Enjoy Houston

FREE PUBLICATION

HOUSTON ACTIVITITES AND EVENTS GUIDE

INSIDE

www.enjoyhouston.com DINING

MUSEUMS

SHOPPING

ATTRACTIONS

HOT SPOTS

PERFORMING ARTS

NIGHT LIFE

SPORTING EVENTS

LIVE MUSIC

CALENDAR

.. . on! t s t u e o k H oc f o p t s ur e b yo e ENJOYHOUSTON n I 32 h T i

The Greater

HOUSTON

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SUMMER 2015

CONTENTS Published By ENJOY PUBLISHING, LLC

PAGE 9

5

HOUSTON DATE NIGHT IDEA

9

SEASON HIGHLIGHTS

Publisher/Editor Sara Perry

11 PERFORMING ARTS

Designed by Enjoy Publishing

15 MUSEUMS

PAGE 15

13 SHOPPING 17 HOUSTON MAPS 18 MIDTOWN 19 DOWNTOWN 21 GALLERIA/UPPER KIRBY

PAGE 24

PAGE 27

24 SIGHTS & ATTRACTIONS 27 DINING GUIDE 29 NIGHTLIFE

For local advertising or media inquiries, please contact tel: 1-866-883-6569 (866-88-ENJOY) or email: sales@enjoyhouston.com Visit us online: www.enjoyhouston.com www.facebook.com/EnjoyHoustonMagazine No part of this magazine may be used or photocopied without the written expressed consent of the publisher of Enjoy Houston. For copies, send $2.00 to Enjoy Publishing, Attn: Enjoy Houston 7544 FM 1960 East Unit #75, Humble Texas 77346

Hello Houston, Thanks for picking up a copy of this magazine. We aim to be the most complete, crowd-created publication and website about current happenings.

With over 40,000 monthly visits to our site, and over 1000 social media updates per month, you can rest assured we are doing all of the hard work so you can relax and really take advantage of all that this great city has to offer. If you ever need an idea for something to do, or simply want to plan out your weekends, you will find everything you need, as well as a large amount of articles written by people just like you to help you make up your mind. Never be bored in this city again. Above all, we want you to Enjoy Houston!

Follow us at Facebook.com/EnjoyHoustonMagazine or @EnjoyHoustonMag for the most current info on Houston Events.

Thanks for reading!

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Sara Perry Editor in Chief

ENJOYHOUSTON I 4

HOUSTON|DATE NIGHT IDEA Experience the 4th largest city in the United States, Houston, Texas.

Locales for Laughter Picture this: It’s been a rough week. You have a comrade who is feeling the same. Whether we’re talking flat tires, lost jobs, breakups or all three, you both can’t even make it to Friday. A night out, with lots of laughs, is desperately and unquestionably needed.

Fear not, frazzled Houstonite. The city offers up a bunch of ways to let loose, forget about your troubles and giggle the night away.

Start out at 4:30 with happy hour at the Grand Prize Bar at 1010 Banks Street, in the Museum District. It’s a two-story house on the outside, but a hip, unpretentious, dimly lit space on the inside. Full bars on both floors. Sit at the upstairs patio and just talk all your cares away over a custom cocktail or craft beer, and get ready for a night of fun.

After that, it’s just a walk over to The Jung Center at 5200 Montrose Boulevard for a Laughter Yoga class, offered some mid-week nights. Laughter is good for the soul! $10 for members and $15 for non-members. It’s a breathing and movement practice, but no yoga mat or special clothing needed. Purchase your classes in advance and see the schedule at www.JungHouston.org.

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Your third stop should be the Houston Improv at 7620 Katy Freeway, #455, for an 8 p.m. performance. The Improv serves food and beverages as well, so whether you want pulled-pork sliders or honey-glazed grilled salmon, you’re hooked up. www.ImprovHouston.com.

After the show, your belly hurts from laughing. Your mascara has run. Your head and heart feel oxygenated and giddy. Time to unwind before calling it a night. The Tasting Room – Uptown Park is about 3 miles away, at 1101 Uptown Park Boulevard, Suite 18. After some serious renovation a few years ago, the place is huge, and beautiful, and has a massive wine selection, plus craft beers and non-alcoholic selections. www. tastingroomwines.com.

So there you have it, a night out of comedy and laughter in Houston. When should you put the Whoopee Cushion on your companion’s chair? We’ll leave that one up to you.

Susan Shalhoub

ENJOYHOUSTON I 6 WWW.ENJOYHOUSTON.COM

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June

July

This Season’s Highlights!

06/20 06/27 06/27 07/03 07/04

Flea by Night Gay Pride Parade Gay Pride Festival 4th of July Weekend Red, Hot and Blue festival

07/11 07/11

4th of July parade and Festival Houston Summer Jam Branch Warren Classic Body

Discovery Green City Hall City Hall CityCenter Woodlands Town Center 07/04 Bellaire Town Sq. NRG Park NRG Stadium Building

Competition 07/11 CONCACAF Gold Cup 07/15 BBVA Compass World Series Dog Shows 07/18 NRG Park Best Damn Food Truck Festival 07/18 NRG Park Bridal Exravaganza George R Brown 07/24 Convention Center Space City Comic Con NRG Stadium Vans Warped Tour 07/26 NRG Park 07/31 Bayou Music Center International Jazz Festival 07/31 Fonde Community Bikes, Bats, Brews and Bicycles Center Abilities Expo 07/31 NRG Stadium

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september

August

This Season’s Highlights!

08/01 08/08 08/09 08/11 08/15 08/15 08/16 08/22 09/05 09/09 09/12 09/13 09/18 09/18 09/19 09/20 09/27

Miller Outdoor NRG Stadium NRG Stadium

Houston Shakespeare Festival Gun and Knife Show Your Wedding Experience

by David Tutera NRG Park Houston Chronicle JobFair NRG Stadium Texans VS 49ers George R Brown High Caliber Gun Convention Center and Knife Show NRG Park Quinceanera Expo NRG Stadium Texans VS. Broncos NRG Park Advocare Texas Kickoff NRG Park Houston Fine Art Fair NRG Park Houston Tech Fest NRG Stadium Texans VS. Chiefs NRG Park Friendship Festival Discovery Green Dog Days NRG Park Texas Home andGarden Show Discovery Green Families on the Green NRG Stadium Texans vs Buccaneers

ENJOYHOUSTON I 10

PERFORMING ARTS ALLEY THEATRE 615 Texas St. 713-220-5700 Houston’s only resident professional theater company, the Alley offers a varied repertoire of work including classics, contemporary plays, the re-discovered and rarely-performed, as well as new musical theatre, with an emphasis on new American works www.alleytheatre.org BROADWAY AT HOBBY CENTER 800 Bagby St. 713-315-2400 Broadway Across America-Houston presents first-rate touring Broadway shows direct from Broadway and London’s West End. www.broadwayacrossamerica.com DA CAMER A 1427 Branard St. 713-524-5050 By bringing together leading American and international musicians, Da Camera concerts offer a broad range of repertoire and musical styles while ensuring a product of outstanding musical excellence. www.dacamera.com HOUSTON BALLET 501 Texas Ave. 713-227-2787 Houston Ballet, the fifth largest ballet company in the country, has been hailed by The New York Times as “...one of the nation’s best ballet companies.” www.houstonballet.org HOUSTON GR AND OPER A 501 Texas Ave. 713-546-0200 Houston Grand Opera is the only opera company in the world to win a Tony, two Grammy and two Emmy Awards. The New York Times calls the Houston Grand Opera “the jewel in the cultural crown.” www.houstongrandopera.org HOUSTON SYMPHONY

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615 Louisiana St. 713-224-7575 Founded in 1913, the Houston Symphony is one of America’s oldest performing arts organizations, with a rich history of musical excellence. www.houstonsymphony.org SOCIETY FOR THE PERFOR MING ARTS 615 Louisiana St. Ste. 100 713-632-8100 Society for the Performing Arts brings the world’s greatest performing artists and companies to Houston. www.spahouston.org THEATRE UNDER THE STARS 800 Bagby St. 713-558-2600 Theatre Under the Stars, founded in 1968, is one of the largest producers of musical theater in the U.S. www.tuts.com UNIQUELY HOUSTON 800 Bagby St. 713-315-2400 Uniquely Houston is an innovative program established by the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts to provide a home venue for Houston’s emerging, nonprofit performing arts organizations in the Theater District. www.thehobbycenter.org

ENJOYHOUSTON I 12

SHOPPING BJ OLDIES & ANTIQUE SHOP 1726 Westheimer 832-651-8477 Come in, browse and look around. B.J.Oldies has been selling great antiques for over twenty years. Treasures galore as you enter the past of endless rows of everything and anything you can imagine.

Mon-Sun 10am-6pm. www.bjoldiesantiqueshop.com

Galleria/Uptown Park Harwin Drive-Discount Shopping Highland Village Shopping Center Houston Pavilions-Downtown Houston Premium Outlets

EDIBLE ARRANGEMENTS 225 Main St. 713-247-0700 Located downtown on Main St. Edible Arrangements offers a beautiful selection of fresh fruit bouquets to make any occasion special from birthdays, anniversaries and congratulations to business events and client gifts. Bouquets are made fresh with premium fruit. Other locations: Baytown, Greenspoint, Humble/Kingwood, Northeast Houston. www.ediblearrangements.com

Katy Mills Outlet Mall Memorial City Mall Montrose/Lower Westheimer Old Town Spring River Oaks/Upper Kirby Shops at Houston Center-Downtown Sugarland Mall/Town Square Tanger Outlet Malls Town and Country Village/City Centre Trader’s Village The Woodlands

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MUSEUMS dedicated to remembering the millions of innocent victims, honoring the survivors and teaching the dangers of hatred, prejudice and apathy. Admission is free. www.hmh.org HOUSTON CENTER FOR PHOTOGR APHY 1441 W. Alabama St. 713-529-4775 Dedicated to the study of photography as an expressive medium and investigative tool, exhibiting works by emerging, mid-career and under-recognized artists. www. hcponline.org

Children’s Museum of Houston ASIA SOCIETY TEX AS CENTER 1370 Southmore Blvd.

713-496-9901 The newest addition to Houston’s museum offerings is the $48 million Asia Society Texas Center, featuring a dynamic gallery space as well as classrooms, conference facilities, a performance theater, reception spaces and more. www.asiasociety.org/texas BAYOU BEND MUSEUM 1 Westcott St. 713-639-7750 This fine collection of American decorative Fine Arts is housed at the Ima Hogg Estate surrounded by more than 14 acres of woodlands and gardens in River Oaks. The home is surrounded by large formal, organically maintained gardens. Over 5,000 pieces from 16201870. www.mfah.org/bayoubend.org BUFFALO SOLDIERS MUSEUM

HOUSTON MUSEUM OF NATUR AL SCIENCE 5555 Hermann Park Dr. 713-284-8250 Museum features the Wortham Giant Screen Theatre, Burke Baker Planetarium, Cockrell Butterfly Center, permanent exhibit halls and traveling exhibitions. www.hmns.org JUNG CENTER OF HOUSTON 5200 Montrose Blvd.

713-524-8253 Founded in 1958 to help individuals increase self-awareness through an understanding of Carl Jung’s analytic psychology. www.junghouston.org LAWNDALE ART CENTER 4912 Main St. 713-528-5858 An alternative space for the exhibition of contemporary works in all media. www. lawndaleartcenter.org THE MENIL COLLECTION

1834 Southmore Blvd.

713-942-8920 Educates the public about the contributions of African-American soldiers by chronicling their accomplishments from the Revolutionary War to modern times. www.buffalosoldiermuseum.com

1515 Sul Ross St 713-525-9400 Privately assembled Menil Collection includes approximately 15,000 paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, photographs and rare books. Don’t miss Menil’s Byzantine Fresco Museum, home of the finest Byzantine frescoes of this size in the Western Hemisphere.

Admission is always free, Wed-Sun. www.menil.org

CENTER FOR CONTEMPOR ARY CR AFT

MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS

4848 Main St 713-529-4848 One of the few venues in the country dedicated exclusively to craft at the highest level, highlighting art made of glass, fiber, clay, metal or wood. Admission is free. www. crafthouston.org

1001 Bissonnet St 713-639-7300 Renowned museum housing more than 45,000 works, MFAH is one of the largest and most outstanding collections in the country. www.mfah.org

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM 1500 Binz St. 713-522-1138 With 14 galleries of hands-on activities, The Children’s Museum of Houston is ranked by MSN.com as the No. 1 children’s museum in the country. www.cmhouston.org CONTEMPOR ARY ARTS MUSEUM HOUSTON

RICE UNIVERSITY ART GALLERY 6100 Main St., Rice University 713-348-6069 The only university museum in the installation art. www.ricegallery.org

country

dedicated

to

ROTHKO CHAPEL

5216 Montrose 713-284-8250 Dedicated to presenting the best and most exciting international, national and regional art of the last 40 years. www.camh.org

1409 Sul Ross St. 713-524-9839 The only ecumenical center of its kind in the world, the Rothko Chapel functions as a chapel, a museum and a forum-- a place where religion, art and architecture intermingle. Free admission, Donations are welcome. www.rothkochapel.org

CZECH CENTER MUSEUM

THE WEATHER MUSEUM

4920 San Jacinto Blvd.

713-528-2060 Celebrates the culture of Bohemia, Moravia, Slovakia and Silesia with events and exhibitions. www.czechcenter.org

5104 Caroline St. 713-529-3076 Established by the Weather Research Center, the John C. Freeman Weather Museum is a place for people of all ages to learn about the weather, its history and public safety. www. weathermuseum.org

THE HEALTH MUSEUM 1515 Hermann Dr 713-521-1515 The most visited health museum in the country features three-dimensional anatomy models and interactive exhibits. www.thehealthmuseum.org HOLOCAUST MUSEUM 5401 Caroline St. 713-942-8000 Created as a living testimonial to those who perished in the Holocaust, the Museum is

Houston Museum of Natural Science

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ENJOYHOUSTON I 16

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ENJOYHOUSTON I 18

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Downtown’s Most Historic & Romantic Wine Bar 813 Congress 713-229-9399

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www.padthaithairestaurant.com ENJOYHOUSTON I 20

GALLERIA/UPPER KIRBY

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www.dessertgallery.com ENJOYHOUSTON I 22

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The fun doesn’t stop here! for the most up to date information on what is going on in your city!

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SIGHTS & ATTRACTIONS The Art Car Museum - The museum, or “Garage Mahal,” as many people know it, features the most imaginative, elaborate, and artfully constructed art cars, low riders, and mobile contraptions, as well as art exhibitions by local, regional, and national artists. www.artcarmuseum.com __________________________________________ Battleship Texas - The last of the battleships to participate in World War I and II, Battleship Texas became the first battleship memorial museum in the U.S. in 1948.

Located in nearby La Porte. www.battleshiptexas.org __________________________________________ Bayou Place - The downtown dining and entertainment destination is experiencing a renaissance. New bars and entertainment options have opened as part of the center’s re-imagined nightlife experience and Robert Redford’s highly-anticipated Sundance Cinemas features both general release and art films along with several drink-and-dine options. The Bayou Music Center stages a variety of live concerts, and Hard Rock Cafe has long been a Theater District staple. www.bayouplace.com __________________________________________ Buffalo Bayou - Explore Houston from below—on a kayaking adventure along the bayou. The Buffalo Bayou Partnership offers canoe, kayak, and pontoon boat tours along Buffalo Bayou, near downtown Houston. Beginning at Shepherd Street Bridge, paddlers travel to Allen’s Landing and eventually wrap up near the Theater District.

Along the way, spot blue herons, loggerhead turtles and an occasional alligator sunning itself along bayou banks. www.buffalobayou.org __________________________________________ Chase Tower - JPMorgan Chase Tower is the tallest composite building in the world. The 60th floor Sky Lobby offers a spectacular vista of Houston and Joan Miró’s 55-foot steel sculpture, Personage With Birds. From the Sky Lobby, visitors can view other spectacular architectural and engineering feats: Reliant Stadium, Texas Medical Center, Galleria, Greenway Plaza and other unique buildings that help make up the distinctive Houston Skyline. www.chasetower.com __________________________________________ Downtown Tunnel System - Downtown professionals are where the real action is—20-feet below, in the 7.5-mile-long tunnel system. The series of subterranean passages allows the district’s 150,000+ employee workforce to take on tasks such as doctor visits, banking, shopping, post office and salons, among other things—in airconditioned bliss. Access the network via street-level stairs, escalators, office-building elevators or head to Wells Fargo Plaza, which offers direct street-to-tunnel access. www. downtownhouston.org __________________________________________ Discovery Green - A 12-acre eco-park located in downtown Houston, and designed as an engaging and active place with programming to serve all ages and backgrounds.

Tree-shaded walks lead to a tranquil pond while grassy slopes offer postcard views of downtown. Try out the new jogging trail that surrounds the park, or splash around The Model Boat Pond. www.discoverygreen.com __________________________________________ Downtown Aquarium - Experience the wonder of the underwater world as you tour the Aquarium Adventure Exhibit. Discover 400 species of marine life. Touch sea creatures and more at Discovery Rig and catch a glimpse of the magnificent white tigers of the Maharaja’s Temple. Enjoy a dining adventure at Aquarium Restaurant as well as Shark Voyage, rides and games. www.downtownaquarium.com __________________________________________ Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier - The Landry’s owned-and-operated amusement park stands where the city’s original Pleasure Pier stood from 1943 until 1961, before being destroyed by Hurricane Carla. The $60-million project stretches 1,130 feet over the Gulf of Mexico—more than three football fields in length—and provides thrilling family-oriented amusements, attractions, rides, games, retail shops and food venues. www.pleasurepier.com __________________________________________ George Observatory - Ever dreamed of exploring outer space? Now you can—just an hour’s drive south of Houston. Located in the scenic expanse of Brazos Bend State Park, the George Observatory is a satellite facility of the Houston Museum of Natural Science.

Housed here are three domed telescopes, including the 36-inch Gueymard Research Telescope, one of the largest in the United States. www.hmns.org

WWW.ENJOYHOUSTON.COM

George Ranch Historical Park - Journey to a place and time where cattle and cotton are king and Texas is a country all its own—a living history museum that tracks four generations of one family over one hundred years of Texas history. Visit the 1830’s Jones Stock Farm, the 1860’s Ryon Prairie Home, the 1890’s Davis Mansion, and the 1930’s George Ranch Complex. Enjoy historic home tours, cattle-working demonstrations, a working blacksmith shop and more. Today, the George Ranch is a 23,000-acre working ranch. www.georgeranch.org __________________________________________ Houston Maritime Museum - The first of its kind in Houston, the museum offers insight into maritime history. Exhibits include over 150 ship models, over 100 types of navigational instruments and numerous maritime artifacts. www.houstonmaritimemuseum.org __________________________________________ Houston Pavilions - Premier entertainment hub in downtown Houston. The pedestrian open-air retail entertainment center spans three city blocks and features top shopping and dining as well as House of Blues, Lucky Strike Lanes, Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar and Scott Gertner’s venues. www.houstonpavilions.com __________________________________________ Houston Zoo - It’s a new zoo every day! Now you can travel to Africa... No Passport Required. The African Forest is an immersive experience that will entertain young and old alike. Come for an adventure through The African Forest, and also visit the 6,000 other animals from around the globe that call the Houston Zoo home. www.houstonzoo.org __________________________________________Kemah Boardwalk - Located just 20 miles from downtown Houston, the Kemah Boardwalk is open daily providing fun for everyone! Home to fabulous waterfront restaurants, amusements, charming retail stores, festivals and seaside shows. www.kemahboardwalk.com __________________________________________ National Museum of Funeral History - Features the nation’s largest display of historic funeral service memorabilia and artifacts with the clever tagline, “every day above ground is a good one.” The museum opened its doors in 1992 and continues to educate the public on the rich heritage of the funeral industry. www.nmfh.org __________________________________________ Orange Show Center for Visionary Art - Houston postman Jeff McKissack created The Orange Show in honor of his favorite fruit. From 1956 until his death in 1980, he used common building materials and found objects — bricks, tiles, fencing, farm implements — to transform an East End lot into an architectural maze of walkways, balconies, arenas and exhibits decorated with mosaics and brightly painted iron figures. www.orangeshow.com __________________________________________ Saint Arnold Brewing Company - For air-conditioned tastings head to Texas’ oldest craft brewer. Company made the move to the 3-story, nearly 100-year-old space on the edge of downtown, bringing along beer-making equipment purchased from a nowdefunct Bavarian monastery. www.saintarnold.com __________________________________________ San Jacinto Monument and Museum of History - Established to honor those who fought in the Battle of San Jacinto in 1836, and to re-visualize the history of Texas and the Spanish Southwest. Within the base of the monument, the museum holds one of the largest collections of Texas art, artifacts and history. Located next to the historic Battleship Texas in La Porte (Harris County). www.sanjacinto-museum.org __________________________________________ Segway Tours of Houston - Explore central Houston on an eco-friendly personal transporter. Bayou tours, Twilight tours and Arenas/Convention tours. www.segwaytoursofhouston.com __________________________________________ Space Center Houston - The Official Visitors Center of NASA’s Johnson Space Center. It’s the only place in the world where visitors can see astronauts train for missions, touch a real moon rock, land a shuttle or take a behind-the-scenes tour of NASA. It’s an out-ofthis- world experience for all ages. www.spacecenter.org __________________________________________ Zuma Fun Centers - For family fun in Houston, Zuma is the place to go. Enjoy arcade games, go-karts, mini-golf, batting cages & more! www.zumafuncenters.com

HELPFUL INFO: METRO - Operates public buses, METRORail service and free Greenlink bus line serving Downtown District. ridemetro.org

SuperShuttle Houston - Recognizable blue & yellow shared-ride van transportation service. supershuttle.com TJD Transportation - Reputable luxury car service serving Houston and surrounding areas, tel: 832-868-9192. tjdtrans.com

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DINING GUIDE

AMERICAN

hours. www.ilovekatzs.com

BUFFALO GRILLE

ETHIOPIAN

4080 Bissonnet St. 713-661-3663 This family tradition is famous for serving Houston’s best breakfast, lunch and dinner for the past 20 yrs. Breakfast is huevos rancheros, rellanos, burritos, hot cakes, French toast and omelettes. Lunch and dinner specialties. Beer and wine served all day. Mon 7am-2pm, Tues-Fri 7am-9pm, Sat 8am-2pm. www.thebuffalogrille.com

BLUE NILE

ELEVATION BURGER 3819 Kirby Dr. 713-524-2909 Conveniently located on Kirby just off the SW Freeway (Hwy 59), this new quick and casual restaurant offers 100% organic, grass-fed, free-range beef burgers. Fun menu of unique and flavorful burgers as well as vegetarian and vegan options, fries cooked in 100% heart-healthy olive oil and other sides like mandarin orange slices plus a menu of shakes and malts. www.elevationburger.com HOBBIT CAFE 2243 Richmond Ave. 713-526-5460 The Hobbit Cafe represents the best of Tolkien’s Middle Earth. Bountiful salads and soups to delicious wholesome sandwiches, burgers to vegetarian dishes. Every menu item is themed like a famous hobbit. To die for desserts as key lime pie. Great Sunday Brunch. Mon-Thurs 11am-9:30pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10:30pm, Sun 11am-9pm. www.myhobbitcafe.com LAURENZO’S 4412 Washington Ave. 713-880-5111 Watch all your sport venues on Hi-Def T.V.’s. great salads, succulent prime rib, chicken, pork, seafood, burgers, sandwiches and steaks. All entrees served with delicious sides. Great selection of liquors, wine and beer. Sun-Tues 11am-9pm, Wed-Thurs 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11am-11pm. www.laurenzos.net COMMONWEALTH 4601 Washington Ave., Unit 130 281-501-9516 Well seasoned to the Houston culinary scene, executive chef Michael Sanguinetti (formerly of Artisans) brings us home-style american classics with an elevated twist.

Expect to find seasonal ingredients as well as french and cajun influences in an opulent atmosphere that delights and invites without breaking the bank. Look for the fantastic cocktail list. Open daily for lunch, dinner and happy hour. Weekends for brunch. 30% off on Tuesdays! www.commonwealthhouston.com RED LION PUB 2316 S. Shepherd Dr. 713-782-3030 This traditional neighborhood British pub with a fireplace that leads to an inviting outside patio offers traditional British pub favorites as shepherd’s pie, bangers & mash and famous fish and chips along with burgers and sandwiches. English fry-up breakfast on Sat and Sun. Wide variety of ales, malts, beers and darts. Mon-Wed 11:30am- 12pm, Thurs-Sat 11:30am-2am, Sun 11:30am-12pm. www.redlionhouston.com

9400 Richmond Ave 713-782-6882 One of the best family owned ethnic restaurants. Enjoy the unique taste of Ethiopian dishes as you eat with your hands. Vegetarian dishes as Kik Alicha, split peas, Atkilt Wot with cabbage and carrots. The Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony brewed in traditional pots a must. Mon-Friday 11am-11pm, Sat-Sun 9am-11pm. ww.bluenilerestaurant.com GREEK ALEX ANDER THE GREAT 3055 Sage 713-622-2794 Traditional Greek dishes are prepared as Spanokopita, Dolmathes, Moussaka, and lamb to delicious desserts as Baklava and Tiramisu. Live music and belly dancing every Friday and Saturday. Full liquor bar serving Greek wines and liquors. Mon-Fri 11am-10pm, Sat 11am2pm, Sun 12pm-9pm. www.alexanderthegreat.com THEO’S 812 Westheimer 713-523-0425 Original Greek specialties are served 24 hrs. for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Greek and American cuisine. Omeletes, french toast, waffles and eggs. Lunch and dinner is mousaka, dolmathes, spanokopita, shrimp, chicken, lamb kebobs and pork chops to burgers, calzones and pasta. Top floor, Oak Room for elegant events. Mon-Sunday 10am-4am. www.theoshouston.com INDIAN INDIA’S 5704 Richmond Ave. 713-266-0131 A Passage to India describes this culinary experience. Sample cultural diversity from the Himalayas to the Ganges. Lunch begins with India’s fabulous Buffet of hot and cold dishes from salads to vegetables to chicken, lamb, shrimp, curries, and basmati rice and fresh baked Nann. Dinner of Sang Paneer to Tandori Chicken. Mon-Thurs 11am-10pm, Fri-Sun 11am-10:30pm. www.indiasrestauranthouston.com ITALIAN BIRR APORETTI’S 500 Louisiana (at Prairie) 713-224-9494 One of Houston’s original restaurants, this Italian gem opened in 1974 with the slogan “A great Italian Restaurant…A heck of an Irish bar!”. For four decades, Birraporetti’s has been the place to gather with friends and family, happy hour and before or after the theater. Famous for stone oven, hand thrown pizzas as well as Signature Bellini’s and delicious Irish coffee. Downtown in the heart of the Theatre District (as well as a Friendswood location). Private events/catering options; Open late seven days a week. www.birrarestaurant.com

DELI

MEDITERRANEAN

K ATZ’S DELI

CAFE LUXOR HOOK AH BAR & GRILL

616 Westheimer 713-521-3838 NYC comes to Midtown, with a 24 hour selection of Katz’s greatest deli selections.

Jewish rye to succulent kosher dills. Signature sandwiches as the half pound Reuben to the smoked salmon, corn beef, roast beef, salami and turkey breast. Sumptuous desserts as New York style cheesecake, cheese blintz’s to mouth watering sundaes and floats. Great breakfast served all day with bagels and breads baked daily. 24

3730 Washington Ave. 713-861-0000 Welcome to Cafe Luxor, Houston’s hottest and most unique spot in the heart of the Washington corridor where adventure and fun never stops. We offer a wide variety of hookah, drinks and delicious meals from around the world. Mon-Thur 2pm to 2am; Fri 2pm to 4am; Sat 11am to 4am; Sun 11am to 2am. www.thecafeluxor.com

WWW.ENJOYHOUSTON.COM 27 I ENJOYHOUSTON

FALAFEL FACTORY 914 Prairie Houston 713-237-8987 The falafel at this cozy restaurant is arguably some of the best in town—Most certainly, the best to be found in Downtown Houston. The tasty Middle Eastern plate lunches featuring shawarma, kefta, kebob or falafel are of perfect portions and price.

Mon-Fri 11am-6pm.

DINING GUIDE

MEXICAN-TEX MEX

UCHI

EL TIEMPO

904 Westheimer 713-522-4808 We invite diners to explore gastro­nomic bound­aries by pairing tradi­tional Japanese offer­ings with new and refreshing flavors and textures. At Uchi we prepare our dishes using inno­va­tive food combi­na­tions for the most unique dining expe­ri­ence in Houston.

Sun-Thurs 5pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 5pm-11pm. www.uchirestaurants.com/houston

3130 Richmond Ave. 713-807-1600 1308 Montrose 713-807-8100 5602 Washington 713-681-3645 Master Chef Roland Laurenzo has combined Authentic Mexican and Tex-Mex. The menu offers crab, shrimp, chicken, beef fajitas and enchiladas, all served with charo beans and rice. Full bar and patio. www.eltiempocantina.com Pizza FR ANK’S PIZZA 417 Travis (at Prairie) 713-22-PIZZA * 713-225-5656 Located in Downtown Historic District, this Houston gem is THE place to go for hot and delicious hand-tossed pizza. Choose from whole pies, slices, lasagna, spicy wings, burgers, sandwiches, salads, desserts, and more. All available for dine-in, pick-up or Downtown delivery. Next time you’re Downtown, be sure to stop by and try a slice. Your taste buds will be glad you did. Sun. 11am-10pm, Mon-Wed 11am-9pm, Thurs. 11am-1am, Fri-Sat. 11am-3am www.frankspizza.com

THAI PADTHAI 401 Louisiana 713-225-4900 Authentic Thai cuisine is served for Lunch specials as beef broccoli, and chicken ginger, all served with rice, soup and salad. Dinner is served with choice of delicious soups, chicken, beef, pork and seafood specialties. Drinks and delicious desserts. Lunch Mon -Fri 11am-3pm, Dinner Tues-Sat 5pm-9pm. www.padthaithairestaurant.com

STEAKHOUSE / BRAZILIAN NELORE CHURR ASCARIA 4412 Montrose Blvd.

713-395-1050 All-you-can-eat, tableside service, where you can select your favorite cuts of slow roasted, seasoned meats, cooked on skewers. Beef, pork, lamb or chicken, all served with our house salad bar. Open daily for dinner. Fri. - Sat. - Sun. for lunch. www. neloresteakhouse.com SUSHI - JAPANESE

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NIGHT LIFE HOUSE OF BLUES 1204 Caroline St. 800-745-3000 The anchor for the Houston Pavilions is the House of Blues. The Blues resonates through the streets of downtown. Impressive stage and acoustic settings. Featured artists and tour dates are showcased in the full page ad in the Attractions Section of the magazine. www.houseofblues.com/houston LA CAR AFE 813 Congress St. 713-229-9399 1860 makes this Historical Landmark the oldest known bar in Houston’s downtown Market Square. This wine bar is a hidden gem of candle lit intimacy to sounds of a by gone era as a fine vintage wine. An intimate balcony and a selected wine list is the perfect duo to embrace the past, and toast the future. Most romantic bar in all of Downtown.

Mon-Sun 1pm-2am.

NEON BOOTS DANCEHALL/SALOON 11410 Hempstead Hwy. 713-677-0828 Founded originally in 1955, the once-thriving Esquire Ballroom was home to many wellknown acts over the decades, most notably Willie Nelson and Patsy Cline. Esquire was considered the main rival to Gilley’s, the famous honky tonk bar in the 70’s-80’s. In 2013 the venue reopened as Neon Boots, a diverse dance hall & nightclub that supports LGBT and mainstream patrons. Open Wed-Sun. www.neonbootsclub.com

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PETE’S DUELING PIANO BAR 1201 Fannin Street 713- 337-7383 This Texas original rock n roll dueling piano bar, with two baby Grand Pianos is a sing along, clap along, drink along, have one helluva good time along bar. Playing all your favorite hits from Beatles to Willie Nelson, Billy Joel, Elton John and Frank Sinatra.

Full Liquor Bar. Wed-Sat 7pm-2am, 8pm showtime. www.petesduelingpianobar.com PROOF ROOFTOP LOUNGE 2600 Travis, Suite R 832-767-0513 Think NYC/LA rooftop bar when you envision PROOF, only designed with a southern flair.

Located in the heart of thriving Midtown above Reef Restaurantboasting a beautiful 4,000 sq ft rooftop patio, 2 full service bars, arcade/billiards and a hip upbeat decor.

Happy Hour from 4pm - 8pm, food menu provided by Reef. www.proofbarhouston.com WARREN’S INN 307 Travis St. 713-247-9207 This Historical watering hole in Houston is the Inn on Market Square where the drinks are poured Texan Tall and local characters hang out to hear classic jukebox music. Great prices for homemade soups and chili served daily. Great Old Texan Heritage and best bar for great Conversations. Mon-Fri 11am-2am, Sat 12pm-2am, Sun and Holidays 2pm-2am.

For Enjoy Houston media inquiries, please call 1.866.883.6569 (866-88-ENJOY) Visit us online: www.enjoyhouston.com ENJOYHOUSTON I 30

Nelore Churrascaria

Experience the Taste of Southern Brazil "Best South American Restaurant" - Houston Press

"Nelore serves 15+ varieties of meat every day… they range from excellent to spectacular."

- Robb Walsh, Texas Restaurateur/Food Critic/Author

Open Daily for Dinner • Fri.-Sat.-Sun. for Lunch Private Rooms Available • Book Your Party Today!

4412 Montrose Blvd. • Houston, TX 77006 (between Richmond & SW Freeway)

713-395-1050 • www.neloresteakhouse.com 31 I ENJOYHOUSTON

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