Welcome to your Houston Hit List:
By now, you’ve probably caught the detail about the city’s food scene—and trust me, it’s on point. With so much happening and only so much time during your conference, I’ve procured your go-to Houston hit list to help you make the most of your stay.
I get it—your schedule is packed, and the FOMO is real with all the conference activities. But if you can sneak away for even an hour or two, this guide will make stepping outside the usual agenda totally worth it.
So, whether you’re hunting for that Instagrammable food spot, looking to explore local culture, or just need a break to vibe with the city, this list has you covered. Pick your favorites, check them out, and make your Houston experience unforgettable. Mission accepted?
Websites and IG links are included so you can curate your experience. Simply click on the names.
Gastro
Chop N’Block – 501 Westheimer Rd. HTX, 77006 – 15 minutes from George R. Brown – IG
If you have time to seek out local treasures beyond the conference, Chop N’Block is a must-visit in Houston’s beloved Montrose area. My intro was through an event they catered for a top global commercial real estate firm. The pies were what dreams are made of. So, I ventured to their location at the Post Houston chasing that dream. I discovered the Golden Bowl and it was a wrap. I’m a sucker for curry and theirs is fantastic I personally like their newest location on Westheimer. It has an outdoor space with plenty of biophilia and it’s adjacent to an exquisite local bakery experience – La Sicilia.
Corn Row – Pop-ups & Catering only – IG
This historically focused catering business may pop up during relevant events. Owned and operated by Chester Chambers, he aims to satiate vegan cravings through the lens of West African and Native American flavors. My sister is a huge fan of her former classmate out of MIT and I couldn’t resist adding Corn Row to the list.
Gatlin’s Fin & Feather – 302 W Crosstimbers St, Houston, TX 77018 – 20-25 minutes from George R. Brown – IG
Independence Heights was the first black-incorporated neighborhood in Houston. It was annexed by Houston a day after Christmas in 1929. Fin and Feather is a part of the Gatlin chain of restaurants. It’s in my neighborhood and is super cute. I would recommend anything they have on tap in the tiny diner situated on Crosstimbers and their gumbo is well worth trying.
Gatlin’s BBQ – 3510 Ella Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77018 – 20 -25 minutes from George R. Brown – IG
Once upon a time, I set out to find the best BBQ in Houston. So, I visited all the staples in including this baddie of a BBQ spot. My indulgence of choice here is the Kitchen Sink Sandwich. Leave room for this one, I’m bias but Houston surely may have the best BBQ in the world. What did I like about it? They deliver that hit of everything you would want about a stellar BBQ experience. I often judge a place by how the food made me feel. Coming here is a good choice, I depart on a high note each and every time.
Late August – 4201 Main Street Suite 120 – 10 minutes from George R. Brown – IG
Houston realtor Michaela Green was the plug on this one. Often, I like to let clients choose their experiences when we meet. She suggested we connect at Late August at the Ion. We indulged in 3 – 4 plates including the wings. The experience didn’t disappoint as we sat on the patio and hashed out a few details. The service was on point, the recommendations the staff provided were right, and overall I felt it was a great experience. Simply scrumptious.
Lucille’s – 5512 La Branch St Houston, Texas 77004 – 10-15 minutes from George R. Brown – IG
Lucille’s has long been a staple holding its own in the heart of Houston’s med center. The space is blocks away from one of my favorite public spaces, Hermann Park. Although I haven’t been in years, I remember the bar making a stellar Bloody Mary and in general there was a strong sense of comfort and style.
Trez Wine Bistro & Wine Bar – 920 Studemont St. Suite 150 Houston, TX 77007 – 10-15 minutes from George R. Brown – IG
My sister insisted on a girl’s night here. That was the first and last time I went. This establishment is also a Houston favorite. Likely because of the lounge vibes and music that you can’t help but sway to. My thoughts were that this place was casually swank. It’s close to downtown and could be worth swinging by with friends if you are looking to be a social butterfly.
The Warwick – 5888 Westheimer Road Houston, TX 77057 – 20-30 minutes from George R. Brown – IG
Walking in here is such a pleasant surprise. It’s warm, it’s beautiful but not over the top. The service was thoughtful, the decor is elegant. My food experience was particularly delicious. The right clothing is required for this elevated experience. But, you already knew that. So, slip into something classic and memorable then take in the scene.
Hot Desks – AD-HOC desks & conference room space
The Us Space – 808 Travis St Suite 400, Houston, TX 77002 – 5-10 minutes from George R. Brown – IG
LaGina Harris has mindfully crafted an inclusive experience at the historic Esperson building downtown. Her aim is to influence social impact through a space that promotes community and productivity. If you have an opportunity to connect with her, I highly recommend it. Here is what’s going on at The Us Space from 11.13.2024 – 11.16.
Well, that’s all she wrote! I hope to see you all in and around town doing you in Houston. Remember, the best memories are made when you take a moment to explore beyond the bounds. Go ahead and make your visit count. Share your adventures, snap those pics, and who knows—maybe Houston will leave you with stories you’ll be telling long after the conference ends. Safe travels and most importantly, live well.