Houston Round-Up: Where to Eat, Shop and Visit in the Bayou City

By Grace Cassidy The Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo is the largest annual livestock exhibition and rodeo in the world, boasting 44,000 members, 35,000 volunteers, over 2 million visitors and endless events, from concerts, trail rides and BBQ contests to the headliner livestock show. Since its inception in 1932, the nonprofit has been providing scholarships to Texas students and funding to important education programs across the state, with over $575 million in awards. The 2023 Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo runs from Tuesday, Feb. 28 and continues through Mar. 19. The world-class concert line-up features big names in entertainment, including Parker McCollum, Zac Brown Band, Jason Aldean, New Kids on the Block, Bun B, The Chainsmokers, Ashley McBryde, and much more. And while you’re in the Houston area for the event, consider taking a look around beyond the stadium walls of NRG Park. SHOPPING HEMLINE HEMLINE , 2047 W. Gray Street If you made your way from out of state and you weren’t equipped with rodeo-appropriate attire, head to HEMLINE. This popular retailer features great seasonal looks and offers numerous options for rodeo season. Boots in any style and color, hats, novelty accessories and plenty of denim are just some of the many items you’ll be able to pick up. Kuhl-Linscomb , 2418 West Alabama This renowned local lifestyle retailer offers upscale home goods, furniture, cosmetics, kitchenware, gifts and much more. This is a great place to stop for one-of-a-kind goods and is a popular spot for newlyweds to post a gift registry. DINING El Tiempo Cantina , multiple locations, including NRG Park. Laurenzo’s El Tiempo Cantina is a local favorite, boasting numerous sites throughout the city. The award-winning restaurant was featured in Houston Chronicle ’s “Best of the Best,” winning the titles of Best Tex-Mex Restaurant, Best Margaritas, Best Fajitas and Best Guacamole. Eunice , 3737 Buffalo Speedway This Cajun-Creole brasserie-style eatery features a stunning interior, raw bar and a menu inspired by the flavors of the Gulf Coast. Laurenzo's El Tiempo Cantina Eunice The Pit Room Nancy's Hustle The Pit Room , 1201 Richmond Avenue You cannot visit Houston and NOT have the barbecue. The Pit Room is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days a week, offering favorites like breakfast tacos, brisket, pulled pork, Tex-Mex dinners and incredible sides like coleslaw and mac & cheese. Bludorn , 807 Taft Street Bludorn is a well-regarded restaurant serving New American and French-inspired fare with a menu that features raw oysters, delicious appetizers and entrees. Hamsa , 5555 Morningside Drive, Suite 100 For the Middle Eastern lover, Hamsa offers modern Israeli cuisine with a variety of hummus, grilled skewers, fire-kissed pitas and plenty of greens to enjoy. Nancy’s Hustle , 2704 Polk Street This modern bistro and wine bar effortlessly brings European classics and American favorites together to create a menu that is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Plus, the restaurant showcases a seemingly endless list of wines, spirits, cider, and beer. Cacao & Cardamom , 5000 Westheimer, Suite 602 After you’ve finished dining out for lunch and dinner, head to Cacao & Cardamom for award-winning chocolates. This sweet spot brings spices and chocolate together with ease and boasts both classic and adventurous flavors alike, including maple pecan, guava tamarind, blueberry lime and more. TO DO & SEE Hermann Park Conservancy (Photo: Nash Baker) Hermann Park , 1700 Hermann Drive Thanks to its proximity to downtown, the Texas Medical Center, Rice University and the Museum District, this 445-acre urban park is an important resource for many Houstonians. Whether you wish to ride the train along the Hermann Park Railroad, pedal around in a pedal boat on McGovern Lake, jog along the trails or enjoy a peaceful moment in the Japanese Garden, Hermann Park offers countless opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation. The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston , 1001 Bissonnet The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston is among the 10 largest art museums in the nation, hosting a collection of over 65,000 pieces and offering numerous cultural events throughout the year. Visitors at the Dan Flavin exhibition, currently on view at the Menil Collection The Menil Collection , 1533 Sul Ross Street Open Wednesday through Sunday for free admission, the Menil Collection features over 17,000 paintings, sculptures, drawings, photographs and more. Montrose Situated just west of downtown Houston, Montrose is a bustling and vibrant city neighborhood with cafes, art galleries, thrift stores, local boutiques, the Rothko Chapel and much more. Rothko Chapel in the Montrose neighborhood. Memorial Park , 7575 North Picnic Lane Memorial Park Conservancy is one of the largest urban parks in the country, covering approximately 1,466 acres of land. Houstonians enjoy spending time at Memorial Park for its endless trails to run and walk and its wide-open green space ideal for picnicking.