A Local’s Guide to the Best of The Heights in Houston
- Go Antique Hunting At August Antiques
- Catch a Show at The Heights Theater
- Sway to the Music at the White Oak Music Hall
- Break a Sweat on the Exercise Trails
- Beef up Your Wardrobe at the Manready Mercantile
- Explore the Art Car Museum
- Dig for Records at Vinyl Edge
- Donovan Park
- Get Artsy at the Casa Ramirez Folkart Gallery
- Experience Movies in a Unique Way at the Aurora Picture Show
- Marmion Park
- Places to Eat
- Places to Stay
Houston Heights is a historic district steeped in Victorian-style buildings, unique shops, an array of destinations for dining and entertainment.
Known for its eclectic spirit and rich architectural heritage, the Heights offers tree-lined streets and historic homes, as well as thriving boutiques and cozy cafes that make it a must-visit destination for explorers and locals alike.
So, join us on a day trip through this captivating neighborhood, where you’ll discover a world of fun things to do in Houston Heights.
Go Antique Hunting At August Antiques
Image Source: August Antiques Website
Address: 803 1/2, Heights Blvd, Houston, TX 77007, United States
Phone Number: +1 713 880 3353
Hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm
- Sunday from 12 pm to 6 pm
If you’re as addicted to thrift shop finds and unique pieces like we are, then a trip to August Antiques is a great first stop on your Height tour. This place hosts a huge collection of vintage relics all the way to the art deco era and beyond.
The shop is a true treasure trove, boasting architectural pieces from the ’40s and ’50s that could add a little more personality into your home decor. Keep an eye out for the numerous rare books that grace the shelves and the hidden gems of religious artifacts.
| Pro Tip: Don’t hesitate to engage the owner in a friendly chat. Their wealth of knowledge can unlock fascinating stories behind these pieces. And remember, when it comes to the price, a little haggling goes a long way. |
Catch a Show at The Heights Theater
Image Source: The Heights Theater Website
Address: 339 W 19th St, Houston, TX 77008, United States
Phone Number: +1 214 272 8346
Hours:
- Thursday from 6 pm to 12 am
- Friday and Saturday from 6 pm to 2 am
Nestled in the heart of the Heights, The Heights Theater stands as a living reminder of the neighborhood’s rich cultural past. The 1990 historic venue, once a movie theater, has survived fires and transformations to become one of Houston’s premier theaters.
The Heights Theater has an eclectic lineup of performances year round from rock ‘n’ roll bands, classical performances, and vocal concerts. The venue even has a kitchen to ensure that you don’t go hungry.
| Pro Tip: Try to arrive early to enjoy a dinner and the local beers, wines, and cocktails at the bar, making it a perfect pre-game to a great night of entertainment. A walk around the grounds and time spent appreciating the exterior |
Sway to the Music at the White Oak Music Hall
Image Source: White Oak Music Hall Website
Address: 2915 N Main St, Houston, TX 77009, United States
Phone Number: +1 713 237 0370
Hours: Everyday from 5 pm to 12 am
If music is your language, then White Oak Music Hall is your Heights Houston haven. This music performance hall boasts indoor and outdoor stages where the notes and beats resonate inside the specially designed interior centered on amazing acoustics.
The Lawn stage, overlooking the city skyline, is a hotspot for acclaimed artists, from The Lumineers to The Flaming Lips. Inside the hall, there’s an intimate setting with a two-tier bar and impeccable acoustics for smaller shows.
| Pro Tip: While street parking is available, consider using the MetroRail Red Line for a hassle-free journey. Don’t forget to explore the rooftop pavilion for a more intimate moment under the stars. |
Break a Sweat on the Exercise Trails
Image Source: Texas State Historical Society Website
Runners, your dream background to a relaxing jog or a motivated run awaits in the Heights, one of Houston’s most picturesque neighborhoods. The Heights Boulevard, lined with lush greenery and charming houses, is a favorite among runners.
If you’re up for a more extensive journey, you can go on the Heights Hiking and Biking trail on foot or on 2 wheels. You can start on 7th Street, follow the Heights Trail to Nicholson Road, and explore the neighborhood.
| Pro Tip: For an even longer adventure, you can follow the trail northwest to the White Oaks Bayou Trail which extends into the Buffalo Bayou Trail. |
Beef up Your Wardrobe at the Manready Mercantile
Image Source: Manready Mercantile Website
Address: 321 W 19th St Suite B, Houston, TX 77008, United States
Phone Number: +1 713 861 6618
Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday from 11 am to 6 pm
- Friday to Saturday from 10 am to 7 pm
Manready Mercantile in the Heights offers a wide array of men’s products. If you’re into fresh and contemporary fashion while still incorporating timeless vintage accessories, this place is the place to find new items to add to your repertoire.
Located in the Heights, you’ll find clothes, shoes, hats, jewelry, and unique home goods carefully curated from the owner’s adventures throughout Texas and beyond. Most of the pieces of the diverse collection pays homage to America, Texas, and Houston.
| Pro Tip: Don’t miss the vintage section. It’s a goldmine of rare finds that will turn heads and spark conversations. When the owner is in the store, he often offers a sip of whiskey to loyal customers, and occasionally new ones. Don’t be afraid to take the offer! |
Explore the Art Car Museum
Image Source: Art Car Museum Website
Address: 140 Heights Blvd, Houston, TX 77007, United States
Phone Number: +1 713 861 5526
Hours: Wednesday to Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm
If you’re a fan of art shows and car shows, the Art Car Museum, known as Garage Mahal, is your haven. This museum is a gallery of the quirky and unconventional with cars of different shapes and sizes instead of paintings and sculptures.
Here you’ll find cars made into works of art as local artists transform ordinary vehicles into captivating contemporary art pieces, each with a unique personal statement. The exhibits are ever-changing, so there’s always something new to admire.
| Pro Tip: Check out the event schedule, and if you’re lucky, you’ll be in town for one of the legendary art car parades. They’re a spectacle you won’t want to miss. |
Dig for Records at Vinyl Edge
Image Source: Vinal Edge Records Website
Address: 239 W 19th St, Houston, TX 77008, United States
Phone Number: +1 832 618 1129
Hours:
- Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm
- Sunday from 12 pm to 6 pm
Vinyl Edge has been a Heights institution since its establishment 1985. Even though vinyl records have lost their hold on mainstream music tastes, there are still an appreciation for them.
This longstanding music shop is a haven for vinyl enthusiasts, offering a vast selection of rare records that cater to every musical taste.
Independently-owned and dedicated to its customers, you’ll find new and used records, as well as CDs and stereo equipment.
| Pro Tip: If you have records or audio gear that you don’t really want or know what to do with, they’re ready to offer top dollar for your treasures. |
Donovan Park
Image Source: Houston Heights Association Website
Address: 700 Heights Blvd, Houston, TX 77007, United States
Phone Number: +1 713 861 4002
Hours: Everyday from 6 am to 8:40 pm
Donovan Park, affectionately known as ‘castle park’ by the neighborhood’s children, is a great place to visit in the afternoon with the kids while you’re in the neighborhood. In between the good food and sightseeing, the kids can run off excess energy at this park.
It’s a pretty safe, family and pet friendly park where the kids can explore the wooden jungle gym that look like castle turrets and the park’s many hiding spots
But it’s not just for the little ones. Families can take a ride on the epic wooden train that delights everyone. The park’s painted mosaic tiles, a longstanding fixture since 1995, add to its charm.
| Pro Tip: Don’t forget to bring some sandwiches and snacks for a delightful picnic in the park. The atmosphere in the designated areas along with the tables and benches there make for the perfect place for a relaxing outdoor lunch. |
Get Artsy at the Casa Ramirez Folkart Gallery
Image Source: Casa Ramirez Folkart Gallery Website
Address: 241 W 19th St, Houston, TX 77008, United States
Phone Number: +1 713 880 2420
Hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm
- Sunday 12 pm to 5 pm
Casa Ramirez Folkart Gallery is a delightful gem that immerses visitors in the rich and vibrant world of Mexican art and culture. The well-organized gallery showcases authentic Mexican artifacts like clothes and items used during the Dia de los Muertos.
You can explore a diverse collection of art, cookbooks, memoirs, and more, each offering a unique perspective on Mexico’s cultural heritage.
What makes this place even more special is the owners’ commitment to authenticity; they travel to Mexico to source these incredible artifacts and bring them to the Heights.
| Pro Tip: Try to engage the owners in conversation and get stories behind the artifacts to make your visit more enriching and insightful. As a sweet gesture, they even offer complimentary hojarascas or Mexican sugar cookies when you walk in. |
Experience Movies in a Unique Way at the Aurora Picture Show
Image Source: Aurora Picture Show Website
Address: 2442 Bartlett St, Houston, TX 77098, United States
Phone Number: +1 713 868 2101
Hours: Monday to Friday from 10 am to 5 pm
Aurora Picture Show, a former church turned cinema, is not your typical movie theater. Here, you sit in the pews to watch a giant screen that showcases independent films and new media arts put together by local up and coming artists or guest artists.
As a non-profit organization, it’s dedicated to promoting unique cinematic experiences. At the Aurora Picture Show, you can expect a diverse range of media outside of film. The selection includes everything from poetry to experimental performative pieces.
| Pro Tip: Keep an eye on their event calendar, as they often host exclusive screenings and film festivals that cater to all tastes and preferences. The most unique one we’ve seen is a live-action documentary with a live band providing the soundtrack. |
Marmion Park
Image Source: Marmion Park Website
Address: 1800 Heights Blvd. Houston, TX 77008, United States
Phone Number: + 1 713 861 4002
Hours: Open 24/7
Marmion Park is not an ordinary neighborhood park. Once part of the Cooley Mansion, one of the first mansions built in Houston Heights back in 1892, the park’s heritage is rooted in the city’s past.
The mansion belonged to the descendants of the first English settlers in Massachusetts and was among the first Heights residences to have electricity. Although the mansion met its unfortunate end in the 1960s, the park still stands.
| Pro Tip: Take a leisurely stroll through the park and admire the historical plaques and markers. It’s like stepping back in time and discovering the stories that shaped the Heights. |
Places to Eat
Coltivare
Image Source: Coltivare Website
Address: 3320 White Oak Dr, Houston, TX 77007, United States
Phone Number: +1 832-203-7890
Pricing: $$
With its rustic Italian cuisine and a Gulf Coast twist, Coltivare emphasizes the use of local produce, fresh ingredients, and culinary artistry. The 3,000 square foot garden which you can find on-site provides all of the herbs and vegetables they use in the food.
Though the place is often packed, they don’t take reservations, but you can wait it out by grabbing a seat at the bar and enjoying their well-crafted cocktails. The wait is worth it. from classic cacio e pepe to thick-crust wood-fired pizzas.
Jūn
Image Source: Jūn Website
Address: 420 E 20th St Suite A, Houston, TX 77008, United States
Phone Number: +1 832-469-7664
Pricing: $$$
Jūn offers a modern twist on Southeast Asian flavors. They like to call their cuisine new Asian. Their appetizers include beef tartare served with toasted rice and oysters topped with fermented mango for a burst of flavors.
The larger plates are equally exciting, featuring options like a whole fish or fried chicken spiced with Thai chilis and shrimp paste. Their cocktails are also must-tries, like the Modelo-infused michelada made with hoisin and fish sauce.
Moon Rabbit
Image Source: Moon Rabbit Website
Address: 605 W 19th St, Houston, TX 77008, United States
Phone Number: +1 713-684-3991
Pricing: $$
Moon Rabbit is an inviting Vietnamese restaurant where you can savor a menu filled with soups, salads, sandwiches, and everything in between. They have savory proteins like honey lime chicken, lemongrass pork, garlic butter shrimp, and spicy fried chicken.
And if you’re in the mood to splurge, don’t miss the shaken beef, featuring tender pieces of filet mignon tossed with onions, garlic, and jalapenos. Beyond the fantastic food, the stylish and dimly-lit space adds to the dining experience.
Squable
Image Source: Squable Website
Address: 632 W 19th St, Houston, TX 77008, United States
Phone Number: +1 832-834-7362
Pricing: $$$
When you’re in the Heights, and you’re looking to treat yourself to a class and luxurious meal, Squable is the answer. Opened in 2019 this restaurant quickly became a neighborhood favorite.
The menu as unique dishes like Dutch pancakes topped with ricotta and a French inspired cheeseburger with raclette cheese.
For vegetarians, Squable isn’t just about the classics and also offers an array of veggie-packed plates,like their slow poached leeks or acorn squash with blueberry barbecue sauce.
Goode Co. Kitchen & Cantina
Image Source: Goode Co. Kitchen & Cantina Website
Address: 9005 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77024, United States
Phone Number: +1 713-766-3434
Pricing: $$
While Goode Co. Kitchen & Cantina may be a newcomer to the Heights, but it carries the legacy of one of Houston’s iconic restaurant families. Renowned for delivering top-notch barbecue and Tex-Mex, this restaurant is slowly establishing itself.
Classic margaritas, homemade guacamole, and soft shelled tacos make for a great start to your meal. For your main course, you recommend that you try the Southern favorites like carnitas and redfish stewed in spics.
Places to Stay
Courtyard Houston Heights/I-10
Image Source: Courtyard Houston Heights/I-10 Website
Address: 3220 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77007, United States
Phone Number: +1 281-888-5896
Pricing: $$
The Courtyard Houston Heights/I-10 offers a delightful fusion of business and pleasure for when you have a business to attend to at the Heights that you may want to turn into a weekend trip.
This contemporary hotel provides guests with stylish and spacious guest rooms and suites. The well-appointed accommodations are complemented by on-site dining options, so you won’t have to venture far for a delicious meal.
With free WiFi and an outdoor pool to unwind in, the Courtyard Houston Heights/I-10 is a fantastic choice for travelers looking for a comfortable stay in the city.
Sara’s Inn
Image Source: Sara’s Inn Website
Address: 941 Heights Blvd, Houston, TX 77008, United States
Phone Number: +1 713-868-1130
Pricing: $$
Sara’s Inn, a charming Victorian bed and breakfast, is a true gem located just 1.1 miles away from the antique stores and restaurants that line historic Houston Heights’ 19th Street.
The inn offers 11 individually decorated rooms, each with a private bathroom, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and minifridges.
Some rooms have unique features, like a 4-poster bed in one room, a winding staircase in another, and a claw-foot tub with a private balcony in yet another.
Hampton Inn & Suites Houston Heights I-10
Image Source: Hampton Inn & Suites Houston I-10 Website
Address: 5820 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77007, United States
Phone Number: +1 713-869-9211
Pricing: $$
Tucked just off I-10 and conveniently situated across from Memorial Park, the modern Hampton Inn & Suites Houston Heights I-10 places you 5 miles from downtown Houston.
Each room offers all the modern amenities you need for a comfortable stay and even lap desks for those who like working from the bed. Custom-designed beds ensure a good night’s sleep throughout your stay.
To start your day right, indulge in a complimentary hot breakfast, or grab one of the weekday breakfast bags to go. Hampton Inn & Suites Houston Heights I-10 also provides free parking and a 24/7 business center for all your needs.
The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa
Image Source: The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa Website
Address: 111 N Post Oak Ln, Houston, TX 77024, United States
Phone Number: +1 713-680-2626
Pricing: $$$
Nestled within 18 acres of lush woodland, The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa is a luxurious retreat that exudes a rich historical charm. Part of the hotel was once the residence of President George H.W. Bush, offering guests a unique sense of history.
The location is perfect, just 0.8 miles from the Memorial Park Golf Course and 2.6 miles from The Galleria shopping mall, making it a great base for those looking for a mix of sports and retail therapy after a day of exploration at the Heights Houston.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Houston
Image Source: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Houston – N Downtown Website
Address: 3401 N Main St, Houston, TX 77009, United States
Phone Number: +1 832-834-6197
Pricing: $$
Set on the outskirts of a residential area off Interstate 45, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Houston – N Downtown provides a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere.
Their rooms are already very comfortable, but suites take it up a notch with wet bars and convenient pull-out couches.
During your stay, you can enjoy amenities such as an indoor pool and a fitness room. Plus, breakfast and parking are readily available to complete your comfortable stay.
