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Take a field trip across Houston and try one of Houstonia’s Top 50 restaurants.<\/p>\n
Deciding where to go\u00a0and what to do can feel overwhelming, but in a city like Houston, you don\u2019t have to look far. From bold bites<\/a>\u00a0to buzzy bars<\/a> to uniquely Houston pastimes<\/a>, there\u2019s always something worth exploring. That\u2019s where Houstonia comes in. In this weekly series, our editors share their favorite places to eat, drink, and \u201cHou\u201d\u2014so you can spend less time planning and more time enjoying the city.<\/p>\n EAT<\/p>\n Try our top 50 restaurant suggestions<\/a><\/p>\n Multiple Locations<\/p>\n Before 2025 wrapped<\/a>, Houstonia editors set out to compile a list of our favorite 50 restaurants in the city. This daunting task meant we had to fully scope out everything Houston has to offer\u2014including the hole-in-the-wall spots, hidden gems, beloved staples, Michelin-starred destinations, and Beard Award honorees. We did our best to include the spots that make our restaurant scene exceptional. Drive out to the suburbs for a meal by chef Thomas Bille<\/a> at Belly of the Beast, stay in the Loop and treat yourself to a Michelin-starred experience at March, or make your way to Chinatown<\/a> for some comforting Cantonese cuisine at House of Bowls. \u2014Sofia Gonzalez, food and travel editor\u00a0<\/p>\n Cookies at Bittersweet<\/a><\/p>\n heights<\/p>\n Bittersweet\u2019s cookies graced my family\u2019s Thanksgiving table<\/a> this year. Specifically, three seasonal flavors: the stuffed versions with pecan pie and pumpkin pie, and the gingerbread filled with buttercream. I was immediately obsessed (I need to try the oatmeal cream pie), and then, I became even more obsessed when I saw their seasonal options for December\u2014a peppermint hot chocolate\u2013flavored cookie stuffed with Lindt truffles and topped with marshmallows and crushed peppermint candy. It was ooey and gooey without losing its moisture or crumb, just as incredible as all the others I\u2019d previously eaten. Anyway, this is all to say that Bittersweet rules and everyone who can eat cookies should try them. (Pro tip: They really are best with milk.) \u2014Meredith Nudo, senior culture editor<\/p>\n Cookies from Bittersweet more than satisfy our sweet tooth.<\/p>\n Detroit-style Hunger Force at Gold Tooth Tony\u2019s<\/a><\/p>\n various locations<\/p>\n Ordering Gold Tooth Tony\u2019s<\/a> delivery\u2014and eating an entire pizza by myself because, whatever! It\u2019s a holiday. I\u2019m allowed to cheat on my diet\u2014has become my New Year\u2019s Eve tradition in recent years. To close out 2025, I \u201clive[d] like a star\u201d with the Hunger Force, topped with mouthwatering meatballs and ricotta cheese that \u201cmake the homies say, \u2018Ho!,\u2019 and the girlies wanna scream\u201d (IYKYK). Detroit style, always, because I love the way the cheese gets crispy on the edges. \u2014MN<\/p>\n DRINK<\/p>\n Kick off Dry January with a drink from our list of Houston bars with mocktails<\/a><\/p>\n The era of New Year\u2019s resolutions is upon us. For many, it\u2019s a time when folks decide to embrace a healthier lifestyle. And after weeks of wine and cocktails<\/a>, sobriety is a change I\u2019m welcoming with Dry January, but that doesn\u2019t mean I won\u2019t crave a fun drink here and there. Thankfully, there are plenty of Houston bars that are ready to serve up some fun mocktails to curb that itch to drink. Head to Jethro\u2019s for a Watermelon Fresca made with Cut Above Zero Proof Agave, get a workout in at PKL Social and sip on a spirit-free spicy mezcal margarita, or adventure into Downtown for a refreshing kiwi-flavored mocktail at HiFi at the Finn. \u2014SG<\/p>\n HOU<\/p>\n Cheer on runners at the Houston Marathon<\/p>\n jan 11 | free<\/p>\n One of Houston\u2019s largest single-day sporting events is happening this weekend. The Chevron Houston Marathon<\/a> will take over city streets, with thousands of Houstonians and runners from around the world racing to the finish line. Instead of trying to fight traffic, why not become a part of the beautiful chaos? Find a fun place to cheer on your fellow humans, whether that be at mile 2 with the Aldine High School Drumline booming, at the half marathon near City Hall, or at the finish line at Buffalo Bayou Park (view a full list of spots to cheer them on here<\/a>). It\u2019s a testament to how amazing the human body and will truly is. And if you need more motivation to get your run on for next year, read this story by Houstonia contributor Saba Khonsari on how Houston\u2019s winding, wildlife-filled Bayou Greenways<\/a> make for the ideal marathon training grounds. \u2014Brittany Britto Garley, editor in chief<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/20251223_123322_jp1afi.jpg\"\/)
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