Who can get bored in Montrose? This eclectic neighborhood just west of downtown Houston isn’t just full of trendy restaurants, iconic spots, breathtaking art, cool coffee shops, and other fun places to explore. It’s a whole vibe. This month, we’re spotlighting what makes Montrose special. Let’s start with a guide to this one-of-a-kind neighborhood!
The Iconic Spots
For me, there’s something special about walking underneath the large trees by the Menil Collection. The people-watching — seeing folks gather for picnics, flow in yoga poses or walk their dogs across the lawn— is an excellent escape. Make sure to also go inside the Menil and check out their renowned art collection, where admission is always free. Then, take a moment to reflect inside the Rothko Chapel, a spiritual space that features giant murals by American abstract artist Mark Rothoko. Seriously, you can get lost in those deep blues and purples! Step outside again, and admire the breathtaking Broken Obelisk, honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Grab a bite from the absolutely delicious Bistro Menil, which is sadly closing later this month 🥲
Walk Down Westheimer
To soak up all the Montrose vibes, you have to explore Westheimer. Go shopping at one of their vintage shops like Leopard Lounge or Pavement. Grab a Texas-inspired gift at Space Montrose. Stop in for a classic cocktail at Anvil, or dance the night away at Numbers. (Every Friday is 80s night, and some people have been moving to Depeche Mode for years!) Stop for a coffee on Empire’s delightful patio. For dinner, grab a bite at the appetizing Italian restaurant Paulie’s. (I’ll have more food recs in next week’s newsletter 😉)
Gems of Montrose
One thing that really sets Montrose apart from other Houston neighborhoods is the art and music. Enjoy spoken word from talented local poets on the patio at AvantGarden on Wednesday nights. Check out the rainbow-colored crosswalk at Westheimer and Taft, an art installation that honors Montrose’s history as a place for Houston’s LGBTQ community to gather and organize. Grab a beer, play some darts, or laugh out loud during one of the weekly comedy shows at Rudyard’s Pub, aka the “living room of Montrose.” Look through vinyls or attend a live music event at Cactus Music, a longtime destination for music lovers. If you want to admire even more local creativity, check out exhibitions at the Houston Center for Photography or Art League Houston.
