Happy Hour is half off!
Learn More
Contact Our Media Team:
Green tape with Hopdoddy logos on it.

Where To Eat and What To Do In Houston, Texas

Best Restaurants & Things To Do In Houston

Houston, Texas boasts one of the most thriving and eclectic restaurant scenes in the country. A city built by immigrants, diners enjoy authentic and unique takes on cuisines from all over the world. Because the city is a hub for major industries, like oil and gas, as well as medical institutions, Houston and its surrounding areas continue to be among the fastest-growing in the U.S. Its large and diverse population have resulted in a city that offers an abundance of cultural and fun activities, from world-renowned museums to an active theater district to a strong brewery landscape.

These are just a few of the reasons why Hopdoddy has set up shop with our burger bars throughout Houston. Whether you live in the city or are considering visiting, we wanted to create a list of our favorite places to eat and things to do in H-Town. Given that no activity is quite as good on an empty stomach, we’ll start there…

BEST RESTAURANTS IN HOUSTON

Houston’s diversity extends to every corner of the city, particularly in the food options. Like other southern cities, incredible BBQ and Tex-Mex food are easy to find. However, there are so many restaurants that offer a variety of cuisines and choices, no matter what you’re looking for:

BEST BURGERS

BEST BBQ

BEST BRUNCH

BEST FRIED CHICKEN

BEST TACOS

BEST ITALIAN FOOD

BEST THINGS TO DO IN HOUSTON

The city is also home to a range of activities and sightseeing spots. Whether you’re just visiting for a few days or have lived here all your life, looking for indoor activities or to enjoy the sun, by yourself or with friends and family, there’s always something to do. Let’s take a look at some of our favorite things to do in the city:

VISIT NASA’S SPACE CENTER HOUSTON

“Houston, do you read me?” The Space Center Houston museum boasts an abundant mix of attractions and displays on science and space. Peruse the Astronaut Gallery to check out spacesuits worn by actual astronauts, take a close-up look at a flown SpaceX Falcon 9 booster, or actually go inside of the shuttle replica Independence.

While you can purchase tickets at the museum, we recommend booking them in advance to ensure entry and avoid lines on busy days.

TAKE A SELFIE (OR GET ENGAGED) AT THE GERALD D. HINES WATERWALL

Formerly knowns as the Williams Waterwall, the Gerald D. Hines Waterwall is one of the city’s most photographed sites. It’s also one of the most popular places to get engaged, as it provides a dramatic backdrop with a 64-foot semicircular fountain.

Located just next to The Galleria (more on that in a minute), it’s an easy spot to check out if you’re planning on shopping in the area. Click here for hours and parking information.

SHOP AT THE HOUSTON GALLERIA

The Galleria is the largest shopping destination in Texas, with over 400 stores and 60 places to eat. The multi-level complex features a mix of luxury retail (think Chanel and Alexander McQueen) and slightly more accessible options, like Zara or Dr. Martins. If you love shopping, you could spend the entire day here and never see it all.

View all Galleria stores and eateries here.

EXPLORE A MUSEUM THAT STRIKES YOUR INTEREST

Visiting a museum in Houston is really a dealer’s choice. There are a ton of museums to choose from, most of which are located in the Houston Museum District. The Museum of Natural Science features dinosaur skeletons, a jewelry vault, and an indoor rainforest with thousands of living butterflies. The Museum of Fine Arts is one of the largest museums in the U.S., with a massive amount of stunning exhibitions and installations.

View all of the museums located in the district here, where you’ll find more information regarding hours, parking, and tickets.

WALK OR BIKE AT BUFFALO BAYOU PARK

Buffalo Bayou Park is a 2.3 mile-long urban green space that’s located along the banks of the Buffalo Bayou near downtown Houston. It’s a beautiful spot to take a walk or bring a picnic. There are also bike rentals at the park which allow you to explore on wheels.

Click here for information about park hours, entrances, parking, and more.

GO-KARTING AROUND AN OUTDOOR TRACK

If you’re looking for four wheels instead of two, Speedy’s Fast Track offers some of the best go-karts in Houston, perfect for those who are feeling the need for speed. They have multiple levels of karts so anyone of different comfort levels can try their hand around the outdoor track. Inside, you can also check out the arcade, laser tag, mini golf, and more!

SHOP AT THE HOUSTON GALLERIA

The Galleria is the largest shopping destination in Texas, with over 400 stores and 60 places to eat. The multi-level complex features a mix of luxury retail (think Chanel and Alexander McQueen) and slightly more accessible options, like Zara or Dr. Martins. If you love shopping, you could spend the entire day here and never see it all.

At the end of the day if you’re craving a delicious handmade burger and cold drinks, our River Oaks restaurant is just down the street from The Galleria, so stop by and grab a bite to eat and refuel!

Read it from the source
right arrow

Contact Our Media Team