Montrose since its inception has represented Houston’s counterculture. Like, think of it as the Austin of Houston, but more so.
“Indeed, when Austin was still a relatively straitlaced Southern college town, Montrose had already unfurled its freak flag. … Montrose, and not Austin, as the true birthplace of Texas counterculture.” — Texas Monthly
We define Montrose to be bordered by Shepherd Dr. to the west, Buffalo Bayou to the north, and Southwest Fwy to the south, and Taft/Tuam/527 Spur to the east. The history of the small neighborhood, which dates back to 1911, hosts one of the world’s largest gay pride parades and is home to award-winning restaurants and bars, while still managing to be a pretty residential neighborhood.
The eclectic spirit of Montrose constantly draws us in and we’re constantly found hanging out in this part of town!
Where you need to go
- Best Fabulous Pasta: Riva’s
- Best Pasta: Paulie’s
- Best Gyro: Niko Niko’s
- Best Happy Hour: Doc’s Motorworks (also for brunch)
- Best Fancy Happy Hour: Riel
- Best Dinner to Impress your Parents/Date: Uchi
- Best (Less Fancy) Sushi: Osaka
- Best Ramen: Ramen Tatsu-ya
- Best Burger: The Burger Joint
- Best Pizza: Cane Rosso
- Best BBQ: Brookstreet BBQ
- Best Patio: Pax Americana
- Best Dog-Friendly Spot: Brooklyn Athletic Club
- Best Queso: Baby Barnaby’s
- Best First Date Spot: Bar Boheme
- Best Coffee Spot: Cafe Brasil
- Best Pastries: Common Bond
- Best Cocktail: Anvil
- Best Girl’s Day: Emmaline
- Best Downtown View: The Rosemont
- Best Place to Dance the Night Away: Etro
- Best Make Out Spot: Stone’s Throw
- Best Wine: Max’s Wine Dive
- Best Barre: The Bar Method
- Best Yoga: Big Power Yoga
- Best Spot to Sweat: Bounce Class at Define
- Best Park/Dog Park: Ervan Chew Park
- Best Boutique: Space Montrose
- Best Event Venue: Life HTX
- Best Mural: Biscuit Paint Wall
- Best Grocery Store: H-E-B on West Alabama and Dunlavy
- Best Juice: Nourish
- Best Museum: The Menil Collection
- Best Thrift Shop: The Guild
- Best Margarita: La Grange
- Best Study Spot: Agora
- Best Spa Day: Chic Lash Boutique
- Best Beer: Hay Merchant
- Best Sunday Funday Bar: Present Company
- Best Champagne Selection: a’Bouzy
- Best Frose: East Hampton Sandwich Co.
- Best Honky Tonk: Goodnight Charlie’s
- Best Sports Bar: Brooklyn Athletic Club
- Best Boxing Studio: Vortex Texas
- Best Pho: Les Noo’dle
What you need to know
Most of Houston has a pretty fair building occupancy to parking spot ratio. A lot of older Montrose buildings are grandfathered in and don’t have to follow that fun little rule. In summary, parking SUCKS. Plenty of places valet (for free!) and there are street parkings, but follow the rules. You WILL get ticketed or towed.
Mark your calendars for GREEKFEST! The annual event is historic. Grab your friends, pile up a plate of tiropitas and hummus and pop open a bottle of wine. More here.
Also, if you’re lucky, you might see Juan Carlos, Houston’s infamous roller bladder, skating around town–keep your eyes peeled at the corner of Montrose and Allen Parkway.
Montrose is also mostly known as Houston’s gay neighborhood gayborhood. While, yes, there are several gay bars in the area, know Montrose is so much more than that, however rejoice in the history of our fun mecca of culture.
Westhiemer is a pivotal Houston street that stretches all the way from close to Downtown to the Katy suburbs. It’s straight the entire way, except for the infamous Westheimer Curve which is surrounded by Montrose nightlife–bars, tattoo parlors, late night taco shops, discos and more! This stretch is particularly lively during Halloween, where many bars block off their parking lots and throw a massive street party! If the nightlight scene isn’t enough for you in Montrose, you’re walking distance to some spots in Midtown and are only a short cab ride away to Downtown and Washington Ave.
Just can’t get enough? Here’s everything we’ve written about Montrose.
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