I was downtown last weekend and realized all of the great venues to host Grace Hopper parties or networking events! I figured I’d compile a list of places in and around downtown where companies can begin looking to host their events. This of course isn’t an exhaustive list and I tried to keep location and proximity to G.R.B. in mind.
MKT Bar (inside Phoenicia Specialty Foods)
MKT Bar is one of my favorite places to catch a comedy show or to have a nice glass of wine during happy hour while I wait for traffic to die down. It’s located inside of Phoenicia which is always a treat because afterwards, I can roam around and try new foods from different places. It is a few blocks from the George R Brown which makes it an ideal location.
I don’t have a nerd cave but if I had to choose one place in Houston to call my own, it’d be Neil’s. There are plenty of old comics to read, multiple game consoles, a ping pong table and The Simpsons on various TVs. Robert has quickly become one of my favorite bartenders and there’s always yummy food on the patio when the munchies kick in.
The Grove has a lovely patio and is a great place to sit and enjoy a lovely Sunday afternoon. It’s perfectly located directly in front of the George R Brown, adjacent to Discovery Green Park which makes it a perfect location to just hang out.
Double Trouble is where I can hang out, have a nice cocktail (or coffee) and read a book. It has this unpretentious vibe and cool music selection that makes it the perfect place to just chill. My only qualm is parking. It is right along Main Street so if you’re riding the rail, it is pretty easy to get to.
Go for the drinks- stay for the soft pretzels. The pretzels are soft and filling. There are also other snacks (like warm yummy cookies) you can purchase if you feel the need.
There’s a car shell which makes for a great prop to take photos with. People adore the tamales and of course the margaritas.
Boy do I enjoy a good hotdog. Moon Tower is a laid back sort of place you take your friends when you just feel like hanging out. I will note, it is much more of an outdoor kind of place so keep that in mind. The artesian dogs keep you coming back for more.
Flying Saucer Draught Emporium
For the beer connoisseur, the Flying Saucer is the way to go. There’s plenty of beer on tap and the wings are some of the best you’d find at a bar.
Holy Moly. Their Rocket Fuel gives me life! The best thing about 8th wonder is their ambiance. Various Houston sports posters hang across the walls and there are a couple of seats from the Astrodome. Plus there’s always a food truck hanging around just in case hunger strikes.
I have so much love for Saint Arnold. Its proximity to downtown (and my alma mater for that matter) made it one of the best places to hang out after a long week of coding.
I chose Lucky Strike because sometimes you just want to put on some bowling shoes and have some fun! Bumpers may or may not be used whenever I play.
Joystixs is the place to go when you just want to have fun! I normally purchase a wristband and go to town!
The more and more I wrote this blog, the more places I thought about. Here are a few more places (in no particular order) that are fun and worth checking out.
Reserve 101
Dean’s Downtown
Eighteen Twenty
Notsuoh
The Springbok
Hearsay Gastro Lounge (or Hearsay on the Green)
The Balcony Bar
The Nightingale Room
The Honeymoon Café and Bar
Foundation Room at House of Blues