Houston: A City Guide
Houston, Texas, might not be as well known as New York or LA, but we feel our home city holds a secret charm that might surprise you. Houston is the fourth largest city in the country, and packs a punch for food, art and a really incredible quality of life.
MIRTH was born here, and our team has developed a reliable roster of favorites throughout the years. Some are institutions, while some remain a little more under the radar. Whether you’re visiting H-Town for the first time or just looking for something beyond your routine, here’s the list of places we recommend time and time again.
P.S. We stand by every recommendation. Ask us again next week and we'll probably add three more.
Best Restaurants in Town
Uchi
Houston is home to so many incredible sushi restaurants, but Uchi is easily my favorite and the ideal local date spot. The fish is always super fresh and packed with flavor. I highly recommend ordering the grilled edamame and the Masu Nigiri. - Caroline
Wearing: the Puglia Peplum Top in Dill + the matching La Paz Skirt in Dill.
Goode Co. Cantina
A fantastic Houston Tex-Mex staple. They have my absolute favorite salsa and are famous for their excellent Mexican Martinis. - Caroline
Wearing: the Zuma Tank in Mint Chocolate Boteh + my favorite pair of jeans + the Madrid Hand Crochet Tunic in Chocolate draped over my shoulders (it gets freezing inside!).
Tiny Champions
Just cool. Everything about it. Nothing on the menu will leave you disappointed. - Mallory
Wearing: the Loreto Silk Tank in Chocolate + Woodstock Pants in Chocolate Mint Hopcotch + a brown wedge
Theodore Rex
The space feels like Copenhagen, in a cool corner of downtown, and the food is incredible. - Katie
Wearing: the Puglia Dress in Cherry Heka
Squable
For the vibe, cocktails and, of course, delish food. - Katie
Wearing: the Wailea Dress in Blueberry
Guard and Grace
This is a great spot for a fancy dinner downtown before a show. - Jeslyn
Wearing: the Santander Silk Skirt in Marigold + the Charleston Tank in White Embroidered Deco
Agnes & Sherman
One of my favorite restaurants in Houston and it has such a unique menu. It’s very casual and cool. Order the chilled noodles and shrimp toast. Yum! And the frozen blue Hawaii for a fun cocktail. - Paulina
Wearing: the Kyoto Shirt in Chocolate Heka + Woodstock Short in Chocolate Heka + clear jelly flat sandals
Oru
I love a sushi omakase date night! This place is so intimate and has a thoughtfully curated menu. The stylish interiors and design exteriors are so dreamy. - Paulina
Wearing: the Cassis Dress in Dill + Foldover Clutch in Olive Parquet + Kitten heel
Loro
You can't beat their $3 Martini Tuesdays! The Karaage Chicken is another personal favorite of mine. - Caroline
Wearing: the Zuma Dress in Navy Fig
Nonno’s Pizza
Most of us don't think of Houston as a city that's known for its pizza, yet we have more than one pizza joint on this list. Nonno's does it right. Aside from the food, they've also nailed the perfectly-80s-feeling atmosphere. - Mallory
Coffee Shops & Bakeries We Love
Pondicheri Bake Lab
Great coffee and my favorite breakfast in Houston is their almond roti frankie! - Margaret
Wearing: the Cassis Dress in Chocolate
Agnes Cafe
My favorite latte in Houston! Agnes has become part of my Friday morning ritual. - Mallory
Wearing: the Andaman Top in Orangesicle + my fav pair of wide-leg jeans
Bittersweet Cookies
Tucked away in a rather unassuming strip mall in the Heights - trust me, this is one of the best cookies you’ll ever experience (tip: stick it in the microwave for a few seconds before eating it). - Mallory
Wearing: the Cairns Short in Mesa Linen + Wales Top in White + a gladiator sandal
Blacksmith
For coffee nerds-- you don't even need milk, it's that smooth. Fun fact, I came here every day for years when starting Mirth. - Katie
Wearing: the Wailea Top in White + Mirth Pant in Dill
Where We're Ordering A Nightcap
Better Luck Tomorrow
Casual and low-key, but the creative drink menu is not to miss! - Margaret
Wearing: the Santanyi Crochet Floral Tank in Cream + Santander Skirt in Black Linen
Donna’s
Dark, moody, and hip! A new favorite Friday-night hang. - Mallory
Wearing: the Lombok Skirt in White Embroidered Deco + and an oversized white tee shirt + a big chunky necklace
Bar Madonna at The Marlene
The Marlene is a historic boutique hotel owned by Lily Barfield, full of antiques from her travels. It is simply stunning and such a gem of a spot. - Katie
Wearing: the Alba Dress in White
Volker Wines
Volker wines imports my favorite natural wines (Including Fruit Loops!) so this is the spot to source all your vino needs. Order for delivery now, but Volker is soon opening a cool warehouse and tasting room in the Heights to easily stock up. - Katie
Wearing: the Santanyi Tank + Verona Skirt in Summer Fig
Padre's Wine Bar
I like to pop into my neighborhood wine bar for a sparkling red and they’re dog friendly. They have a great wine selection and elevated bar snacks. I love the ceviche and hot dog with a glass of sparkling red! - Paulina
Wearing: the Ilio Dress in Dill Oyster Eyelet + Openwork Scarf in Dill + a flip flop
Shopping
Louis Muse
This boutique has the perfect mix of ultra-unique accessories and chic, everyday basics. - Caroline
Wearing: The Kyoto Shirt in White Linen + the Baden Pant in Mesa Fig.
South to North
They feature a beautifully curated collection of Latin American brands. It’s my go-to spot for finding colorful statement pieces and fun jewelry. - Caroline
Wearing: the Seychelles Tie Top + the Savannah Skirt in Chili.
Kaboom Books
Truly a hidden gem. There’s an endless supply of books to choose from and the staff is so kind. Support your local bookstore :’) - Mallory
Wearing: the Merida Top in White + balloon pants
Thompson & Hanson
Not just because of the racks of Mirth! Come for the curated shopping in the most beautiful oasis, stay for lunch and indulge in the chocolate chip cookies next door at their cafe, Tiny Boxwoods. - Katie
Wearing: The Puglia Top + La Paz Skirt in Clay Orchard Road
Genara
You can't leave Genara without finding something special and unexpected. - Katie
Wearing: the Vienna Dress in Dill Orchard Road
The Guild Shop
The Guild Shop is possibly the best secondhand shopping in all the land. A weekly stop through is a must. - Katie
Wearing: the Azua Skirt in Dill Oyster Eyelet + the Symi Top in White
Other shopping spots to add to your Google Map: Kuhl Linscomb, All the Feels, KickPleat, Courtney Barton.
Other Activities Around Town
Bayou Bend
The beautiful historic home and 14 acres of gardens are a hidden gem in the heart of the city. - Margaret
Wearing: the Somerset Dress in Dill Orchard Road
Memorial Park Land Bridge & Vibrant
You’ve probably driven underneath, but have you ever been to the top? Take a little detour next time you’re at Memorial Park. A great place to think, and the best spot to watch the sunset, imo. - Mallory
While you’re there, hit up one of our favorite cafes, Vibrant. - Katie
Wearing: the Track Short in Brownie + white tank top + Salomon sneakers
Graze
A darling shop to pick up a cheeseboard for a dinner party and other gourmet snacks. - Katie
Wearing: the Lostine Top in White Hyacinth Eyelet + the Woodstock Short in Chocolate Hyacinth Eyelet
Skincare & Self-Care
Clean Skin Aesthetics
Clean Skin Aesthetics for all the things :) Mindy is a wonder. - Katie
Wearing: the Beacon Hill Short Dress in Laguna Grove + a baseball cap
Paloma
For a really good manicure in a really chic setting. - Katie
Wearing: the Vienna Dress in Navy Fig
Skin Pharm
Microneedling has helped with my melasma over the years. It’s a game changer. Can’t live without: Skin Pharm youth serum, Summer Fridays jet lag eye patches and Korean face masks. - Paulina
Wearing: the Merida Top in Black + Melbourne Shorts in White
We hope this list helps you experience Houston the way we do. Save this guide for your next visit, and if you discover a favorite of your own, we'd love to hear about it.
