Editor’s pick: what’s new in Houston 2021.
Say what you will about 2021, but with all the bad there was still plenty of good to come out of the year in Houston. Despite the circumstances, the City of Houston continued to thrive, opening in this past years some of our new all-time favorites places. In light of silver linings, we’ve compiled a roundup of our favorites bars, restaurants, rooftops, cafes, and more. Read on to find out what made us smile this year. [Featured image: @fooodeelicious]
Bar: McIntyre’s Downtown
Popular Heights sports hangout McIntyre’s scaled up this year with a massive three-story bar and patio in Downtown, Houston. Multiple bars, arcade games, food trucks galore, and all the sports you can place your bets on, McIntyre’s Houston has become one of the premier places to get in the game in the city.
Club: Cherry Bar
As a big fan of David Lynch, who’s seen Twin Peaks in its entirety multiple times – who also loves ’80s music – no other club really stood a chance. From its dreamy interior, to its surreal cocktails, and music that just makes you want to dance, sing and or belt, at Cherry, you’ll feel like dreaming.
Coffee Shop: The Coffee House at West End
Whether you’re in need of a place to study, spend a date, lounge with friends, or simply sip on hot delicious coffee – if you’re in The Heights, you’re in luck. The Coffee House at West End is now open at 802 Shepherd Dr., that is, a three-story coffee shop that features top-notch joe, a cozy interior, and a stunning rooftop with sweeping views of the Houston skyline.
Experience: Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience
The timeless paintings of Van Gogh brought to life in a stunning sea of color? No question. Haven’t seen it yet, there’s still time. The blockbuster exhibition that took Houston by storm is officially departing in February so be sure to Gogh while you still can!
Fast Casual Restaurant: Al’s Quick Stop
Al’s Quick Stop, the Montrose mainstay, has long been the area go-to for quick-serve Mediterranean par excellence. This year, Al’s expanded with a second location in Greater Heights with a more concentrated culinary focus and gyro-ic flavor.
Festival: Dia de los Muertos
This year, Houston took its Day of the Dead celebration to new heights with beautiful pageantry, live music, tasty concessions, arts & crafts, and otherworldly festivities.
Market: Post
While Houston was fortunate enough to receive two excellent new markets this year, it’s hard not to favorite the bustling new Post market. What with their dizzying array of vendors, wonderful festivities, and Texas-sized rooftop park, Post is a new must-visit for past, present, and future Houstonians.
Patio: Moonshine
Nestled on 1239 W 19th St. among a familiar crowd of patio bars – Preslee’s, McIntyre’s Heights, and Bungalow Heights– is a newcomer known as Moonshine Deck, a throwback Americana-inspired bar and kitchen with moonshine and whiskey to boot.
Restaurant: Casa Nomad
Casa Nomad – a Tulum-inspired Mexican patio and restaurant– opened to the public with tropical chic and jungle disco vibes. As for its menu, Casa Nomad features Mayan-inspired fare courtesy of Executive Chef Vincent Forchelli. Options range from truffle crema-dressed tuna crudo tostadas, and guajillo marmalade-topped bone marrow, to skirt steak adorned with salsa matcha and mushroom agridulce that will be served with corn tortillas.
Rooftop: Cielo XLIII
As recent as this December, the highest bar in Houston opened soaring at 43 stories in the sky. Its lavish features include exclusive VIP sections, top notch DJs, sweeping views of the skyline, and an expansive rooftop lounge fit with a glowing infinity pool.
Summer Hangout: Space Cowboy at Heights House Hotel
The bar, located at Heights House Hotel, is a tropical oasis complete with vintage sun-brellas, colorful beach chairs, and a shimmering pool. The Palm Springs-esque watering hole is certainly a vibe, whether its the retro color scheme, vice-like mural, and effervescent lawn-scape.
Venue: 713 Music Hall
With live music, and the artists performing it, taking a huge toll these past two years, it made us happy that a scorching new live music venue was able to open with the promise of hosting the world’s best musicians here in Houston, enter 713 Music Hall.