GreenStreet is abuzz with energy with locals and visitors flocking to the heart of downtown Houston in search of delicious dining, sophisticated entertainment, retail therapy and live music day and night.
Perhaps it's this rebranded urban destination's proximity to popular venues such as the George R. Brown Convention Center, Discovery Green, Minute Maid Park, BBVA Compass Stadium, Toyota Center and Market Square Park, in addition to a convenient stop on the METRORail line, that has contributed to its revitalization.
In this adventure (watch the video above), we gallivant to a handful of GreenStreet vendors in search for insider intel.
We begin at Guadalajara Del Centro, a Tex-Mex restaurant where the quality of ingredients has made this eatery a hotspot for corporate clients at lunch time and for dining before and after sports events and concerts at nearby venues. With areas for large gatherings, intimate booths, two bars and a comfy lounge upstairs, this restaurant that's known for strong margaritas and enchiladas offers several dining options to enjoy its comprehensive menu.
"It's a large menu and there're many great items on the menu," general manager Ryan Johnston says. "We do a jalapeno shrimp and grits that is out of this world."
"We do a jalapeno shrimp and grits that is out of this world."
Another tip from Johnston? Always leave room for the red velvet tres leches.
A short walk from Guadalajara del Centro, on the second floor, is a sophisticated fashion boutique that caters to the needs of the modern woman who's looking for outfits that easily transition from professional to evening wear. BCBGMAXAZRIA designs combine classic features with edgy details such as zippers and leather trims to craft wearables that are fun and comfortable.
Floor manager Whitney Myckel is drawn to BCBGMAXAZRIA's accessories and statement pieces.
"By adding one of our statement necklaces, you can elevate any outfit to a completely different level," she says.
A stone's throw away from the BCBG boutique is Lucky Strike, a contemporary, posh entertainment venue that offers premium, state-of-the-art bowling, billiards, a made-from-scratch kitchen, specialty cocktails and craft beers — and there's something happening all the time.
Lucky Strike hosts happy hour Monday through Friday from 3 to 7 p.m. Lunch menus, offered from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., start as low as $5. A resident DJ ups the lounge's energy on Friday and Saturday nights. Bottomless bowling is available on Tuesdays from 9 p.m. until close for $15.
"My favorite item on the menu is the chipotle quesadilla,"general manager Luis Rabo says. "It's a warm tortilla filled with white cheddar, Oaxaca cheese and chipotle aioli. I like to top that with roasted chicken and our slow-braised short ribs."
"The entire redevelopement is reinvigorating the whole area."
No visit to GreenStreet is complete without stopping at the House of Blues for either good tunes or good grub. Whether you're in the mood for casual dining at Crossroads or fine cuisine at the Foundation Room, this five-year-old Houston institution has you covered. With 300 shows attended by 200,000 guests plus 400 special events that can range from fundraisers to corporate meetings yearly, House of Blues adds tuneful zest to GreenStreet while giving back to the community.
Membership fees for the Foundation Room benefit the House of Blues Foundation, the nonprofit arm that underwrites art and music programs in underserved schools.
"The entire redevelopement is reinvigorating the whole area," marketing and promotions director Terri Norman says. "We celebrated our fifth anniversary last year and hope to see many more here."
Many more merchants such as Andalucia Tapas Restaurant and Bar, III Forks, McCormick and Schmick's Seafood and Steaks, Mia Bella Trattoria, Pete's Dueling Piano Bar and XXI Forever complete this lively getaway.
Discover more online as you plan your next outing.
GreenStreet's proximity to popular venues has contributed to its revitalization.
