Houston's Hot Spots 2011 by UH Center for Student Media

THE DAILY COUGAR presents

•• 27

Totally FREE SUMMER FUN DO’S and DON’TS at the bar

See what’s inside:

6 Menil

8 Pearl, Mercer and Salt Bar

Battlefield 14 Houston 18 Go-Karts 20 Lucky Strike

THE COVER

STAFF

ABOUT HOT SPOTS

Photographed by Uncle N. Photography

HOT SPOTS Editor Jack Wehman

HOT SPOTS is a production of The Daily Cougar, the official student newspaper of the University of Houston.

Art Direction by Uncle N. Special thanks to Lucky Strike

HOT SPOTS Design Jorge Robles HOT SPOTS Writers Daniel Renfrow Josh Siegel

2 Houston’s Hot Spots • Summer 2011

© 2011 University of Houston Student Publications. No part of this magazine may be reprinted without the permission of the Director of Student Publications. Phone: 713-743-5450 E-mail: stupub@uh.edu Web: www.uh.edu/sp

Admission: 48” and Above $17 Below 48” $12

June - August 11:00 Am - 7:00 pm 7 DAys A week weekenDs only mAy AnD september

REnTAls: Hooks, scAllywAgs AnD reDbeArD’s cAbAnAs: $100 per day during weekdays $150 per day during weekends

146

tHe crow’s nest InDoor pAvIlIon: $50 per hour during the week BEAUMONT $300 per day during weekends 207

MONT BELVIEU

146

BAYTOWN

Group rates are available Swimming and Surfing Lessons call 281-420-6597 for more information ER RD W ARCH

EAST RD

GARTH RD

piRATEs BAy

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wATERpARk

SHELDON STATE PARK

W CEDAR BAYOU LYNCHBURG RD

281-422-1150 5300 East Road Baytown, Texas

207

MONT BELVIEU HIGHLANDS

10 10

CHANNELVIEW

330

BEAUMONT 146

201

HOUSTON

BAYTOWN 225

DEER PARK

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www.baytown.org/ piratesbay GARTH RD

EAST RD

This ad was paid for using funds from the ER RD W ARCHof Baytown’s Hotel/Motel Tax (HOT). City Summer 2011 • Houston’s Hot Spots 3

PB 5 x 8 2011 copy.indd 1

5/11/11 2:24 PM

W CEDAR BAYOU LYNCHBURG RD

A word from the editor: We know it’s hot outside — that’s why we created a guide to show you the best places to be indoors or outside in the sun.

ouston isn’t the easiest city to deal with in the summer. Between traffic, gas prices and the terrifying thermometer readings, finding things to do can be difficult at times. That’s where Hot Spots comes in handy. We did the legwork so you wouldn’t have to. Whether you feel like going to spend a day in the sun or you’d rather stay somewhere with plenty of air conditioning, we have you covered. From restaurants to Go-Karts, museums to water parks — it’s all in here. Our goal? To help you enjoy your summer just a little bit more. So sit back and relax; Hot Spots is here to show you how to have a good time.

Jack Wehman

editor@thedailycougar.com

4 Houston’s Hot Spots • Summer 2011

Food so good, you’ll freak out

hen you come to Lucky Strike, make sure you come hungry, because the menu is fantastic. Lucky Strike reached out to chef Bill Starbuck when designing their menu. Starbuck has catered for A-list movie premieres like Titanic and Spiderman, as well as the Grammys and the Emmys. He’s also run his own catering company for 23 years, and has catered weddings for Brad Pitt, Jennifer Aniston and Barbara Streisand. Everything on the menu — from the Grilled Apple and Brie Quesadillas to the Country Corn Hash with Grilled Shrimp — was created by Starbuck, who is renowned for his culinary skills. This isn’t bowling alley food; it isn’t even normal restaurant food. When someone like Starbuck is behind the menu, you know you’re in for something special.

What makes Lucky Strike so different isn’t just one specific quality; it’s all of them. From the gourmet menu to the bowling alley to the overall atmosphere, Lucky Strike delivers on all counts. “Customers should be ready to let loose, have fun, and be social,” Trey Comstock, Marketing Manager of Lucky Strike said. Comstock also offered words of advice for those looking to party on Friday or Saturday: “Weekends are packed, so guests should call a week in advance to get their reservation.” If you want to have a boring time, make sure you don’t pick Lucky Strike. If you want something memorable and fun, there’s nothing else in Houston quite like eating delicious food while you bowl in posh surroundings. Lucky Strike truly is something special. Summer 2011 • Houston’s Hot Spots 5

The Menil Collection

ouston is home to many amazing art exhibits including The Museum of Fine Arts, Blaffer Art Museum, and The Contemporary Arts Museum. However, as amazing as these museums may be, they don’t contain the essential element that makes The Menil Collection so attractive to a college student: free admission, always. The Menil Collection, located at 1515 Sul Street, provides compelling exhibits and an environment that allows the viewer to experience

every piece of art, no matter how knowledgeable or appreciative they may be. Currently, The Menil Collection is showcasing Surrealism in its entirety. Beginning with its ancestry, a collection named Ancestors of the Lake: Art from Lake Sentani and Humboldt Bay, New Guinea shows the inspiration for many Surrealists with highly detailed wooden sculptures. The next room contains pieces by the vast majority of Surrealist artists, including Victor Brauner, Max Ernst, René Magritte, Hans Arp, Giorgio de Chirico, Joseph Cornell, Salvador Dalí, and many more.

Furthermore, Menil is currently exploring the photography of one of the most important times in American history: The Civil Rights Movement. Featuring work by Dan Budnik, Danny Lyon, Bruce Davidson, Leonard Freed, Bob Adelman, and Elliott Erwitt, these photographs capture the essence of the struggle to achieve civil rights. Many marches and demonstrations are presented, including photographic documentation of Dr. Martin Luther King’s protests. For more information, visit www.menil.org.

2011-2012 Inprint Brown Reading Series • Michael Ondaatje • Jeffrey Eugenides • Margaret Atwood • W. S. Merwin and more . . . Free student rush tickets: visit www.inprinthouston.org or call 713.521.2026. Credit: Greater Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau 6 Houston’s Hot Spots • Summer 2011

Pirates Bay

Baytown water park on track for family fun

ant to beat the summer heat and bring the whole family together at the same time? Pirates Bay Water Park is a Caribbean themed 3-acre water park that has just what you’re looking for. Operated by the Baytown Parks and Recreation Department, the familyfriendly resort-styled park opened June 23, 2010. Pirates Bay features something for everyone — just a few of the attractions include a large and colorful Pirate themed water play center, complete with a large dumping bucket and an awesome array of spray nozzles and water guns, a 671-foot lazy river and two large slide towers. Tower activities include fun for both the little ones and daredevils with everything from runouts to racing tubes. Beach-style “zero–entry” pools (gradually sloping from the deck into the water, becoming deeper with each step, in the manner of a natural beach) is ideal for older people or families with young children. The park’s feature attraction is the Flowrider

surfing machine. The Flowrider provides an endless moving mountain of water with all the excitement of ocean surfing that will challenge all who enter. Surfer boys and girls ride the waves with an audience cheering them on, as two covered bleachers flank the machine. The park also includes a climbing wall, a small rectangular pool for lap swimming and programs such as swim lessons and water volleyball. A concession stand providing tasty burgers and other snacks is near covered picnic areas, inviting visitors to rest between activities. An air conditioned meeting room is available yearround for rentals for family reunions and company outings. The park also offers three large picnic pavilions available for rentals for birthday parties or family get-togethers. Pirates Bay is Located at the Wayne Gray Sports Complex, 5300 East Road in Baytown. Visit the City of Baytown website (www.baytown.org/ piratesbay) or call Pirates Bay Waterpark at (281) 422-1150 for more information. Summer 2011 • Houston’s Hot Spots 7

Going Out: Bar Spots

Three times the fun awaits Mercer Lounge Located at 3302 Mercer Street, Mercer Lounge claims to be more than the typical nightclub or lounge. This statement is not easily refuted when looking at the specials that go on here. With the Friday Night Affair, everyone is on the list. There’s no cover charge and Happy Hour prices last until 11 pm. Plan your private party or corporate event here, and you’ll never forget it. With four VIP rooms and three full bars, Mercer Lounge has plenty of space for any event. Call 713-627-1132 for reservations.

Salt Bar Enjoy the greatest tequila menu in Houston at Salt Bar, located at 4218 Washington Avenue. Margaritas are the key ingredient to a great night, especially at Salt Bar. But what’s really impressive is their Garage Sale Thursdays event every 8 Houston’s Hot Spots • Summer 2011

Thursday, with nothing over $3 all night long. Come out on Wednesday nights starting at 8 pm to experience Singer/Song Writer’s night. Check out saltbarhouston.com for more information.

Pearl Bar This is a bar for everyone. Located at 4216 Washington Avenue, Pearl Bar has a large variety of specials and events on almost every night of the week. Wednesday night features our own Texas breweries with almost any Texas beer for under $2. For their own unique Thursday college night, Pearl Bar has cheap domestic pitchers and as much beer pong as you want. If DJ music is your thing, come out on the weekends. On Friday and Saturday night, DJ Mad Sounds will be spinning your favorite hits from the 80s and 90s. For more information, visit thepearlbarhouston.com.

The destination on the Washington Strip!

mon - fri 5pm-2am sat & sun 2pm-2am happy hour Daily till 8:00pm

Great Margaritas! Even better Party!

4218 Washington Ave 713 -868- 5155 Saltbarhouston.com register for updates:

facebook.com/saltbarhouston

Biggest Neighborhood Bar & Patio on Washington Ave.

FRIDAYS & Saturdays.

8 - 10 pm Happy Hour

Luxurious Nightlife Getaway

Call Now for Reservations 713- 627- 1132

4216 Washington Ave 713 -868- 5337 thepearlbarhouston.com

Open 7 Days a Week!

3302 Mercer Mercerhouston.com

Dining out: Food Spots

Stay from opener to the encore By Arianna Hurst ic check 1-2-1-2: The Concert Pub sets the stage for the Ultimate live music bar and grill. The Concert Pub is an all-inclusive venue for great food, drinks, live music and sports entertainment. It’s one of Houston’s hot spots to kick back and relax or rock out to live tribute bands or great local acts, all while enjoying killer crawfish specials — $5.99 a pound or an unbeatable $19.99 for 5 pounds. There’s a reason why the Concert Pub is voted in the top four crawfish restaurants for all of Houston by the Houston Press! Join them Sunday and Monday for “Happy Hour” prices on domestic and draft beers; it might give you some liquid courage to tune your vocals while singing in their “Superstar KARAOKE Challenge,” a weekly event at both locations. (See website for more details). The Concert Pub NORTH also has “Battle

10 Houston’s Hot Spots • Summer 2011

of the Bands” competitions on Tuesday’s with cash prizes for the winners! However, if you’re looking to shy away from the limelight, both locations offer pool tables, foosball, darts and other games and are located in the back. Paired with the original Galleria location, the Northside location has an additional restaurant “THE SEAFOOD YACHT“, serving great SEAFOOD & SUSHI daily. Both locations offer customers an “awesome restaurant by day and a bad-ass rock bar by night”. Be sure to check out this exciting venue! Locations: THE CONCERT PUB - GALLERIA 5636 Richmond Ave., Houston, TX 77057 713-278-7272 THE CONCERT PUB - NORTH 2470 FM 1960 W., Houston, TX 77068 281-583-8111 www.theconcertpub.com

“Great Food, Great Music, Great Service, Great Prices”

LIVE MUSIC GREAT LUNCH PRICES TRIBUTE BANDS OVER 15 ITEMS $5.95

5 NIGHTS A WEEK

#4 TOP CRAWFISH IN HOUSTON!

CRAWFISH ONLY

Happy Hour Prices from Open-Close on Sunday and Mondays

KARAOKE ON SUNDAYS

$5.99 A POUND

WWW.THECONCERTPUB.COM

THE CONCERT PUB - GALLERIA THE CONCERT PUB - NORTH 5636 Richmond Ave., 2470 FM 1960 W., Houston, TX 77057 Houston, TX 77068 713-278-7272 281-583-8111 Follow us on Facebook Summer 2011 • Houston’s Hot Spots 11

Dining out: Food Spots

‘Everyone is welcome’ at Niko’s

iko Niko’s has, hands-down, the most mouthwatering, deliciously famous Gyros in all of Houston. Char-Grilled Pork Chops and Baby Lamb Shanks are cooked to irresistible perfection. “I am a serious eater, 350 pounds, that loves this business,” Dimitri Fetakakis proclaims with passion. What items do Fetakakis loves from his own yummy menu? “I love our Pork Chops!” Fetakakis cheers. Since it was voted best in Houston, the rest of the town must love it too. ”The Lamb Shanks were recently featured on the Food Network Show, ‘Diners, DriveIns & Dives.’ For dessert, you have to try our Loukoumades, (Greek Honey Balls) — they are

12 Houston’s Hot Spots • Summer 2011

amazing.” If it is fittingly tasty, Fetakakis includes it in the menu for you. “I love our Hummus! I know it’s not Greek, but we make great Hummus,” he boasted. Niko Niko’s carries family legacy and beyond. “My Mother and Father started with Gyros in 1977. Today we sell the most Gyros from one location in all the US.” All are invited to from every part of the world — and of course, Houston — for a scrumptious visit. “Niko Niko’s is the UN of Houston. People from different strokes come to Niko Niko’s and we love it,” Fetakakis says. “That’s the beauty about our place; everyone is welcome.”

Summer 2011 • Houston’s Hot Spots 13

Battlefield Houston

All’s fun in love and war games

attlefield Houston was born after the owner played outdoor lasertag in Beijing, China. While working at Hewlett Packard, John Pittman was on assignment in Beijing working with a development team on a new project. During this time, the team decided to go on a teambuilding outing and outdoor lasertag was the game of choice. On the mountainous terrain near the Great Wall, the owner had his first experience with outdoor lasertag. It was an experience that was so dramatically different from anything that he had done before, he knew instantly thought to bring this game play to Houston. Three months later, Battlefield Houston was born. Now approaching its third year in business, Battlefield Houston continues to build a different style of game play. Battlefield Houston has three different gun types: Scorpion with a range of 65 yards in daylight, Commando with a range of 85 yards in daylight, and the Saw with a range of 120 yards in daylight. Don’t forget the claymore mines, medic boxes, ammo boxes, and a game portfolio that is amazing. University of Houston students and staff get a 10% discount on their events in the Houston area simply by using the

14 Houston’s Hot Spots • Summer 2011

coupon UofH2011. “I started the business with my son,” John Pittman, the owner of Battlefield Houston said. “He was there for my first event and so many since. He has really been a critical part of my success and ability to make this business grow. Now he is off to the University of Houston this Fall to pursue his passion with computer science.” Battlefield Houston is a family-run business that has grown and now runs events all over the South Texas area. Most recently, Battlefield Houston has expanded into Louisiana by putting the greatest scenario based game onto the USS Orleck, a World War II Destroyer docked in Lake Charles, La. Players utilize the ship as a battlefield, and can mount an attack or retreat back to their medic boxes and restore their ammo at an ammo box in their base. Game types like take over the ship, dominate the other team, search and destroy, team rescue and so many other game styles are played that it never gets old. There’s even league play on weekends for teams of 6 or more that get free and discounted game play. Like Battlefield Houston says, “Don’t just play the game, LIVE the game!”

Summer 2011 • Houston’s Hot Spots 15

Cafe Layal

A great place to sit back, unwind

ocated on the edge of a strip of hustling bars sits Café Layal, a redhot Mediterranean treasure that can “hookah” you up. Looking to revamp your taste buds? You can explore foreign cuisine without leaving Houston! The Café Layal menu features chickpea hummus or stuffed grape leaves for starters and mouthwatering gyros for later. Is your wallet feeling a little thin? No problem. Lunch starts at $6.50 and a Happy Hour Hookah is half-priced for students everyday from 2-7 p.m.

16 Houston’s Hot Spots • Summer 2011

If you’re looking for dinner and a show, swing by on Thursday nights to watch jawdropping belly dancing shows; these exotic dancers break all of mom’s rules when handling fire and swords. Café Layal is also the perfect place to unwind with a free B.Y.O.B option always on the clock. The friendly staff will even keep your 6-pack cool in the fridge while you enjoy your company. Open late; check out Café Layal today at 207 Gray Street, Houston, TX, 77002.

HOOKAH for students for $7.95 2-7 pm

L ATE

HAPPY HOUR from

OPEN

Lunch Starting $6.50

FREE

wi-fi and study lounge for students BYOB

Belly dancer show every

Thursday night

Voted the Best Hookah in Houston 10 minutes away from UH campus (4.5 miles) 207 Gray Street, Houston Texas 77002 Phone 713-651-0939 • Fax 713-651-1902

www.cafelayalmidtown.com Follow us on Summer 2011 • Houston’s Hot Spots 17

Go-Kart Raceway

Get ready to burn some rubber

itting on a couch and playing Mario Kart on your Nintendo Wii doesn’t come close to the thrill and excitement of actual hands on Go-Kart racing. You may not be able to ride over a pit of lava or throw turtle shells at your enemies, but physically passing by your friends at max speed makes all of that trivial. Go-Kart Raceway, located at 2800 Hwy 249, is an awesome example of what Go-Kart racing should be. Featuring a half-mile track, this raceway includes the option of a Superkart — a significantly faster cart — taking the experience to a new level of awesome. For $25, enjoy unlimited racing for an entire hour. After destroying your friends and family on the track, check out the two-story, 10,000 18 Houston’s Hot Spots • Summer 2011

square foot game room with over 100 games. These classic arcade games include almost the entire Street Fighter series, Area 51, and many more. One great feature of the website (go-kartraceway.com) is the video clips of their games being played. For more family fun, ski-ball and air hockey are also in abundance. Party planning is Go-Kart Raceway’s specialty, with a 2,000 square foot pavilion, great pizza and chili-cheese dogs, and fantastic group rates. Play your own music through their 15-speaker surround system with a plug-in MP3 player feature. The Houston Chronicle has rated this raceway the #1 Go-Kart Raceway in Houston. For more information, visit go-kartraceway.com.

on your mark. Get set. buy

FUN!

$10 in tokens, get $15

1/2 mile Go-Kart track with an overpass and a underpass! 10,000 sq.ft. two-story game room with over 100 games! GREAT FOR PARTIES AND GROUPS! ASK ABOUT SPECIAL RATES!

Go-Kart Raceway

Voted #1 Go-Kart traCK by tHe Houston CHroniCle

Family Fun Center • 2800 Hwy 249 Houston, tX 77038

281-447-7378

go-kartraceway.com

S T R A K GOS T R A K RACEWAY 5x8 or R PE U S 5x4??? Mini Golf

edy’s Fast Track e p S DYN AMO

11440 Hempstead Road Houston, TX. 77092 (713) 957-8803

Arcade Games Pool tables

AIR hock e y FOOSe ball

Parties . . . Group Packages . . . Arm Bands . . . Something Fun For Everyone! Summer 2011 • Houston’s Hot Spots 19

Lucky Strike

Other bowling alleys are jealous

f you thought bowling wasn’t a good time, Lucky Strike is here to change your mind. Offering cutting-edge lanes, a menu designed by celebrity chef Bill Starbuck and a private party room that is unrivaled in Houston, everyone is certain to have a good time at Lucky Strike. Located in the Houston Pavilions shopping center at 1201 San Jacinto, Lucky Strike is an experience unlike anything else in Houston. “Lucky Strike Lanes is an alternative from your ordinary night out,” Trey Comstock, Marketing Manager of Lucky Strike said. “We are more than just a bowling alley — we’re a full entertainment experience like you can get in Manhattan or Hollywood. We provide an atmosphere that can’t be matched by providing bowling with style, comfort and state-of-the-art technology.” With 14 lanes to bowl on, 10 big screen TVs and billiards tables as well, any evening spent 20 Houston’s Hot Spots • Summer 2011

at Lucky Strike is sure to be a good one. If you come in the evening, make sure to bring your ID — it’s 21 and over from 8 p.m. to close. Also, make sure you look good before you leave the house, because there is a dress code at Lucky Strike; neat, casual loose-fitting attire is perfect. Want to go bowling with a large group of people but need something extra special? Lucky Strike has you covered. The Luxe Lounge is the one-of-a-kind experience you’re looking for. Featuring four private lanes and a private bar, the Luxe Lounge also comes equipped with a 20 foot High Definition Projection Screen and a theater-quality sound system. If you really want to impress someone, or just have a great time, the Luxe Lounge is the way to go. Overall, there’s nothing in Houston quite like Lucky Strike. It has the location, the ambiance and the quality of service to make sure you want to come back again and again.

How To:

1 2 3 4 5

BEAT THE HEAT your alcohol consumption with water. The darker your urine is, the more dehydrated you are. Swimming is one fun activity to keep cool, but how about ice skating? The Galleria and Memorial City Mall have rinks open yearround. I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! A nice frozen treat can help you get the edge over the sun (if only for a few precious minutes.) Keeping yourself cool can be as easy as keeping a spray bottle in the fridge. When you get too hot, pull it out and give your self a spritz.

Become Dirk Nowitzki.

Go the nocturnal route — rise when the sun sets and steer clear of its wrath like a scorned ex-girlfirend. If you enjoy letting natural light into your house, but not the heat, try hanging lightdeflecting white sheets to cover your windows. Wear loose and airy clothes. Shockingly, wearing light or dark colors is not as important as the material you choose. An ice cold beer by the pool is great, but because alcohol is toxic, your body tries to get rid of it through urination. Try to balance

7 8

Buy One Get One

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Sweet Lola

LOVES Her Students Awesome flavors & toppings!

Award-winning “Best in City” 713-521-1333

304 Gray - Midtown

Houston, Texas 77002 Summer 2011 • Houston’s Hot Spots 21

Outdoor Hangouts

Fun in the sun

If you want something to do in the summertime that takes you out of the air conditioning, these are your best bets Buffalo Bayou Park 18-3600 Allen Parkway and Memorial Drive (713) 845-1000 Hermann Park 6001 Fannin Street (713) 284-8555 Miller Outdoor Theatre 100 Concert Drive (713) 284-8351 Discovery Green 1500 McKinney Street (713) 400-7336 Armand Bayou Nature Center 8500 Bay Area Blvd (281) 474-2551 22 Houston’s Hot Spots • Summer 2011

Kemah Boardwalk 215 Kipp Ave (281) 334-9880 Houston Zoo 6200 Hermann Park Dr (713) 533-6500 Pirates Bay Water Park 5300 East Rd (281) 422-1150 Cullen Park 19008 Saums Road (281) 578-0693 Memorial Park West Memorial Loop Drive (713) 865-4536

Houston Arboretum & Nature Center 4501 Woodway Drive (713) 681-8433 Katy Prairie Conservancy 3015 Richmond Ave (713) 523-6135 Go Kart Raceway 2800 West Mount Houston Road (281) 447-7378 Cockrell Butterfly Garden 5555 Hermann Park Drive (713) 639-4629 Schlitterbahn Waterpark 2026 Lockheed Road (409) 770-9283

Hitting the street: Night Spots

The Roxy 5351 West Alabama (713) 850-7699

Shadow Bar 213 Milam St. (713) 221-5483

Scott Gertners Skybar 3400 Montrose Blvd. (713) 520-9688

Rich’s 2401 San Jacinto St. (713) 759-9606

Drink Houston 7620 Katy Freeway (713) 290-0041

Sammy’s Place 2016 Main St. (713) 751-3101

2241 Richmond Ave., Houston, TX 77098 Summer 2011 • Houston’s Hot Spots 23

Nightlife

Do’s& Don’ts

Do: Bring cash for parking

Pay attention to your tab

Tip the bartender

Bring an I.D

Designate a driver

Wear heels if you’re underage

Don’t: Bring a purse Mix your liquors Leave your tab open

Have a good time

Arrive before 10 p.m.

Leave your drink unattended

Profess your feelings to your crush

Wipe your exes off

Drunk text By Arianna Hurst

24 Houston’s Hot Spots • Summer 2011

Have an alias boyfriend/ girlfriend

Cause a scene

time kill: sudoku difficulty: ridiculously hard (for most English majors)

difficulty: so easy a caveman can do it.

$5 OFF regular menu if you show this coupon or UH Id card Ask server for details. Offer expires without notice

2946 S. Shepherd Dr. • Houston TX 77098 Phone: 713-526-6888 Summer 2011 • Houston’s Hot Spots 25

Happenin’ Live Music Spots

Super Happy Fun Land 3801 Polk St. (713) 880-2100

Pete’s Dueling Piano 1201 Fannin St. (713) 337-7383

Walter’s on Washington 4215 Washington Ave (713) 862-2513

Ovations Night Club 2536 Times Blvd. (713) 522-9801

The Continental Club 3700 Main St. (713) 529-9899

Hide Away on Dunvale 3122 Dunvale Rd. (713) 977-3515

Warehouse Live 813 Saint Emanuel St. (713) 225-5483

The Listening Room 508 Pecore St. (713) 864-4260

Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavillion 2005 Lake Robbins Dr. (281) 364-3024

The Meridian 1503 Chartres St. (713) 225-1717

Cezanne 4100 Montrose Blvd. (713) 522-9621

Sammy’s Place 2016 Main St. (713) 751-3101

Howl at the Moon 612 Hadley St. (713) 658-9700

Shoeshine Charley’s Big Top Lounge 3714 Main St. (713) 529-9899

Scott Gertner’s Skybar & Grille 3400 Montrose Blvd. (713) 520-9688

Goode’s Armadillo Palace 5015 Kirby Dr. (713) 526-9700

The Cellar Bar 3140 Richmond Ave. (713) 528-6435

Blanco’s 3406 West Alabama St. (713) 439-0072

Firehouse Saloon 5930 Southwest Fwy (713) 977-1962

McGonigel’s Mucky Duck 2425 Norfolk St. (713) 528-5999

Dan Electro’s Guitar Bar 1031 East 24th St. (713) 862-8707

Rudyard’s British Pub 2010 Waugh Dr. (713) 521-0521

House of Blues 1204 Caroline St. (713) 652-5837

Numbers Night Club 300 Westheimer Rd. (713) 526-6551

Dowling Music 2615 Southwest Fwy (713) 529-2676

26 Houston’s Hot Spots • Summer 2011

Fitzgerald’s 2706 White Oak Dr. (713) 862-7469 Planeta Bar Rio 6400 Richmond Ave. (832) 251-9600 The Concert Pub 5636 Richmond Ave. (713) 785-7267 The Big Easy Social and Pleasure Club 5731 Kirby Drive (713) 523-9999 Baker St. Pub & Grill – Rice Village 5510 Morningside Dr. (713) 942-9900 Sherlock’s Baker St. Pub River Oaks 1952 A West Gray St. (713) 521-1881 Sherlock’s Baker St. Pub 10001 Westheimer Rd. (713) 977-1857

Around Town

FREE FUN

Hermann Park - The park offers space to have a picnic by McGovern Lake — or you can check out some free entertainment at the Miller Outdoor Theater. Cyclists congregate at Tranquility Park on Rusk St. on the last Friday every month for a ride around the city. Discovery Green Park - Free movie screenings, yoga classes, and live music are just some of the attractions. Montrose Antique shops- Whether you’re actually shopping or just want to look at all sorts of interesting items, looking in one of the many stores on Montrose is always fun.

2 3 4

5 6 7

Basketball at the courts outside of the Toyota Center - We can’t all play on the hardwood, so why not get close? Waugh St. Bat Colony - Take a seat on the hill around dusk and watch bats flutter out from under the Waugh St. Bridge. City Hall Farmers Market — Every Wednesday at 11 a.m., the reflecting pool in front of City Hall local and fresh foods for Houstonians to peruse. Galveston Beach — It isn’t the prettiest beach, but it is still a beach. Parking along the seawall is free, and with a Frisbee and some cold drinks, it’s one greatway to get a good tan.

Summer 2011 • Houston’s Hot Spots 27

How to pull off an artsy date By Daniel Renfrow

f you are reading this you have expressed the desire to learn how to master the artsy date. It is important for you to follow these easy tips or you may find yourself on a hipster date. If you follow these tips and find that your artsy date has turned into a hipster date, check to see if you are wearing a fedora or skinny jeans. If you are, promptly remove those articles of clothing. Planning your date: Location is the first thing to consider when first deciding to go on an artsy date. You want to impress your potential suitor, but you don’t want to bore them. Consider going to a small gallery, short concert or short film. This way you can appear cultured without inflicting unnecessary pain on yourself and your date. However, before doing any of this, you must take it upon yourself to ask your potential 28 Houston’s Hot Spots • Summer 2011

suitor on a date. This is perhaps the most important step of the date, as the date only exists in your mind up until this point. You have to be really smooth when you do this. Don’t give them too much information, even though you should have already thoroughly researched what you will do. Just say, “Hey, such and such is having a showing on Friday. I hear it’s a pretty chill place. Do you want to go with me?” If they answer “no,” then you have failed. Once you are on your date: If you failed at your research and find yourself bored at a large gallery, long concert, or feature length film, tell your date that whatever you have decided to do didn’t meet your artistic expectations and that the both of you should go somewhere else. If you do this, your date will think you are spontaneous and cultured—this will get you major points. Consider taking your date to an artsy bar or coffee shop. Hipster hangouts are the best places in which to go. You shouldn’t tell your

date that you are taking them to a hipster hangout, though. You want to be able to act surprised when you see all of the hipsters. This will make you look like an outsider, a freethinker, and give you plenty to talk about. Discuss the phoniness of hipster culture with your date. You can use this as a transition into a philosophical discussion. Do some research on philosophy before you do this, and make sure you pronounce the names correctly. If you find that your date knows more about your topic than you do, start commenting on the clothing of the hipsters. At the end of your date: If things have gone well, and you feel that the two of you have bonded, consider asking your potential suitor onto another date. You should have already researched some second date options. Use the same method when asking them on this one. If you do not think that the date has gone well, then use the same method, but never get back to them.

time kill: crossword ACROSS 1 Low islands 5 Phoenix suburb 10 Smoke 14 Oh, sure! (2 wds.) 15 The Dog Star follows him 16 Europe-Asia range 17 — bene 18 Revise 19 Gouda cousin 20 Swamp hazard 22 Cushy jobs 23 Set of tools 24 — tai (rum drink) 25 Tact 29 Beach activity 33 Turnpikes 34 Dairy sounds 36 Hired muscle 37 Rustic hotel 38 Burn or sting 39 Senorita’s aunt 40 Berlin single 42 Orpheus’ harp 43 Use TNT 45 Grain cutters 47 Married people 49 Help out 50 Switch positions 51 Jam tightly 54 Dressy shoe (2 wds.) 60 Helm position 61 Summa cum — 62 Beige 63 Wedding-cake part 64 Color of honey 65 Chase flies 66 Not apt to bite 67 Small plateaus 68 Haul along DOWN 1 Five, to Pierre 2 — Ben Adhem 3 Sherpa’s sighting 4 Piled up

29 35

48 50

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 35

49 51

Skoal and cheers Ms. Bombeck Manner Body of water Result Stoking Language of Pakistan Polite address Endangered trees Sealed with a — Prospect for gold Necessary thing Potato snacks Greek column type Au pair Tube trophies Blisters Specks Racket Pesky bugs Dory’s need

38 41 43 44 46 48 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 61 the —

Travel on snow Knickknack stand Treat for Fido Most luxuriant Make tracks Hearth tools Power unit Director — Kazan Regard as Ditto Dartboard locales Brainstorm Canyon reply Livy’s “it was” Winter Olympics event Take it on

Summer 2011 • Houston’s Hot Spots 29

Go forth, Houstonians!

Get out and have fun! Now that you have flipped through all that, carry it with you and go out already! If there are fun spots that you want us to highlight, give us a call! We would love to hear from you. Send feedback and advertising inquiries to advertising@thedailycougar.com! Until then, go get your FUN on!

30 Houston’s Hot Spots • Summer 2011

The University Eye Institute (UEI) Comprehensive Vision Care on the UH Campus

Even if you’re lucky enough to have perfect 20/20 vision, taking care of your eyes and protecting them against injury or infection is important. It is also important to wear a pair of good quality sunglasses, as they can block between 99 and 100 percent of UV radiation. The UEI provides a wide range of services from comprehensive vision examinations to the medical and surgical management of eye disorders. The University Eye Institute is located at 4901 Calhoun, on the corner of Calhoun and Wheeler Street. The UEI is open to the public, and appointments are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free patient parking can be accessed from the Wheeler Street entrance. We accept most health and vision plans, including the UH student health insurance.

Visit www.uei.uh.edu for more information or to make an appointment, please call 713.743.2020 See the difference ...See the best Summer 2011 • Houston’s Hot Spots 31

2011 Hot_Spots_page final2b.pdf

6/21/11

4:30 PM

UH Center for Student Media

Published on Jun 15, 2011

Houston's Hot Spots 2011

Published on Jun 15, 2011

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