Houston/Neartown

Both a street name and a neighborhood, Montrose is Houston's longtime home to a large portion of its LGBT community. Due mainly to gentrification, Montrose has slowly transformed from a quirky, artsy, affordable cluster of 1920s bungalows to a more upscale, commercial, artsy neighborhood (although there are still plenty of quirkiness and bungalows!). Montrose is one of the few places in the city where walking is common, but with an August average afternoon high temperature of 92 with 54% humidity, one might find a car the better solution during the summer.
Midtown experienced serious redevelopment in the 1990s and is now home to many of Houston's young professionals, newer restaurants and bars/clubs. The nightlife here is hip and very vibrant.

• Buffalo Soldiers National Museum (BSNM)

  phone: +1 713 942-8920
  address: 3816 Caroline St
  Located in the historic Light Guard Armory, the BSNM is dedicated to the brave men and women of color who courageously served in every great American war and military campaign, offering a complete look at African American military history from 1770 to 2000 (the Revolutionary War to the Persian Gulf War) with interactive multimedia exhibits. The BSNM is an active participant in National Veteran projects, such as the Veterans' Registry Program.

• Chinese Consulate Building

  address: 3417 Montrose Blvd
  The only Chinese consulate in the southern United States, this building has been magnificently constructed to reflect the architecture of China. Regular protests are held in front of the building by Tibet supporters living in Houston.

• Diverse Works

  phone: +1 713 223-8346
  address: 3400 Main Street
  Alternative artwork center.

• Menil Collection

  phone: +1 713 525-9400
  address: 1515 Sul Ross
  The private family collection of John and Dominique de Menil, consisting of 20th-century modern masterpieces. The museum building is the centerpiece of a neighborhood featuring satellite gallery spaces and related cultural institutions set in a park-like setting. It boasts a large group of surrealist works and includes a special room devoted to the objects that the Surrealists themselves collected, which inspired many of the works on view.

• Rothko Chapel

  phone: +1 713 524-9839
  address: 1409 Sul Ross
  The Rothko Chapel, founded by John and Dominique de Menil, was dedicated in 1971 as an intimate sanctuary available to people of every belief. A modern meditative environment inspired by the mural canvasses of American abstract expressionist Mark Rothko, the Chapel welcomes thousands of visitors each year, people of every faith and from all parts of the world.

• Chapel of St. Basil, St. Thomas University

  address: 1100 West Alabama
  Built in 1997 by architect Philip Johnson, this is a very unusual building, with a big golden dome and a black belfry built into a wall. There is a labyrinth next to the building. Generally, the campus area is not especially rich for architectural gems but is green and cheerful.

• Aurora Picture ShowA non-profit microcinema housed in a former church building in Houston, Texas.

• Buffalo Bayou Park

  address: 18-3600 Allen Parkway and Memorial Drive
  With downtown's skyline as its backdrop, Houston's premier greenbelt of 124 acres winds from Shepherd Drive on the west to Bagby Street on the East End. Eleanor Tinsley Park, located within this greenway (Taft-Sabine), is the site of major Houston festivals and events, including the city's Fourth of July Fireworks. Bike and jogging trails run from Shepherd Dr. through downtown.

• Great Day Houston

  address: 1945 Allen Parkway
  Be part of the Great Day Houston Live studio audience.

Events & festivals

• Greek Festival

  address: 3511 Yoakum Boulevard
  Held yearly in October. Includes children's activities, an Athenian playground, food and entertainment.

Walk along Westheimer Blvd between Montrose Blvd. and Shepherd Dr. and browse the fashion resale shops, antique stores, and variety of eateries and watering holes. Empire Cafe is a popular brunch spot for local residents. Cafe Brasil serves salads, pizzas, coffees, alcoholic beverages in more in an urban European style cafe.
In reality, 'true' lower Westheimer embodies the now run down section of Westheimer between Montrose and Bagby (i.e., downtown).

• Magick Cauldron

  phone: +1 713 523-0069
  address: 2424 Montrose Blvd
  A one-stop shop for incense, crystals, magic candles, herbs, spell ingredients, pagan jewelry, and anything else regarding the supernatural one might need. Even if you're don't practice any magick you can still find a plethora of interesting things. Limited parking available.

Budget

• Amy's Ice Cream

  phone: +1 713 526-2697
  address: 3816 Farnham (off Shepherd, just north of US-59)
  Texas' own super premium, all natural ice cream.

• Baba Yega's

  phone: +1 713 522-0042
  address: 2607 Grant St
  This cozy cafe, named after a Slavic witch, has been a favorite in the Montrose area since 1975. This converted bungalow has several indoor & outdoor areas for semi-private dining. Baba Yega has been honored repeatedly by local patrons and neighborhood publications for "the prettiest patio", "best vegetarian", "best sandwich", "best burger" & "best brunch". Sunday brunch always draw a large crowd.

• Barnaby's

  phone: +1 713 522-0106
  address: 604 Fairview St
  This local restaurant features some incredible, and TEXAS sized, salads as well as mouthwatering burgers and other entrees. Brunch menu on Sundays.

• Katz's

  phone: +1 713 521-3838
  address: 616 Westheimer Rd
  Crave blintzes at midnight or corned beef and cabbage at sunrise? This is your place. Cops from next door rub shoulders with families, politicos and all walks of colorful Montrose life at this brick-paved double-decker. Complete with subway artifacts and Grand Central Station-style handrails, it's city slick and open 24 hours a day.

• Mai's

  phone: +1 713 520-7648
  address: 3403 Milam
  Vietnamese food, popular with the late night crowd.

• Niko Niko's

  phone: +1 713 528-4976
  address: 2520 Montrose
  Authentic and tasty Greek food.

Mid-range

• Dolce Vita

  phone: +1 713 520-8222
  address: 500 Westheimer Rd
  Marco Wiles (Da Marco restaurant) brings his penchant for pizza to this casual, welcoming restaurant. The simple yet intriguing menu is based on authentic thin-crust Neapolitan pizzas and Italian antipasti. From a rocket-hot wood-burning oven handmade in Rome, the pizzas arrive crispy and slightly charred around the edges. Close to 20 kinds of pizzas are offered, with toppings like proscuitto, arugula, wild mushrooms and fresh herbs. A varied list of small dishes rounds out the menu.

• El Tiempo 1308 Cantina

  phone: +1 713 807-8996
  address: 1308 Montrose Blvd
  The tasty, cooked from scratch Mexican food has been handed down, generation to generation in the Laurenzo family and is a staple in the Houston food scene. Great Grandmother Ninfa Laurenzo came to Houston in 1948 and started cooking almost immediately, spawning the huge chain of Ninfa's restaurants. 1308 Cantina puts together all of the best for an incredible taste of Tex-Mex cooking sure to leave your mouth watering. The fajitas and margaritas have been amazing the Montrose since the Cantina opened.

• Feast

  phone: +1 713 529-7788
  address: 219 Westheimer Rd.
  Feast is "Rustic European Fare" served in a cozy house (with a nice upstairs patio). The Brit owners and servers are friendly, the continental wine list is varied and interesting, and the ever-changing menu veers from adventurous (breaded pig tails with dipping sauce, anyone?) to comfy (lamb stew with dumplings). The 2- or 3-course prix-fixe lunch is a fantastic deal for what you get (dinner-sized portions!); there's also a "roast" lunch by reservation every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month.

• Osaka

  phone: +1 713 533-9098
  address: 515 Westheimer Rd
  Some of the tastiest sushi in Houston can be found here at Osaka. The portions are generous and you may be happily surprised with something on the house.

• Ruggles Grill

  phone: +1 713 524-3839
  address: 903 Westheimer Rd
  An American bistro with several different locations.

Splurge

• Da Marco

  phone: +1 713 807-8857
  address: 1520 Westheimer Rd
  One of Houston's best restaurantsknown for great wine and Italian fare. Reservations required.

• Tony's

  phone: +1 713 622-6778
  address: 3755 Richmond Ave
  Parisian chef Olivier Ciesielski interprets contemporary cuisine with classic French care. Reservations required.

• JR's

  phone: +1 713 521-2519
  address: 808 Pacific St
  JR's is one of Houston's most established and popular gay bars. Located next to SouthBeach, many patrons begin their night here before heading to SouthBeach. The bar continues to be a favorite of Houston's gay community.

• Meteor

  phone: +1 713 521-0123
  address: 2306 Genesee St
  Meteor is a gay video bar located in Montrose near Midtown. The crowd tends to be well dressed, a mixture of young and formerly young, and fun.

• Rudyard's

  phone: +1 713 521-0521
  address: 2010 Waugh Dr
  Live music on most nights, this British pub in the heart of Montrose attracts a diverse and fun crowd embodying the nighborhood in which it is located.

• Scott Gertner's Sky Bar

  phone: +1 713 520-9688
  address: 3400 Montrose Blvd
  This penthouse club is a hot spot in Houston's club scene, located at the top of a mid-rise in Montrose.

• South Beach

  phone: +1 713 529-7623
  address: 810 Pacific St
  SouthBeach is Houston's premier gay dance club. World renowned DJs and special events pack the crowds into the late night hours, dancing to the hottest tracks in the gay club scene.

• West Alabama Icehouse

  address: 1919 West Alabama
  Open since 1928, the Icehouse is a bar that provides outdoor seating and free hot dogs. Because of the outdoor seating, people are allowed to bring their dogs, play horseshoes, and basketball. There is usually live country music on Friday nights.

• Poison Girl

  phone: +1 713 527-9929
  address: 1641 Westheimer Rd
  Poison Girl is off of Westheimer Rd. near the Dunlavy St. intersection. It has a dive bar atmosphere and offers quality drinks and great prices. The perfect place to go and hang out with friends.

• Anvil Bar and Refuge

  phone: +1 713 523-1622
  address: 1424 Westheimer Rd.
  Anvil is one of the best bars in Houston. Their drinks are inspired by prohibition era concoctions. The mixologists (not bartenders) are talented at what they do and can create a drink with almost any flavor that you like.

• Boondocks

  phone: +1 713 522-8500
  address: 1417 Westheimer Rd.
  Boondocks is a fun dive bar/dance club that plays music from recent top 40s hits to disco!

• Etro Lounge

  phone: +1 713 521-3876
  address: 1424 Westheimer Rd., Ste A
  If you like 80s and you like to dance this "dive lounge" is the perfect place to go and jam out with friends on the laser lit dance floor. Etro is located directly behind Anvil Bar and Refuge.

• Royal Oak Bar and Grill

  phone: +1 281 974-4752
  address: 1318 Westheimer Rd.
  This laid back bar has a rustic interior and an excellent patio scene in front and out back. Valet parking is available or you can self park across the street. This is the perfect place to enjoy cold beers on a warm spring night or watch a game with friends.

Budget

• Hostelling International Houston

  phone: +1 713 636-9776
  address: 501 Lovett Blvd
  Located in a 1917 mansion built for one of Houston's former mayors. Regularly hosts pub crawls, museum tours, travel classes, and Texas sized BBQ's in the backyard. HI Houston is also the only hostel in the Hostelling International network with a swimming pool, to help escape those Texas summer days.

Mid-range

• Robin's Nest B&B

  address: 4104 Greeley St
  A quiet, snug little gem of a B&B, nestled only about two blocks off the main drag of Montrose Street. The innkeepers themselves speak a variety of languages which includes Portuguese, English, French, and Spanish. Pets accepted.

• Value Inn & R V Park

  phone: +1 281-576-6060
  address: 9232 N. Hwy 146, Mont Belvieu
  This hotel is in Baytown. Downtown Houston is about 30 mins drive. Small but clean rooms with free wi-fi. Continental breakfast is served for $10.

Splurge

• La Colombe d'Or

  phone: +1 713 524-8923
  address: 3410 Montrose Blvd
  Intimately small luxury hotel in a 1920s era mansion. For travelers without budgetary constraints.

• modern b&b

  phone: +1 832 279-6367
  address: 4003 Hazard St
  This dramatic four-story bed and breakfast is a unique alternative with fab rooms, artists' works on walls, exercise equipment and shaded verandas that present panoramic views above the tree line. The innkeeper not only speaks English but German and Spanish as well.