Lodgeur has picked the best bars and restaurants for you in trendy East Downtown Houston!
How to use this guide.
We understand that what’s perfect for a business traveler is not always perfect for a family vacation. So we’ve identified each location and activity with an emoji to give you a quick visual and help you make easier decisions. Your trip should be about exploring, not researching.
We’ve also provided indicative pricing from $ to $$$$.
See this symbol and you’re headed to a place drenched in cool. It’s probably new on the scene, on a few of the top “must visit” lists, and great for a photo op.
See this symbol and you’re promised a family-friendly place where you would be comfortable taking children of all ages. They may have a kid’s menu, kid’s pricing, and an understanding of people of all ages.
See this symbol and you’re all set for dinner with the boss, a workgroup, or an expense account.
See this symbol and you’re in for a local treat. It will be very Houstonian but not necessarily traditional. These are some of our personal favorites in the city.
Saint Arnold Brewing Co.
$

Saint Arnold is largely credited for the craft beer movement in Texas, and its headquarters and brewing factory is located in a massive three-story red-brick building, originally built in 1914, on the edge of Downtown. Inside, large-scale brewing equipment is on view, and four free half-hour tours are available daily. You don’t need tickets, but Saturdays are particularly popular, so show up early. To pass the time, settle into the beer hall, which has a full food menu.
Contact info.
- https://www.saintarnold.com/
- 2000 Lyons Avenue, Houston, TX 77020
- (713) 686-9494 / (800) 801-6402
Opening hours.
- Sunday – Thursday: 11 am – 9 pm
- Friday – Saturday: 11 am – 10 pm
Miss Carousel
$$

A recent newcomer to East Downtown, Miss Carousel brings together all the right ingredients – classic cocktails, a full dinner menu, and a pool table all in an open, living room-like space. Come with a group or enjoy a quiet meal and glass of wine, undisturbed from the crowd around you.
Contact info.
- https://www.agricolehospitality.com/miss-carousel/
- 1201 St Emanuel Street, Houston, TX 77003
- (832) 582-7330
Opening hours.
- Tuesday – Thursday: 4 pm – 10 pm
- Friday: 4 pm – 11 pm
- Saturday: 10 am – 11 pm
- Sunday: 10 am – 3 pm
Indianola
$$

Reminiscent of a modern Sketch in London, the food here definitely matches the aesthetic! It’s bright, welcoming, and delightful which, also goes in line with their overall concept and namesake – Indianola was billed as a celebration of American dishes born from the immigrant experience that began in port cities across the country. Houston, a city rich in immigrant cultures, is the perfect home for Indianola whose menu would be fluent in the region’s diverse cuisine. Great for a relaxing dinner solo or enjoyed on the last day of your time in Houston.
Contact info.
- https://www.agricolehospitality.com/indianola/
- 201 Saint Emanuel Street, Houston, TX 7003
- (832) 582-7202
Opening hours.
- See website for current opening hours.
Nancy’s Hustle
$$

If we could paint a word picture of your experience at Nancy’s Hustle, it would involve creative cocktails that taste like nostalgia, lamb dumplings that you will have dreams about, and vintage music serenading your every bite. Make sure you start with the Nancy Cakes. Reservations recommended.
Contact info.
- https://www.nancyshustle.com
- 2704 Polk Street, Houston, TX 77003
- (346) 571-7931
Opening hours.
- Check website for latest times
Theodore Rex
$$
Innovative, farm to table cuisine, James Beard award-winning chef Justin Yu creates elevated seasonal dishes in a quaint, kitschy atmosphere that almost resemble a Brooklyn style flat, charming yet trendy! Reservations recommended.
Contact info.
- https://trexhouston.com
- 1302 Nance St Houston, TX 77002
- (832) 830-8592
Opening hours.
- Thursday – Monday – 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Huynh Restaurant
$$
Looking for somewhere quick, delicious, inexpensive, all within your lunch break? Huyn definitely ticks all those boxes! Serving up some homestyle Vietnamese cuisine, Huyn knows its audience yet stays authentic to flavor.
Contact info.
- http://huynhrestauranthouston.com
- 912 Saint Emanuel Street, Houston, TX 77003
- (832) 830-8592
Opening hours.
- Monday – Saturday: 11 am – 9 pm