The Only Guide You’ll Ever Need to Upper Kirby & River Oaks
- What is the difference between River Oaks & Upper Kirby?
- What are some of the best hotels to stay at in Upper Kirby?
- Doubletree by Hilton Houston Greenway Plaza
- Courtyard by Marriott Houston-West University
- Which hotels are the best for a stay in River Oaks?
- Crowne Plaza Houston River Oaks
- The St. Regis
- What are the best places to eat in River Oaks & Upper Kirby?
- Pondicheri
- Mia's Table
- Kiran's
- Fat Bao
- Arnaldo Richards’ Picos Restaurant
- What are the best bars in Upper Kirby & River Oaks?
- The V Lounge at Eddie V's
- McGonigel's Muddy Duck
- Kirby Ice House
- Where should I shop in River Oaks?
- River Oaks Shopping Center
- Tenenbaum Jewelers
- Funny Fur
- Where should I shop in Upper Kirby?
- Lucchese
- FOUND for the Home
- Berings Hardware & Gifts
Houston developed River Oaks in the 1920s, making River Oaks Houston’s first planned community. Thirty years ago, Upper Kirby was a nameless, undefined neighborhood.
Yet, in the decades since their founding, River Oaks and Upper Kirby have become solid destinations for dining, shopping, and lodging, attracting affluent residents and shoppers alike.
Whether you’re familiar with these cool neighborhoods or looking for a hidden gem, check out our guide below to all the best bars, shops, and more.
What is the difference between River Oaks & Upper Kirby?
River Oaks is north of Upper Kirby, a commercial-driven district with many businesses and restaurants. It’s like the Beverly Hills of Houston.
Upper Kirby is a small old fashioned luxurious neighborhood. Every street corner has old English-style telephone booths to set Upper Kirby apart from other districts.
What are some of the best hotels to stay at in Upper Kirby?
While there isn’t much corporate housing available in Upper Kirby, few hotels are available for visitors to temporarily call their home.
The recommended hotels to stay at in Upper Kirby are Doubletree by Hilton Houston Greenway Plaza and Courtyard Marriott Houston West University.
Doubletree by Hilton Houston Greenway Plaza
| Website | Doubletree by Hilton Housing |
| Contact Info | +1 713-629-1200 |
| Address | 6 E. Greenway Plaza Houston, TX 77046 USA |
| Known For | Free Shuttle Service, Near The Galleria, 24-hour Fitness Center and Their DoubleTree Cookies |
The club-inspired architecture of the 388-room Doubletree by Hilton Houston Greenway Plaza includes spacious guest rooms with plush linen, exquisite bathrooms, and custom closets.
Their extensive fitness facility and an outdoor pool are among the on-site recreation facilities. Doubletree also has a restaurant that serves Texas-inspired food for breakfast and lunch.
A full-service Starbucks is also available on-site, serving coffee and pastries.
Courtyard by Marriott Houston-West University
| Website | Courtyard by Marriott Houston West University |
| Contact Info | +1 713-661-5669 |
| Address | Courtyard Houston-West University 2929 Westpark Dr, Houston, Texas, USA, 77005 |
| Known For | Close Proximity to Downtown Houston and Texas Medical Center |
This basic hotel is 2 miles from the Houston Zoo and 4 miles from the Houston Museum of Natural Science and the Downtown Aquarium.
Their simple, colorful rooms provide complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, ergonomic chairs, and coffeemakers. Some also have sofabeds.
However, Courtyard by Mariott Houston’s suites come with additional living space.
Whether staying in a simple room or a suite, all guests can take advantage of the complimentary shuttle, lobby lounge, bar, outdoor pool, hot tub, and fitness area.
Additionally, coin-operated laundry machines are available for customers’ use.
Which hotels are the best for a stay in River Oaks?
The best hotels to stay at while in River Oaks are the Crowne Plaza Houston River Oaks and The St. Regis.
Crowne Plaza Houston River Oaks
| Website | Crowne Plaza Houston River Oaks |
| Contact Info | 1-713-5238448 |
| Address | 2712 Southwest Fwy Houston, Texas |
| Known For | On-site 2712 Bistro Bar, and Banquet/Meeting Halls |
The Crowne Plaza Houston River Oaks has 358 luxurious rooms and suites. Their rooms have standard amenities, and the hotel has a complimentary business center for wireless high-speed internet.
The St. Regis
| Website | The St. Regis |
| Contact Info | +1 713-840-7600 |
| Address | The St. Regis Houston 1919 Briar Oaks Lane, Houston, Texas, USA, 77027-3408 |
| Known For | Luxury Suites, The Remington Restaurant, and St. Regis Spa |
The St. Regis first opened its doors in 1982 to the residential area of River Oaks.
Since then, The St. Regis has won numerous awards and accolades for its service quality, attention to detail, and dining facilities—The Remington Restaurant and The Remington Bar.
Guests receive cutting-edge luxury spa treatments, distinctive Maitre d’Etage or Butler experiences, and authentic Texas hospitality within the hotel.
The 232 rooms are spacious—starting at 550 square feet—and elegantly decorated with luxurious furnishings, rich textiles, wall coverings, and specially chosen artwork.
With comfortable sofas, desks, and well-stocked honor bars, living spaces provide a home away from home.
Other features include cable TV with free video games, a Palatial Crest Plush Euro-top bed, Pratesi linen, and Laboratoire RemèdeTM products.
The St. Regis also has pre-function rooms and adjacent meeting room spaces on the hotel’s Mezzanine level.
The additional rooms provide guests with a versatile internal environment ideal for high-profile events and corporate gatherings.
Even wedding planners can use the rooms at The St. Regis, since the rooms hold up to 250 guests. The ballroom classroom meeting capacity is 200 attendees, and eight break-out rooms are available.
Furthermore, The St. Regis has a 24-hour front desk and concierge, 24-hour in-room dining, a fitness center, a spa, an outdoor pool area, and overnight laundry service.
What are the best places to eat in River Oaks & Upper Kirby?
The best places to eat in Upper Kirby & River Oaks are Pondicheri, Mia’s Table, Kiran’s, Fat Bao, and Arnaldo Richard’s Pico’s Restaurant.
Don’t worry; we won’t tell your nutritionist if you decide to indulge yourself at any of these restaurants.
Pondicheri
| Website | Pondicheri |
| Contact Info | 7135222022 7135222012 |
| Address | 2800 Kirby Dr Houston, Texas |
| Known For | Bake Lab & Shop & Indian Inspired Cusine |
Anita Jaisinghani’s fast-casual cafe has been a hit since day one, offering Gulf Coast-Indian fusion dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Their delicious saag paneer omelets and flavorful uppma (the Indian version of grits) are beloved favorites among customers. What’s most famous about Pondicheri, though, are their pastries.
On the upstairs level is their Bake Lab & Shop, where you can indulge in chili chocolate oatmeal cookies, sandwiches, fresh juices, and more.
Mia’s Table
| Website | Mia’s Table |
| Contact Info | 713.522.6427 [email protected] |
| Address | 3131 Argonne Street, Houston, TX 77098 |
| Known For | Crispy Buttered Fried Chicken & Texas Toast |
Kid-friendly restaurants are hard to come by in River Oaks and Upper Kirby. Yet, Mia’s Table offers everything parents want in a restaurant.
Their kid’s menu includes entrées served with fries or fresh fruit and free soft-serve ice cream for dessert. If kids get a bit bored, there is a shady patio where they can play.
Of course, parents can enjoy an ice-cold cocktail while watching their children.
They can also enjoy the classic Mia’s Monday Meal that includes Texas toast, two large sides, and ten pieces of crispy fried chicken.
Kiran’s
| Website | Kiran’s |
| Contact Info | 713.960.8472 |
| Address | 2925 Richmond Ave. Houston, Texas |
| Known For | Traditional Indian Luxury Cusine |
Kiran’s is a luxurious Indian restaurant that caters to vegetarians and meat lovers. They serve inventive Indian fusion à la carte as part of a tasting menu.
The top chef at Kiran’s practices the art of cooking over a slow fire, mastering the use of different spices and herbs to create delicate flavors.
Some of their food is cooked in traditional clay ovens, or tandoors, in the classic Indian style.
Vegetarians can try the vegetarian feast menu available. For meat lovers, Kiran’s offers a lobster tasting menu with six different courses.
Every meal at Kiran’s leaves customers satisfied and eager to come back for another round of courses.
Fat Bao
| Website | Fat Bao |
| Contact Info | + 17136770341 |
| Address | 3419 Kirby Dr Houston, Texas |
| Known For | Steamed Buns With Exotic Fillings |
The first location to become a two-chain success story is packed every night with guests eager to get their fix of fries topped with cilantro, onions, pork belly, “kimcheenaise,” and Sriracha.
Their baos (fluffy Chinese pancakes, folded over) are filled with everything from pickled onions to beef brisket to panko-crusted fish and a mint slaw.
Arnaldo Richards’ Picos Restaurant
| Website | Arnaldo Richards’ Picos |
| Contact Info | (832) 831 9940 |
| Address | 3601 Kirby Dr., Houston, TX |
| Known For | Authentic Mexican Cusine |
Fans of the original Pico’s Mex-Mex in Bellaire and its quirky, palapa-crammed patio will love the luxurious new Upper Kirby reincarnation.
Yes, Arnaldo’s Richard’s Pico’s Restaurant has kept the original tequila lockers, wrought-iron handbag stands, and valet parking.
Chef Arnaldo Richard’s exotic traditional Mexican delicacies remain the star, and that’s what matters. The moles are stunning must-tries and, while in season, do try their’ well-known soft-shell crabs.
What are the best bars in Upper Kirby & River Oaks?
The best bars in Upper Kirby & River Oaks are The V Lounge at Eddie V’s, McGonigel’s Mucky Duck, and Kirby Ice House.
Yes, all of these bars do g a afZ offer cheap happy hour throughout the week.
The V Lounge at Eddie V’s
| Website | The V Lounge at Eddie V’s |
| Contact Info | +17138741800 |
| Address | 2800 Kirby Dr., A100 Houston, TX |
| Known For | Champagne, Cocktails, and Seafood |
This gaudy West Ave seafood palace allows all customers to enjoy a live show just as amusing as the swinging sounds from nocturnal bands like the Mark Goodwin Trio or the Blue Monks.
All can sit back, order champagne and oysters, and watch the cortege of over-the-top outfits, fancy footwear, precisely coiffed hair, and fabulous furs.
McGonigel’s Muddy Duck
| Website | McGonigel’s Muddy Duck |
| Contact Info | [email protected] 713 528 5999 |
| Address | 2425 Norfolk Street Houston, TX 77098 |
| Known For | Live Music Concerts & Pub Style Cusine |
This hideaway bar is one of Houston’s most famous live music venues and bars.
They host live concerts every night of the week, with Monday being open mic night, and the weekends are for more popular music artists.
It’s the perfect bar to kick back after a stressful week of work and enjoy a good drink and some live music.
Kirby Ice House
| Website | Kirby Ice House |
| Contact Info | (713) 524-2750 |
| Address | 3333 Eastside St Houston, Texas |
| Known For | Pet-friendly Bar, Ice House, & Delicious Cocktails |
This 60s-themed, 6,500-square-foot ice house itself has a one-acre backyard that attracts all pet owners. After all, Kirby Ice House is a pet-friendly bar.
Various food trucks, yes, this includes taco trucks, that park in the backyard to keep your hunger at bay while playing through a few rounds of horseshoes or corn hole.
While you do need to keep your dog on a leash at all times, Kirby Ice House provides some fresh cold water for your dogs.
Where should I shop in River Oaks?
There are plenty of shops in River Oaks, but these shops are ones you shouldn’t miss: River Oaks Shopping Center, Tenenbaum Jewelers, and Funny Fur.
River Oaks Shopping Center
| Website | River Oaks Shopping Center |
| Contact Info | +1 833-800-4343 |
| Address | 1964 River Oaks Blvd., Houston, TX 77019 |
| Known For | Convenient Shopping Area |
River Oaks Shopping Center is the ultimate shopping mall in River Oaks. All of the convenient and popular stores are in this center.
For example, you can go to the Barnes & Noble bookstore for all your fiction finds. If you’re looking to redecorate your home, Marshalls & HomeGoods is bound to have something that suits your style.
Indeed, River Oaks Shopping Center has everything you need to keep busy throughout the day, from shops, coffee, restaurants, barber shops, hair salons, optometrists, etc.
Tenenbaum Jewelers
| Website | Tenenbaum Jewelers |
| Contact Info | 713-629-7444 [email protected] |
| Address | 4310 Westheimer Road Houston, Texas |
| Known For | Luxury Jewelry |
More than 40 years after opening the original Tenenbaum store in downtown Houston, the store is more relevant than ever.
Check out their expanded showroom with Queen of Heirs and Past Era because Tenenbaum Jewelers is the city’s only source for vintage and authentic jewelry.
Funny Fur
| Website | Funny Fur |
| Contact Info | 713-239-0133 [email protected] |
| Address | 3268 Westheimer Rd Houston, Texas |
| Known For | Pet Accessories & Clothing |
Everyone in the family deserves the best, including the furry ones. There’s no place like Funny Fur for the ultimate pet clothing, bags, accessories, toys, healthy food, and treats.
Where should I shop in Upper Kirby?
A few must-stop shops in the Upper Kirby area are Lucchese, Found for the Home, and Berings.
Lucchese
| Website | Lucchese |
| Contact Info | (713) 960-1121 |
| Address | 4051 Westheimer Rd. Houston, TX 77027 |
| Known For | Traditional Leather Cowboots |
Step into the flagship store in Highland Village, Texas’ oldest shoemaker, founded in the 1880s, and you’ll feel like you’re walking around a friend’s posh farmhouse.
Grab a pair of adorable handmade shoes straight from the floor, or make your own.
FOUND for the Home
| Website | FOUND for the Home |
| Contact Info | [email protected] 7135229191 |
| Address | 3433 W Alabama St Houston, Texas |
| Known For | Vintage, Retro, & Unique Furniture |
Aaron Rambo and Ruth Davis deal almost exclusively with things you never knew you needed, from a vintage steel prison bed to a porcelain figurine.
From the furniture picks, it’s clear to see the owners are masters of blending antiques with industrial touches and modern quirks.
Moreover, they display their finds alongside carefully selected exclusive antiques and art, regularly bringing designers from around the country.
Berings Hardware & Gifts
| Website | Berings Hardware & Gifts |
| Contact Info | 713-785-6400 |
| Address | 6102 WestheimerHouston, TX 77057 |
| Known For | Hardware, Outdoor Living, Housekeeping and Clothing |
Shoppers come to Berings for a mix of unique gadgets, gadgets, kitchen utensils, candles, cleaning products, dishes, and goods for outdoor activities.
This place is a hotspot to score for all the right reasons.
