Eat, Drink, Hou

What to Eat, Drink, and Do in Houston This Weekend: January 30

Conveyor belt sushi, sports bars, and a Valentine’s Day trial run.

By Erica Cheng and Houstonia Staff January 30, 2026

Chawanmushi at Kaiten Sushi Ginza Onodera is perfect for your weekend lunch or dinner.

Image: Erica Cheng

Deciding where to go and what to do can feel overwhelming, but in a city like Houston, you don’t have to look far. From bold bites to buzzy bars to uniquely Houston pastimes, there’s always something worth exploring. That’s where Houstonia comes in. In this weekly series, our editors share their favorite places to eat, drink, and “Hou”—so you can spend less time planning and more time enjoying the city.


eat

Chawanmushi at Kaiten Sushi Ginza Onodera

WESTSIDE

Though the sushi is stellar at this newish conveyor belt joint, I’m begging sushi fans to look instead at chawanmushi, or steamed egg custard. It might not sound like much, but this humble dish is elevated at Kaiten with a healthy scoop of ikura, or salmon eggs, and snow crab. Warm, comforting, and silky smooth, the luxe chawanmushi is a delightful surprise among cuts of tuna belly and salmon. —Erica Cheng, news and city life editor

Plan a date night with Houstonia’s romantic restaurant list

multiple locations

Valentine’s Day is coming up, but there’s no need to wait that long to plan the perfect date night for you and your partner. There are plenty of charming spots for diners to visit regardless of the occasion. For a Parisian-inspired night, plan a visit to Annabelle Brasserie, or enjoy an inviting French Quarteresque atmosphere with your loved one at Brennan’s. If you don’t mind driving to Kemah, make your way to Eculent Restaurant & Liquid Lab to learn firsthand why diners call chef David Skinner the Willy Wonka of food. —Sofia Gonzalez, food and travel editor 

drink

Visit a watering hole and soak in the sports

multiple locations

Sports season has been in full force (sorry, Texans), and there’s nothing better than a viewing party at your favorite sports bar. This weekend, hit up popular destinations like Kirby Ice House, Nick’s Place, or Pitch 25 for some amped-up crowds and stellar bar bites. Be it soccer, the Winter Olympics, or the upcoming baseball season, these local sports bars have your back. —EC

hou

Get lost in Frida Kahlo’s works at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

museum district | $20–24

Another freeze is on the way, so indoor activities are paramount. For the art-savvy Houstonian, head over to the MFAH to check out its newest collection, Frida: The Making of an Icon. See 30 works from Kahlo herself, along with 150 pieces from artists directly inspired by her. Gaze upon the iconic Self-Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird and get inspired. While you’re there, why not visit the Louvre Couture exhibit, too? Both shows are included in your ticket price.

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