How to Spend a weekend in Houston| Supporting Black Business

Here is all you need to know for a weekend in Houston while also supporting black businesses. I’ve got a full itinerary for you, including where to stay, eat, and play.

Last Fall I was invited by Houston Host to spend a weekend exploring Houston's black culinary and culture scene. Although my trip was sponsored, all opinions are my own.

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Where to stay in Houston

Embassy Suites by Hilton Houston Near the Galleria, Address: 2911 Sage Rd, Houston, TX 77056

Houston is a large city, and you can easily spend most of your time traveling from one area to the other. The Galleria area is a good central point. It’s near downtown and relatively close to the airports. It is also walking distance from the Galleria Mall in case you want to do some shopping. 

The rooms are also spacious and the hotel offers complimentary breakfast that includes an omelet station. There is also a complimentary happy hour every evening.  

How to get around Houston

As I mentioned, Houston is a big city. I recommend renting a car if you didn’t drive in on your own. However, if you don’t want to drive or you decide to enjoy a night out and need a designated driver, I suggest Alto.

Alto, which is a rideshare program that offers a luxury experience, clean vehicles, and trained employee drivers (no contractors).  Each car is equipped with in-vehicle wifi, water bottle, umbrellas, and more. 

During our trip all our Alto cars were SUVs that were roomy and provided a comfortable ride around Houston.

Alto is currently available in Dallas, Los Angeles, and Miami. Use code: MOCHAS10 and receive $10 off your first 2 rides.

Where to Eat in Houston: Black Owned Restaurants

With this being a trip hosted by food influencers, for food influencers, food was obviously the focus! The Houston foodie scene is vast and there is something here for everyone. 

Here is a list of all of the places we ate and sipped at during our weekend.

Breakfast/Brunch

• The Breakfast Klub
• Bar 5015

Lunch/ Dinner

• Fainmous BBQ
• Frenchy's Chicken
• Kiss Houston
• Lucille's Houston
• Mico's Hot Chicken
• Ray's BBQ Shack
• Reggae Hut

Coffee/Tea/Sweets

• Crumbville, TX
• Day 6 Coffee
• Glazed Donuts
• Kale Me Crazy

What to do in Houston: Supporting Black Owned Businesses

• Inner Me Studios
• Kindred Stories
• Love + Make
• Nom Noir Cultural Tour
• The Gumbo Club - check their page for events

3-Day Houston Itinerary - How to Spend a Weekend in HoustonSupporting Black Owned Businesses

Day 1:

1. Mico’s Hot chicken for lunch. - Get the hot chicken sandwich, tots, and banana pudding
2. Head over to Kale Me Crazy for smoothie or tea. 
3. Check in to the hotel.
4. Dinner at Lucille's

Day 2

1. Fitness class at Inner Me Studios - We did a pole dance class and it was so fun. This is a great way to get a fun workout in. Especially if you’re traveling with a group.
2. Grab donuts from Glazed Donuts and coffee from Day 6 Coffee - hey you earned it after working up a sweat.
3. Return to the hotel to shower and change.
4. Nom Noir Tour  - @nomnoirhtx - This is a food tour throughout the 3rd ward of Houston led by Chef Vicky (@queenofyum). The tour includes transportation and is guided. Here are some of the stops on the tour:

• The Breakfast Klub  - @katfishandgrits | This is arguably one of Houston’s most popular breakfast spots.
• Reggae Hut  -  @reggaehut | A Caribbean inspired restaurants serving up favorites like Jamaican beef patties, Jerk chicken, and  so much more.
• Rays BBQ  -  @raysbbqshack | Family-owned and operated since 1984. The brisket was tender and delish.
• Project Row Houses | @projectrowhouses | An interactive and engaging art exhibition.
• Crumbville TX | @edabulicioustreats | Sweet shop with cookies, cakes and other baked goods. They offer vegan, gluten-free and non-vegan treats.

1. Kindred Stories Book store - Grab a book and souvenirs 
2. Return to the hotel and get ready for dinner.
3. Dinner - Fainmous BBQ  @fainmousbbq  - Enjoy Tennessee-style BBQ and all the fixin.  
4. Kiss Houston - Enjoy drinks and music at this lounge. 

Day 3

1. Brunch - Bar 5015 | @bar5015 Sunday Funday with food, cocktails, and a DJ. The patio fills up quickly so be sure to make a reservation.
2. The Assembly | @gumboclub -The Gumbo Club was created by KeAndre’ Jordan ( @mysouthernbrand ). We attended a catfish cook off. Be sure to check the site for events. 
3. Love & Make | @love_and_make  - We made our own candles which was the perfect souvenir of our trip. 

Thanks again to Houston Hosts and Visit Houston for organizing an excellent weekend. If you’d like more restaurant recommendations or things to do in and around Houston, be sure to follow the hosts on Instagram.

Victoria  - The Queen of Yum

Erika - Black Girls Who Brunch

Jazz - Dash of Jazz

Keandre - My Southern Brand

Bless the Belly