Editor's note: It's time to look back at the top Houston news of the week. New rankings top the list, including the best places to live and the best grad schools. Plus, we meet the team behind a hidden Italian gem. Read our five most popular stories below, then find some weekend fun via this guide.

1. Totally sweet Houston suburb triumphs as No. 3 best place to live in U.S. One Houston-area city took the top slot on a new list of "the 100 Best Places to Live in 2025." The list — from relocation marketing platform Livability.com — put Sugar Land at No. 3 for its appealing size and affordability.

2. Meet the men behind Houston's most under-the-radar Italian restaurant. On this episode of “What’s Eric Eating,” sommelier Mike Sammons and chef Fernando Rios join CultureMap editor Eric Sandler to discuss Mimo, their Italian restaurant in the East End.

3. 9 Houston universities make U.S. News' 2025 list of top grad schools. Nine prestigious Houston universities have climbed through the ranks in U.S. News & World Report’s recently released report of the best graduate schools nationwide for 2025. Several graduate programs also appeared among the top 10 in a Texas-wide comparison.

4. 9 new bars shaking up Houston with cocktails, live music, and more. Houston’s bar scene continues to deliver, with nine new spots offering everything from sneaker-lined walls to art-inspired cocktails. Discover which of the city’s latest bars could become your new favorite haunt.

Sante's Garden Room is decorated with two olive trees. Photo by Chris Furia

5. Raise a glass to these 8 can't-miss Houston food and wine events. Houston spring event season is rapidly drawing to a close. Before the summer swelter sets in, consider these options that support a charity, include a little road trip, give wine lovers the opportunity to stop and drink the rosés, and more.