Houston

Thrillist Weekend Guides

Thrillist's guide to everything you can do this weekend and this month—from hot new restaurants to art exhibits to outdoor activities.

Thrillist Weekend Guides: Everything Happening This Weekend and This Month

Courtesy of Texas Renaissance Festival

Events

Blessed with the best of both worlds—a big, urban concrete jungle and an abundance of natural landscapes—Houston bursts with exciting things to do and thrilling places to explore.

Southern Smoke Festival, Monster Jam, and More Fun Things in Houston This Month

Las Vegas

Last Look

Thrillist eulogizes closing or recently shuttered small businesses that we'll miss the most across the country, from local staples to regional chains.

Last Look - Thrillist

Ethan Miller/Getty Images News

Travel

Explore adventure guides and design a custom itinerary for the destination of your choice in and around the city.

Best Travel Guides, Cool Hotels and Interesting Events - Thrillist

The Iconic Las Vegas Tropicana Is Going Out with a Bang Soon

Phoenix

Courtesy of Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

Phoenicians make the most of their desert climes by knowing when to get outdoors and when it’s time to stay cool inside.

Halloween Nightmares, Flamenco, and Operatic ‘Frankenstein’ Mean Fall Has Arrived in Phoenix

Philadelphia

Photo courtesy of Korean Cultural Foundation

Lifestyle

Along with the growing popularity of K-pop and K-dramas, Korean food also continues to make its mark with eateries serving everything from corn dogs to barbecue popping up across the US.

This Spicy Food Festival in Philadelphia Showcases the Versatility of Kimchi

New Orleans

Photo by Paul Broussard

Although the cooler autumn temps may not arrive for a while, fall is here.

Concerts, Fall Fests, and Halloween Things to Do in New Orleans This Month

Nation

Westend61/Getty Images

“It’s seldom we would see a bear, but not impossible,” Roger McDonell told me in early September, just a few days before we stuffed ourselves into thick wetsuits, strapped snorkeling masks to our faces, and lowered ourselves into the rushing, 59-degree water of the Campbell River on British Columbia’s Vancouver Island.

Snorkeling Through a Salmon Migration Is a Kaleidoscopic Dream

Austin

Photo by Roger Ho, courtesy of Austin City Limits

10 Can’t Miss Things to Eat, Drink & Do Between Shows at ACL This Year

New York

Fall Foliage

From road trips to local guides, here's everything you need to enjoy the great autumn outdoors and see the most beautiful fall foliage in your part of the country (plus the best times to see it).

Fall Foliage in the US: Autumnal Guide to the Outdoors

Carpenter Falls, photo courtesy of Reel Inspired

It’s that time of the year when sweater weather, all things pumpkin, and fall foliage reign supreme.

Waterfalls, Museums, and Gilded Mansions: A Guide to Leaf-Peeping Fun in New York State

Chicago

Edwards Apple Orchard

Fall in Chicago is as fleeting as it is festive.

Put on a Scarf and Head to These-Apple Picking Spots Near Chicago

Enrique Díaz / 7cero / Moment / Getty Images

Thanks to this year’s obsession with all things European Summer, it’s safe to assume that there’s probably just one degree (or less) of separation between you and someone who’s recently been to Portugal.

Forget European Summer—Portugal’s Silver Coast Is Ideal for Fall Cycling

Design by Maitane Romagosa for Thrillist, Photos courtesy of 420 Expo

Smoke with Cheech Marin at This Cannabis Expo in New Jersey

Atlanta

Photo courtesy of Wild Leap Atlanta

Sport Your Best Lederhosen for Oktoberfest in Atlanta This Weekend

United States

Toro Toro

There are 16 top notch Houston steakhouses, from laid-back American-style classics to bank-breaking power lunch meccas.

Patton's (Houston)

Grass-fed Texas Akaushi. Grade A 100% <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/news/nation/wagyu-beef-from-japanese-vending-machines">Japanese Wagyu</a>. <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/nation/how-to-dry-age-steak-at-home">Dry-aged</a> filets, strips, ribeyes, and tomahawks. Whether we’re sourcing it from award-winning ranchers around the globe or raising it right here in our home state, we Texans don’t mess around when it comes to our beef—and Houston’s greatest <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/nation/best-steakhouses-in-america-thrillist-nation">steakhouses</a> undoubtedly follow suit. 
 
Not to brag, but our steakhouse landscape has everything under its big beefy belt: classic bourbon-fueled chophouses, bank-breaking power <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/houston/best-lunch-restaurants-houston">lunch</a> meccas with Filet Flights and Tomahawks, and forward-thinking beef temples drawing culinary inspiration from Latin America to <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/houston/best-korean-barbecue-restaurants-houston">Korea</a> and Israel. Here’s exactly where to embrace your inner caveman in Houston.

Grass-fed Texas Akaushi. Grade A 100% <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/news/nation/wagyu-beef-from-japanese-vending-machines">Japanese Wagyu</a>. <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/nation/how-to-dry-age-steak-at-home">Dry-aged</a> filets, strips, ribeyes, and tomahawks. Whether we’re sourcing it from award-winning ranchers around the globe or raising it right here in our home state, we Texans don’t mess around when it comes to our beef—and Houston’s greatest <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/nation/best-steakhouses-in-america-thrillist-nation">steakhouses</a> undoubtedly follow suit.

Not to brag, but our steakhouse landscape has everything under its big beefy belt: classic bourbon-fueled chophouses, bank-breaking power <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/houston/best-lunch-restaurants-houston">lunch</a> meccas with Filet Flights and Tomahawks, and forward-thinking beef temples drawing culinary inspiration from Latin America to <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/houston/best-korean-barbecue-restaurants-houston">Korea</a> and Israel. Here’s exactly where to embrace your inner caveman in Houston.

Grass-fed Texas Akaushi. Grade A 100% <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/news/nation/wagyu-beef-from-japanese-vending-machines">Japanese Wagyu</a>. <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/nation/how-to-dry-age-steak-at-home">Dry-aged</a> filets, strips, ribeyes, and tomahawks. Whether we’re sourcing it from award-winning ranchers around the globe or raising it right here in our home state, we Texans don’t mess around when it comes to our beef—and Houston’s greatest <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/nation/best-steakhouses-in-america-thrillist-nation">steakhouses</a> undoubtedly follow suit.Not to brag, but our steakhouse landscape has everything under its big beefy belt: classic bourbon-fueled chophouses, bank-breaking power <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/houston/best-lunch-restaurants-houston">lunch</a> meccas with Filet Flights and Tomahawks, and forward-thinking beef temples drawing culinary inspiration from Latin America to <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/houston/best-korean-barbecue-restaurants-houston">Korea</a> and Israel. Here’s exactly where to embrace your inner caveman in Houston.

The team at Sambrooks Management Company (Pit Room, Candente) may have just bid adieu to popular seafood and gin spot 1751 Sea and Bar, but that’s because they’re turning their full attention to the group’s latest searing hot concept, Andiron. Set just off Buffalo Bayou Park on Allen Parkway, the modern wood-burning steakhouse will soon open its doors for a top-end dining experience with a focus on fine ingredients and live-fire technique. Executive Chef Louis Maldonado will run the kitchen, and with his skills sharpened at Michelin starred restaurants including French Laundry, we expect it to be run quite well. Bonus points: the restaurant shares a courtyard with the utterly chic Clarkwood bar, where you should be having your nightcap.

Rendering courtesy of AvroKO design

Andiron

Opened in the fall of 2022, this new-fashioned steakhouse comes from restaurateur Jason Cho and chef Yurum “KP” Nam, offering a Korean fine dining experience that pulls all the stops in its stunning space off White Oak. Come to be wowed by its roster of in house dry-aged beef and American and Japanese Wagyu (cooked to order tableside), private dining rooms with multi-course chef’s tasting menus, a bespoke cocktail and wine list, and steakhouse plates with Korean riffs—Jumbo Tiger Shrimp with Wasabi Cho-Gochujang, Rice Wine Mussels and Toasted Milk Bread, and Wagyu Kimchi Fried Rice.

Jenn Duncan

Karne Korean Steakhouse

From the minds behind the wine-soaked Savoir comes this buzzy, speakeasy-style steakhouse, which is also pretty wine-soaked as it shares a superbly stocked wine cellar with the sibling establishment. You’ll walk through that to get to the 38-seat, dark and moody chamber, then you’ll be treated to delights such as Blackened Crab Cakes with Cornichon Remoulade, Wagyu New York Strip Béarnaise, and sides from Foraged Mushrooms to Black Truffle Mashed.

Barrett Doke | Patton’s Steakhouse

Patton’s

Doris Metropolitan is not your typical steakhouse. Sure there’s the roster of premium cuts and 25-day dry-aged steaks, see-and-be-seen atmosphere, and bangin’ cocktail and wine list. But there are also unique touches like the chandelier-adorned meat locker, desserts that double as works of art, and outside-the-box Mediterranean-style sides, from Tzatziki Octopus and Moroccan Tomato Salad to a gorgeous Stuffed Beetroot. Drop your preconceived steakhouse notions and go with the mouthwatering flow.

Doris Metropolitan (Houston)

Doris Metropolitan

Throwin’ it back to the bygone era of the 1920s, this dark and moody Montrose haunt oozes sex appeal. Take your date night to the next level by starting with some Bacon Jam Foie Gras, Tuna Tartare, and Caviar Service before surfing and turfing with plump Lobster and a big fat Delmonico Steak. Creamed Corn Brulee, thick Battered Onion Rings, and Caramelized Sprouts are the perfect accompaniments. Don’t forget a few classic cocktails like Southside Fizzes and Bee's Knees to wash it all down.

Photo courtesy of Gatsby’s Prime Steakhouse

Gatsby’s Prime Steakhouse

This Underbelly Hospitality stunner continues the restaurant group’s legacy of making badass steaks. The team here manages to create an experience that is equal parts fancy-pants and relaxed—the off-menu Baller Boards overflow with the chef’s selection of prized dishes like King Crab Legs, Viet-Cajun Roasted Oysters, and cast-iron butter-basted Long Bone Ribeye, standing in flashy contrast to the hard rock playlist and bites like the totally-not-your-nana’s Banana Pudding complete with rum-soaked cake. Now reopened in a new location that includes a rooftop patio, you’ll want to pay this old favorite a visit.

Photo by Drew Anthony Smith

Georgia James

Bound by soaring 30-foot-high floor-to-ceiling windows and a 15,000-square-foot glass-enclosed structure at the gorgeous One Allen Center, this modern chophouse is as bold and sleek as it gets, and chef-owner Troy Guard’s new-age menu is set to match. It’s the kind of place where Yuzu Truffle Soy Hamachi Sashimi is dusted with Pop Rocks, and even the carrots become something special thanks to a turn in the oak-fired oven and a yogurt-pistachio crumble topping. There are grandiose steak options, too, of course, from Filet Flights to an Axe-handle Tomahawk with Foie and Bone Marrow Butter—plus a steakhouse rarity: a <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/drink/houston/best-happy-hours-in-houston-by-neighborhood" target="_blank">budget-friendly happy hour</a>.

Photo courtesy of Guard & Grace

Guard And Grace

Guard and Grace

Good news! You don’t have to leave the loop to get a taste of chef Ronnie Killen’s mesmerizing dry-aged ribeyes—all you need to do is make your way to this barbecue-steakhouse hybrid. While you’re there, you’ll want to taste the smoke, too, arriving in the form of Wood-fired Oysters laced with Smoked Black Garlic Butter, Post Oak-smoked Short Rib slathered in Espresso Barbecue Sauce, and Beef Tamales laden with Smoked Brisket Queso. How to book: Order takeout via <a href="https://www.toasttab.com/killens-stq-houston-2231-south-voss-road/v3/?mode=fulfillment" target="_blank">Toast</a>.

Killen's STQ

The smoking cold Seafood Towers at this uber posh outpost inside the Post Oak Hotel are epic as all get-out, so you’ll obviously want to start with one of those. From there, the utterly luxurious road map is up to you. There’s the 40-ounce Broadleaf Wagyu Tomahawk Chop. Or the 100% A5 Kobe Beef. Or how about a flawless, med-rare Filet, bone-in and coupled with some Truffle Butter Mushrooms? Wherever the journey takes you, know that it’s ending in a slab of cult-favorite Butter Cake and some grade A people-watching. Do we even mention they accept Bitcoin, too? How to book: Order take-out via <a href="https://mastrosrestaurants.alohaorderonline.com/Engage.aspx?#/engage/ordering/menu" target="_blank">Aloha</a>, or get delivery via <a href="https://www.ubereats.com/store/mastros-steakhouse-1650-west-loop-s/P_UhQhvvSVi4uwMAwl9s_g?pl=JTdCJTIyYWRkcmVzcyUyMiUzQSUyMkNvbHVtYnVzJTIwRmlzaCUyME1hcmtldCUyMiUyQyUyMnJlZmVyZW5jZSUyMiUzQSUyMkNoSUp1ZDI2Rk9XT09JZ1JaMm9POEZldUJ3dyUyMiUyQyUyMnJlZmVyZW5jZVR5cGUlMjIlM0ElMjJnb29nbGVfcGxhY2VzJTIyJTJDJTIybGF0aXR1ZGUlMjIlM0EzOS45ODU2MDg1JTJDJTIybG9uZ2l0dWRlJTIyJTNBLTgzLjAyMzc4MjIlN0Q%3D" target="_blank">UberEats</a>.

Photo courtesy of Mastro’s Restaurant 

Mastro's Steakhouse

The selection of sushi, steaks, and seafood are equally stunning inside this swanky Japanese emporium. The piece de resistance, though, is the open robata grill, while accoutrements like housemade salts, tableside Shaved Truffles, high quality Wagyu up the ante complete the experience. Go for the Caviar- and Quail Egg-topped Toro Tartare, Lobster and Shrimp Dumpling, and Japanese Grade A5 Olive-fed Wagyu, or trust the chef and opt for the fully loaded omakase.

Photo courtesy of Roka Akor

Roka Akor

This may be where the influencer crowd hangs out, but don’t let that deter you from getting down on a really good piece of meat. The offshoot of Phoenix's Steak 44 is a cool kid’s take on the classic American steakhouse, a place where tequila and Cognac flow like water, the raw bar rocks Maine Lobster and Hawaiian Poke, and the Wet-aged Butcher Cuts come topped with everything from crispy Shrimp to creamy Burrata. Dress to impress—you may just make someone’s Instagram story.

Photo courtesy of Steak 48

Steak 48

Fact: Hotel dining can be quite fantastic. Case in point? This Pan-Latin steakhouse from celebrated chef Richard Sandoval (a.k.a. the godfather of modern Mexican cuisine), who opened its sixth global location at the Four Seasons Hotel Houston in 2021. With a sleek dining room and flavors rooted in the culinary landscapes of Central and South America, you’ll want to spend some time lingering around these parts. Best to start with a Mojito and teasers from Smoked Swordfish Dip to Street-style Anticuchos before moving on to the big guns: Tomahawks, Churrasco, and Double Barrel Texas Chops.

Photo courtesy of Toro Toro

Part steakhouse, part bespoke butchery, this seemingly timeless hipster hub evokes all the old-school charms of New York City chophouse. Then again, the dry-aged in-house USDA Prime and fine Gearhart Ranch Wagyu portioned into cuts larger than your head feel 100% Texas. Do yourself a favor and start with the Carpetbaggers—an order of fried oysters dolloped over thick-cut bacon and meltingly tender filet, all smothered with decadent blue cheese sauce—because, let’s face it, you’re worth it. Then go big with the 40-ounce Prime Porterhouse for Two, beautifully seared and sliced tableside for your enjoyment.

B&B Butchers & Restaurant

B & B Butchers

It’s worth the pilgrimage out to Pearland or the newer spot in the Woodlands to get your paws on this impressive steak dinner, sans an iota of stuffiness. Mixing roadhouse vibes with white tablecloths and a killer wine list, head here for the house specialty—a gorgeous, grass-fed Texas-bred Akaushi Wagyu Long Bone-in Ribeye, pristinely charred and caramelized to perfection. Oh, and we haven't even mentioned star-studded accoutrements like Cherry Habanero-glazed Kurobuta Pork Belly, Roasted Bone Marrow Toast, and Oscar-style Alaskan King Crab. How to book: Order takeout via <a href="https://www.toasttab.com/killens-steakhouse-pearland/v3" target="_blank">Toast</a> and <a href="https://direct.chownow.com/order/18657/locations/26783" target="_blank">ChowNow</a>.

Killen's Steakhouse

There’s no better spot for special occasions than this homegrown family-owned steakhouse. That’s because the Pappas crew knows how to pamper guests via gloriously marbled, intensely flavored, in-house beef, all dry-aged for 28 days or more. Add to that a handsomely stocked whiskey cart, a cherry-picked wine list, and a monsterous stack of Fried Onion Rings you definitely won’t want to share—but should, because it seriously is gigantic.

Pappas Bros. Steakhouse

Come as you are this down-home steakhouse. The casual, pretension-free <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/houston/best-restaurants-in-houston-suburbs" target="_blank">suburban family favorite</a> only takes one thing seriously: Certified-Angus beef. The 16-ounce New York Strip Sirloin is the house specialty, while the hulking Tomahawk Ribeye is reserved for true carnivores, a 38-ounce show-stopper hanging off the plate, crowned with a pool of garlic or blue cheese butter. You’ll never forget your first time. How to book: Reserve via <a href="https://www.yelp.com/biz/taste-of-texas-houston" target="_blank">Yelp</a> or order take-out via <a href="https://tasteoftexas.alohaorderonline.com/Engage.aspx?#/" target="_blank">Aloha</a>.

Taste of Texas

<a href="https://www.thrillist.com/authors/brooke-viggiano" target="_blank">Brooke Viggiano</a>&nbsp;is a Houston-based writer who just realized she’ll be planning all date nights going forward, and she’s fully OK with that. Find her being all romantic on IG&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/brookiefafa/" target="_blank">@brookiefafa</a>&nbsp;or on Twitter&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/brookeviggiano" target="_blank">@brookeviggiano</a>.

Find the best spots daily to eat and drink in hipster neighborhoods. Hit the roof, drink a beer and eat delicious at top-tier restaurants. Plan your nightlife adventure with maps and reviews of unknown micro-brews, rooftop parties, and independent drink.

Toro Toro

Featured In

The 16 Best Steakhouses in Houston

More From Thrillist

Southern Smoke Festival, Monster Jam, and More Fun Things in Houston This Month

Party like it’s 1599 at the Texas Renaissance Festival, and more fun things to do in Houston this October.

The Iconic Las Vegas Tropicana Is Going Out with a Bang Soon

An implosion will help tear down the Strip staple to make way for the Oakland Athletics.

Halloween Nightmares, Flamenco, and Operatic ‘Frankenstein’ Mean Fall Has Arrived in Phoenix

Your weekend guide to fun things to do in Phoenix this October is here.

This Spicy Food Festival in Philadelphia Showcases the Versatility of Kimchi

Make your own jar of Korea’s national dish this weekend at LOVE Park.

Concerts, Fall Fests, and Halloween Things to Do in New Orleans This Month

Tricks, treats, and a terrifying number of can’t-miss events.

Snorkeling Through a Salmon Migration Is a Kaleidoscopic Dream

How to take a wild, fish-filled float down Vancouver Island’s Campbell River.

10 Can’t Miss Things to Eat, Drink & Do Between Shows at ACL This Year

Free inspo for what to do when you’re not singing along with Shania Twain at Austin City Limits.

Waterfalls, Museums, and Gilded Mansions: A Guide to Leaf-Peeping Fun in New York State

The best places for fall foliage in New York including NYC, Upstate, and Long Island.

Put on a Scarf and Head to These-Apple Picking Spots Near Chicago

An apple a day keeps the winter at bay.

Forget European Summer—Portugal’s Silver Coast Is Ideal for Fall Cycling

Pedal beyond Porto on a five-day, self-guided tour bursting with all the colors of autumn.

Smoke with Cheech Marin at This Cannabis Expo in New Jersey

B.Y.O.C. (hint: that’s bring your own cannabis) to the 420 Expo.

Sport Your Best Lederhosen for Oktoberfest in Atlanta This Weekend

Or catch ‘00s heartthrobs in concert.