A recent long weekend trip chronicled by the "Chews to Explore" social network offered an intensive guide to Houston, Texas, demonstrating that the city is a blend of vibrant culinary scenes, affordable exploration, and unapologetic cultural celebration. The travelers, self-proclaimed experts in seeing the world and saving money, detailed how a cheap $89 one-way United Airlines flight served as the initial impetus for their visit to “Htown,” the hometown of Beyoncé. While exploring, they focused on maximizing value, securing affordable accommodation—an $80-a-night studio in the central Montrose area—and using strategies like the In-kind app, which provides 20% cash back and exclusive coupons at local eateries.
The food itinerary was extensive, ranging from world-famous chicken to acclaimed fine dining, often prioritizing Black-owned businesses. Early in the trip, they highly recommended Gus’s Fried Chicken, describing the peanut oil-fried product as flaky, crispy, juicy, and having a mild kick; the cost for two was just $20. Utilizing the In-kind app led them to affordable international flavors at Tight Tail Thai restaurant, where drunken noodles and chicken paoo were enjoyed for a total of $25 (plus 20% cash back). However, the real culinary quests centered on rumored haunts of Beyoncé, including The Breakfast Club. Despite opening at 7:00 AM, the Black-owned restaurant had a line down the block by 8:00 AM, underscoring its popularity.
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Though self-service, the spot earned high praise for the “amazing value” provided by its large portions, notably the flavorful catfish and grits, and the best-ever egg white omelet. Another standout Black-owned establishment was Trill Burger, owned by rapper Bun B of UGK, which served a highly recommended smash burger combo for about $17. For those seeking an upscale, lively brunch, Taste—another Black-owned restaurant associated with Beyoncé—required a mandatory $50 per person deposit for reservations on Sundays, a cost that was applied to a bill that still ended up being pricier than anticipated. The offerings, however, were exceptional, including deeply flavored jerk lamb chops and tender oxtail that impressed the travelers. Beyond these staples, the group also praised the "fire" Indian/Pakistani food at Aga’s Restaurant & Catering and the world-famous chicken and waffles at Dandelion Cafe.
Beyond dining, Houston offered a mix of free, colorful public art spaces and unique nightlife experiences. Outdoors, Smither’s Park provided a whimsical, ornate environment covered in colorful mosaics, art, and swings. Meanwhile, the immense Water Wall Park, a 64-foot fountain cycling 11,000 gallons of water per minute, was deemed the perfect place to feel a cooling mist against the Houston heat. Recreation included visiting Buffalo Bayou Park for trails and high-rise views and enjoying activities at Discovery Green’s Kinder Lake, which featured bumper boats and clear kayaks available for $12 per boat/kayak, despite a popular 45-minute wait time. For evening entertainment, the Roswell Saloon was highly recommended, especially between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM for half-off happy hour drinks. The bar is intensely themed, featuring glow-in-the-dark decor, aliens, astronauts, and zodiac-themed cocktails. For adrenaline, a visit to Andretti Race Car Riding, located about 30 minutes outside the city, provided an exciting go-kart experience for $30 per person, alongside laser tag and virtual reality options.
The cultural high point of the trip was attending the Cowboy Carter concert by Beyoncé. Before the show, the travelers visited the historic Third Ward, home to Emancipation Park and Roto Market, and sought out the popular Beyoncé mural, noting the massive crowds gathering for pictures. The concert itself was described as an unforgettable, "10 out of 10" experience with unmatched energy, highlighted by seeing Blue Ivy perform. Ultimately, the trip showcased Houston as a city where budget-conscious travelers can enjoy world-class food and diverse cultural offerings, concluding with the impression of a lively city with a particularly magnetic energy.
