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Best under-the-radar coffee shops in Houston
With artisan lattes, creative cold brews and great vibes, these four coffee shops and cafes are the most ideal places in Houston to start your day.
Mo’ Better Brews
Mo’ Better Brews is a 100% vegan coffee shop, breakfast spot, restaurant, bar, community hangout and so much more. Truly a one-of-a-kind shop, Mo’ Better Brews sets out to accomplish a lot and does it all extremely well. Ideal for a get-together with old friends, a quiet morning on your own, or a chill night out with that special someone, Mo’ Better Brews is the coffee shop that does it all and looks darn good doing it.
Slowpokes
Beyond having a great name, Slowpokes is a stellar coffee shop. With three locations around the Houston area in the Greenway Upper Kirby area, Spring Ranch and Independence Heights, Slowpokes serves as a morning pick-me-up stop for a substantial percentage of Houston locals. If you’re hungry, Slowpokes also serves up breakfast food, sandwiches, snacks and local goods in addition to happy hour drinks for the 21-and-over crowd.
Day 6 Coffee Co.
Located about a block off Market Square Park, Day 6 Coffee Co. is a brick-walled coffee shop with a great vibe. Natural light, hanging plants, skilled baristas and tasty baked goods are just a few of the attributes that keep locals and passersby alike coming back and making this quintessential coffee shop a staple in their morning routines.
The Nook Cafe and Bar
The Nook Cafe and Bar is an industrial-style space filled with local art. This cozy cafe was established in 2013 by a group of University of Houston alumni. They opened this shop with the simple goal of improving the quality of life for UH students and the residents that live around the campus. Now with ten years of business under their belt, it’s safe to say this hip coffee shop has done just that.
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Houston’s live entertainment options
There’s no shortage of talented performers in Houston. Luckily for you, there’s also no shortage of stage time. Check out these top spots for live entertainment in Houston and catch a show tonight.
Scott Gertner’s Rhythm Room
This Louisiana-style restaurant and live performance venue serves up casual plates and inventive cocktails in a cool setting. Scott Gertner’s Rhythm Room is a staple in the Rice Military neighborhood. Famous for its steak night and live jazz, Scott Gertner’s is an ode to the past in the best possible way. Catch a live show and experience it for yourself.
The Secret Group
The Secret Group is a small bar with a rooftop patio that hosts a number of different types of live shows like standup comedy, concerts, emo karaoke, 90s nights and more. This off-the-wall watering hole is a great place to make new memories with old friends and is always good for people-watching and low-pressure performances.
Dan Electro’s
Since the late 80s, Dan Electro’s has been the premier spot in Houston’s historic Greater Heights area for live music. Walk through the doors at this storied venue and you’re liable to catch a show of almost any musical genre. The only constant here is quality. Quality on the stage, quality behind the bar and quality people filling the space. Stop in and enjoy the real Houston in all its glory!
Miller Outdoor Theater
Maybe not technically a hidden gem, Miller Outdoor Theater is Houston’s premier amphitheater and, as such, hosts everything from community theater and chorus events to movie nights to touring concert acts. Perfect for a family night, romantic evening or low-key outing with friends, Miller Outdoor Theater is located right next to Rice University and worth checking out if you find yourself in the area on a nice day.
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Four things to do outside in Houston
You can’t come to Houston and not enjoy the great outdoors. Here are a few suggestions to help you reconnect with mother nature during your time in Bayou City.
Buffalo Bayou
The Buffalo Bayou is a slow-moving body of water—technically not a river—that runs through Houston and feeds into Galveston Bay and eventually the Gulf of Mexico. Extensive efforts are underway to clean up the Bayou and a lot of progress has been made thus far. If you’re hoping to spend a day around the water, you’re in luck. Boat tours and ample walking paths near the water allow anyone to soak up the sun, sit on (or by) the water and watch the day go by.
Rooftop Cinema Club
Only operating in seven U.S. cities, Rooftop Cinema Club is the top organization for setting up al fresco movie viewing experiences. The team at Rooftop Cinema Club scouts out locations that provide breathtaking city views and sets up the entire theater experience. They provide seats, personal listening devices and a full food and drink menu. Pair that with a curated selection of iconic movies and you’re in for a beautiful night under the stars.
Memorial Park
First opened in 1924, Memorial Park is closing in on 100 years of providing Houston locals with a green area to escape the urban sprawl and reconnect with the natural world. One of the largest urban parks in the country, Memorial Park is located right across from the Memorial neighborhood and is frequented by neighborhood dog walkers, midday workout warriors, artists looking for inspiration, children playing and more.
Rice University Loop
Unknown even to some Houston locals, the Rice University Loop is a six-mile jogging trail centered around the Rice Campus, south of Downtown Houston. This trail is not just for Rice University students and is open to the public. Perfect for getting those steps in on a Sunday morning or a leisurely stroll after a long day at work, this treelined trail is a tranquil retreat hidden in Houston’s urban jungle.
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Bonus gem
Not hidden by any means, but POST Houston is somewhere you need to know about if you don’t already.
POST Houston
Decidedly not a hidden gem, POST Houston is a massive former U.S. Postal Service complex that has been transformed into Houston’s “hub for culture, food and recreation.” The spaces features a large co-working space, multiple restaurants in an elevated food hall-style setting, bars, event venues and a “Texas-sized” rooftop garden. Ask anyone who has been before, it’s easy to spend a whole day in this large complex filled with Houston hotspots.
Houston has it all
Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a dedicated foodie, a weekend warrior or anything in between, Houston has what you’re looking for. Check out some of the spots listed above and find your new favorite place.
