Amanda’s Houston Guidebook
Favorite Places in Houston
What to see and do... and where to eat in Houston.
In the Montrose, Vibrant is a cool, subtle and sexy spot for vegans, vegetarians and omnivores alike. A great spot to enjoy a tonic, coffee, organic champagne or a cocktail. The patio is lovely with a dusty California vibe. The plated presentation is delicate and lovely while the flavors are over-the-top delicious.
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Vibrant
1931 Fairview StIn the Montrose, Vibrant is a cool, subtle and sexy spot for vegans, vegetarians and omnivores alike. A great spot to enjoy a tonic, coffee, organic champagne or a cocktail. The patio is lovely with a dusty California vibe. The plated presentation is delicate and lovely while the flavors are over-the-top delicious.
Great spot in downtown Heights on the 19th St. drag. Great coffee, take some to go. You must have the shaken till whipped iced cappuccino.
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Boomtown Coffee
242 W 19th StGreat spot in downtown Heights on the 19th St. drag. Great coffee, take some to go. You must have the shaken till whipped iced cappuccino.
Within walking distance to House of Hawthorne. Siphon is known for its quality coffee, tea and great pastries.
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Siphon Coffee
701 W Alabama StWithin walking distance to House of Hawthorne. Siphon is known for its quality coffee, tea and great pastries.
Another fantastic coffee spot in Houston, but their biscuits are amazing.
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Blacksmith
1018 Westheimer RdAnother fantastic coffee spot in Houston, but their biscuits are amazing.
One of the greatest original cool spots in Houston on Westheimer Blvd. --Houston's most popular street. Most nights you can check out a jazz trio or quirky film on the patio. Their sweet potato and black bean tamales are excellent as is the Crispy Kale salad with popped rice. Go for coffee, desserts, beer and Prosecco on tap.
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Brasil
2604 Dunlavy StOne of the greatest original cool spots in Houston on Westheimer Blvd. --Houston's most popular street. Most nights you can check out a jazz trio or quirky film on the patio. Their sweet potato and black bean tamales are excellent as is the Crispy Kale salad with popped rice. Go for coffee, desserts, beer and Prosecco on tap.
Located on Westheimer Blvd. near all the thrift shops, cafés and a handful of good restaurants. Best candles and hand soap in all the city, unless you go next door to Aesops to get your hand soap fix.
Le Labo
1665 Westheimer RdLocated on Westheimer Blvd. near all the thrift shops, cafés and a handful of good restaurants. Best candles and hand soap in all the city, unless you go next door to Aesops to get your hand soap fix.
Space Montrose
1706 Westheimer RdA place to find unique, hand-made items.
Dedicated gallery to works of Cy Twombly on the Menil campus.
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Cy Twombly Gallery
1501 Branard StDedicated gallery to works of Cy Twombly on the Menil campus.
Houston is fortunate to have one of this unique artist's work on display at Rice University. “My work is more about your seeing than it is about my seeing, although it is a product of my seeing. I’m also interested in the sense of presence of space; that is space where you feel a presence, almost an entity — that physical feeling and power that space can give.” James Turrell
http://jamesturrell.com/work/type/
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James Turrell's Twilight Epiphany Skyscape
Houston is fortunate to have one of this unique artist's work on display at Rice University. “My work is more about your seeing than it is about my seeing, although it is a product of my seeing. I’m also interested in the sense of presence of space; that is space where you feel a presence, almost an entity — that physical feeling and power that space can give.” James Turrell
http://jamesturrell.com/work/type/
Grab a picnik to go and head to one of the many parks in the area.
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Picnic Box Lunches
1928 Bissonnet StGrab a picnik to go and head to one of the many parks in the area.
Because Reality Bites and you know it does, so go have a cream puff and call it a night at 4am.
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House of Pies
3112 Kirby DrBecause Reality Bites and you know it does, so go have a cream puff and call it a night at 4am.
Good restaurants and shopping;Tom Ford, Brunello Cucinelli, Stella McCartney, Vince, COS, Diptyque, Forth+Nomad, THEORY, and so much more. See a movie at the iPic Theater follow it up with a Daisy cone gelato of from Amorino.
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River Oaks District
4444 Westheimer RdGood restaurants and shopping;Tom Ford, Brunello Cucinelli, Stella McCartney, Vince, COS, Diptyque, Forth+Nomad, THEORY, and so much more. See a movie at the iPic Theater follow it up with a Daisy cone gelato of from Amorino.
The perfect place for meditation or reflection, this non-denominational chapel was founded by John and Dominique de Menil. The interior serves not only as a chapel, but also as a major work of modern art. Currently under construction.
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Rothko Chapel
3900 Yupon StThe perfect place for meditation or reflection, this non-denominational chapel was founded by John and Dominique de Menil. The interior serves not only as a chapel, but also as a major work of modern art. Currently under construction.
Houston’s oldest theater that hosts independent films and midnight throwback movies on the weekends. Serves beer and wine.
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Saint Cloud River Oaks
2020 W Gray StHouston’s oldest theater that hosts independent films and midnight throwback movies on the weekends. Serves beer and wine.
One of Houston’s largest and most robust groceries in the city with fresh, organic options. Great place to pick up food from the deli. Cooking classes available.
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Central Market
3815 Westheimer RdOne of Houston’s largest and most robust groceries in the city with fresh, organic options. Great place to pick up food from the deli. Cooking classes available.
Delightful sausage, egg and fruit kolaches. They also serve up a mean cup of coffee featuring Boomtown Coffee.
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Kolache Shoppe
1031 Heights BlvdDelightful sausage, egg and fruit kolaches. They also serve up a mean cup of coffee featuring Boomtown Coffee.
Half Price Books
1011 Westheimer RdMontrose Cheese & Wine
1618 Westheimer RdUchi
904 Westheimer RdAgora
1712 Westheimer RdFood scene
Georgia James
3503 Westheimer RdIf you love a great steak in an unconventional steak house.
Beautiful place to sit at the bar and have a glass of champagne 🥂 with your petite Atlantic Oysters on the half shell. Must have the cheese enchilada and don’t forget your complimentary ginger moon pie on your way out.
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State of Grace
3258 Westheimer RdBeautiful place to sit at the bar and have a glass of champagne 🥂 with your petite Atlantic Oysters on the half shell. Must have the cheese enchilada and don’t forget your complimentary ginger moon pie on your way out.
Common Bond Café & Bakery
1706 Westheimer RdGo for the croissant packaging... just beautiful.
The Pit Room
1201 Richmond AvenueYou must try the green beans.
Pinkerton's Barbecue
1504 Airline DrBest brisket in the city, IMO
Uchi
904 Westheimer RdThe hama chili is the reason
The best shrimp cocktail...it's so beautiful. The bar is lovely.
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1751 Sea and Bar
191 Heights BlvdThe best shrimp cocktail...it's so beautiful. The bar is lovely.
Global cuisine featuring handmade pasta with a delightful combination of flavors.
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Mastrantos
927 Studewood StGlobal cuisine featuring handmade pasta with a delightful combination of flavors.
They don’t take reservations, but if you’re willing to wait in the garden with a cocktail amongst your live, leafy dinner waiting to be plucked, you won’t regret it. Their deliciously light and perfectly flavored pastas and pizzas will dazzle you.
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Coltivare Pizza & Garden
3320 White Oak DrThey don’t take reservations, but if you’re willing to wait in the garden with a cocktail amongst your live, leafy dinner waiting to be plucked, you won’t regret it. Their deliciously light and perfectly flavored pastas and pizzas will dazzle you.
Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
3217 Montrose Blvd
Rosie Cannonball
1620 Westheimer RdGeorgia James
3503 Westheimer RdPostino Montrose
805 Pacific StBaby Barnaby's
602 Fairview StTraveler's Table
520 Westheimer Road
Indika
516 Westheimer RdMagical Dessert Bar
Velvet Taco
4819 Washington AveLa Sicilia Italian Bakery & Cafe
515 Westheimer RdBaba Yega
2607 Grant StDolce Vita Pizzeria Enoteca
500 Westheimer RdMala Sichuan Bistro
1201 Westheimer RdShake Shack
1002 Westheimer RdNiko Niko's
2520 Montrose BlvdThe Pit Room
1201 Richmond AvenueTruth BBQ
110 S Heights BlvdPinkerton's Barbecue
1504 Airline DrHugo's
1600 Westheimer RdBlood Bros. BBQ
5425 Bellaire Blvd
Indianola
1201 St Emanuel St
UB Preserv
1609 Westheimer Rd
Indigo
517 Berry RdBravery Chef Hall
409 Travis StSightseeing
Set in the middle of the Montrose neighborhood, this 30-acre museum campus in the main bldg houses special exhibitions and the permanent collection with four other museum buildings: two are dedicated to single artists (Cy Twombly and Dan Flavin), the Byzantine Fresco Chapel, and the Menil Drawing Institute. ‘Known for displays that allow the objects and works of art to speak for themselves—there are no “didactics” on the wall or media in the galleries—the Menil philosophy is to foster each individual’s direct, personal encounter with works of art. The display of carefully chosen artworks in sympathetic settings are Menil hallmarks.’
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I-Menil Collection
1533 Sul Ross StSet in the middle of the Montrose neighborhood, this 30-acre museum campus in the main bldg houses special exhibitions and the permanent collection with four other museum buildings: two are dedicated to single artists (Cy Twombly and Dan Flavin), the Byzantine Fresco Chapel, and the Menil Drawing Institute. ‘Known for displays that allow the objects and works of art to speak for themselves—there are no “didactics” on the wall or media in the galleries—the Menil philosophy is to foster each individual’s direct, personal encounter with works of art. The display of carefully chosen artworks in sympathetic settings are Menil hallmarks.’
You’ll find all kinds of chilling going on at this museum park. Meditators, yogis, musicians and families sprawl across the grounds enjoying the shade from the 100-yr-old oak trees.
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Menil Park
1423 Branard StYou’ll find all kinds of chilling going on at this museum park. Meditators, yogis, musicians and families sprawl across the grounds enjoying the shade from the 100-yr-old oak trees.
World class museum with a movie theater as well. Great place to catch an uncorked documentary.
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The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Beck Building
1001 Bissonnet StWorld class museum with a movie theater as well. Great place to catch an uncorked documentary.
Art studios open to the public. Great place to take photographs as well.
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The Silos at Sawyer Yards
1502 Sawyer StArt studios open to the public. Great place to take photographs as well.
Whether you’re walking, running or biking, this winding trail will take you along the bayou to the skate park, the dog park, along the bat bridge and into downtown depending on which direction you go along this 120+ acre park. Stop by The Dunlavy for breakfast or lunch along the way.
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Buffalo Bayou Park
Memorial DriveWhether you’re walking, running or biking, this winding trail will take you along the bayou to the skate park, the dog park, along the bat bridge and into downtown depending on which direction you go along this 120+ acre park. Stop by The Dunlavy for breakfast or lunch along the way.
Houston has the largest art car parade in the world. The museum houses some of the most extravagant throughout the years.
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Iziko Lomuzi Wemisebenzi Yezobuchwepheshe
140 Heights BlvdHouston has the largest art car parade in the world. The museum houses some of the most extravagant throughout the years.
I-Houston Museum of Natural Science
5555 Hermann Park Dr6 miles of trails, the Houston Zoo, paddle boating, Japanese gardens, play grounds, Miller Outdoor Theater, Cockerel Butterfly Museum, ...
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Hermann Park
6001 Fannin Street6 miles of trails, the Houston Zoo, paddle boating, Japanese gardens, play grounds, Miller Outdoor Theater, Cockerel Butterfly Museum, ...
Leopard Lounge
1639 Westheimer RdHeights Mercantile
714 Yale StRiver Oaks
Chinatown
11200 Bellaire BoulevardNeighborhoods
Historic bungalows make this inner-city neighborhood feel like a small town, but it’s hip and has all the things. Cool retail, great restaurants, hike and bike trails abound while being super friendly and fun.
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Houston Heights
Historic bungalows make this inner-city neighborhood feel like a small town, but it’s hip and has all the things. Cool retail, great restaurants, hike and bike trails abound while being super friendly and fun.
Fitness
Jog the exterior 2.9 mile trail at Rice University under a canopy of oaks.
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Rice University
6100 Main StJog the exterior 2.9 mile trail at Rice University under a canopy of oaks.
Life Time
815 Town and Country BlvdPerformances
I-Theatre ye-Miller Outdoor
6000 Hermann Park DrIzeluleko zedolobha
Izindlela zokonga
Museums are free on Thursdays
Montrose is a long street that runs through the southside to the Heights and changes names five times: Main, Montrose, Studemont, Studewood, N Main. This is true for many streets in Houston.
Ungaphuthelwa
James Turrell's "Twilight Epiphany" Skyspace
Located at Rice University, show up at dusk or dawn. Opens at 5:30am
Ungaphuthelwa
‘The Burp’ art exhibit
Houston has a lot of sneaky art installations
Ungaphuthelwa
Art Car Museum
The Orange Show has many fantastic exhibits, the Art Car Museum is one of them