
Photo by W. Ross Wells via Trover.com
Houston, the commercial center of the state, is full of Texas bravado mixed with country and sophisticated styles. The area, carved into a port with gumption and luck, is flush with oil rigs which cemented its status. Commercial interests, workers, and developers have moved Houston through booms and busts. The city might be daunting for the first time visitor, but if you’re looking for an authentic experience of the Lonestar State, this is it.
When you land in a major metropolis, the first order of business is getting from the airport into town, and Houston has the economical Airport Direct service with Metro (about $15), shuttle services (about $25), and taxis (around $45). By the time you check into your hotel, you’re hungry and ready to head out for some chow in one of the Houston eateries.
Houston has its own trendy chef scene and an ever-evolving kaleidoscope of fancy dining establishments. If you’re looking for more modest restaurants that have worked their way up with an eye to local color, here’s a short list of fun Houston eateries to add to your itinerary.
Barnaby’s
Pet friendly Barnaby’s, with multiple locations, has been serving big portions and its famous chopped salads for over a decade. You can find the bright restaurants festooned with dog and pet portraits around town. Visitors to the Museum and Heights districts will find the newer locations. The original is on Fairview and a popular spot for breakfast.
The Chicken Ranch
This is it Soul Food
Original Ninfa’s on Navigation

Photo by Ruben Lopez Jr. via Trover
Armadillo Place
The Goode Company restaurants made their mark on Houston during the last four decades, but opening up a music venue across the street turned Armadillo Place into an icon. Dig into Texas comfort food and BBQ while tapping your toes to live bands most nights of the week.
This post is part of the #HipmunkCityLove Project.