This city that many expect to only be about square dancing, fattening-hardy meals, and knowing all about space exploration is, in many ways, not this at all. Except maybe the food part. And, of course, it is the capital of space exploration. However, the city has so much culture and cuisine to offer beyond imagination. Breakfasting in Houston is a major to do. Some of the best spots to try are Common Bond for pain au chocolat, River Oaks Donuts for maple donuts with bacon and jalapeño, and Sweet Paris Crêperie for savory or sweet crepes. Barbecue is a big category with plenty of heat in Houston. Stop by one of these places to see what their 'cue game is all about: Truth BBQ, Feges BBQ Spring Branch, and The Pit Room. Of course you have to try some iconic Tex-Mex while in Houston. Some of our top picks for this are Escalante’s, Valencia’s Tex-Mex Garage, and Irma’s Original.
explore houston 
Features
10 Fresh Barbecue Sides to Upgrade the Cookout
Nine southern chefs share their favorite unconventional barbecue sides ranging from zesty kimchi slaw to rich corn pudding.
Key Ingredient
Key Ingredient: Green Chickpeas
Martha Wilcox brings recognition to the Middle Eastern delicacy of seasoned green chickpeas at Indianola restaurant in Houston.
Dining Out
New Restaurants in Texas
From one chef's celebration of Balkan cuisine to a Mexican chophouse, these 13 new and noteworthy restaurants in Texas are top of our list.
local flavor
explore nearby
On the Road
Austin
"Keep Austin weird," they say. And while it is delicious, savory, modern, and unique, we love that it's also a little weird.
On the Road
Dallas
Dallas is known for its skylines, shopping centers, and delicious restaurants, which turn out some of the best Tex-Mex food you can hope for.
On the Road
New Orleans
From Bourbon Street to bánh mì, there’s a lot to love about the Crescent City.
