Hugo's
Restaurants come and go perhaps more than any other business imaginable, so when one's been open for over ten years — awards, of which it has many, aside — you know it's the real deal. Hugo's has been serving up delicious Mexican to hungry Montrose resident from its 1920s-era building since 2002. The vaunted food is comprised of regional Mexican cuisine, encompassing everything from fresh seafood to Oaxacan moles and simple tortillas, with many standouts — including the chorizo-stuffed jalapeño peppers. As you might expect, they also serve up a mean margarita, and offer a huge selection of tequilas and mezcals for those looking for something a little more... straight forward.
Sloan/Hall
At first glance, you might be scared away by the women's fashion — but take a closer look and you'll find that Sloan/Hall is quite man-friendly. This unique store offers a number of products suitable for manly endeavors, including quality glass and stoneware, refurbished vintage furniture, high-end grooming and fragrance products, artwork, some accessories, and even the occassional bicycle. Oh, and be sure to keep an eye open for its sister store in San Antonio.
Eatsie Boys
What do you do with training from the Culinary Institute of America and experience cooking at a three-Michelin-starred restaurant? You start a Beastie Boys-themed food truck, of course. The Eatsie Boys serve up awesome eats like the No Sleep 'Til Philly steak sandwich, Pork Revere platter, and Da Bomb baguette from their Intergalactic Food Truck, and now serve an expanded menu of breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, soups, and Frozen Awesome ice cream from their standalone Cafe on Montrose. Coming soon to crash a (bouncy) house party near you.
Leopard Lounge
Whether you're looking for rocker wear or something to wear to the local honky-tonk, Leopard Lounge has you covered. This vintage store offers a dizzying array of classic fashions, including an overload of band apparel, plenty of western-style button-ups, and a full range of jackets, boots, and accessories. Even if you're not planning on buying thing, it's worth a trip just to browse, but be warned — odds are you'll find something that'll have you reaching for your wallet.
Underbelly
There are tons of great restaurants in Houston — but if you're trying to understand this vibrant culinary scene over a short visit, a stop at Underbelly needs to be on your agenda. Helmed by chef Chris Shepherd — a James Beard Award finalist for Best Chef in the Southwest — this unassuming spot is home to an extraordinarily varied menu based on current offerings from pruveyors, farmers, and the local area, resulting in dishes like biscuits and gravy sharing the menu with crispy pork schnitzel and wagyu steak frites. Oh, and the place also serves as a retail wine shop, so you can expect a great selection of vino and beer to go with whatever food you choose.
Oxheart
It's a muscular organ; it's also a varietal of carrot, cabbage, or tomato. But all you need to know is Oxheart is one of the best restaurants in Space City. Housed in a loft-style space with a central open kitchen, this 31-seat spot is known for exceptional service, tasting menus that promise thought-provoking food and spot-on beverage pairings, and a laidback atmosphere that's apparent from the moment you pull your silverware from a drawer in front of your seat.
Texas Junk Company
Don't let the name fool you — while the Texas Junk Company is housed in a building so rough you might think it's junk, inside you'll find an assortment of interesting wares. Unlike most vintage shops, the selection at TJC is well organized, and includes trinkets, knick knacks, furniture, picture frames, and records. And cowboy boots. Lots of them — over 1,000 pairs on a good day, starting at just $30 a pair. An ATM stop may be in order before you visit though — it's cash or check only.
Cactus Music
Those looking for new tunes in Upper Kirby have shared the same destination for over 30 years: Cactus Music. This old-school record store offers both new as used CDs, but as with most stores of its ilk, it's the vinyl here that really shines, with a wide selection that can be test-driven on the store's dual turntables. The obligatory books, tees, posters, and movies are also available, and if that doesn't draw you in, maybe the in-store performances by local bands — with free beer — will.
Hamilton Shirts
You can buy a shirt nearly anyplace — but if you want one that fits you properly, you need to go custom. Hamilton Shirts is more than capable of helping you out. Owned by the same family that founded the business in 1883, they specialize in bespoke and made-to-measure shirts, hand-cut from double-ply Italian and Swiss fabrics. You can actually watch the tailors work through a picture window in the store, and of course you can always select from their ready-to-wear offerings if you're in a hurry.
Anvil
The name might sound like Wile E. Coyote's worst nightmare — but not to worry, as there are no Acme products here. Instead, it's the cocktails at Anvil that will be doing the damage. Famous for its meticulously formulated and crafted drinks, it offers up libations such as the habanero-tinted Pliny's Tonic and the adventurous Fredericksburg Flip, which combines bourbon, Becherovka, lemon, hefeweizen, egg, and cacao sarsaparilla bitters. They also offer a limited selection of beers and wines if liquor isn't your thing — just check the hanging chalkboard for the current picks.
Fuller's Vintage Guitar
You might not guess from its modest location, but you're looking at a Texan guitar mecca. Fuller's Vintage Guitar is widely known as the state's largest guitar dealer, offering an exquisite selection of instruments. Inside you'll find a full range new guitars from Gibson, Gibson Custom Shop, Epiphone, Fender, Fender Custom Shop, Guild, Gallagher, Santa Cruz, and more, as well as a well-curated selection of vintage offerings that focus on quality and authenticity. If you can't find what you're looking for elsewhere, odds are they'll have it.
