Houston, Texas: 4 Meals, 4 Unique Tastes of This Diverse City

Westheimer Road, a major east-west road named after a German immigrant and flour salesman, is now a go-to spot for restaurants of virtually every type. Exemplifying the city’s dining diversity, Westheimer boasts seafood places, Greek diners, empanada emporiums and more. In Houston’s vibrant Montrose neighborhood, there is an eclectic mix of shops, bars, restaurants and art galleries. Find eateries representing a variety of world flavors with European, Mediterranean, American, Asian and Mexican dishes all coexisting with each other.

Everything old is new again thanks to the renaissance of Houston’s Downtown Historic District. The once-sleepy area is now hopping with inventive restaurants, bars and clubs. Drink in the history at Houston’s oldest bar, La Carafe. This candle-lit tavern dating to the 1800s pours wine and beer only. There's never a dull moment when it comes to downtown Houston's nightlife scene. Whether you're looking for high-energy dance clubs, Texas honky tonks, action-packed sports pubs or low-key wine bars, there's something for every taste.

Travel back more than 100 years with a meal at the George Ranch Historical Park. The living history site, 30 minutes southwest of downtown Houston, sits on an 8,000-hectare ranch bustling with livestock and costumed historical re-enactors. Gather ‘round for a chuckwagon breakfast, a hearthside cooking class or a six-course dinner straight out of the 1860s. Meals include classics like country ham and pan gravy, candied pork belly, corn and potato casserole, and apple crumble. Candlelit, six-course dinners take place in the historic Ryon Prairie Home, hosted by Mrs. Polly Ryon herself.

The Uptown area anchored by Post Oak Boulevard, is not only known for its shopping, but also its endless dining options, ranging from casual to upscale. For lunch stop at URBE, which offers tasty street foods of Mexico like quesadillas and tacos al pastor, or for a more refined lunch, check out Bloom & Bee in the Post Oak Hotel. The options for dinner are countless including Joey’s Uptown, Oceanaire and Musaafer, plus a taste of Texas tradition at The Rustic Uptown.

Houston has two main airports – the George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William Hobby Airport (HOU). IAH provides many direct flights from global destinations, and HOU is mostly domestic with Southwest Airlines providing some international flights.