Swamp Tour Guide: Checking on Giff (Houston)
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- DSafetyGuy
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Swamp Tour Guide: Checking on Giff (Houston)
I was reminded by this post that I needed to start this thread. After all, the time for my annual trip for timing the anthem has nearly arrived.
In any case, recommendations for places to eat and drink are welcomed, specifically in the area west of downtown near Rice University and near I-69 (staying just south of there near Hot Yoga Houston, Pink's Pizza, River Oaks Paint & Body, Crave Cupcakes, Big Easy Social and Pleasure Club, European Wax Center, Party City, Velvet Melvin Pub, Tease Color & Style Bar, and Amy's Ice Creams).
I'll be in town from January 16 - February 6.
I hope I've made the jokes easy enough for all of you.
In any case, recommendations for places to eat and drink are welcomed, specifically in the area west of downtown near Rice University and near I-69 (staying just south of there near Hot Yoga Houston, Pink's Pizza, River Oaks Paint & Body, Crave Cupcakes, Big Easy Social and Pleasure Club, European Wax Center, Party City, Velvet Melvin Pub, Tease Color & Style Bar, and Amy's Ice Creams).
I'll be in town from January 16 - February 6.
I hope I've made the jokes easy enough for all of you.
“The running, the jumping... a celebration of life.”
Re: Swamp Tour Guide: Checking on Giff (Houston)
I cast my vote for the St. Arnold Brewing Company. Place is laid out like a beer hall. Decent eats and great beer.
Noli Timere Messorem
Re: Swamp Tour Guide: Checking on Giff (Houston)
EnochRoot wrote:I cast my...d...in...any...Decent...t and...a...
honeypotDSafetyGuy wrote:I hope I've made the jokes easy enough for all of you.
I felt aswirl with warm secretions.
Re: Swamp Tour Guide: Checking on Giff (Houston)
Well, his resolution is halfway met.
mister d wrote:Couldn't have pegged me better.
EnochRoot wrote:I mean, whatever. Johnnie's all hot cuz I ride him.
Re: Swamp Tour Guide: Checking on Giff (Houston)
I'll have a ton of recommendations. I work really close to there.
well this is gonna be someone's new signature - bronto
- DSafetyGuy
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Re: Swamp Tour Guide: Checking on Giff (Houston)
I now understand the need to check in Giff electronically is based on the fact that (almost) no Swamper has ever been to the Houston area, save for the airport when changing flights.
“The running, the jumping... a celebration of life.”
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Re: Swamp Tour Guide: Checking on Giff (Houston)
Oh, I've been. But I wouldn't recommend the FInal Four while you're there. It sucked when I was there.
Hold on, I'm trying to see if Jack London ever gets this fire built or not.
Re: Swamp Tour Guide: Checking on Giff (Houston)
I've been too but don't remember a damn thing about it. Stayed near the Galleria and went to an Astros game (was like the 7th or 8th game ever at Enron Field). That's literally about all I remember.
Bandwagon fan of the 2023 STANLEY CUP CHAMPIONS!
Re: Swamp Tour Guide: Checking on Giff (Houston)
I've been multiple times for work. It isn't one of my favorite cities to visit, regardless of Giff's status or residency. But I had a great time the day we got together for beers and morning soccer.DSafetyGuy wrote:I now understand the need to check in Giff electronically is based on the fact that (almost) no Swamper has ever been to the Houston area, save for the airport when changing flights.
THERE’S NOWT WRONG WITH GALA LUNCHEONS, LAD!
Re: Swamp Tour Guide: Checking on Giff (Houston)
Houston's got many flaws, but I think it's a very underrated city when it comes to restaurants, arts, outdoor space and diversity. Both Harris (majority of Houston) and Fort Bend (suburbs where I live west and southwest of city) were blue this year.
From where you are, I'd recommend hitting up some of the following spots:
El Tiempo - the best fajitas I've ever had. The garlic butter they come with is unreal good.
Torchy's Tacos - I love this place, but their tacos aren't standard. Give it a try if you never have.
100% Taquito - great tacos
La Tapatia - another place with great tacos and burritos
Ruggles Black - nicer joint which is good if you're expensing it
Local Foods - great sandwiches
The Hay Merchant - all craft beer which a bar menu created by one of the more famous chefs in Houston. They truly only serve craft beer.
Underbelly - restaurant next to The Hay Merchant ran by the aforementioned famous chef
Star Pizza - deep dish
Pink's Pizza - thinner crust, more by the slice
Freebird's - what Chipotle wishes it could be
Punk's Simple Southern Food - great fried chicken
Hughies - Vietnamese and craft beer place. Best vermicelli I've ever had.
Himalaya - I've actually never eaten here as I've never really been into Indian food. That's changed, so I'll be there soon. They supposedly have amazing fried chicken too.
Gatlins - BBQ
Will you have a car? My office is at 610/69 interchange literally across the street from the Galleria.
From where you are, I'd recommend hitting up some of the following spots:
El Tiempo - the best fajitas I've ever had. The garlic butter they come with is unreal good.
Torchy's Tacos - I love this place, but their tacos aren't standard. Give it a try if you never have.
100% Taquito - great tacos
La Tapatia - another place with great tacos and burritos
Ruggles Black - nicer joint which is good if you're expensing it
Local Foods - great sandwiches
The Hay Merchant - all craft beer which a bar menu created by one of the more famous chefs in Houston. They truly only serve craft beer.
Underbelly - restaurant next to The Hay Merchant ran by the aforementioned famous chef
Star Pizza - deep dish
Pink's Pizza - thinner crust, more by the slice
Freebird's - what Chipotle wishes it could be
Punk's Simple Southern Food - great fried chicken
Hughies - Vietnamese and craft beer place. Best vermicelli I've ever had.
Himalaya - I've actually never eaten here as I've never really been into Indian food. That's changed, so I'll be there soon. They supposedly have amazing fried chicken too.
Gatlins - BBQ
Will you have a car? My office is at 610/69 interchange literally across the street from the Galleria.
well this is gonna be someone's new signature - bronto
- DSafetyGuy
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Re: Swamp Tour Guide: Checking on Giff (Houston)
Thanks for the list. I'll be working at NRG and normally will be working until 7pm post days. There will likely be a couple shorter days next week and I may be off on Sunday, the 22nd, but a friend who has moved to Austin may be coming in Saturday night (and will probably find out on Saturday afternoon if I am off).Giff wrote:Will you have a car? My office is at 610/69 interchange literally across the street from the Galleria.
I should have no problem getting my hands on a car if you want to meet up. Our group will be sharing around six rental cars spread among about 20 people and I only have to work out scheduling getting one around other people needing to go shopping, etc., but that's usually not difficult. Hotel is on Westgate about a mile east from 610.
“The running, the jumping... a celebration of life.”
Re: Swamp Tour Guide: Checking on Giff (Houston)
Our office is very close to yours, Giff. Have you ever gone to The Burger Palace on West Alabama Street? If not, check it out. I had some excellent burgers there, and they had an outstanding beer selection.Giff wrote:Will you have a car? My office is at 610/69 interchange literally across the street from the Galleria.
THERE’S NOWT WRONG WITH GALA LUNCHEONS, LAD!
Re: Swamp Tour Guide: Checking on Giff (Houston)
Westgate or Westpark? The car question was more for some of the places on the list that would be easier to get to by car. I can meet up wherever you want. If it's going to be a post-work thing instead of lunch, let me know so I can make sure I have a car since I carpool Mon-Fri.DSafetyGuy wrote:Thanks for the list. I'll be working at NRG and normally will be working until 7pm post days. There will likely be a couple shorter days next week and I may be off on Sunday, the 22nd, but a friend who has moved to Austin may be coming in Saturday night (and will probably find out on Saturday afternoon if I am off).Giff wrote:Will you have a car? My office is at 610/69 interchange literally across the street from the Galleria.
I should have no problem getting my hands on a car if you want to meet up. Our group will be sharing around six rental cars spread among about 20 people and I only have to work out scheduling getting one around other people needing to go shopping, etc., but that's usually not difficult. Hotel is on Westgate about a mile east from 610.
Also, adding Bubba's Burgers (SW corner of 610/69 interchange on Westpark). I get the buffalo patty melt every few weeks (buffalo meat, not buffalo wing sauce)
well this is gonna be someone's new signature - bronto
Re: Swamp Tour Guide: Checking on Giff (Houston)
I surprisingly haven't. Need to check it out. There's also a Shake Shack in the Galleria now that I'm wanting to try.Sabo wrote:Our office is very close to yours, Giff. Have you ever gone to The Burger Palace on West Alabama Street? If not, check it out. I had some excellent burgers there, and they had an outstanding beer selection.Giff wrote:Will you have a car? My office is at 610/69 interchange literally across the street from the Galleria.
well this is gonna be someone's new signature - bronto
Re: Swamp Tour Guide: Checking on Giff (Houston)
from my limited time spent in Houston this past year, i'd recommend
The Flying Saucer (guess that's downtown? great selection.. the food was pretty good too.. can't speak badly about the bartenders or other barflys either)
The Queen Vic Pub & Kitchen -- really enjoyed the whole thing..atmosphere, food, music, beers..
The Flying Saucer (guess that's downtown? great selection.. the food was pretty good too.. can't speak badly about the bartenders or other barflys either)
The Queen Vic Pub & Kitchen -- really enjoyed the whole thing..atmosphere, food, music, beers..
Re: Swamp Tour Guide: Checking on Giff (Houston)
Never been there. Need to check it out.elflaco wrote: The Queen Vic Pub & Kitchen -- really enjoyed the whole thing..atmosphere, food, music, beers..
well this is gonna be someone's new signature - bronto
- Brontoburglar
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Re: Swamp Tour Guide: Checking on Giff (Houston)
Flying Sauceris the best chain bar in the ... midwest? country? 100 beers and $3.50 crafts is not a bad combination.
"We're not the smartest people in the world. We go down the straightaway and turn left. That's literally what we do." -- Clint Bowyer
Re: Swamp Tour Guide: Checking on Giff (Houston)
We got us one in Raleigh. Looks like there are about 15 of them in the south and midwest. Mostly Texas. http://www.beerknurd.com/locationsBrontoburglar wrote:Flying Sauceris the best chain bar in the ... midwest? country? 100 beers and $3.50 crafts is not a bad combination.
Totally Kafkaesque
- DSafetyGuy
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Re: Swamp Tour Guide: Checking on Giff (Houston)
Sorry, Westpark. Maybe Westgate is lodged in my brain as the "entertainment district" (shopping center) not far from University of Phoenix Stadium.Giff wrote:Westgate or Westpark? The car question was more for some of the places on the list that would be easier to get to by car. I can meet up wherever you want. If it's going to be a post-work thing instead of lunch, let me know so I can make sure I have a car since I carpool Mon-Fri.DSafetyGuy wrote:Thanks for the list. I'll be working at NRG and normally will be working until 7pm post days. There will likely be a couple shorter days next week and I may be off on Sunday, the 22nd, but a friend who has moved to Austin may be coming in Saturday night (and will probably find out on Saturday afternoon if I am off).Giff wrote:Will you have a car? My office is at 610/69 interchange literally across the street from the Galleria.
I should have no problem getting my hands on a car if you want to meet up. Our group will be sharing around six rental cars spread among about 20 people and I only have to work out scheduling getting one around other people needing to go shopping, etc., but that's usually not difficult. Hotel is on Westgate about a mile east from 610.
Also, adding Bubba's Burgers (SW corner of 610/69 interchange on Westpark). I get the buffalo patty melt every few weeks (buffalo meat, not buffalo wing sauce)
“The running, the jumping... a celebration of life.”
Re: Swamp Tour Guide: Checking on Giff (Houston)
So like a southern Yard House?Shirley wrote:We got us one in Raleigh. Looks like there are about 15 of them in the south and midwest. Mostly Texas. http://www.beerknurd.com/locationsBrontoburglar wrote:Flying Sauceris the best chain bar in the ... midwest? country? 100 beers and $3.50 crafts is not a bad combination.
- Brontoburglar
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Re: Swamp Tour Guide: Checking on Giff (Houston)
beer is cheaper, the beer list is better, the food is cheaper and the atmosphere is more laid back at the Saucermister d wrote:So like a southern Yard House?Shirley wrote:We got us one in Raleigh. Looks like there are about 15 of them in the south and midwest. Mostly Texas. http://www.beerknurd.com/locationsBrontoburglar wrote:Flying Sauceris the best chain bar in the ... midwest? country? 100 beers and $3.50 crafts is not a bad combination.
"We're not the smartest people in the world. We go down the straightaway and turn left. That's literally what we do." -- Clint Bowyer
Re: Swamp Tour Guide: Checking on Giff (Houston)
What he said. And we have Yard Houses down here too.Brontoburglar wrote:beer is cheaper, the beer list is better, the food is cheaper and the atmosphere is more laid back at the Saucermister d wrote:So like a southern Yard House?Shirley wrote:We got us one in Raleigh. Looks like there are about 15 of them in the south and midwest. Mostly Texas. http://www.beerknurd.com/locationsBrontoburglar wrote:Flying Sauceris the best chain bar in the ... midwest? country? 100 beers and $3.50 crafts is not a bad combination.
well this is gonna be someone's new signature - bronto
Re: Swamp Tour Guide: Checking on Giff (Houston)
so back in Houston!
only a short trip.. but thanks to Stella, now here through Wednesday
Where's Giff?
only a short trip.. but thanks to Stella, now here through Wednesday
Where's Giff?
Re: Swamp Tour Guide: Checking on Giff (Houston)
i feel so unwanted
MOTHERFUCKING 2017 WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS!!!Gunpowder wrote:you transcend douchedom.
Re: Swamp Tour Guide: Checking on Giff (Houston)
doh!
sorry TT... totally forgot you were here.
sorry TT... totally forgot you were here.
Re: Swamp Tour Guide: Checking on Giff (Houston)
Just seeing this. What time are you leaving today?
well this is gonna be someone's new signature - bronto
Re: Swamp Tour Guide: Checking on Giff (Houston)
last meeting ends @ 1030am - then flight @ 225p
next week in wilmington
then two weeks in NY
then a week in glendale
then back in houston... i'ma be back here every three weeks or so.
next week in wilmington
then two weeks in NY
then a week in glendale
then back in houston... i'ma be back here every three weeks or so.
Re: Swamp Tour Guide: Checking on Giff (Houston)
[consciously non-creepy voice] Where do you stay when you're in Wilmington? Seems like the downtown hotels are fully booked more often than not mid-week these days.
Re: Swamp Tour Guide: Checking on Giff (Houston)
it's close enough that i often just do up and down same day on amtrak.
otherwise...The Sheraton Suites on delaware ave.. or The Westin (not downtown, down by the riverfront.
haven't stayed anywhere else.
otherwise...The Sheraton Suites on delaware ave.. or The Westin (not downtown, down by the riverfront.
haven't stayed anywhere else.
Re: Swamp Tour Guide: Checking on Giff (Houston)
both.
usually the pub though.
if at the Westin, then iron hill
usually the pub though.
if at the Westin, then iron hill