What to Eat, Drink, and Do in Houston This Weekend: February 6
Image: Courtesy of Paula Murphy
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
Image: Courtesy of Joy the Baker
Drive out to Bellville for The Bakehouse by Joy the Baker
bellville
After the freezing temperatures Houston endured over the last couple of weeks, it’s time to get out of the house, and what better way to do that than a road trip? Just about an hour away from Houston is Bellville, a small town filled with shopping, antiques, and a monthly pop-up bakery from social media mogul Joy the Baker (also known as Joy Wilson). On February 7 from 9am to noon, travelers can enjoy freshly baked Texas chocolate chip cookies, with crispy edges and soft centers, and lemon blueberry buttermilk biscuits cooked by none other than Joy herself. Each purchase also includes a complimentary cup of Bellville’s Interstellar Coffee because Joy believes that “no one should buy baked goods without coffee in hand.” —Sofia Gonzalez, food and travel editor
Try a restaurant from Houstonia’s Hottest New Restaurants Map
multiple locations
The city of Houston never has a shortage of new restaurants for diners to try. Houstonia knows that seeing all the “Now Open” and “Grand Opening” signs can sometimes be overwhelming, so we’ve made things easier by mapping out all the places we think should be on your immediate dining bucket list. Whether it’s the new Upper Kirby outpost of Pinkerton’s, Ramen Alley in Asiatown, or Hugo Ortega’s restaurant that envisions land and food without borders, there’s so much to be excited about. —SG
Drink
Try a cocktail from Las Perras Café’s new menu
east end
This East End coffee shop has extended its hours and offerings with a brand-new copitas menu, led by the café’s bar and kitchen manager, Labria Lanaux. All drinks highlight Las Perras Café’s housemade coffee, tea, and syrups that Houstonians have already grown to love. Sip the smoky Oaxacan old-fashioned for a taste of mezcal and cold-brew-infused tequila with café de olla syrup, or go for a classic coffee cocktail and order the Carajillo Corajudo. In need of something sweeter? Ask for the rum-based Mai Tai, Girl, Bye!, for flavors of banana, almond, and lime. —SG
Hou
Watch the Super Bowl at one of these Houston bars
multiple locations
It’s time to plan ahead for the big game on Sunday night. Not in the mood to host? Grab your crew and head to one of Houston’s go-to sports bars—like Kirby Ice House, Nick’s Place, or Pitch 25—for wall-to-wall screens, ice-cold beer, and high-energy game-day vibes. —SG
Attend a Bad Bunny look-alike contest
East End | 2800 Navigation Blvd 10am–3pm
Since we’re on the topic of the Super Bowl, think you’ve got what it takes to win a Bad Bunny look-alike contest? This Sunday, as part of its “Amor Benito” Galentine’s pop-up, Latina-owned apparel shop Miradela is on the hunt for Houston’s very own Benito. Houstonians who can channel the singer’s signature style can enter the day of the event at the pop-up. The winner scores $100, extra prizes, and, of course, ultimate bragging rights.
Celebrate a self-taught artist
Heights | SAT, FEB 7 | 6–7pm
Lisa Cain, PhD, will debut her mixed-media exhibition, The Storyteller, at Redbud Arts Center this weekend. At this reception, visitors can explore Southern Black history collected from the artist’s family, community, and other sources, with particular attention to overlooked voices and experiences. —Meredith Nudo, senior culture editor
Take advantage of your debit card at these Houston museums
various | Feb 7 & 8 | 9am–5pm
Ready for some free museum fun? For the first weekend of every month, the Museums on Us program gives Bank of America cardholders free admission to some of Houston’s most popular museums. Spend the day browsing exhibits at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, Children's Museum of Houston, Holocaust Museum Houston, or Museum of Fine Arts, which recently debuted its Frida: The Making of an Icon exhibit. Guests without cards must pay for admission. —Brittany Britto Garley, editor in chief
Image: Courtesy of Visit Seguin
Plan a spontaneous day trip
You don’t have to drive all day to get out of town. Houstonia’s guide to the best day trips within 2.5 hours of Houston highlights easy escapes just beyond the city, including historic sites, outdoor spaces, and small towns worth lingering in. It’s proof that a change of scenery, good food, and a little breathing room are closer than you think. —BBG