Whether you call it Uptown or the Galleria Area (like us OG Houstonians), boy have we got a staycation idea for you! It includes: shopping (duh), seafood, rosé all day, and more! Here’s our Houston Galleria Area Staycation Guide!
Stay: Hotel Derek
Maybe a year or so back, Hotel Derek underwent some renovations. Now, the hotel was no scrub before, but the renovations took it that extra mile!! I snagged a suite [!!] and had this amazing view of River Oaks and a little peek at Downtown!
Hotel Derek has a quirky vibe [think: Hotel Zaza, but less weird.. ;)]. Their cow greets you at the door and in your closet, you might have a cow print robe [featured here]. Other highlights include: The cutest little pool on the first floor, fully stocked mini bars, and bar/restaurant onsite. Plus, the Hotel Derek mobile can take you to any surrounding location, like…
Brunch: Fig & Olive
Three words: Bubbles and Brunch.
I seriously considered leaving it there like that, but I’ll elaborate for those, unlike me, who aren’t immediately sold by champagne-paired brunching. Fig and Olive is the cutest addition to The Galleria’s recent renovations [so many renovations!]. Expect Mediterranean cuisine, slightly higher prices, and exceptional service.
The brunch menu was overwhelming…so we opted just for the champagne pairing prix fix menu that was three courses [!!] and had a different type of champagne or champagne cocktail. I believe the total was around $50 per person, but we were so full and satisfied. Treat yo’self! You’re on staycation!
Do: Shop
I mean, I think it would be illegal to publish this guide without mentioning the actual Galleria. Call me crazy, but I love ice skating in the summer. For one, you can work off your champagne cocktails…. for two, it’s cool! Name something else cool in Houston in July I’ll wait.
Dine & Drink: Loch Bar and Ouzo Bay
Would you rather: Cheers over cocktails or cheers over oysters? At Loch Bar or its next-door neighbor, Ouzo Bay, you really don’t have to choose.
I’d recommend drinks and apps at one place followed by dinner at the other — so that you get to check out each place! I did Ouzo Bay then Loch Bar, but honestly you could do either way. Both have amazing drink menus and food menus.
What was great about Loch Bar was their crudo bar! SO many different oysters — I was a kid in a candy shop! You order a la carte, so I literally just got one of each almost. Also, both places had amazing bread to nibble on. Ouzo’s was olive bread and Loch’s was topped with buttery perfection.
Loch Bar turns out to be a fun late night hang. They have live music every day!
Post dinner ideas:
Wanna keep the party going? Here are some recommendations.
- Catch a flick at iPic. Also in River Oaks District, you can scurry on over to check out a movie! Full bar and restaurant here too!
- Second-floor drinks at Le Colonial. I love the upstairs area at Le Colonial for drinks. They host events but any weekend can get a little rowdy — River Oaks Rowdy, so like, nothing crazy.
- Drinks at Moxie’s. Moxie’s is this weird combination of glam and sports bar. They’re open late so it’s great for keeping the night going!