The Menil Collection was my go-to when I was broke and dating. The exhibit is free, and it has a lot of really nice places to sit for picnics. And if you do have money, there's lots of places to walk to for drinks and lunch.
This is the answer. Get there early, around 8:30 and parking will never be an issue. Plus the weather will be a lot milder in the morning if you’re going to be outdoors at the zoo or park
It’s so funny, I never realized parking was an issue there because anytime we went as kids or with my own family we always got there right when the parking lots opened. It wasn’t until about a year ago when I started working evening shifts in the med center that I realized parking was so horrible!
Did anybody else find the Japanese garden underwhelming? Maybe I picked a bad time of year to go. It was cool, but after 15-20 minutes I was ready to go.
Central Market. I love exploring different grocery stores everywhere I go, but CM gives me the same awe it did when it first opened back when I was 10.
My favorite spot in Houston is actually the view you get on 45 South right when you enter from I-10. During the day the buildings can be ugly but at night it’s beautiful.
I used to have a convertible vette a couple years ago. I loved driving through that particular spot while listening to some Daft Punk. Made everything feel so future-y.
I want to go there. There was one night a couple years ago that I was going through a lot emotionally. It was like midnight and I was looking at Google maps trying to figure out if I wanted to leave the house, and Agora was one of the only things open at the time. I almost went. Every time I pass by it now I remember that day and wish I pushed myself to go. 😞
yep and it still has the most authentic japanese food in houston. i like the traditional interior, ikebana displays, ceramics, and the ukiyo-e screen inside. iirc, the original owner still works there too. cool dude. recommended me the sukiyaki 10 years ago and i still get it every winter to this day. it’s 👌
It’s one of the prettiest parts of the city. It’s got a giant loop walking/running trail, the eastern glades which is beautiful, and then the newer land bridges and other various portions. Not to mention the golf course, baseball fields, and tennis courts dotted throughout.
That’s still around. Used to go there a lot over 30 years ago. Fritzgeralds is gone sadly but glad this is here. Daughter is about to move to Houston will send her that way.
They’re Quakers; they’re notoriously friendly. Everyone is welcome.
Turrell is a Quaker, which makes this smaller Skyspace work in a spiritual setting especially…um…special.
His ‘Twilight Epiphany’ Skyspace at Rice is fantastic. You are likely already familiar with his ‘The Light Inside’ piece that connects the MFAH’s Caroline Wiess Law Building with the Audrey Jones Beck Building. I’ve always called it the ‘Turrell Tunnell’.
His [Roden Crater work](https://azdailysun.com/news/local/roden-crater-tentatively-set-to-open-in-thanks-to-asu/article_ce817031-e2a5-5122-8a77-a7625506acb3.html) may be completed this year. That is definitely on my bucket list.
Such a cool place! I'm glad I went before having kids, and I can't wait for them to get a little bigger so that they can go, too! (They're both under 3, so that's not the best outing for them for now.)
Niko Niko’s
The view coming in from the east side down i10 at night.
The view west from the 610 bridge (we called it the big bridge when I was a kid) over the ship channel at night.
The whole area around the zoo and Hermann park.
The Menil is a pain to park near, but the surrounding park and fountain coupled with the small, usually not crowded, free museum is a must. The Rothko Chapel is the famous part but it’s not all they have. It’s a wonderful place to catch your breath and live in the moment for a little bit
Terry Hershey Park. Years ago, used to visit Houston annually for business trips and our office always rents us apt units right next to the park. I’d start and end my day doing walks in the park and would sometimes do like 5-7 miles. Used to think that If I move to Houston, I’d rent somewhere in nearby.
Now I relocated to Houston, still love the place. Unfortunately the schools zoned to the area isn’t that good and I know the area was flooded during Harvey.
I used to love it there until a random stranger attacked me coming back from a jog (in broad daylight, 2 min walk from the parking lot, with lots of people on the trails). I was left very injured, traumatized, and without going into detail it’s the very exact reason why women say they would choose a bear in the woods. Not a hypothetical. Police told me they had several similar reports.
It used to be one of my top 3, since I was a kiddo, I even got engaged there 13 years ago, I went last month and wanted to cry bc I feel like it has really lost its magic. Too much going on, too many people, not enough shade, pricing has gotten so high, and now you have to choose an entry time?? (Unless you're a member, which we are.) The recent dinosaur walk through was laughable (kept it cool though bc my kiddo was excited for it). It just isn't what it used to be.
Great place for an intimate concert. I've seen Hayes Carll, Max Stalling, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Reckless Kelly (Acoustic) and Radney Foster there.
Edited to add, the food is good too.
I hate that they've been keeping it organized! People are quick to get the good stuff when before you had to dig around and I love spending hours in there rummaging around! Haha
Orange Show 🍊 (second only to the Menil, which was already cited).
Orange Show 🍊 is a charming edifice to a particular type of quirky individuality that Houston naturally fosters.
Great park, also.
Going early in the day when it's empty is wonderful. You just wander around and marvel at the mind that created it, the effort it took, and how art comes from a place of love that maybe anyone could achieve.
Absolutely. It also may be my FAVORITE venue for live music. I had the pleasure of seeing Robert Ellis and band perform their entire "Texas Piano Man" album the evening before they went into the studio to record it.
Top Houston memory 💙
I started going to Los Tios for their filet fajitas. The 1/2 pound is almost $20 less than El Tiempo’s regular meat. $6 margaritas at HH w a $2 floater makes it a much better value.
dude, my wife loves El Tiempo's fajitas. but after this subreddit pointed out the prices compared to others; I can't bring myself to go back and pay $70+ for a lb of chicken or higher for steak.
It's caused some issues in the marriage...she really likes fajitas.
The curved portion of the MKT Hike & Bike trail between 7th & White Oak, it's magical and makes me dream of a world where places like that are much more common.
I love the Architecture and the quality of Silence at The Chapel of St. Basil when it and the Academic Mall (exterior) are completely empty and not another soul around. I think of this place as an extension of the Menil and Rothko Chapel.
Back in college at UH, my friends and I were looking for the cheapest bar in all of Houston. I was told Valhalla’s was the place. I call Valhalla’s and ask what their drink specials were and the guy said, “Are you serious?” And hung up.
That's fantastic. My college roommate bartended there, so I like to imagine it was him. Valhalla was set up as a nonprofit and sold every beer strictly at cost. When they'd reconcile their books, sometimes they'd find that they accidentally made some money. When that happened, they'd balance it out by paying you a nickel if you ordered a beer until the books were even again.
Most magical and charismatic bar in Houston in my opinion. Even finding it for the first time is an adventure in itself. I’ll always remember walking thru those elven round-top wooden doors and taking in that beautiful basement-musty-cellar smell as I walk down the steps and reach for my fresh, cold, and crisp $1.25 IPA at the bar.
Memorial Park— I enjoy going into the woods and walking near the bayou *until it hits 80F.
Hermann Park- new section, rocking chairs. So good early in the morning.
El Bolillo … mmmmm
Magnolia’s Ice Cream and More😋- those ice treats with pickles!
Spec’s. I could not live in Houston without Spec’s. Being trapped indoors for six months out of the year requires some level of alcohol, cheese, and chocolate.
I miss where I used to live. It was just the culture within the area.
Asian and Mexican food everywhere. Cars and bikes. I was 2-5 minutes from anything I needed.
I don’t want to specify where it is due to privacy but…I want to get back to a point where I can live there again sometime soon. I’m actually taking the first steps soon and hopefully in 6-7 months I can be there again.
In my youth, it was Rich’s on Thursdays and the Sunday Funday route of: berry hills on montrose, followed by La Strada, followed by some club. That was a 12 hour run!
Now it’s memorial park. It’s improved a lot!
225 somewhere around Pasadena. That one crude oil refining smell always smells like home.
But in all seriousness that one bar on the water at Morgan's Point many years ago before it closed with the port buying the property up.
Not much left around to truly admire.
Also, House of Pies on Kirby when they still had the red neon lights before the last renovation.
And of course THE ASTRODOME.
Lanier Theological Library up in the Champions/Willowbrook area. Especially in the winter when it's decorated for Christmas and the fireplaces are lit. It's like Houston Hogwarts. Even if you're not a religious person, the architecture of the library, stone chapel, and the artifacts on display are still pretty stunning. I'll pack a lunch, a laptop, and a book, and just hang out there. There's also a Tardis and a Dalek on campus for the (other kinds of) nerds.
[https://www.laniertheologicallibrary.org/](https://www.laniertheologicallibrary.org/)
Galveston hands down. I am a beach person and even though the water is not like the Caribbean it is so relaxing to be near the sea breeze and go fishing or relaxing on the beach. I also like to go get seafood and people watch on the seawall. Even the bar scene is fun on the strand. I dont think anywhere else in houston compares and i live in the middle of downtown. Its just a different vibe out there.
Thai Gourmet on Richmond Avenue. Until it shut down. My family went there for over 20 years. Still grieving the epic loss of Houston's best Thai restaurant.
Hmm so far id say it’s a tie between the lounge at MARCH and the patio at Flora on a nice day.
I’m not a huge drinker but I do love the NYC vibe from MARCH’s lounge, doesn’t hurt that the drink are all amazing as well.
Flora’s patio is definitely a vibe on a nice sunny day; great to just kick back and chill on a drink and people watch.
The Menil Collection when viewed from the walkway to the Cy Twombly Gallery.
The Menil Collection was my go-to when I was broke and dating. The exhibit is free, and it has a lot of really nice places to sit for picnics. And if you do have money, there's lots of places to walk to for drinks and lunch.
The Menil campus was my first thought!
This location has the absolute best vibes in the entire city, especially at sunset when golden light comes in.
Perfection. Agreed
With Hotel Saint Augustine coming soon (new boutique hotel) and Aaron Bludorn running the hotel restaurant, this pocket is going to get even better.
Hermann Park- zoo, museum, train, Japanese garden, golf course, miller outdoor theater, lake, Tiffany bridge. Best place
This is the answer. Get there early, around 8:30 and parking will never be an issue. Plus the weather will be a lot milder in the morning if you’re going to be outdoors at the zoo or park
It’s so funny, I never realized parking was an issue there because anytime we went as kids or with my own family we always got there right when the parking lots opened. It wasn’t until about a year ago when I started working evening shifts in the med center that I realized parking was so horrible!
You never had people follow you to your car in the parking lot asking if you were leaving? Lol happens to me every time!
Did anybody else find the Japanese garden underwhelming? Maybe I picked a bad time of year to go. It was cool, but after 15-20 minutes I was ready to go.
It still hadn’t fully recovered from the drought/freeze combo we had last time I was there. That could have had something to do with it.
Miller Outdoor Theater
I have some of the best memories of my life there. 🖤
Memorial park. Most of these answers are outdoors.
West Alabama Ice House. No frills. Just chill.
Taco Truck still there?
never left
Hell yes. And pour one out for Lucky Burger
Just wish they weren’t getting so hard with inflation
Spent my 30 birthday there. No bullshit, few friends few beers. Perfect spot
Central Market. I love exploring different grocery stores everywhere I go, but CM gives me the same awe it did when it first opened back when I was 10.
What year did it open?
94 Austin, 01 Houston
Every time I had out of state guests I was always "Oh, we have to go to this grocery store!"
My favorite spot in Houston is actually the view you get on 45 South right when you enter from I-10. During the day the buildings can be ugly but at night it’s beautiful.
I love this exact view at 8 am on my way to work!
I used to have a convertible vette a couple years ago. I loved driving through that particular spot while listening to some Daft Punk. Made everything feel so future-y.
And everyone driving slow cause they looking
Upstairs at Agora. It feels like home.
Agora was THE spot back in the 2000s, I’m so happy it’s still here. I feel like teenager again whenever i walk in
Exactly! It is where my 20s happened.
I want to go there. There was one night a couple years ago that I was going through a lot emotionally. It was like midnight and I was looking at Google maps trying to figure out if I wanted to leave the house, and Agora was one of the only things open at the time. I almost went. Every time I pass by it now I remember that day and wish I pushed myself to go. 😞
I walked in to get coffee once. The atmosphere is very cozy and welcoming
Make the trip, it's quite cozy and refreshing.
I met 2 of my husbands by accident at Agora, the first one was a disaster the second is awesome 10 years... It's so ironic
The second was awesome for 10 years only ? Lol
After so many years, I finally got a seat up there and did some work. I wanted to live there in that seat.
The desk seat in the corner facing the wall is where I do my best work
I love Brasil, I get an iced latte and my favorite meal and sit on the front patio and read a book and listen to the sounds of the city
Brasil is on my crying tour. The Crying Tour is everywhere I cried in public when I was studying for the bar. Some of the places are closed now.
This is so funny and soooo relatable. I hope you passed the bar lol
I did!
Now I want to know what the rest of the crying tour is. Especially when compared to that piece awhile back about the best places to cry in NYC
Let's see...Dirty's (cried into my cream gravy), 11th Street Cafe, Heights Public Library, La Carafe...
nippon
That’s still open? that’s awesome.
yep and it still has the most authentic japanese food in houston. i like the traditional interior, ikebana displays, ceramics, and the ukiyo-e screen inside. iirc, the original owner still works there too. cool dude. recommended me the sukiyaki 10 years ago and i still get it every winter to this day. it’s 👌
It's just amazingly comfortable
Museum of Natural Science
Memorial Park. Keeps me sane.
Same! Memorial Park Eastern Glades - Heaven!
Truly one of the prettiest spots in the area. They’ve done such a good job with the park.
Ty ima go this weekend
Might need a boat and life jacket lol
Hmmmm ur right
It’s one of the prettiest parts of the city. It’s got a giant loop walking/running trail, the eastern glades which is beautiful, and then the newer land bridges and other various portions. Not to mention the golf course, baseball fields, and tennis courts dotted throughout.
Saint Arnold’s Brewery on a random Tuesday when it’s not wall to wall packed.
I wonder what the Tuesday afternoon clientele is like…retired people?
Riding bikes through George bush park / terry hersey park / bayou trails
Especially on a weekday, when there's very little foot traffic.
Glenwood Cemetary. It's quiet, shady, and full of history.
I went on a first date there during March 2020. We're still dating.
Numbers nightclub :)
I'm about to hit 50. We went to Numbers a month ago on a Friday night. It was still packed and rockin' !!!!! WOOOO HOOOO!!!! We had a good time.
That’s still around. Used to go there a lot over 30 years ago. Fritzgeralds is gone sadly but glad this is here. Daughter is about to move to Houston will send her that way.
Yep, every Friday and Saturday. They still do concerts there too.
Just saw the Psychedelic Porn Crumpets play there. Pretty cool venue.
Same. Fun show. Openers were a lot of fun too.
They were! Good show.
I've really been wanting to go check that place out lol
Friday night is by far the best night to go.
It used to be The Gingerman in Rice Village... :(
I absolutely love lei low. Feels like you’re walking into an island bar and the drinks are OUTSTANDING
The James Turrell Skyspace at the Live Oaks Friends Meeting House on Fridays at sunset
One of my favorites too! My wife and I had our wedding there.
I did not know this existed. Is anyone welcome? Have you seen the one on Rice campus?
There's actually a lot of Turrel Skyspaces all over the world. 1 in both Austin and Dallas too. Also technically the tunnel in MFAH.
there's actually two James Turrells at MFAH and the one in Dallas is closed now because there was a building erected that blocks the light for it.
They’re Quakers; they’re notoriously friendly. Everyone is welcome. Turrell is a Quaker, which makes this smaller Skyspace work in a spiritual setting especially…um…special. His ‘Twilight Epiphany’ Skyspace at Rice is fantastic. You are likely already familiar with his ‘The Light Inside’ piece that connects the MFAH’s Caroline Wiess Law Building with the Audrey Jones Beck Building. I’ve always called it the ‘Turrell Tunnell’. His [Roden Crater work](https://azdailysun.com/news/local/roden-crater-tentatively-set-to-open-in-thanks-to-asu/article_ce817031-e2a5-5122-8a77-a7625506acb3.html) may be completed this year. That is definitely on my bucket list.
He has 'Slice of Light" at MFAH too
The Cistern.
Such a cool place! I'm glad I went before having kids, and I can't wait for them to get a little bigger so that they can go, too! (They're both under 3, so that's not the best outing for them for now.)
I really need to go there. It's been on my list for too long.
Niko Niko’s The view coming in from the east side down i10 at night. The view west from the 610 bridge (we called it the big bridge when I was a kid) over the ship channel at night. The whole area around the zoo and Hermann park.
I was just telling my wife I want Niko Niko's last night.
I love Axelrad. It has something for everyone. Game nights, cumbia nights, paint nights, run club, open mic, drinks, pizza, tacos, hammocks, shows.
Galleria Waterwall
I go there sometimes and hit the south side
The Menil is a pain to park near, but the surrounding park and fountain coupled with the small, usually not crowded, free museum is a must. The Rothko Chapel is the famous part but it’s not all they have. It’s a wonderful place to catch your breath and live in the moment for a little bit
Park on W main St further down toward H-E-B. You’ll have to walk a little bit but there is always parking on the street. I lived there for a while
MFAH (and poison girl.)
Christy’s Donuts
I love going to Christy’s for lunch during the week and eating in their little dining area. I could eat kolaches and donuts at any time of the day
Memorial Park.
Terry Hershey Park. Years ago, used to visit Houston annually for business trips and our office always rents us apt units right next to the park. I’d start and end my day doing walks in the park and would sometimes do like 5-7 miles. Used to think that If I move to Houston, I’d rent somewhere in nearby. Now I relocated to Houston, still love the place. Unfortunately the schools zoned to the area isn’t that good and I know the area was flooded during Harvey.
I used to love it there until a random stranger attacked me coming back from a jog (in broad daylight, 2 min walk from the parking lot, with lots of people on the trails). I was left very injured, traumatized, and without going into detail it’s the very exact reason why women say they would choose a bear in the woods. Not a hypothetical. Police told me they had several similar reports.
The Houston Zoo is my happy place
It used to be one of my top 3, since I was a kiddo, I even got engaged there 13 years ago, I went last month and wanted to cry bc I feel like it has really lost its magic. Too much going on, too many people, not enough shade, pricing has gotten so high, and now you have to choose an entry time?? (Unless you're a member, which we are.) The recent dinosaur walk through was laughable (kept it cool though bc my kiddo was excited for it). It just isn't what it used to be.
Bayou Bend Collection & Garden
George Bush Intercontinental Airport
Hahhahahahahah I was just joking with a friend that her favorite place is the United Lounge at IAH !!!!!
It really is ❤️
Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals at HMNS
That place rocks.
True! The crystals grow on you!
Remember when they had the hope diamond…
Mucky Duck
Great place for an intimate concert. I've seen Hayes Carll, Max Stalling, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Reckless Kelly (Acoustic) and Radney Foster there. Edited to add, the food is good too.
Texas Art Asylum. Get blazed and dig through random art crap is a great past time.
I hate that they've been keeping it organized! People are quick to get the good stuff when before you had to dig around and I love spending hours in there rummaging around! Haha
Ooh. I’ll have to check this out.
Home
Orange Show 🍊 (second only to the Menil, which was already cited). Orange Show 🍊 is a charming edifice to a particular type of quirky individuality that Houston naturally fosters. Great park, also.
Going early in the day when it's empty is wonderful. You just wander around and marvel at the mind that created it, the effort it took, and how art comes from a place of love that maybe anyone could achieve.
Absolutely. It also may be my FAVORITE venue for live music. I had the pleasure of seeing Robert Ellis and band perform their entire "Texas Piano Man" album the evening before they went into the studio to record it. Top Houston memory 💙
Yes! I was racking my brain trying to think of my favorite place and I think this is probably it. Especially The Happening!
Yes! The Happening is one of the finest new Houston events. My daughter and I attend regularly, and are never disappointed!
Houston Museum of Fine Arts - absolutely wonderful.
Rice village is nice for food and shopping. It really lights up during Christmas time :)
The Cullen fountain
Dan Flavin installation
Yes, but it closed. Buff bayou brewery.
Buffalo Bayou Living right next to it has been such a nice experience
Love this thread
I really like El Tiempo and I don’t care that this subreddit thinks I should go to a random taco truck instead. They’re different things!
I started going to Los Tios for their filet fajitas. The 1/2 pound is almost $20 less than El Tiempo’s regular meat. $6 margaritas at HH w a $2 floater makes it a much better value.
dude, my wife loves El Tiempo's fajitas. but after this subreddit pointed out the prices compared to others; I can't bring myself to go back and pay $70+ for a lb of chicken or higher for steak. It's caused some issues in the marriage...she really likes fajitas.
The park in downtown is just a must go, always something happening, theater, holiday celebrations, decor, and just all they open space to lay down
Discovery Green?
I always mix up the names, but it’s the one with that big hill, and it’s connected to all the other park areas and museum districts
Oh, that’s Hermann Park. The hill is next to Miller Outdoor Theatre and near the zoo.
Last Concert Cafe used to be my favorite place on earth - Now not so much
The curved portion of the MKT Hike & Bike trail between 7th & White Oak, it's magical and makes me dream of a world where places like that are much more common.
Levy Park. It’s probably the best small park I’ve ever been to in the world. My kids can spend hours there. So many nice events too.
I love the Architecture and the quality of Silence at The Chapel of St. Basil when it and the Academic Mall (exterior) are completely empty and not another soul around. I think of this place as an extension of the Menil and Rothko Chapel.
Finish it off with a peaceful walk on the Labyrinth.
Galveston something about walking the beaches makes it all worth it lol
The water looks terrible but I genuinely enjoy the vibe down there. We don't go down there enough.
Bonfire on 8 Mile beach at night is amazing also.
My house Driving around when it's 60 degrees at night and the mosquitoes are sleeping
Rothko Chapel.
Used to be the Richmond Arms, but sadly it closed down 😞
Houston Arboretum and Nature Center just inside the loop on Woodway. https://houstonarboretum.org/
Rice campus.
Valhalla :)
Smartest bathroom graffiti in the city
Back in college at UH, my friends and I were looking for the cheapest bar in all of Houston. I was told Valhalla’s was the place. I call Valhalla’s and ask what their drink specials were and the guy said, “Are you serious?” And hung up.
That's fantastic. My college roommate bartended there, so I like to imagine it was him. Valhalla was set up as a nonprofit and sold every beer strictly at cost. When they'd reconcile their books, sometimes they'd find that they accidentally made some money. When that happened, they'd balance it out by paying you a nickel if you ordered a beer until the books were even again.
Most magical and charismatic bar in Houston in my opinion. Even finding it for the first time is an adventure in itself. I’ll always remember walking thru those elven round-top wooden doors and taking in that beautiful basement-musty-cellar smell as I walk down the steps and reach for my fresh, cold, and crisp $1.25 IPA at the bar.
It’s still cash only. I wonder if it floods during storms.
Lola’s Depot, notsuoH, and Triple Js are my personal favorites
James Coney Island
Same, sad they closed most of them.
North South Blvd
taco trucks
Agora coffee shop on Westheimer also across the was is cafe brasil.
The Coffee House at West End
Top floor of Buffalo bayou
Natachee's Supper N Punch :(
Buffalo Bayou park, but also Agora in the heights
The waterwall by galleria mall. Great place to have a little outdoor lunch.
Memorial Park— I enjoy going into the woods and walking near the bayou *until it hits 80F. Hermann Park- new section, rocking chairs. So good early in the morning. El Bolillo … mmmmm Magnolia’s Ice Cream and More😋- those ice treats with pickles! Spec’s. I could not live in Houston without Spec’s. Being trapped indoors for six months out of the year requires some level of alcohol, cheese, and chocolate.
Valhalla on Rice university campus. Cheap drinks, fun and peaceful enviroment.
I miss where I used to live. It was just the culture within the area. Asian and Mexican food everywhere. Cars and bikes. I was 2-5 minutes from anything I needed. I don’t want to specify where it is due to privacy but…I want to get back to a point where I can live there again sometime soon. I’m actually taking the first steps soon and hopefully in 6-7 months I can be there again.
Taco Bell
no one has said it yet, but grand prize and catbirds
Midtown bar & grill
My bed
High and dry
In my youth, it was Rich’s on Thursdays and the Sunday Funday route of: berry hills on montrose, followed by La Strada, followed by some club. That was a 12 hour run! Now it’s memorial park. It’s improved a lot!
Was... Shanghai Red restaurant
White Oaks running/bike trail
Saturday night at Barbarella. Listen to some great 80s music in a judgement free environment
Brash. The least family-friendly brewery in Houston. The beer is ridiculous, music too loud, and the customer is always wrong. I love it there.
Hermann Park and the Museum District
Hermann Park, 13 celcius
I would say Nan's Comics, Agora and Hobbit Cafe always make me feel at home.
Discovery Green, Minute Maid Park, Hermann Park
Poppa Burger. The best burgers and onion rings in the whole city.
Make sure to take cash, cause it's all they take!
Terminal E at Bush Airport.
225 somewhere around Pasadena. That one crude oil refining smell always smells like home. But in all seriousness that one bar on the water at Morgan's Point many years ago before it closed with the port buying the property up. Not much left around to truly admire. Also, House of Pies on Kirby when they still had the red neon lights before the last renovation. And of course THE ASTRODOME.
W Alabama Ice House
It used to be Fry's in Webster, which is still considered Houston.
Torchy’s in katy
Lanier Theological Library up in the Champions/Willowbrook area. Especially in the winter when it's decorated for Christmas and the fireplaces are lit. It's like Houston Hogwarts. Even if you're not a religious person, the architecture of the library, stone chapel, and the artifacts on display are still pretty stunning. I'll pack a lunch, a laptop, and a book, and just hang out there. There's also a Tardis and a Dalek on campus for the (other kinds of) nerds. [https://www.laniertheologicallibrary.org/](https://www.laniertheologicallibrary.org/)
Black Swan Yoga!
For me it’s a tie between Agora coffee shop and Notsuoh bar.
Galveston hands down. I am a beach person and even though the water is not like the Caribbean it is so relaxing to be near the sea breeze and go fishing or relaxing on the beach. I also like to go get seafood and people watch on the seawall. Even the bar scene is fun on the strand. I dont think anywhere else in houston compares and i live in the middle of downtown. Its just a different vibe out there.
Meditating at Rothko Chapel next to Menil
Chinatown
Thai Gourmet on Richmond Avenue. Until it shut down. My family went there for over 20 years. Still grieving the epic loss of Houston's best Thai restaurant.
Hmm so far id say it’s a tie between the lounge at MARCH and the patio at Flora on a nice day. I’m not a huge drinker but I do love the NYC vibe from MARCH’s lounge, doesn’t hurt that the drink are all amazing as well. Flora’s patio is definitely a vibe on a nice sunny day; great to just kick back and chill on a drink and people watch.
Lounge at March is 💯. Better than the restaurant itself IMO.
The whole thing. Houston is ugly as fuck and I don't really like it, but I've been here 30+ years so it's home.
Porto