Sporty Snack Stars

Here's a taste of all the delicious snacks on tap for The Tailgate

Dig into fries from The Waffle Bus.

The Waffle Bus/Facebook

Attention, sports fans: The Tailgate is almost here. CultureMap Houston's signature sporty event is happening Wednesday, October 25, at Silver Street Studios, and you'll want to be there.

Why? Because even if you aren't a football fanatic, hockey hound, soccer supporter, or basketball and baseball buff, you're probably a big fan of fantastic local food and drinks.

Here's what's on the menu:

2023 Tastemaker Awards Best New Restaurant winner Aiko will be serving maguro crudo, which is smoked bluefin tuna with crispy garlic and pickled cucumbers.
Tastemaker Awards 2020 Best Pizza winner Pizaro’s Pizza Napoletana is bringing fried Alfredo bites.

As a new twist this year, readers will get to vote for their favorite local sports bar in our Ultimate Sports Bar Showdown.

Think of this as sort of like the Sweet 16, where local champs face off in an online tournament. The winner will be revealed at the party, but here's what each eatery is bringing to help sway votes their way:

pulled oxtail sliders with house-made habanero pickles and Rock Sauce from RockHouse Southern Kitchen
grilled Phoenix wings and Dancing Beef skewers from The Phoenix on Westheimer
fried pork ribs tossed in Dragon or barbecue sauce from Quad HTX
Smash Burger sliders and chicken flautas from FM Kitchen
Billionaire Burger sliders with Sriracha pimento cheese and beer mustard from Twin Peaks
bacon-wrapped quail, Thai chili margaritas, and berry lemonade from Patterson Park

Also expect:

seasoned waffle fries topped with fried chicken bites from The Waffle Bus
Little Knuckle sandwich and elote street dogs from Good Vibes Coastal Kitchen
chicken tinga tostadas from Home Run Dugout
brown rice, kale, chicken, and avocado bowls from Leaf & Grain
chili-cheese Mazemen noodles from Ramen Tatsu-Ya
duck leg confit corn dogs and Irish coffee from Wild Concepts
mini basil beef burgers, mini satay chicken wraps, mini beef drunken hot dogs, and chips and chili dips from M Express Thai Kitchen
pork and chicken souvlaki, potato and cheese croquettes, and spanakopita from Echoes Cafe
bespoke boozy ice cream scoops and cocktails from Patra Lee's Kitchen Handcrafted Heritage Ice Cream

To wet your whistle, there will be signature cocktails by Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey and 1800 Tequila — just wait until you taste the QB Crusher and Peach Fizz.

Aside from the concessions, expect game-day activities and fun yard games, plus a spotlight on sports-related nonprofits like Dynamo and Dash Charities and Houston Texans Foundation.

VIP tickets include early admission, a dedicated VIP bar, and a meet and greet with former Houston Texans player Johnathan Joseph. Through October 13, order from this link and receive $10 off VIP tickets. We’ll see you on October 25.

sports cocktails drinks promoted

blinded with science

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

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.

Courtesy of Drunken Lab

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

cocktails holidays museum district nightlife