Where to Eat and Drink at Houston’s NRG Stadium This Football Season
Image: Courtesy of Scurfield Group
Football season is here, and win or lose, Houstonians are ready to cheer on the Texans yet again. This year, there’s arguably even more buzz, thanks to quarterback C. J. Stroud’s standout performance last year and the arrival of wide receiver Braxton Berrios, also a household name now among the non-sports crowd thanks to his girlfriend, social media influencer Alix Earle.
Of course, with the excitement, anticipation, and maybe the nerves that come with kickoff, hunger is bound to strike. Luckily, NRG Stadium has a variety of dining options that tap into Houston’s local restaurant scene, including barbecue from Truth BBQ, Tex-Mex and margaritas from El Tiempo, and the newly added stall from chef Rafael Nasr of Mediterranean restaurant Craft Pita.
Whether you’re visiting NRG Stadium as a Texans fan seeking game-day vibes or to get a glimpse of Earle, you need to eat. Here are the top places to grab a bite at NRG Stadium.
Image: Courtesy of Michael Ma
Craft Pita
Located at the 50-yard line, sections 309–310 and 337–338
After catering for the Houston Texans for years, chef Rafael Nasr is finally extending his Lebanese and Tex-Med dishes to fans at NRG Stadium. Craft Pita’s game-day menu will feature some of the Mediterranean restaurant’s diner-favorites, including flavorful chicken kabob pitas and rice bowls, gyro pitas and rice bowls, creamy hummus with pita chips, and a stadium exclusive: Mediterranean nachos.
El Tiempo
Sections 118, 138, 501, 527
For a taste of some good ol’ Tex-Mex, order from this Houston cornerstone. El Tiempo serves up its staples, including classic chips and queso, nachos, and fajita tacos. Texans fans can’t leave without an agua fresca or frozen margarita. But just so you don’t end up getting intoxicated and going viral like the folks at Daikin Park, remember to drink responsibly.
Goode Co.
Section 308 and 336
Fans can ramp up their game-day experience with a visit to Goode Co. Its NRG Stadium outposts boast a variety of baked potato options, with standard toppings like sour cream, butter, green onions, cheddar, and bacon bits, plus a choice of smoked meats, including brisket, Czech sausage, and chicken. Other dishes include Frito pies; creamy mac and cheese piled high with brisket, chicken, or sausage; chile con queso; and Texas red chili. Satisfy a sweet tooth with Goode Co.’s iconic pecan pie, chocolate chip cookies, or peanut butter bars. Then, tack on a refreshing margarita or paloma to keep the good vibes going.
Image: Courtesy of Paula Murphy
Hugo’s
Sections 309 and 339
H-Town Hospitality Group extends its offerings to NRG Stadium’s club level with two locations of James Beard Award–winning Hugo Ortega’s signature restaurant. Hugo’s menu features popular game-day eats, including a trio of brisket or carnitas tacos, roasted street corn, chicken taquitos, quesabirria tacos, and chips and guacamole. Need something to calm those pre-game jitters? Add a single or double Hugorita to your order.
Image: Courtesy of Scurfield Group
Trill Burgers
Sections 115, 135, 522, and 548
Bun B’s burger joint is once again gracing NRG Stadium with its signature bites. The stands in the 100 and 500 sections serve the OG combo—a cheesy beef smashburger topped with a special sauce and grilled onions and served with a side of fries and a drink. Ticket holders in the East or West clubs have access to Trill, too, but solely through the Texans mobile app. Diners can order from the burger joint’s slightly modified menu featuring both beef and vegan patties, along with chips instead of fries. Hungry fans sitting in NRG Stadium’s suites can also order for the entire group, with the option of a nine-pack suite tray of OG beef burgers and vegan burgers à la carte.
Truth BBQ
Sections 109 and 129
It doesn’t get much better than grubbing on Sunday barbecue, unless, of course, you add football into the mix. Thankfully, Truth BBQ is back at NRG Stadium with its expertly smoked meats. Order a two- or three-meat plate and choose from its lineup of barbecue, including Central Texas–style brisket, Duroc pork ribs, and jalapeño cheddar sausage. Sides vary by the day, but don’t miss out on trying its stellar tater tot casserole, if given the chance. Craving a handheld? Go for the brisket sandwich instead with your choice of a side. Be sure to end the savory visit with its sweet and extra-rich banana pudding.
