Hey guys, I'm coming home to Houston for a month to see my family, and my girlfriend from Ohio (we met in college) is visiting me my last week here. I'd say we're pretty serious, and we've already talked about the M-word. I've told her that I've always wanted to move back to Houston after med school and work here and be near my family. Now I just need to sell her on the merits of our fine city and get her to come with me. So, this is where y'all could help me. Where/what would you show a first-time visitor to Houston to really make a good impression? I'm talking restaurants, venues, bars, areas, malls, etc etc. I have a small number of ideas in my head already, but I'd love to hear the Hangout's opinions. Thanks in advance!
Try dinner at Michaelangelo's, Mark's, Crappitto's, Max and Juliet's, Feast, Nelores, Sage 400, 17, Tony's, Cafe Annie, Catalan, REEF, or Aka. For lower priced and interesting fare, try any of the restaurants in new China Town. Seoul House, Pho 24, Tan Tan, Thai Spice, Chino's Fast Food, Fu Fu Cafe, or Tofu House. Take her to Niko Niko's, Little Big's, Hobbit Cafe, Spanish Village or Barnaby's for lunch/snack. Taco Milagro can be kinda cool at night with the salsa dancing etc. Try Dharma Cafe or Pappadeux for brunch, or even dim sum at Fung's Kitchen, Kim Son, or Yum Yum Cha. There's a lot of cool little bars in the Heights around White Oak. There's also the more pretentious clubs and lounges on Washington Ave. I dunno if Drake or Pandora is still open. Pearl Bar is chill but crowded. Midtown you have Bond, The Roof, Tipsy Clover, Swivel, Zeppelin, Union Bar, Woodrow's, I think Status is still there, and the perennial after hours Rich's. Or you could take her to Sky Bar on Montrose for some salsa dancing and a view of Houston. Downtown you have Venue, House of Blues, Flying Saucer, and some new places in Houston Pavilions. You can stop by Crave Sushi on the weekends after clubbing since I think they open till 2am. There's also Ruchi's and Mai's (which is only good if you're drunk), Tan Tan, Fu Fu Cafe, and Pho 24, if you're heading Southwest afterwards. House of Pies and Cafe Japon on Kirby are also open late. Of course I haven't been out much lately so I don't know what's poppin these days. Good luck.
Cater to her interests, you're not gonna take a girl that likes indie films to an Astros game. Houston is a huge city and while its laid back and daresay a little boring, theres a lot of stuff you can do. Gas prices here are one of the lowest nationally, as well as being one of the least affected metros as far as unemployment goes. Cost of living isnt ridiculous, and there isn't enough of a financial disparity towards renting an apartment or buying a house to make you regret one or the other, at least for the short run. Just make sure you're indoors with AC on full anytime between 10-5. Also memorial park is nice for an evening walk.
Take her jogging down Cullen - wait until just after sunset so you get the extra danger and excitement while it's still 95+ degrees.
