George R. Brown Convention Center – Experiences

Houston is one of the largest cities in America, both in population and size; it’s also one of the most diverse, consisting dense populations of many ethnicities from all over the world. Because of these traits, Houston is an electrifyingly exciting city. The phrase “there’s something for everyone” perfectly applies to Houston. The streets are lined with awesome attractions and restaurants, many of which are close by the George R. Brown Convention Center (GRB). You’d be doing yourself a disservice if you didn’t explore at least some of what Houston has to offer. It pays do some research before you go, so you have a better idea of what you might want to see while you’re there. We’ve helped you out a bit and done a little research of our own. Here’s what we came up with.

 

Morning

Noon

Night

 

Morning

George R. Brown Convention CenterBreakfast is the most important meal of the day. That’s why we included two great spots near George R. Brown Convention Center. First up is Snooze. The restaurant brands itself as “an A.M. eatery”, and boy is it ever. The menu is overflowing with so many choices. It’s hard to narrow it down to picking just one dish. For those who feel breakfast should always have eggs, you’ll be very happy. Snooze has a three egg omelet and serves eggs with about half of its entrees. You could always order some on the side as well. If you’re big on benedicts, your eyes will light up when you see all of the options available. Snooze also serves loads of pancakes, French toast, corned beef hash, and a breakfast pot pie. There are also some lighter options like avocado toast, a frittata, and a sweet potato hash.

No need to worry, you won’t have to waste away in Saturday detention at The Breakfast Klub. Instead, you can dine on some fantastic breakfast foods. Marcus Davis – the mastermind behind The Breakfast Klub – strives to provide the best possible dining experience for every one of his customers. Davis sticks to the southern way of preparing breakfast and that’s very evident in the entrees. Customers can order favorites like wings & grits, biskits & gravy, country sausage & eggs, and for you Dr. Seuss fans, green eggs & ham. Three egg omelets and breakfast sandwiches are also on the menu.

“Breakfast” may be in the restaurant’s name, but you can order lunch after 11 am. The lunch menu is more limited than breakfast, but there are still some solid choices: six kinds of sandwiches, soup, and salads. Healthy eaters can count on quite a few lighter meals for breakfast and lunch.

These two restaurants are perfect places to start your day before things get busy at George R. Brown Convention Center.

 

Noon

We’d be remiss if we didn’t recommend a barbeque joint for you to try when you’re in Houston. There are a few close by the George R. Brown Convention Center; the most highly rated is Jackson Street BBQ. Opening only a couple years ago in 2015, Jackson Street BBQ has carved out a reputable name for itself very quickly.

Like any fantastic barbeque restaurant, Jackson Street BBQ’s menu is on the smaller side. They don’t get bogged down with cooking tons of meats. They commit to a few dishes and make them exceptionally every time. Whether you’re in the mood for a rack of beef ribs, venison sausage links, or chicken, it’s all here waiting for you. So are barbeque sandwiches and 14 beers on tap. As out of place as salad may seem at a barbeque restaurant, Jackson Street BBQ has two: a BBQ chop salad with either brisket or chicken and a house salad.

If you want another kind of barbeque all together, you don’t need to go far to get it. Gyu-Kaka Japanese BBQ does barbeque a little differently than traditional Texas barbeque, but it’s just as delicious. Open as early as 10:30 am, Gyu-Kaka is a popular lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch eatery. Individual and two person entrees make up the lunch menu. Gyu-Kaka likes serving its customers a variety of meats: hanger steak, Shoyu ribeye, and Yaki-Shabu beef are just a couple examples. Japanese style salads, soups, and ramen bowls are tasty substitutes if you’re more of an herbivore than a carnivore. Some of the meals are more suitable for pairs and others for groups of four or six people. If you’re bringing friends with you and you’re all hungry, these options will be your best bet. Happy hour and drink menus are available too.

The land across the street from the GRB is devoted to an outdoor space called the Discovery Green. This park has a short jogging trail, expansive lawn space, a lake, and more. It’s an awesome spot to enjoy the sunshine. You may however be looking for somewhere new to explore. That’s where Market Square Park comes into play. It may not be as big as Discovery Green, but there’s still plenty to do. Walk along the shady walkways and lounge on a bench or in the grass. Market Square Park even has a restaurant, Niko Niko’s. This Greek eatery serves pita sandwiches, Greek breakfasts, and many other classic Greek dishes.

Market Square Park also has popular a handful of local art displays like Lauren’s Garden, Points of View, a series of photographs from photographer Paul Hester, and mosaic themed fountain and benches. Anyone who wants to explore more of the surrounding area can rent a bike from Houston BCycle, located in the park on the corner of Congress Ave and Travis St.

Last up for afternoon activities, the Houston Astros’ home stadium is just a stone’s throw from George R. Brown Convention Center. There are a couple things for fans to do at Minute Maid Park. If baseball season is in full swing, try and catch a game. The Astros always put on an exciting show. Touring Minute Maid Park is another worthwhile activity to take advantage of. The daily tour or game day tour are the two best options for you. Some of the sights you’ll see on the tour are the broadcasting booth, press box, a luxury suite, the dugout, and bullpen.

 

Night

Treat yourself to a fantastic, albeit pricy dinner. You won’t regret eating at Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse. The elegant and intimate atmosphere of Vic & Anthony’s is the perfect vibe you’re looking for after a long day. The food is simply out of this world. The appetizers are a mix of raw bar, cold, and hot: things like raw oysters, ceviche, seafood towers overflowing with all kinds of fish, roasted bone marrow, and maple glazed quail. Of course, Vic & Anthony’s grills up tons of different cuts of meat: filet mignon, prime ribeye, porterhouse, NY strip, skirt steak, and more. Some non-steak entrees include Maine lobster, Alaska king crab legs, veal chop, and Szechuan pepper crusted tuna.

You probably won’t always be eating at the steakhouse though. For a more casual dinner, give Massa’s South Coast Grill a try. Family owned and operated since 1944, Massa’s is all about seafood prepared the southern way. From favorites like fried gulf shrimp and Mississippi catfish to lesser seen dishes like red fish pontchartrain, Massa’s does seafood right.

George R. Brown Convention CenterMinute Maid Park isn’t the only professional sports venue near George R. Brown Convention Center. Basketball fans can go watch the Rockets play at the Toyota Center. The stadium is also a one of the busiest sites in Houston for live concerts. Artists like Elton John, Carrie Underwood, and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra have played here in the past, along with many other big name performers. Toyota Center hosts tours as well. It’s important to note that there is a stipulation: tours must consist of at least 10 people.

What better way to end the night than by having a drink at Texas’ oldest craft brewery. Saint Arnold Brewing Company has been brewing since 1994. They know a thing or two about making high quality craft beer. Customers can order 12 year round beers, along with the brewery’s famous root beer. Saint Arnold brews seasonal beers throughout the year too. You never know what you’ll find there. Aside from drinks, this place boasts an extensive food menu, with meals you don’t normally see at a brewery. Dishes like grilled lamb chops, shrimp & crab cakes, and a curry chicken naan melt are just a few of the many tasty options. Salads, pizzas, and sharable appetizers can be ordered as well. Saint Arnold pairs every dish with a beer too, so you know which one goes best with your food. This a great place to relax after a long day at George R. Brown Convention Center