See below for restaurant and activity recommendations while in Houston!
Houston Open: PGA Tour Golf tournament at Memorial Park Golf Course (short drive from the venue!) Tickets here
US Clay Court Championships: Taking place at ROCC (our venue!) Details here
Tex Mex
El Tiempo Cantina - Joan's favorite casual tex mex spot. Check out either the Richmond or Westheimer location. No reservation needed, great for lunch.
Armandos - Another tex mex staple but make it fancy. Reservations recommended, great for dinner.
Boozy Brunch
Brasserie 19 - Great spot to enjoy oysters, wine, & delicious French food. We recommend sitting on the patio.
A'Bouzy - Name says it all - fun modern French restaurant, make sure you have them open a bottle of champagne for you.
Liberty Kitchen - Delicious seafood spot right by the St. Regis - great for dinner as well.
Just Lunch
Local Foods - Joan's favorite lunch spot - more casual, order at the counter with great sandwiches and salads. Recommend the Kirby location.
Tiny Boxwoods - Cute neighborhood brunch spot tucked away with a gorgeous patio. Make sure you try the cookies!
Kenny & Ziggy's - If you're REALLY hungry, try this New York deli with beyond generous portions. Located near the Galleria.
Seafood
Clark's Oyster Bar - Joan & Jake's favorite Austin spot that opened a Houston location. Happy hour from 3-5pm on Fridays!
Sushi
Uchi - Famous sushi spot with some of our favorite bites. Reservations recommended.
Kata Robata - Contemporary spot with sushi & Japanese small plates.
Texas BBQ
The Pit Room - Amazing BBQ next to a bar with a patio. Great place to hang out on Saturday!
Goode Company - Kirby location is a Houston staple near Joan's childhood home. Can't miss the giant armadillo!
Other Spots We Love
State of Grace - Upscale southern spot mixed with an oyster & caviar vibe. Reservations recommended.
Steak 48 - Upscale Steakhouse in the River Oaks district.
Pondicheri - Award winning Indian spot, inspired by the streets of Mumbai.
Daytime Bars
Kirby Ice House - Joan's go-to spot, enjoy a drink on the enormous patio. Tons of TVs and usually a food truck! Make sure to go to the Upper Kirby location.
The Rustic - Giant bar with live music on weekends! Make sure to go to the Uptown location.
Houston Culture
Museum of Fine Arts - Lovely art museums in Joan's childhood neighborhood!
Museum of Natural Science - Fun, interactive science museum. Next to Hermann Park where you can take a stroll.
The Menil - Modern art museum nestled in a quiet neighborhood. Free for public viewing, and if you're hungry can grab a bite at the Menil Bistro.
Shopping
River Oaks District - Upscale shopping district, very close to the St. Regis hotel.
Highland Village - Can't miss the row of palm trees - more cute shopping areas, plenty of lunch spots as well.
Galleria - Houston's famous indoor shopping mall. Lots of nearby restaurants as well in Post Oak Plaza.
Outdoors (& GOLF!)
Memorial Park - Jog or walk the popular 3-mile trail, hang lakeside in Eastern Glades, or check out the municipal golf course/range.
The Arboretum - Enjoy Houston's tucked away paradise of nature! Tons of trails to enjoy.
Levy Park - Park near the welcome party venue near coffee shops & restaurants. Has an on-site Mexican restaurant with fun drinks & fruit specialties!