The Ultimate Guide to Houston for Super Bowl LI and Beyond

Best of Houston

This David Adickes sculpture is now parked off of I-10 between Shepherd and Yale. Drive by to see it or you can park in the neighborhood to take pictures with it. (Photo by Samantha Hoffer, 2014)

 

Coming into Houston for the Super Bowl? Or maybe you just live here and want to enjoy the city this weekend?  Here’s our comprehensive guide of all things to eat, see and do in Houston during this weekend, and to enjoy any time of year. (Well, except the Super Bowl parties – you kind of have a one time shot at those…at least until the next time we host the big game.)  Since we’re locals, we wanted to make sure you got a few PRO TIPS to help you navigate around town, order the best dishes, and experience the city from the perspective of a native.

THE SUPER BOWL PARTIES

https://www.houstoniamag.com/articles/2017/1/12/super-bowl-parties-you-should-know-about

Even though the festivities started last Friday, the best is yet to come with Super Bowl weekend upon us. This list will help you decide where to best spend the weekend. PRO TIP: Rent a Houston Bcycle to get around town (especially down to Discovery Green) without the headache of traffic.

WHERE TO EAT + DRINK IN HOUSTON

http://www.papercitymag.com/culture/houston-80-best-restaurants-super-bowl-week-new-hotspots-reservations-what-open/

A pretty comprehensive list of places to eat.  Because we all know this is what’s most important (maybe next to the game… but maybe not?) since you’re in a city with one of the best dining scenes in the country. Plus, I HIGHLY recommend going to some hole in the wall ethnic restaurant. We have everything you can imagine, and miraculous versions of it.   PRO TIP: Most of the restaurants on this list you will need a reservation for, so be sure to call ahead.  Trying a hole in the wall is a great way to ensure yourself a happy belly, without a long wait. If you need some recommendations, watch Anthony Bourdain’s recent Parts Unknown episode on Houston.  The first 15 minutes of the episode are filmed within a mile of our store. So be sure to swing by our 25k sqft. furniture + decor showroom to take a stroll around and walk off some of that meal.

 https://www.houstoniamag.com/articles/2017/2/1/10-things-you-must-eat-drink-and-do-while-youre-here-for-the-super-bowl

A more abbreviated list of places to eat. Because it’s the #1 topic of conversation around here. All of these places are great, but  TACOS TIERRA IS LIFE CHANGING. Grab a few tacos, enjoy some beers, and play some games outside at West Alabama Ice house to take advantage of this little thing we call “Houston Winters” (aka being outside in shorts).  I would also add EaDo Vietnamese restaurant, Hyunh, to this list. Since trying Vietnamese food as a tourist in Houston (or eating it regularly as a Houstonian) is pretty much mandatory, this is sure to check that box off with great satisfaction.  Pro tip: It’s BYOB, and be sure to order the Duck Salad.

BEST OF HOUSTON: ACTIVITIES, ACCOMMODATIONS AND MORE

http://www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/travel/sc-super-bowl-host-city-houston-travel-0131-20170122-story.html

For northerners, the Chicago Tribune did a pretty good job at summing up some hot spots in the city — particularly the Museum District. Host to a myriad of museums including multiple art museums, a children’s museum, the science museum and more, the museums alone could fill up a day.

But it’s also a beautiful time of year in Houston to be outside. Step outside the museums for a moment to enjoy the weather in Hermann Park, which houses the Houston Zoo, beautiful gardens, and a fun train you can ride around the park with. The area could keep you busy for days! PRO Tip: Take the MetroRail for easy transportation from downtown and stop into Korean fried chicken restaurant Dak & Bop for a might tasty lunch while you’re in the area.

https://www.houstoniamag.com/articles/2017/1/23/water-works-underground-houston-buffalo-bayou-park

Buffalo Bayou Park is full of great trails and spots to see, but this is a MUST. I had the most amazing day last Saturday seeing this exhibit and exploring the winding trails along the bayou afterwards.  PRO TIP:  If looking at houses is your thing, wander along the paths towards downtown to reach Sam Houston Park for a look at beautiful old Houston homes being preserved by the Heritage Society.

http://www.vogue.com/article/where-to-go-in-houston-texas-super-bowl

This is a pretty epic list.  If you’re just in town for the weekend or here for life, give a hat tip to Vogue for giving us a great list of places to visit, eat, drink, and sleep in Houston to reference for a long time to come.  PRO TIP: Whether for vacation or staycation, treat yourself to one of the Magnificent Seven Suites at Hotel Zaza for an over the top hotel experience.

A BRIEF GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING HOUSTON

http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Obvious-questions-from-Houston-Super-Bowl-tourists-10893988.php#photo-11375784

Take a few moments to flip through the slides to get yourself acquainted with Houston and keep yourself from asking, “Huh?” when observing some of the peculiarities that make Houston Houston.  PRO TIP: Pay special attention to the notes on driving. These are important.

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That’s a wrap on our roundup for Super Bowl hot spots, and a comprehensive guide to enjoying Houston.  This city has come a long way since the last time we hosted the Super Bowl, and visitors and locals alike are sure to enjoy all Houston has to offer. What are your favorite places to enjoy in Houston? Let us know!