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By
Eddie Sanchez
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Click on the link for a handy PDF version of our August 2007 Texas travel feature!
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Hipper by far than I ever could have imagined, Houston has some of the coolest people and friendliest bars around (some of which open as early as 7am-- hey, it was research!). It's virtually impossible for a stranger not to get into a conversation here. Houston has somehow
retained a small town feel even though it's a city with a world-class theater (Alley Theatre ), a jaw-dropping skyline, and some of the best restaurants you'll ever treat yourself to.
Houston's gay community is located largely in the Montrose area, but there are plenty of other places to see and be seen at. A word to the wise here: if you're driving, obey those speed limits. The police don't play around. Just set it on cruise control (the car, not yourself), and
you'll be fine.
The city frolics year-round but immediately after Mardi Gras, Let Us Entertain You, a.k.a. "L.U.E.Y. Weekend," adds a new dimension. It's as if the Mardi Gras party from New Orleans moved to Houston-- one week later. Also adding to the mix is
Jungle, a spring circuit party, where all the best DJs offer up their wares.
Nightlife
Guava Lamp (570 Waugh) is Houston's premier video bar and lounge, where the young and hip crowd flock. It offers a martini lounge atmosphere, plenty of conversation-friendly spots, and a smiling and gorgeous bar staff that will make you giggle like a schoolgirl. (Not
my proudest moment.) With no cover, free parking, and an easy-to-get-to location, what's not to love? And whatever you do, do not miss their Karaoke Wednesday, with some real, honest-to-God good singers.
There's nothing fancy about Ej's (2517 Ralph Street, at Westheimer), but after just one visit and you'll know why it's been a local favorite for years. Four bars, a huge outdoor patio, pool tables, and a dance floor that can get downright frisky make it worth a visit. Make sure
to stop by on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday nights for their amateur strip contests. Child, my nerves.
With brightly colored walls (paging Sr. Almodovar!) and a shoe chandelier that has to be seen to be believed,
Tony's Corner Pocket (817 West Dallas) is your oasis in Houston's downtown area. With a patio bar that offers a gorgeous view of the downtown area, Tony's
Corner Pocket features one of Houston's best happy hours. Go-go boys abound on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
You want friendly? George (617 Fairview) is it. Billed as "your country sports bar," George is a bar where attitude is most definitely checked at the door. Boasting pool tables, drink specials, and a host who is a sitcom waiting to happen, George is one of those places where
you automatically feel at home.
Ripcord (715 Fairview) is one of Texas's most well known Levi/leather/uniform clubs, packed with a friendly and cruisy crowd that lingers after-hours on weekends. The bar has been a Montrose institution for years, offers great drink specials, and is host to many leather
events throughout the year.
South Beach (810 Pacific) is, quite simply, divine. This 10,000-square-foot dance club will take your breath away. Glamorous and dazzling, South Beach is a favorite of the locals who flock to it after midnight, Wednesday through Sunday. Other bars under the same
umbrella include the wonderful and expansive JR's Bar and Grill (808 Pacific) and Sante Fe Bar and Patio (808 Pacific). These party bars tout the latest in videos, music, karaoke, and comely strippers.
Montrose Mining Company (805 Pacific), across the street, is for cowboys, leather-men, and their friends.
Mary's (1022 Westheimer) is an old standby and retains a cozy watering-hole feel. An outside bar includes a large, festive patio.
Brazos River Bottom (2400 Brazos) is home to Houston's cowboys and country-western dancing. Drink specials every day contribute to its ongoing success for over 28 years.
Eating
Hollywood Bistro (2409 Grant Street) used to be Hollywood Cafe, a
bookstore-cum-eatery, and has only recently been split because of the greatly increased size of the bookstore. The literary portion has moved a block away and has been renamed Hollywood Super Center (see "Shopping," below). Hollywood Bistro will feature fresh pastries and a late-night breakfast, perfect after a night on the town.
Hollywood Vietnamese Restaurant (2409-D Grant Street) is just next door to the Hollywood Bistro. The mammoth selection of food here includes Vietnamese and Chinese cuisine (with a few American favorites such as the "Hollywood Steak"). Attractive Asian
art and unique furnishings and plants add to the ambiance.
Mockingbird (1985 Welch Street) offers a romantic setting with inventive and delicious gourmet cooking from an award-winning chef.
Shopping
Hollywood Super Center (807 Fairview), located across the street from the bistro and Vietnamese restaurant of the same name, is truly a gay superstore. There's an unsurpassed selection of gifts, cards, books, posters, gay-themed movies, T-shirts, erotica, adult
DVDs (for sale and rent), and much more. Keep an eye out for the new services coming soon to their remodeled second floor.
Getting physical
Like its family of Midtown locations nationwide, offering fun and safe places for guys to meet socially,
Midtowne Spa (3100 Fannin Street) has ample rooms and lockers for your cruising pleasure. An outdoor patio offers a breather from the steam room, which is modeled
after a dark cave with numerous caverns to explore. After using their dry sauna, jump into their large indoor pool. A workout facility is on premises as well. A private party room is also available for special group functions.
Club Houston (2205 Fannin Street) is a sterling facility with a gym that comprises tons of free weights, machines, as well as a personal trainer on-premises.
Lodgings
Modern B&B (4003 Hazard Street; 800-462-4014, 832-279-6367) is brand new and utterly fabulous. Your hosts Lisa and Rodney are charm personified, and the four-level place is clean, crisp, and inviting. A delicious and healthy breakfast is included with
your stay. This gay-friendly bed-and-breakfast boasts tastefully decorated rooms, artists' works on walls, exercise equipment, and shaded verandahs that present panoramic views above the tree-line. Call them for up-to-the-minute rates or visit their website.
Lovett Inn (501 Lovett; 800-779-5224) is a beautifully restored mansion located close to many of the gay attractions. This Houston bed-and-breakfast has been a local favorite since 1989. The Lovett Inn is located on a tree-lined boulevard in the Montrose Museum
District and near downtown. You can take a leisurely walk through the neighborhood, enjoy a swim in the pool, unwind in the hot tub, or relax with a good book in the library.
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