Happiness is good food at a great price, and Jethro’s Cocktail Lounge delivers with its smashburger special. Head to the Montrose spot before 7pm to snag a signature burger and fries for just $7. This patty is no ordinary burger—it’s a rich blend of brisket, short rib, and chuck, stacked with pickles, onions, and a tangy special sauce. One bite and you’ll know why it’s an adult Happy Meal—just be ready for a little chin-drip action.

Three Houstonia staffers made the pilgrimage to Mensho this week, and all came back thinking the same thing: This could very well be Houston’s best ramen. Even before opening, you can spot chefs hand-crafting springy noodles and portioning them into neat bundles for service. Each bowl is a masterclass in balance—creamy chicken-based broth, smoky proteins, perfectly chewy noodles, and textural surprises like fried burdock root. The tori paitan sings, the garlic bowl packs a punch, and the green tea duck ramen is a standout. With only about 30 seats, lines build fast—arrive early for lunch or dinner to beat the rush.

Haii Keii feels like stepping into a movie set somewhere between Kill Bill and Blade Runner. Neon lights, surreal video projections, and even an upside-down bonsai tree set the stage for sushi and cocktails that are just as dramatic. Highlights include a $50 gold-topped sushi roll served with a flaming crab butter candle, a velvety ube espresso martini, and playful plant-based nigiri that tastes uncannily real. For a more private experience, ask for one of the cozy two-person booths with red-roped dividers or one of the upstairs tables with a window that overlooks the downstairs dining room.

Now in its eighth year, the Jaipur Literature Festival returns to Houston Friday through Sunday with a rich mix of author talks, poetry readings, and lively debates. Events take place at Asia Society Texas, MFAH, Rothko Chapel, and the Eternal Gandhi Museum, bringing global voices together with local talent. Highlights include filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, novelist Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, and panels exploring identity, climate, and creativity. With food vendors and family-friendly workshops rounding out the schedule, it’s a weekend designed for curious minds. Read more about the festival from senior culture editor Meredith Nudo.

Back for its second year, Solar Flare lights up Axelrad Beer Garden with two days of nonstop music and community. Hosted by local nonprofit Houston Music Classifieds, the festival brings together more than 40 Houston acts across two stages, plus a bustling market of local artists and vendors. It all kicks off Friday,  and runs through Saturday with sets that stretch late into the night. Tickets are $20 for a single day or $35 for the full weekend.