Chef Bryan Caswell—best known for the now-closed Reef—has made a promising return with Latuli, a restaurant serving a comforting blend of Gulf Coast flavors. One of his biggest fans so far? Astros second baseman José Altuve, who’s been spotted dining here multiple times (I just happened to catch a glimpse of him enjoying dinner with his family on Thursday, August 14). The menu is a mix of indulgence and nostalgia: the Double Dip starter (smoked redfish and pimento cheese with potato chips), a tomato salad topped with crispy onion rings, pan-fried grouper with homemade corn pudding and a roasted peach, and tender Wagyu barbacoa paired with crisp apple and jalapeño. End on a high note with the warm peach cobbler crowned with vanilla ice cream—it nails every texture. —Brittany Britto Garley, editor in chief

8900 Gaylord Dr

A late-night scrolling session on social media led me to the newly opened K-Tang, and I’m so glad it did. What caught my eye was a mountain of mul naengmyun, or Korean cold noodles, swimming in a red, slushified broth and stacked tall with shredded vegetables and buttery chunks of raw salmon.

Typically, mul naengmyun is made with buckwheat noodles, cold beef broth, sliced beef, and a drop of spicy mustard and white vinegar, but K-Tang’s version flips tradition on its head: The restaurant swaps in raw seafood, a light wasabi dressing, and a sweet, spicy, tangy bright-red broth that make for an essential summertime dish. —Erica Cheng, news and city life editor

1400 Blalock Rd

Houston’s own James Beard Award–winning bar is still at the top of its game. Owner and mixologist Alba Huerta has curated a menu that caters to every palate, from classic juleps (including a Tepache Mint Julep made with sous vide wine) to inventive sips like the Banana Matcha Alexander, made with cognac, banana and matcha reduction, heavy cream, and cacao, and a rum-fueled sip blended with plantain that gives a taste of the Caribbean. If hunger strikes, you won’t have to go far. Julep serves small bites and starters, from popcorn and baked brie to a decadent lobster dip. —BBG

1919 Washington Ave

We all know what Houston looks like aboveground, but ever wondered what it looks like beneath the surface? At the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern, curious Houstonians step underground to explore a historic site. Built in 1926, the cistern used to hold Houston’s drinking water until an irreparable leak forced the city to close it. Now, it’s transformed into an arts space, hosting various performances and installations. Discover new artists on-site, or just indulge in listening to that famed 17-second echo. For $15 a ticket, visitors can choose between a guided historic tour of the space or an exploratory tour, where they can run (walk) freely. —EC

105-B Sabine St

Hula-Hooping: Is it exercise, or a performance? Both! If you’ve ever been interested in learning about the sporting art (or is it an arty sport?), Mad About Hoops is offering a free class for all ages and skill levels at M-K-T Heights on Friday from 4 to 6pm. It’s kid-friendly, but you can still win a few adult beverages courtesy of Eureka Heights Brewery. Maybe you should start practicing now. —Meredith Nudo, arts & culture editor

600 North Shepherd Dr