KHOU & CultureMap

Grossest Rodeo food ever? Watch someone munch on insect pizza — and enjoy (sort of) worms

As we all know, taking a trip to RodeoHouston means encountering an astonishing (and dangerous) number of tasty treats. With so many options, who knows where to go?

Well, for this week's CultureMap Moment, Lily Jang of KHOU Ch. 11 and CultureMap's own Eric Sandler give you the rundown of the Rodeo's food stands.

Want something less traditional? Try the perogies — or potato dumplings — on a stick from Polish restaurant Polonia's new stand at the Houston Rodeo.

Looking for the fairground favorite of fried anything? At Fried What!, you can find everything from the more traditional fried Oreos to the seasonal treat of fried marshmallow Peeps. Check out the fried pecan pie — new to the stand this year — for a delicious and gooey indulgence.

Feeling really adventurous?

Head to Swain's Pizza on a Stick and order the mealworm, cricket and scorpion pizza, which Sandler describes as "crunchy." Yes, he ate it on camera.

Don't feel like eating bugs for dinner? Well, there's always the classic pizza on a stick for the faint of heart.

So before you head on down to RodeoHouston, be sure to watch this week's CultureMap Moment.

blinded with science

New York's science-themed holiday bar shakes up the Museum District

Drunken Lab Lit-Mas holiday pop-up bar

Courtesy of Drunken Lab

Conduct holiday-themed science experiments at the LIT-Mas Spectacular.

A taste of Manhattan has made its way to Houston with the immersive LIT-Mas Spectacular holiday pop-up. From now until January 12, Houstonians can discover the hype behind New York City’s The Drunken Lab that's known for its unique blend of science and cocktails.

This pop-up marks the first expansion for The Drunken Lab’s parent company, Science and Sip, a concept created to make science accessible and unforgettable. Attendees can dive into holiday-themed science experiments — including explosive endothermic reactions — while enjoying festive cocktails in a winter wonderland setting enhanced with a live DJ. Appropriately, the pop-up is located in the Museum District at 4715 Main Street.

“Houston was the perfect next step for Science and Sip,” founder Cautney Nelson said in a statement. “The city’s vibrant culture, love of celebration, and ties to science through world-famous programs like NASA aligns beautifully with our mission to blend entertainment with discovery.”

Visitors enter a world filled with larger-than-life gingerbread decor and candy-inspired installations where light bulbs and laboratory flasks have been transformed into quirky beverage containers. Admission includes one cocktail or mocktail, a lab coat and goggles, and two to three science experiments. Add-ons like cocktail-filled ornament “Booze Balls” and Grinch-inspired pouches in festive red and green add an extra dose of holiday charm.

“We’re thrilled to host guests for an immersive holiday experience that merges festive fun with curiosity,” Nelson added. “With each pop-up, we aim to create a space where a great party and exploration come together, and we’re excited to see how Houston embraces The LIT-Mas Spectacular.”

A portion of the proceeds from LIT-Mas will benefit Millennial Scnce, a nonprofit founded by Nelson that provides students with accessible STEM resources and educational opportunities.

Tickets are available for Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with showtimes at 2:30 pm, 6 pm, and 9 pm. Private party and group bookings are also available.

Drunken Lab Lit-Mas holiday pop-up bar

Courtesy of Drunken Lab

Conduct holiday-themed science experiments at the LIT-Mas Spectacular.

cocktails holidays museum district nightlife

Loading...