What to Eat, Drink, and Do in Houston This Weekend: October 17

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
Cheeseburger fried rice at Agnes and Sherman
HEIGHTS
It’s been a few months since co-owners Nick Wong and Lisa Lee opened their Asian American diner, Agnes and Sherman, and already there have been changes. The restaurant now serves brunch and lunch, releasing a new-to-me menu of dishes that boggle my brain in a good way. The cheeseburger fried rice is nothing I could have ever imagined. This mishmash of nibbles of ground beef, lettuce, special sauce, and scrambled eggs topped with two slices of American cheese and sesame seeds features a smoky, flame-kissed flavor imparted by the wok. Add on the iconic scallion waffle with honey sambal butter for a full brunch spread. —Erica Cheng, news and city life editor
Chicharron taco at Papalo Taqueria
DOWNTOWN
Mexican pastry shop Casaema in the Heights gets all the raves for its conchas, berlinesas, and inventive brunch plates, but have you tried out its sister restaurant Downtown? Tucked into the Finn food hall off Main Street, this stand serves an all-day menu featuring breakfast tacos, chilaquiles, and more. A carrot taco, similar to the one at Casaema, makes an appearance, as well as its own version of the chicharron taco. This must-order is layered with cured pork belly with the perfect amount of fat and crunch atop a tortilla. Drizzle on some salsa (mild, or spicy if you’re daring) and pair with a fresh-pressed juice from the nearby Cranky Carrot Juice Co. —Brittany Britto Garley, editor in chief
DRINK
Mocktails at High Five Mini Bar in the Stomping Grounds
GARDEN OAKS/OAK FOREST
As Houston inches closer and closer to patio weather, being outside is a must. At the Stomping Grounds, the main draw is the giant astroturf lawn, full of families running free. But tucked away in the back of the lawn is High Five Mini Bar, a tiny yet mighty cocktail counter doling out all kinds of drinks. Classic cocktails are the highlight, but do not miss the selection of nonalcoholic options like the No-jito, made with mint, lime, soda, and spirit alternatives. —EC
HOU
Feel better about your own daddy issues at Classical Theatre Company
FIFTH WARD
Classical Theatre Company is performing its first Sophocles play since 2009’s Antigone, choosing Electra as its 2025–2026 season opener. It’s the final weekend to witness a daughter’s roaring rampage of revenge against her father’s murderer, who, in perfect Greek tragedy fashion, also happens to be her mother. Tickets are $27 for matinees and $30 for evenings, with discounts available to students, adults, and theatre industry professionals. —Meredith Nudo, senior culture editor