ShareThisHouston Without a Car
Exploring Houston’s Urban Landscape Aboard the METRORail
Heading out in Houston? Give the car a brake and let the city’s 7.5-mile METRORail handle all of the legwork. Set along Main Street, the wallet-friendly rail begins downtown and extends through the Museum District and Texas Medical Center before ending at Reliant Park. Catch the line and take advantage of its proximity to more than 70 dining and nightlife options, professional sports arenas, cultural institutions and the largest medical center in the world.
Below is a breakdown of what there is to see and do off the METRORail’s different stops:
DOWNTOWN
RAIL STOP: UH-Downtown
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SPAGHETTI WAREHOUSE Traditional, made-from-scratch Italian fare is the specialty here. You can expect American portions! 3 blocks @ 901 Commerce St.
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UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON-DOWNTOWN UHD is a publicly-supported, urban university located in Houston's central business district. With a student body of more than 13,000, UHD is ranked the second-largest university in the Houston area. 0 blocks @ 320 N Main St
ALLEN’S LANDING Often described as “Houston’s Plymouth Rock,” Allen’s Landing is the birthplace of Houston. This historic spot overlooks White Oak Bayou and Buffalo Bayou and features a revitalized concrete paved wharf, promenade, walking trails and a terrace overlooking the bayou. 2 blocks @ 1001 Commerce St.
RAIL STOP: Preston
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BYRD’S MARKET & CAFÉ A gourmet market and restaurant that offers breakfast, lunch and a basic supply of household necessities. ½ block @ 420 Main St.
VOICE The ultra-chic restaurant at Hotel Icon features dishes that are uniquely vibrant in taste and preparation. 1 block @ 220 Main St.
EL REY TAQUERIA A fast, Cuban-Mexican concept that serves delicious tacos for breakfast and lunch, and on weekends it serves late night grub until 3AM. 1 ½ blocks @ 233 Main St.
HEARSAY GASTRO LOUNGE Expect upscale pub grub at this historically-hip downtown spot. 2 blocks @ 218 Travis St.
FRANK’S PIZZA Downtown pizza joint is known for its hand-tossed specialties and 3 a.m. closing time. 2 blocks @ 417 Travis St.
17 RESTAURANT Critically hailed inventive New American cuisine characterizes this chic downtown eatery in the Alden Hotel. 3 blocks @ 1117 Prairie St.
LES GIVRAL’S Bahn mi (sandwiches), pho (noodle soup), spring rolls, eggs rolls and other snacks form the basis of this inexpensive, order-at-the-counter Vietnamese restaurant. 3 blocks @ 801 Congress St.
NIKO NIKO'S Gyro lovers on the go have a new place to snag savory kabobs, hummus and authentic Greek fare at Niko Niko's new Market Square outpost. 3 blocks @ 301 Milam
SPAGHETTI WAREHOUSE Traditional, made-from-scratch Italian fare is the specialty here. You can expect American portions! 4 blocks @ 901 Commerce St.
BISTRO LANCASTER Take in a pre-theater meal at this cozy bistro in The Lancaster Hotel. 5 blocks @ 701 Texas Ave.
VIC & ANTHONY’S STEAKHOUSE Award-winning steakhouse featuring the finest prime beef and seafood and a distinguished wine list. 6 blocks @ 1510 Texas St.
IRMA'S SOUTHWEST GRILL This small upscale bistro serves downtown lunch-goers a short and ever-changing Tex-Mex and southwestern menu. 6 blocks @ 1314 Texas St.
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DEAN’S CREDIT CLOTHING A laid-back mood and hip atmosphere is the feel at this funky downtown bar housed a 1930s clothing store. ½ block @ 316 Main St.
SHAY MCELROY'S IRISH PUB Shay McElroy's in the Rice Lofts building downtown takes the Irish-pub-in-America concept to a new level. 1 ½ blocks @ 909 Texas St.
WARREN’S INN This classic downtown bar holds its own amid downtown's revitalization. 2 blocks @ 307 Travis St.
LA CARAFE Housed in one of the oldest buildings in Houston, this cozy wine bar offers unbeatable ambience and a very enviable wine selection. 2 ½ blocks @ 813 Congress St.
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HOTEL ICON This cosmopolitan boutique hotel, set in a 1911 bank building, offers timeless design and fabulous amenities. 1 block @ 220 Main St.
THE MAGNOLIA HOTEL This upscale luxury boutique hotel offers all the full service amenities and services of a four-star hotel. 2 ½ blocks @ 1100 Texas Ave.
THE ALDEN A luxury boutique hotel featuring contemporary design and amenities and the award-winning 17 Restaurant. 3 blocks @ 1117 Prairie St.
HOTEL LANCASTER Houston's original small luxury hotel evokes a feeling of comfort and convenience, combining traditional European decor and charm with high-tech amenities. 5 blocks @ 701 Texas Ave.
INN AT THE BALLPARK Sports fans will love this baseball-themed hotel, located across the street from Minute Maid Park. 7 blocks @ 1520 Texas Ave.
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MARKET SQUARE PARK Nestled in Houston's Historic District, Market Square Park provides a place for entertainment, dining, public art and-yes-green space. 3 blocks @ 301 Milam
SAMBUCA Enjoy live music at this stylish supper club located inside the historic Rice Hotel. 2 ½ blocks @ 909 Texas Ave.
THEATER DISTRICT Just blocks from the rail, Houston's 17-block Theater District draws a faithful following for Grammy, Tony and Emmy-award winning performances by the Houston Ballet, Houston Grand Opera, Alley Theatre and Houston Symphony. 5 ½ blocks @ 615 Texas Ave.
MINUTE MAID PARK Root for the Houston Astros at downtown’s Minute Maid Park, where a retractable roof affords open-air seating on beautiful Houston evenings. Baseball season is April through October. 8 blocks @ 501 Crawford St.
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RAIL STOP: Main Street Square
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MCCORMICK & SCHMICKS This popular seafood spot is downtown’s leading authority in fresh seafood offering. 1 block @ 1201 Fannin St.
GUADALAJARA DEL CENTRO An extensive Mexican menu complements the south-of-the-border flair at this bustling eatery. 2 blocks @ 1201 San Jacinto St.
ANDALUCIA TAPAS & TAVERNA Provides diners with an extensive menu of authentic hot and cold Spanish tapas and a well-priced wine list. 2 blocks @ 1201 San Jacinto St.
MIA BELLA Downtown convenience and inventive Italian fare define this longtime favorite. 2 blocks @ 1201 San Jacinto St.
ZIGGY'S GRILL Health-conscious diners flock to Ziggy's for the varied menu and light-hearted atmosphere. Dishes are available for any diet, including low-fat, low-sugar, low-carb or vegetarian. 2 blocks @ 702 Main St.
STRIP HOUSE This upscale New York-style steakhouse has some of the best steaks in the city. And the sides are nothing short of spectacular. 2 ½ blocks @ 1200 McKinney St.
THE GROVE Nestled inside the beautiful Discovery Green park, this two-story, ultra-urban restaurant offers a variety of steaks, seafood and rotisserie specialties. 5 blocks @ 1500 McKinney St.
THE LAKE HOUSE A family friendly fast casual concept located in the heart of the 12- acre Discovery Green park. 5 blocks @ 1500 McKinney St.
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FLYING SAUCER DRAUGHT EMPORIUM A laid-back bar offering 85 taps from all over the world and just down the road. 2 blocks @ 705 Main St.
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THE COURTYARD/RESIDENCE INN BY MARRIOTT Located adjacent to one another, both these Marriott hotels surround travelers with the conveniences that make business and pleasure travel easy. ½ block @ 904 Dallas St.
FOUR SEASONS HOTEL Located in the heart of downtown Houston, Four Seasons resonates with the cosmopolitan elegance and refined Southern charm that characterizes Houston. 3 blocks @1300 Lamar St.
HYATT REGENCY Provides an upscale experience for convention groups as well as business and leisure travelers. 4 blocks @ 1200 Louisiana St.
HILTON AMERICAS-HOUSTON Houston’s 4-story state-of-the-art convention hotel offers over 1,200 guestrooms, including both one and two-bedroom suites. 6 blocks @ 1600 Lamar St.
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MACY’S At the center of downtown’s shopping district is Macy’s, located in the building of Houston’s oldest department store. 1/3 block @ 1110 Main St.
HOUSTON PAVILIONS Downtown’s sleek new entertainment and retail hub offers 700,000 square feet of stylish restaurants, clubs and shops. 1/2 block @ 1201 Main St.
- SHOPPING Houston Pavilions is home to Forever 21, BCBG and Books-A-Million. ½ block @ 1201 Main St.
- PETE’S DUELING PIANO BAR High-energy piano performances take the stage at this new Houston Pavilions-set bar. 1 block @ 1201 Fannin St.
- LUCKY STRIKE LANES Houston Pavilions strikes gold with this upscale bowling alley. 2 blocks @ 1201 San Jacinto St.
- HOUSE OF BLUES This multi-level music hall offers a richly unique entertainment experience as well as traditional American cuisine with a Southern flair. 3 blocks @ 1204 Caroline St.
DISCOVERY GREEN PARK Houston's 12-acre downtown park offers year-round activities and arts programming, as well as two destination restaurants. 5 blocks @ 1500 McKinney St.
URBAN HARVEST FARMERS MARKET AT DISCOVERY GREEN Shop for fresh-squeezed juices, organic fruits and vegetables, fresh flowers and seafood every Sunday from noon- 4pm. 5 blocks @ 1500 McKinney St.
HOUSTON VISITORS CENTER Make a stop at City Hall for maps, guides, tours and Houston information. 5 blocks @ 901 Bagby St.
TOYOTA CENTER Watch the red-hot Rockets lay-up and dunk in downtown’s Toyota Center. Basketball season is October through April. Fans also flock to the Toyota Center for high-energy Aeros hockey and action-packed AHL competition. Hockey season is October through April. 6 blocks @ 1510 Polk St.
GEORGE R. BROWN CONVENTION CENTER Located in the heart of thriving downtown Houston, the GRB is the City's premier convention venue, playing host to hundreds of conventions, tradeshows, meeting and events annually. 6 blocks @ 1001 Avenida De Las Americas
THE HERITAGE SOCIETY AT SAM HOUSTON PARK Learn about Houston's past at Sam Houston Park on the western edge of downtown and take a guided tour of the eight historic structures in the park, all maintained by Houston's Heritage Society. 6 blocks @ 1100 Bagby St.
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MIDTOWN
RAIL STOP: Downtown Transit Center
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FARRAGO This Midtown bistro serves fusion cuisine in modern quarters. 8 blocks @ 318 Gray St.
CYCLONE ANAYA’S This tasty Tex-Mex restaurants brings its mix of margarita-fueled fun and upscale casual dining to Midtown.
8 blocks @ 309 Gray St.
THE FISH This Midtown sushi stop scores high on glam with mood lighting and above-average fare. 8 blocks @ 309 Gray St.
COCO’S CREPES & COFFEE Coco's has great drinks, a friendly staff and the best crepes in town! 9 blocks @ 218 Gray St.
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CHRISTIAN’S TAILGATE A Houston tradition for over 70 years, Christian's Tailgate has long been a Midtown favorite for burgers, beer and sports. 6 blocks @ 2000 Bagby St.
FRONT PORCH PUB This Midtown favorite boasts 44 draught beers and more than 50 bottles. 9 blocks @ 217 Gray St.
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RAIL STOP: McGowen
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REEF Dedicated restaurant hounds should hustle to check out REEF, named the No. 1 seafood restaurant in America by bon appétit. 1 ½ blocks @ 2600 Travis St.
IBIZA FOOD & WINE As sexy as its island namesake, this hot spot buzzes with Mediterranean bites and airy, clean-edged design. 3 blocks @ 2450 Louisiana St.
RUBY TEQUILA’S Fresh "Mex-Tex" fare based on the recipes of a legendary cattle drive cook’s daughter. 3 blocks @ 2616 Louisiana St.
EL PATIO A first-rate plate of onion-y enchiladas with chili gravy is the star at this local favorite Tex-Mex restaurant. 6 blocks @ 2416 Brazos St.
DAMIAN’S CUCINA ITALIANA Perched on the edge of downtown, this eatery balances novelty Italian with a palatable sophisticated freshness. 8 blocks @ 3011 Smith St.
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NOUVEAU ANTIQUE ART BAR Dozens of reproduction Tiffany lamps hang from the ceiling of this romantic Midtown watering hole. 3 blocks @ 2913 Main St.
THE ROOF The cool 80s glam rock bar offers a jaw-dropping view of the downtown skyline. 3 blocks @ 2800 Travis St.
SAMMY’S The place to go for live Soul and Motown music and dancing. 5 blocks @ 2016 Main St.
13 CELSIUS Old-world ambiance and a well-edited wine list find a home at this charming Midtown wine bar and retail shop. 6 blocks @ 3000 Caroline St.
HOWL AT THE MOON This dueling piano bar creates a lively scene, with singing and celebrating and occasional table-standing debauchery. 6 blocks @ 612 Hadley St.
PUB FICTION This Midtown pub offers live music, plenty of drink specials, and ample outdoor patio. 6 blocks @ 2303 Smith St.
BRAZOS RIVER BOTTOM The thirty-something, Wrangler-wearing clientele flock to this gay-friendly spot for its drink specials, Thursday-night dance lessons and a laid-back vibe. 7 blocks @ 2400 Brazos St.
LITTLE WOODROW’S This relaxed beer garden boasts more than 100 beers (22 on tap), happy hour specials and a sports-friendly crowd. 7 blocks @ 2306 Brazos St.
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HOUSTON FIRE MUSEUM This museum is dedicated to educating the community on fire, life safety and the history of the fire service. 3 blocks @ 2403 Milam St.
SPEC’S LIQUOR WAREHOUSE Spec’s is a true destination shopping experience, offering over 40,000 labels of wines, spirits, liqueurs, beers, and finer foods in its 80,000 square foot building. 6 blocks @ 2410 Smith St.
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RAIL STOP: Ensemble/HCC
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TACOS A GO-GO Good food and good prices define this casual, yet funky Midtown restaurant. ½ block @ 3704 Main St.
JULIA’S BISTRO This colorful bistro spices up Midtown with creative Latin fusion cuisine. 1 block @ 3722 Main St.
THE BREAKFAST KLUB Catfish and grits, wings and waffles top a tempting array of breakfast favorites at this cozy comfort food zone. 1 ½ blocks @ 3711 Travis St.
T’AFIA Monica Pope's simple Midtown haven transforms local market fodder into culinary sensations. 1½ blocks @ 3701 Travis St.
SUSHI RAKU A new hip fusion concept offering signature sushi dishes in a chic, modern setting. 6 blocks @ 3201 Louisiana St.
BRENNAN’S OF HOUSTON Brennan’s Texas Creole-inspired menu is a longtime favorite for lunch, dinner and the popular Creole Jazz Brunch on Sundays. 7 blocks @ 3300 Smith St.
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THE MINK Their laid-back candlelit front bar is ideal for lounging over cocktails, while upstairs, club goers pack the dance floor to a rotating calendar of in-house and visiting DJs and live music acts. ½ block @ 3718 Main St.
SHOESHINE CHARLEY'S BIG TOP LOUNGE Decorated in quaint circus paraphernalia of yore, Big Top is a great place to get a drink before hitting up Continental Club for a show. ½ block @ 3714 Main St.
MAPLE LEAF PUB This neighborhood pub offers a solid mix of draft beers, as well as several bottled varieties of Canadian, Texan and American brews. 7 ½ blocks @ 514 Elgin St.
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CONTINENTAL CLUB For live music in a small venue with a distinctly Texan feel, there’s no better place in Houston. Local and touring acts tend towards rock, blues and country-tinged tunes. ½ block @ 3700 Main St.
THE ENSEMBLE THEATRE Ensemble Theatre, the largest African-American professional theatre company in the U.S., produces a repertoire of critically acclaimed dramas, comedies and musicals. ½ block @ 3535 Main St.
SIG’S LAGOON This rad record store is located next door to the Continental Club, offering a wide variety of CDs, vinyl albums, books, and all sorts of knickknacks. ½ block @ 3710 Main St.
ADKINS ARCHITECTURAL ANTIQUES Do a little shopping at Adkins Architectural Antiques for one-of-a-kind furniture and accessories. 2 blocks @ 3515 Fannin St.
STATION MUSEUM A Midtown-set museum dedicated to an always-changing, thought-provoking mix of contemporary art displays. 7 blocks @ 1502 Alabama St.
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RAIL STOP: Wheeler
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HOUSTON CENTER FOR CONTEMPORARY CRAFT One of the few venues in the country dedicated exclusively to craft, highlighting art made of glass, fiber, clay, metal or wood. 5 blocks @ 4848 Main St.
JOHN C. FREEMAN WEATHER MUSEUM Educates students and visitors about the many different aspects of weather, including science, history and safety. 5 blocks @ 5104 Caroline St.
LAWNDALE ART CENTER A non-profit alternative space that exhibits contemporary works in all media, unique in its focus on Houston area artists. 6 blocks @ 4912 Main St.
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MUSEUM DISTRICT
RAIL STOP: Museum District
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HOTEL ZAZA The museum district’s newest, modern luxury hotel is awash in green space and within steps of Hermann Park. 1 block @ 5701 Main St.
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MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, HOUSTON The museum district’s anchor and the nations sixth largest art museum, MFAH offers 300,000 square feet of exhibit space and presents more than 30 changing exhibits each year. Admission is free on Thursdays. 1 block @ 1001 Bissonnet St.
HOLOCAUST MUSEUM Educates students and the public about the dangers of prejudice and hatred in society. 2 blocks @ 5401 Caroline St.
CONTEMPORARY ARTS MUSEUM HOUSTON An art fan’s favorite, showcasing innovative works from established and up-and-coming artists. Check out the CAMH gift shop, one of the city’s best. Admission is always free. 3 blocks @ 5216 Montrose Blvd.
CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF HOUSTON Touted as one of the best children’s museums in the country, CMH is packed with 90,000 square feet of innovative, interactive bilingual exhibits for kids of all ages. Admission is free Thursday evenings from 5-8pm. 3 blocks @ 1500 Binz St.
THE HEALTH MUSEUM Provides innovative and interactive health and science educational experiences to promote an understanding of the human body. 4 blocks @ 1515 Hermann Dr.
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RAIL STOP: Hermann Park/Rice U
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BODEGA’S TACO SHOP The custom taco shop, located at the corner of Caroline and Ewing, offers a choice of rotisserie chicken, ground sirloin or fajita steak, topped by more than 10 salsa flavors. 1 block @ 1200 Binz St.
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HERMANN PARK This cultural and recreational hub invites visitors to explore the parks 445+ acres of gardens, picnic spaces, lakes and beautiful green space. 3 blocks @ 6201 Hermann Park Dr.
HOUSTON MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE The fourth most visited museum in the country features an IMAX theatre, Planetarium, Cockrell Butterfly Center, permanent exhibit halls and traveling exhibitions. The museum is free Tuesdays from 2-6pm. 3 blocks @ 1 Hermann Circle Dr.
MILLER OUTDOOR THEATRE Located inside Hermann Park, Miller is Houston's premier outdoor theater, offering FREE music, jazz, ballet, dance and film performances from April through October. 1/3 mile @ 6000 Hermann Park Dr.
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RAIL STOP: Memorial Hermann Hospital/Houston Zoo
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HOUSTON ZOO Houston’s 55-acre zoo is home to 4,500 animal residents, representing more than 500 species, from winged creatures that fly free in the Tropical Bird House, to the slithering reptiles that constitute one of the nation's largest collections of venomous snakes. 1/3 mile @ 6200 Hermann Park Dr.
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TEXAS MEDICAL CENTER
RAIL STOP: Dryden/TMC
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TREVISIO One of Houston’s most unique restaurants, located in the heart of the world-renowned Texas Medical Center and offering stunning views of the area. 2 blocks @ 6550 Bertner Ave.
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TEXAS MEDICAL CENTER The TMC attracts its share of out of town visitors. With 47+ member institutions, 5 million patients annually and more than 72,000 employees, it's no wonder it's the largest medical center in the world. The entire Texas Medical Center covers more than 1,100 acres. 0 blocks @ 2450 Holcombe Blvd.
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RELIANT PARK
RAIL STOP: Reliant Park
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RELIANT STADIUM Cheer on the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. Here, tailgating is as important as the game, so make sure to come early and bring an appetite. Football season is August through January. 0 blocks @ 2 Reliant Park
RELIANT PARK A variety of events and conventions take place at Reliant Park, including the annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the world's largest rodeo, and Houston Ballet Foundation's Nutcracker Market. Conventioneers rely on the METRORail to facilitate travel between downtown's George R. Brown Convention Center and downtown hotels and Reliant Park. 0 blocks @ 1 Reliant Park
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