Population:

2,000,000+

Time Zone:

Central

Climate:

Houston’s location near the Gulf of Mexico means it experiences mild winters and hot, humid summers. Winter’s low temperatures rarely dip below freezing, and highs are often in the low to mid-60s. December is one of the area’s rainiest months, in addition to late summertime. Spring begins as early as late February or early March and is warm, but not as humid as the summer months. From late May to September, temperatures soar into the 90s and above, coupled with high humidity. Luckily, the city has plenty of air-conditioned venues that offer a respite from the heat.

Airports:

William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)
7800 Airport Boulevard
Houston, TX 77061
713-640-3000

George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
2800 North Terminal Road
Houston, TX 77032
281-230-3100

Rail:

Amtrak
800-USA-RAIL

Bus:

Greyhound
800-231-2222

Getting Around Houston:

Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO)
City Bus, Train and Downtown Trolley
713-635-4000

Taxis:

Liberty Cab Houston
800-829-4222

United Taxicab Co.
713-699-4292

Yellow Cab
713-236-1111

Visitor Information:

Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau
901 Bagby, Suite 100
Houston, TX 77002
713-437-5200

Dining:

Brennan’s of Houston
3300 Smith Street
Houston, TX 77006
713-522-9711

Voted “Best of the City” for atmosphere, cuisine, and service. You can have the perfect romantic dinner at Brennan’s and choose from offerings such as lamb chops, lump crab cakes, and veal chops. Reservations are required and if you want a little entertainment with your dinner, ask to dine at the chef’s table where you can see everything that is going on in the kitchen!

Pappas Brothers Steakhouse
5839 Westheimer
Houston, TX 77057
713-780-7352

Intimate steakhouse with a beautiful interior! All entrees are cooked to order and arrive at your table with fresh vegetables. They also have a smoker’s lounge with a full service bar. Voted “Best of the City”. Reservations are recommended.

Pappas Bar-B-Q
1217 Pierce
Houston, TX 77002
713-659-1245

Enjoy fresh slow-smoked and juicy Texas barbecue with all the special side dishes including ribs and brisket with coleslaw and fries.

Ruggles Grill
903 Westheimer
Houston, TX 77006
713-524-3839

Serving satisfied patrons since the mid 80’s and still going strong with American favorites jazzed up a little in jumbo sized portions. They offer pizza, pasta, and chicken variations along with grilled lamb chops and the like. Reservations are required.

Avalon Diner
2417 Westheimer
Houston, TX 77027
713-527-8900

Offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a relaxed setting. Menu items include cheeseburgers, fries, milkshakes, homemade lemonade, omelets, French toast, huevos rancheros, chicken-fried steak and eggs and more. Be sure to try their “wet fries” – fries topped with brown or cream gravy and their small-tread waffles for breakfast.

Taste of Texas Restaurant
10505 Katy Freeway
Houston, TX 77024
713-932-6901

They serve only certified Angus beef and have been since 1977! They offer a great selection of menu items including pecan crusted chicken, a 10-oz. buttered lobster tail, 24-oz. cowboy steak, jalapeño stuffed shrimp and an extensive wine list.

Nightlife:

The Mercury Room
1008 Prairie Street
Houston, TX 77002
713-225-6372

Popular with both locals and visitors, the Mercury Room is a hip Houston hotspot. Live bands and DJs provide music for those who want to spend their time on the dance floor. The sidewalk patio area is the perfect spot for a little fresh air and people watching.

Blanco’s
3406 W. Alabama Street
Houston, TX 77027
713-439-0072

This “real” Texas honky-tonk offers some of the best bands belting out country tunes all night long. Dance to the beat or enjoy a cold beverage and a meal.

Marfreless
2006 Peden Street
Houston, TX 77019
713-528-0083

The unmarked blue door keeps this jewel hidden! It’s romantic setting makes it a perfect place for couples to sip wine and listen to soft classical music. Or, if you have a group wanting a quiet night out at a quaint place where you can have a conversation, visit this lounge!

Black Labrador Pub
4100 Montrose Boulevard
Houston, TX 77006
713-529-1199

This authentic British pub serves up ales and stouts and a large selection of whiskeys along with a quiet atmosphere, but always lots of fun. Voted one of the best bars in Houston!

Numbers Houston
300 Westheimer Road
Houston, TX 77006
713-526-8338

This is one of the top live music and dancing spots in Houston. Alternative bands frequent here but others who have graced the stage include REM, Sheryl Crow, Nine Inch Nails, and Oasis. You’ll find cheap beer and a great dance party every weekend.

Etta’s Lounge
5120 Scott Street
Houston, TX 77004
713-528-2611

Everyone is welcome at Etta’s! They offer the best blues and soul music in the city along with tasty food and cold drinks!