Midtown: Houston’s Liveliest Neighborhood

Ah, Midtown. The forgotten middle child: everyone praises Uptown’s beauty and Downtown’s hopping nightlife. But like most middle children, Midtown finds a way to stand out on its own. If it’s been a while, it’s high time you checked it out. Midtown has struck that rare balance between a hopping nightlife and pleasant livability for young professionals and families. Ready to find out what to do in Midtown Houston? Let’s take a look.

Get your grub on

Food is the most important part of the day, right? These restaurants are sure to please your palate:

Pub Fiction

Image caption: Via thrillist.com

2303 Smith St.

Houston, TX 77006

(713) 400-8400

No, we didn’t just pick it because of its name. Pub Fiction serves up everything from Tex-Mex to brunch fare. We suggest the 420 burger. Mm-mm! This is a tasty burger!

Ibiza Food & Wine Bar

2450 Louisiana Street

Houston, TX 77006

(713) 524-0004

You like food? You like wine? Combine the two at Ibiza, where you’ll find Mediterranean delicacies for every meal of the day. We’re partial to the braised lamb shank and the warm Nutella brownie, but that’s just us.

Mai’s Restaurant

3403 Milan Street

Houston, TX 77002

(713) 520-5300

Since 1978, Mai’s and the Nguyen family have served up delicious Vietnamese dishes for Midtowners. Come for the pho and vermicelli bowls, and stay for the Banh Chocolate and Kem (AKA the Saigon mudslide). You can thank us later.

Need a drink?

A beverage (pick your temp) is the perfect way to wash down all that delicious food you’ll be eating.

Retrospect Coffee Bar

Image caption: Via Retrospect CoffeeBar Twitter (@RetrospectCBar)

3709 La Branch Street

Houston, TX 77004

(713) 993-6600

Need a pick-me-up? Order a handcrafted espresso that uses locally roasted beans. You can also score mimosas and craft beer at this beautiful spot on La Branch Street.

Howl at the Moon

612 Hadley Street

Houston, TX 77003

(713) 658-9700

Whether you’re coming for a quick drink or you’re here expressly to party with your BFFs, Howl has something for you. Knock back a cold one on Thursday’s Dollar Beer Night, then dance the night away to live music. Do you drink your party punch by the bucket full? No worries. They have you covered.

Social Beer Garden

3101 San Jacinto Street

Houston, TX 77004

(713) 636-9357

Leaning into Houston’s outdoor bar scene, this spot is all about having fun under a Texas open sky. With vintage arcade games, hammocks, and of course dozens of drafts, good times are almost assured? And it’s pet-friendly, so grab Fido and have a pint.

Get around

MATCH

Image caption: Via offcite.org

3400 Main Street

Houston, X 77002

(713) 325-5370

The Midtown Arts and Theater Center is a wonderful home for artistic endeavors of all sorts. On almost any given day, visitors can take in a performance (or two!), wander a gallery, and meet the movers and shakers of the Houston artistic community.

Escape the Room Houston

3303 Louisiana Street #220

Houston, TX 77006

(832) 786-8822

Put your brain to work and get your adrenaline going in one of Escape Room’s scenarios. Flee a buried chamber, puzzle your way out of a theater, or stop an army of dinosaurs from overrunning the earth. Yes, you read that correctly.

Elizabeth Baldwin Park

1701 Elgin Street

Houston, TX 77004

Enjoy a peaceful afternoon wandering through almost five acres of grass, trees, and a fountain. You can pack a picnic lunch and relax at one of the many tables; if you’ve brought kids with you, let them have some fun on the playground.

It’s easy to live the good life in the Lone Star State! Next time you’re looking for things to do in Houston, head to Midtown and have an adventure. We’ll see you there.