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By Julia Pond, Editorial Director
1. Peska Seafood Culture
by: Urban Swank – Courtesy: Trip.com
Most people think of BBQ when they think of Houston, but this seafood spot is not to be missed. A raw bar and ceviches make awesome starters, but then try some of their cool mains like miso bacalao and fried octopus with green olives and truffled mash.
It’s a seafood Mecca with seafood from around the world. – Urban Swank
2. Hugo’s
by: Urban Swank – Courtesy: Trip.com
This Montrose Mexican spot is rumored to be some of the best in the city (and Texas knows Mexican food). With fish tamales and duck mole poblano among a super authentic and mouth watering menu, Hugo’s is a perfect counterpoint to the mountains of nachos set to be consumed during the game.
This is one of the few restaurants that remind me of food from my hometown, Mexico City.” – Fernando Gonzalez
3. Tiny Boxwood’s
by: WordRidden flickr – Courtesy: Trip.com
Brunch is one of the big draws at Tiny Boxwood’s, and dinner does some awesome twists on southern classics (Shrimp and risotto) and creative Americana (Smokey Goat Lamb Burger anyone?). Started by people who had never done a restaurant before, but just knew what one should be like, this place is as strong on design as food.
Beautiful neighborhood cafe where the outdoor space is as beautiful as the indoor space. – Christi J
4. Fat Cat Creamery
by: Urban Swank – Courtesy: Trip.com
Their year-round creative and slightly boozy flavors are enough to whack Fat Cat on any bucket list (Hello, Waterloo gin with strawberry buttermilk and Chocolate stout) but they have a constant rotation of seasonal flavors too. It’s all small batch. You’ll probably be too busy licking that cone to tell anyone, which is all the better for us.
I can say for sure I’ll be going back time and time again! – Amanda Craig
5. Beer Market Co
by: Tommy Lanier – Courtesy: Trip.com
You can’t have a trip dedicated to football without at least a little beer, and insiders in Houston know to check Beer Market Co for their 24 quality draughts, including plenty of homebrewed Texan drafts, and comfort food like fried mac’n’cheese balls, short rib tacos, and – wait for it – fried cheesecake.
Great beer selection and have always had excellent service – Houstonian
6. Lucchese
by: Urban Swank – Courtesy: Trip.com
If there’s one souvenir to take back from Houston (or one thing you must have as a local) it’s a pair of freaking amazing boots. Lucchese is the place to get them – these guys have been stitching leather since 1883.
Some of the best boots around. – Urban Swank
7. Art Car Museum
by: ArturoYee flickr – Courtesy: Trip.com
Houston holds an art car parade which is full of wildly decorated vehicles – this museum exhibits some highlights. Great if you want a Texan style Burning Man fix (at least the Art Car part).
This is a Houston Pop Culture institution – an absolute must-see for art and auto enthusiasts
Hippie and Yuppie
8. Menil Collection
by: Jack at Wikipedia flickr – Courtesy: Trip.com
The Menil Collection is a private – and totally amazing – art collection created by an heiress to the Schlumberger fortune. The collection includes an awesome array of Cy Twombly and Rene Magritte (the guy who painted the man with a green apple on his mouth). And – it’s free to visit!
One of the best public displays of private collections of modern art in the world. – Fernando Gonzalez
9. NASA Johnson Space Center
by: DaveWilsonPhotography flickr – Courtesy: Trip.com
Okay, it’s a cheat since it’s not exactly a secret. But did you know you can both ‘walk on the moon’ and eat astronaut ice cream here? Or that if you’re a super star on social media, you could get a special behind the scenes tour during Super Bowl week (apply here). Or that adults can take a VIP Nasa Level 9 Tour? Book ahead.
You can touch a moon rock and walk in a 747. How cool is that! – Tiffany Z
10. Buffalo Soldiers Museum
by: Steve DeAngelo – Courtesy: Trip.com
You don’t always hear about the Buffalo soldiers (except for the Bob Marley song) but these men and women, former slaves, freemen and Black Civil War soldiers, were the first to serve during peacetime. They played a huge role in US westward expansion and were actually called buffalo soldiers by the Plains tribes in recognition of their bravery. This is a great place to nerd out about a lesser known part of American history.
if you’re in downtown Houston, it’s a must see. – Steve deAngelo
Source: gogobot.com