Best Bites Near NRG Stadium

If you’re looking for a true Houston classic before heading to NRG, Pappas Bar-B-Q is the move—nothing fancy or fussy, just straight-up Texas smoke drifting into the parking lot as soon as you arrive. They’ve been slow-cooking brisket, ribs, and sausage since 1967, and the trays come loaded with scratch-made sides. And yes—consider this your insider tip—you will walk out smelling like barbecue in the best possible way.

El Tiempo Cantina is the newest arrival near NRG Park, and they didn’t come quietly—they showed up with their hometown-famous fajitas, jumbo-lump-crab quesadillas, ahi-tuna platters, and margaritas. The menu covers every craving in the Tex-Mex universe, from melty, overstuffed quesadillas to mesquite-grilled everything. And the portions are exactly what you want before or after a game. At El Tiempo, “just one marg” is a bold lie and nobody judges you for ordering extra tortillas.

Common Bond may be known citywide for its lattes and croissants, but the NRG-area bistro is also a full-on restaurant. Being close to the stadium gives the place a built-in buzz, and the kitchen leans into it with dishes like pork belly deviled eggs, Korean BBQ cauliflower, the Nashville hot chicken sandwich, plus dinner favorites like steak frites. As the day unfolds, the café shifts from coffee-first mornings to cozy, comfort-forward evenings that hit just right before or after anything happening at NRG. And somehow, no matter what you came for, the pastry case always makes a very persuasive argument for cake.

Hudson House knows exactly what it’s doing starting with an ice-cold martini that could rally an entire section of NRG on game day. Their Rice Village outpost sits just two miles from the stadium, which feels dangerously convenient when you’re working your way through oysters on ice, a buttery lobster roll, sushi, fish tacos, or that cheeseburger everyone insists you “have to try.” The whole space has an easy, coastal-American charm—bright booths, a lively bar, and friendly servers. And, there’s something undeniably fun about sipping something frosty while plotting your way through kickoff traffic.

There’s a new reason to check out neighborhood haunt Hungry’s in Rice Village. The global eatery just reimagined its upstairs bar with a U-shaped setup and a fresh cocktail and wine program that changes with their seasonal menu. Speaking of, the menu still does that classic Hungry’s thing where there really is something for everyone: pastas, bowls, burgers, big salads, all the comfort-y staples the crew craves before making the hop to NRG Park. During fall football season, don’t miss sitting on the big breezy patio!

Russo’s New York Pizzeria may specialize in classic New York–style pies, but make no mistake—this is a Houston original, now holding things down near NRG with hand-tossed dough and a sauce recipe that’s been in the family forever. The pizzas come out with perfect foldable crust and the toppings run from nostalgic to indulgent without ever getting fussy. There’s pasta and comfort food if you want it, but the pizza tends to steal the spotlight the second it hits the table.