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City Cast Houston

In recent months we’ve seen superstars such as Taylor Swift, Drake, Janet Jackson, LL Cool J, Stevie Nicks, and more come to Houston to perform. This fall, Beyoncé, The Jonas Brothers, and John Mayer are just some of the artists gracing Houston stages. So, what’s the best concert venue to see your favorite artist?

, located next to POST Houston downtown, opened in 2021. Back in May, I went to a gospel concert here for the first time and quickly fell in love with the venue. It’s smaller and more intimate than other venues like Toyota Center or NRG Stadium, but it also has enough seating to accommodate up to 5,000 people. Even though my friends and I had assigned seating, there was enough room for us to stand along the sides for a while to sing and dance. This fall, you can catch The All American Rejects, Brandon Lake, and Ivan Cornejo performing.

There’s something special about watching a concert at NRG Stadium. Whether it’s for the rodeo or a big-time celebrity, I love hearing the roar of thousands of people as the artist comes out on stage. Earlier this year, when I saw Taylor Swift, I wondered if my nosebleed seats would be good enough to enjoy the show. However, the view from above allowed me to see her stage in its entirety. A concert at a stadium feels like one giant party that a smaller concert venue won’t provide. In upcoming weeks,

 catch Beyonce’s Renaissance Tour, Atif Aslam, and Katt Williams

 in The Woodlands is my favorite place to see a concert. Even though it’s about an hour away from Houston, it’s worth the drive. There’s nothing like lounging on the lawn with a blanket and singing along to your favorite artist underneath the Texas sky. Chris Stapleton, a Hocus Pocus themed concert, and Sting are some concerts coming in October.

So, what’s your favorite place to see a concert in Houston? Or did you go to a memorable show recently? 

Houston's Best Concert Venues 

Houston's Best

If you’re a beer lover, then you know Houston is home to some tasty breweries. Whether you’re looking to visit a city classic or a brand new brewery, check out my suggestions below.

You can’t visit a Houston brewery without first heading to 

, north of downtown. Rice University graduates founded the brewery in 1994, making it the state’s oldest craft brewery. Mark 

 at the end of the month, where you can hear live music in the beer garden, participate in their costume contest, pretzel eating contest, and taste delicious beer.

 in 2011. Now, the ginormous 28,000 square foot Sawyer Yards brewery produces more than 8,000 barrels of kegs, cans, and bombers. Here are 

: Crush City IPA, Dreamsicle, More Cowbell, and their Pumpkin Spice Latte in honor of fall approaching.

Make a trip to the burbs and check out the kid-friendly and dog-friendly 

 This award-winning brewery offers weekly bingo on Wednesdays, taco Tuesdays, and has a running club every Monday.

, located in near Northside, opened last December and is quickly gaining popularity among Houstonians. The brewery, co-founded by former employees at Karbach Brewing, is home to many events. They will host 

Where To Grab The Best Beer In Houston 

There’s no comfort like that of a good Cajun meal. The cuisine may hail from Louisiana, but Houston is home to great options. Here are some of our favorites.

This is a must-try Cajun experience. The place is family-owned and has been serving Houston for more than two decades. Take a bite of their seafood gumbo and you’ll see why they’ve become an H-Town staple. Don’t forget to take something to go from the meat market.

With three locations around town, you’re never far from this delectable joint. Pull up a chair and try the fried crawfish platter or build your own seafood combo.

My favorite part of Cajun food is that it packs so much flavor without complication, and that’s exactly what you get at Esther’s. Go for the no-frills vibe, stay for the oxtail.

No matter what you prefer inside your po’ boy, this is a great place to get one. And don’t sleep on the gator bites, served with a Remoulade sauce for dipping.

Audio producer Carlingnon Jones has a few. “Some of my favorite Cajun spots around town would have to be 

! All these spots have food full of flavor!!”

Host Raheel Ramzanali also recommends BB’s Tex-Orleans and wants you to look beyond traditional Cajun. “It's not pure cajun, but we have a huge Viet-Cajun scene down here and 

Lead producer Dina Kesbeh says, “I love 

The Best Cajun Food in Houston

Every now and then, adults need a moment to pretend like they’re kids again. Maybe it’s time for you to reminisce and ride a go-kart, play an arcade game, or go roller-skating. If you’re looking for childlike fun, then check out these highly entertaining spots across the city. 

 has more than 275 retro and modern arcade games, including classics like Mario Bros. and Pac-Man. They also feature a rotating schedule of food trucks, with places like The Doughcone and Boombox Tacos. While you’re there, drink one of their hard ciders or seltzers. It only costs $12 to play all day, so get moving!

 for a friend’s birthday and had a blast. This place off of Highway 6 is known for its indoor go-karting track, but you can also play mini-golf or laser tag. If you want to try it all, I suggest purchasing their Triple Play package for $27, where you can do one full go-kart race, one round of cosmic mini golf, and one laser tag round.

This might be the most iconic Houston arcade of all time! Grab your friends to go bowling, go-karting, or roller-blading at 

. Play one of their games in the arcade, including skeeball or air hockey. Every Friday night, they open up their roller rink to adults only from 10 p.m. until 1 a.m.

 may not have arcade games for you to play, but you’ll be highly entertained. Play one round of golf for $18 per person. They also have delicious food and tasty signature cocktails designed for each golf course.

What’s your favorite arcade in Houston? Want to share your own review of one of these places mentioned? 

fun activities you can check off your bucket list

 before it’s over. [City Cast Houston 🎧

Every now and then, adults need a moment to pretend like they’re kids again. Maybe it’s time for you to reminisce and ride a go-kart, play a video game, or go roller-skating. If you’re looking for childlike fun, then check out these highly entertaining spots across the city. 

The Best Places for Childlike Fun in Houston 

One thing about me, I love going bowling even though I’m not good 😝 If you’re looking for an air-conditioned activity as the summer winds down, then here are some bowling alleys you need to visit. Let’s check it out!

 at City Centre.This bowling alley is bougie because of its sleek design, but also because bowling on the weekends can be pretty pricey. On Friday nights and Saturday, you’ll have to pay $56 per hour. I suggest going during the week, when bowling during the day is only $10 per hour/per person before 4:00 p.m. However, for the food, drinks, and vibes, the price is worth it. Make sure to try one of their delicious pizzas!

 has tons of entertaining activities, including a bowling alley with affordable prices. During weeknights, grab your friends or family and bowl for only $20 per hour starting at 5 p.m. On Saturdays, you can jam to music and bowl unlimited starting at 10 p.m. for only $20 per person and get free popcorn.

If you’re trying to please a variety of family members, take them to 

 in Houston or Pasadena which offers bowling but also other fun activities. Rent a lane for $48 per hour during the week or for $60 per hour on Friday or Saturday nights. If your family gets bored with bowling, they can eat at the restaurant, head to the arcade, or go on one of the simulator rides.

If you want to skip fancy bowling, then head to 

 near Jersey Village, which is the perfect old school bowling alley. Throw a party here to celebrate the end of summer before Sept. 4 and get a discount on your event.

Where To Bowl in Houston 

Houston has some tasty doughnut spots, but it might be hard to figure out which one you should try. To help you out, I’ve rounded up a list of stand-outs. Let’s take a look.

 is honestly a little less Houston. The first doughnut shop opened in 1936 on Crockett Street, and it’s remained a staple in the city ever since. You’ll see why we can’t get enough of this place, the minute you try one of their classic glazed doughnuts. If you’re a first time visitor, try a glazed doughnut and then a fun iced doughnut like their sugar white or cinnamon sugar. My favorite Shipley’s is the one on Scott Street in Third Ward. Growing up, I went there almost every Sunday after church for a warm glazed doughnut fresh out of the oven.

 until one of my former coworkers at Houston Chronicle brought them in on Fridays. They have so many different flavors it’ll make your head spin. If you love doughnut holes, then pick one of the variety of flavors: red velvet, nutella filled, chocolate glazed, cappuccino cream filled, and the options continue. Don’t leave without trying one of their delicious kolaches (potato, egg, and cheese is my fave.) You can also make your own custom doughnut. Told ya it was bougie!

, but it’s a favorite of City Cast Houston host Raheel Ramzanali. If you’re out in the burbs, you’ll want to try this place because they have locations in Richmond, Sugar Land, Humble, and more. Raheel says his favorites are the blueberry cake iced doughnut, red velvet cake doughnut, and doughnut holes.

 has been a staple in Montrose for years.It comes highly recommended by Hey Houston reader, Beth. She recommends trying their sour cream donuts. If you can’t pick just one doughnut flavor and want to try a variety, then get their assorted half dozen. During the week they open up as early as 4:30 a.m., so you can get a delicious doughnut in your stomach before the sun comes up.

So, did I miss your favorite doughnut place? 

Houston has some tasty doughnut spots, but it might be hard to figure out which one you should try. To help you out, I’ve rounded up a list of some stand-outs. Let’s take a look.

Houston's Best Doughnut Shops 

The summer is winding down fast. If you haven’t checked everything off your bucket list, then we have some ideas to keep the fun going until September. The City Cast Houston crew recently 

shared their tips on the best summer adventures

 to close out the season. Here are some of their best ideas.

City Cast Houston producer Carligon Jones wants to take a quick road trip to Hempstead and check out 

, where you can enjoy a drive-thru petting zoo, go horseback riding, or ATV riding. If you’re ever dreamt of driving a tank and can afford to drop some big bucks, then schedule one of their driving experiences. City Cast Houston host Raheel Ramzanali recommends a road trip to San Marcos, where you can do some outlet shopping and 

If you have some pent up anger you need to get out, then head to 

, where they have 10,000 square feet of space for you to release any excess frustration. Book one of their break sessions for 10 minutes to an hour, where you can break everything in sight. You can also book a paint session to paint yourself, others, and a wall. City Cast Houston lead producer Dina Kesbeh thinks you should venture to 

one of the city’s candlelight concerts.

 at Shell Energy Stadium. If you want to be in air-conditioning, Toyota Center also has 

 to close out the summer, including Stevie Nicks, 50 Cent, LL Cool J, Carin Leon, and Lionel Richie and Earth Wind and Fire.

The summer is winding down fast. If you haven’t checked everything off your bucket list, then we have some ideas to keep the fun going until September. The City Cast Houston crew recently shared their tips on the best summer adventures to close out the season. Here are some of their best ideas.

The Best End-of-Summer Adventures 

Hey Houston readers love a delicious slice of pizza. Below are some of their favorites around the city. If you have a spot that we missed,

Kathy: “Joe's deep dish, whole wheat crust at 

when I’m craving more Italian, thinner crust pizza.

 got myself and my roommate through the pandemic together. The crust is delicious and the toppings selection is great. Of their specialty pizzas, I'm a big fan of the Bianca.”

City Cast Houstonr producer Carlignon Jones hates pizza. So, we attempt to convince her to love 

What's your favorite pizza spot?

Hey Houston readers love a delicious slice of pizza. Below are some of their favorites around the city. If you have a spot that we missed,please let me know.

Houston's Best Pizza Spots

It’s hot, and unfortunately it’s not cooling off any time soon. The best way to cope is with this list of best ice cream spots across Houston. I share some of Marrisa Fiala, creator of @

, picks from our recent podcast episode, but you’ll 

For our suburban readers, this tasty ice cream shop 

, including in Cypress and The Woodlands. City Cast Houston host Raheel Ramzanali enjoys their fruity pebbles ice cream.

, known for making stretchy ice cream originated in the Middle East. They also sell gelato and sorbet to help cool you off on a hot day.

. Some other flavors that sound delightful include campfire s’mores, speckled chocolate mint, and candy bar crunch.

This ice cream food truck makes their donut cones from scratch with cinnamon sugar and nutella or cookie butter biscoff. I know, my mouth watered just writing that. Make sure 

 to see what area of town they’ll be parked.

I’m adding this classic ice cream brand to the list because they serve my favorite dairy-free ice cream: 

 Besides grabbing it from the store, it’s always at 

It’s hot, and unfortunately it’s not cooling off any time soon. The best way to cope is with this list of best ice cream spots across Houston. I share some of Marrisa Fiala, creator of @HoustonHotSpot’s, picks from our recent podcast episode, but you’ll have to listen to the full episode to get all of her favorites.

Houston's Best Ice Cream Shops

If you’re a Houstonian, chances are you enjoy a good taco. Marco A. Torres, taco columnist from Houston Chronicle, recently shared his favorites from around the city. Whether you live inside the loop or in the suburbs, we’ve got you covered!

If you’re inside the city loop, then check out 

inside Bravery Chef Hall, which offers mahi mahi tacos, skirt tacos, and tacos de papas.

 on Emancipation Avenue, has delicious breakfast tacos and other items. This year also marks their 20th anniversary as a family-owned restaurant.

, a Tex-Mex restaurant, offers a range of tacos, including their street double corn tortilla tacos with your choice of barbacoa, chicken, or beef fajita.

Make your tastebuds light up with tacos from 

, which include tacos suaves, four mini beef corn tortilla tacos, or the quesabirria con consome with one large flour tortilla, melted cheese, and shredded beef.

 off of Dunlavy is one of my favorite taco places in Houston to find tasty and inexpensive tacos. Try their taco especial made with eggs, potatoes, chorizo, onions, bell peppers, and cheese.

, try the chicharrón en salsa verde, which is made with pork belly confit sautéed in green tomatillo, fresh herb and serrano sauce, and served with onions, cilantro and salsa taquera.

, the food truck on Fulton Street. His favorite meal to devour: fajitas tacos with green salsa, side of frijoles, and a Mexican Coke.

, a Texas-based company in business for more than 50 years, has amazing tamales, but you also can get breakfast tacos and lunch tacos to satisfy your cravings.

If you’re looking for a wide variety of tasty breakfast tacos, then check out The 

, near the Houston Ship Channel, has tons of taco offerings and a delectable carne asada.

If you want to know Torres’ picks for the south and west side of the city, then listen to 

the rest of his City Cast Houston podcast episode.