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National Geographic Traveler is the CityPASS insider source.
NatGeo Traveler, the world's most widely read travel authority, zeros in on authentic, memorable Houston experiences. Their valuable tips for restaurant, shops, and neighborhoods are all immediately available to you while you're in Houston.
Scroll down now to see NatGeoTraveler's fast, focused suggestions for
city life between CityPass attractions.
 Dining
Tastes of Houston Houstonians love to eat out. Join them at these haute or down-home spots.
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Tony’s This old-school, Big Oil steakhouse is celebrated for its bone-in rib eye, filet mignon, and Italian-influenced seafood. Fans include U.S. presidents, business execs, and anyone keen to dine with the city’s power elite.
3755 Richmond Ave.; 713-622-6778.
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Goode Co. Texas Barbecue Go for the brisket sandwich on an onion roll, smothered with so much sauce you have to eat it with a knife and fork. Eat it outside at one of the wooden tables. 5109 Kirby Dr.; 713-522-2530.
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Taco Milagro Tamales stuffed with chicken and pumpkin seeds prove that “Houston is over the Tex-Mex goopy cheese thing,”
says chef Robert Del Grande, who also owns local dining institution Cafe Annie.
2555 Kirby Dr.; 713-522-1999.
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Catalan Chef Chris Shepherd’s Spain-inspired menu lists small plates, main courses, and wines priced to sell. His champagne is only marked up a few dollars.
5555 Washington Ave.; 713-426-4260.
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Captain Benny’s Raw oysters, seafood gumbo, and cold boiled shrimp are the specialties to order at this casual spot.
8506 S. Main St.; 713-666-5469.
Scroll down now to see NatGeoTraveler's fast, focused suggestions for
city life between CityPass attractions.
Shopping
What’s in the Bag? Whether you shop contemporary or cowboy, Houston has a store for you.
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Lot 8 Project Runway season-two winner Chloe Dao sells her pretty dresses here.
6127 Kirby Dr.; 713-807-1565.
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Romancing the Range This women's boutique stocks high-end Western wear. Also try Cavender’s, with six locations around town, for traditional cowboy gear.
5882 Westheimer Rd.
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Toni Whitaker Loft Nothing to wear to the ball? Cinderellas head to this local designer’s atelier for dramatic evening gowns known for their quality and construction. Also check out local designer Miguel Rodriguez’s atelier on Times
Boulevard. 2422 Bartlett #7; 713-522-1406.
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Domy Books This art bookstore also sells 'zines by local artists and holds monthly art shows. 1709 Westheimer Rd.; 713-523-3669.
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Houston Center for Contemporary Craft The gift shop at this gallery features metal, sculpted clay, and woven works by American artisans. 4848 Main St.; 713-529-4848.
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Chocolate Bar This Montrose candy store features
food dipped in chocolate, from popcorn to Nutter Butters, as well as novelty items like chocolate pizzas.
1835 W. Alabama St.; 713-520-8599.
Scroll down now to see NatGeoTraveler's fast, focused suggestions for
city life between CityPass attractions.
Neighborhood Watch
Houston’s Hip Hood Montrose, on the city’s west side, is Houston’s mecca for all things cool.
Chef Hugo Ortega and wife and business partner Tracy Vaught direct visitors to the Montrose district, a bohemian artists' neighborhood, where their celebrated Mexican restaurant Hugo’s (1600 Westheimer Rd.; 713-524-7744) is located. “There's a guy who rides a moped up and down the street,” says Vaught. “Seems every time we see him he has a different colored Mohawk hairdo."
The couple’s other top Montrose picks include the Guild Shop (2009 Dunlavy St.; 713-528-5095), where women from wealthy River Oaks unload their “gently used” clothes, jewelry, and furniture. Two Montrose coffee shops, Empire Café (1732 Westheimer Rd.; 713-528-5282) and Brasil (2604 Dunlavy St.; 713-528-1993) with its outdoor dining area, attract crowds.
The West Alabama Ice House (1919 W. Alabama St.) is “a place where you might see anybody—a biker, a contractor, a lawyer—having a beer,” says Vaught. Literary types head to Bookstop, a bookstore in the former Alabama Theatre (2922 South Shepherd St.; 713-529-2345), a historic art deco gem.
Scroll down now to see NatGeoTraveler's fast, focused suggestions for
city life between CityPass attractions.
Nightlife
Stars Over Texas Houston particularly steps out at night. Here are five spots for a perfect evening.
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Voice Lounge A glamorous design-conscious crowd mixes with the traditional business-and-bourbon bunch at this bar in the Hotel Icon.
220 Main St.; 832-667-4470.
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Red Cat Jazz Café Jazz and blues aficionados dine on catfish and red beans and rice while enjoying live shows at this old-jazz, Billie Holiday kind of place with brick walls.
924 Congress St.; 713-226-7870.
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Goode’s Armadillo Palace Texania decor, next-door barbecue, and live bands playing kick-butt Texas country make for a popular combination here. 5015 Kirby Dr.; 713-526-9700.
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Theater District The city’s 17-block Theater District offers a selection of plays, opera, ballet, and symphony. Check
schedules especially for the acclaimed Ensemble Theatre (3535 Main
St.; 713-520-0055) and Alley Theatre (615 Texas Ave.; 713-228-9341).
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Buffalo Bayou Here’s something different. Rent a pontoon boat at dusk and motor up the waterway to Waugh Bridge to watch the Mexican free-tail bats emerge. The recently landscaped promenade along the bayou makes for great moonlit walks.
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