Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to Houston.

Know Before You Go

Weather: Summer is hot and humid, with temps often creeping into the 90s to 100s and you can guarantee it will be humid. Pack breathable clothing, comfy shoes, and drink lots of water.

Getting Around: Houston is huge — this isn’t a walkable city in the traditional sense. Your best bet is rideshare (Uber/Lyft) or renting a car, especially if you’re trying to hit up multiple neighborhoods.

Where to Eat in Houston

Here’s a mix of Black-owned favorites and local gems I always recommend:

Coffee Shops & Cafés 

Day 6 Coffee (Black owned)
Tenfold Coffee
Refuge
Sunday Press
Brass Tacks
Agora
Tout Suite
Common Bond

Brunch & Daytime Eats

Traveler’s Table: My absolute favorite brunch spot in Houston. Their globally inspired menu hits every time. My favorite is the Korean sticky ribs with kimchi fried rice.

Mo’ Brunch + Brews: Black-owned and vegan with chill vibes, a coffee shop and vinyl record energy. Great spot if you’re plant-based or just want something different.

Juliet: A sleek, upscale Black-owned restaurant with great cocktails. The crispy Thai shrimp, brussel sprouts, lobster tail, and crème brûlée Recipe are some of my faves. The cocktails are great as well.

Truth BBQ: Eating BBQ in Houston is a must. Eating at Truth BBQ is another must!!! The brisket alone is chef’s kiss. Seriously, every bite is next level! Plan to arrive early, there is always a line.

Taste Bar + Kitchen: This Midtown, Black-owned, favorite puts a creative spin on comfort food, offering dishes like chicken and waffles with a twist. Their bacon & lobster smoked gouda mac & cheese, peach cobbler waffles, and fried chicken — ohhhh emmm gee!!

Birria Queen Taco Truck: Tacos at Birria Queen are next-level, but don’t sleep on the ramen…it’s delish! And don’t get me started on the Watermelon Guava Limeade….AH-MAZING!

Breakfast Klub: You absolutely can’t come to Houston without trying The Breakfast Klub. Kay swears by this Black-owned spot for fried chicken! Get there early, though; there’s usually a line before the doors even open!

Lucille’s: Google “the best Black-owned restaurants in Houston” and Lucille’s is bound to come up. It’s a local fave.

Dinner, Date Night & Vibes

PUR Noire Urban Winery – Black-owned and chic, this urban winery downtown is perfect for wine flights and small bites. The owners are a couple, and the space is perfect for a romantic, solo, or friend’s night out.

FRNDS – A moody lounge-style restaurant with upscale cocktails and even better food! The shrimp deviled eggs and lobster chili pasta are a must!

KISS – If you’re going for dinner and a vibe (aka “brunch, but make it nighttime”), this is your spot. It’s sexy, it’s stylish, and definitely a scene.

Cravings & Comfort

ChòpnBlọk – West African–inspired eats that are as flavorful as they are filling. Think jollof rice bowls, suya-spiced proteins, and bold sauces. Go with friends, order everything and share!

Lost & Found – Popular Black-owned spot known for strong drinks, Southern comfort food, and patio vibes. Ideal for group hangs and late brunch.

Mexican Sugar Cocina – Not Black-owned, but worth a stop for the atmosphere and food. Their chips and salsa, agua frescas, and chicken tortilla soup all have me in a chokehold!! So good!

Quick Bites (No Reservations Needed)

Flower Child (Vegan/vegetarian friendly lunch, dinner)
Hungry’s (Traditional breakfast, lunch)
Black Walnut (American breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
Fadi’s (Mediterranean lunch, dinner)
Leaf & Grain (Healthy lunch, dinner)
Velvet Taco (Mexican lunch, dinner)

Things to Do in Houston

Whether you’re a museum hopper, people-watcher, or looking for something cute and vibey, here’s where to go:

POST HTX – A food hall, rooftop park, and event space all in one. Come for the skyline views, stay for the culture. Check their calendar for free and ticketed events.

Gerald D. Hines Waterwall – Yeah, it’s worth listing twice. The architecture is stunning and it’s centrally located.

Shopping Spots

The Galleria Mall – The biggest mall in Texas. High-end designers, Zara, and even an ice rink.

M-K-T Heights – Here you’ll find unique and independent retail and inspired restaurants and dining experiences.

Rice Village – More local boutiques and coffee shops with a mix of places like lululemon, CB2, and the likes — great for a slower-paced shopping day.

The Heights – Artsy neighborhood full of local stores, murals, and antique vibes.

Sunday Funday

Chapman & Kirby: This spot stays lit. Live DJs, bottle service, and a solid mix of locals and travelers. A vibe every time.

Axelrad Beer Garden: Swing in a hammock, listen to live music, and sip on craft beer. Mixed crowd vibe.

Bar 5015: is a Third Ward hotspot known for strong drinks, DJ sets, and high-energy day parties—especially on Sundays.

Arts & Culture

Museum of Fine Arts: One of the best art museums in the South. Spend an afternoon getting lost in exhibits.

Project Row Houses: Located in Third Ward, this art and cultural community celebrates African-American history and creativity in a powerful way.

Buffalo Soldiers Museum:  A Black-owned museum preserving the history of African American soldiers and their role in U.S. military history.

Where to Stay

Downtown/Midtown – Close to nightlife, restaurants, and the METRORail.

Museum District – Great for a slower pace and walking access to culture.

The Heights – A little more residential but full of charm, cute cafes, and Airbnb options.

Montrose – Eclectic, walkable-ish, and very LGBTQ-friendly.

Click here for a list of hotels

Final Tips

Book reservations for popular restaurants—Houston folks love to brunch.

Bring a portable fan and backup battery.