The West End

The Galleria, a well-known beacon of retail and luxury nestled in the heart of Houston’s Uptown district, proudly holds the title of the largest shopping mall in the Lone Star State and stands as one of the grandest in the United States. Here it is on a map:

I recently had the pleasure of exploring the West End area of Houston, Texas, and was pleasantly surprised by the food and drink options available. From trendy bars to upscale restaurants, there is something for everyone in this bustling neighborhood.

One spot that stood out to me was The Hay Merchant, a gastropub with an impressive selection of craft beers and delicious pub fare. The atmosphere was lively and inviting, and I especially enjoyed the outdoor patio area. Another standout was La Fisheria, a seafood restaurant with a modern twist on traditional Mexican cuisine. The ceviche was a standout dish and the margaritas were perfectly balanced.

Overall, I highly recommend exploring the West End Houston area for anyone looking for a fun night out or a delicious meal. With so many options to choose from, it’s a great destination for foodies and bar-hoppers alike.

Boasting hundreds of stores, The Galleria is a veritable shopper’s paradise. Among these, you’ll find flagship outlets of numerous upscale brands, making it a magnet for both local and international luxury shoppers. But The Galleria offers more than just retail therapy. You can also indulge in a variety of culinary experiences at the full-service restaurants scattered throughout the mall.

Beyond shopping and dining, The Galleria ensures that guests have access to multiple conveniences and forms of entertainment. These include a private health club – perfect for those who wish to keep their fitness regimen on track, and an ice rink – a unique feature that adds to the mall’s character and charm. Additionally, for guests wanting a multi-day retail adventure, two high-rise hotels, the Westin Galleria and the Westin Oaks, provide convenient and comfortable accommodations.

I got some pics of the Livestock show, the street art murals, and MM park.

The Galleria’s architectural design beautifully combines retail, residential, and office spaces in a mixed-use development. The structure’s grandeur is exemplified by its expansive, airy interiors, where daylight pours in through the stunning glass vaults, creating a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere.

This prestigious shopping mall is not only a much-loved destination but also an economic powerhouse for the local community. It generates thousands of jobs and contributes significantly to the city’s tax revenue. The renowned Simon Property Group – one of the largest real estate investment trusts in the United States and the premier operator of shopping malls in the country – owned The Galleria.

Notable anchors historically included luxury stores like Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Nordstrom.

There were also a number of well-known designer boutiques such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Prada, as well as popular brands like Apple, Zara, and H&M. Additionally, the mall typically houses several dining establishments, from casual eateries to upscale restaurants.

Houston Pubs

1. The Hay Merchant: Known for an excellent selection of craft beers and unique pub grub. The pub is located in Montrose and has a relaxed, comfortable vibe.
2. Anvil Bar & Refuge: A Montrose staple known for its extensive list of classic cocktails and a well-curated beer selection.
3. McGonigel’s Mucky Duck: This pub offers a traditional Irish pub experience. It’s also a popular live music venue with shows throughout the week.
4. Flying Saucer Draught Emporium: Located downtown, this pub boasts an extensive beer list from all around the world.
5. Petrol Station: Situated in the Garden Oaks area, this pub is celebrated for its selection of craft beers and delicious burgers.
6. The Ginger Man: This pub located in Rice Village has a broad selection of beers and a cozy atmosphere, with an outdoor patio perfect for Houston’s warmer months.
7. The Pastry War: A downtown mezcaleria, or Mexican pub, known for its quality tequila and mezcal selections and vibrant atmosphere.
8. Saint Arnold Brewing Company: Houston’s oldest craft brewery, located just north of downtown, also features a beer hall with a restaurant.
9. The West End: A popular pub located not too far from the Galleria, this spot offered an extensive selection of beers and American-style food. They had plenty of TVs for watching sports but are now closed.
10. The Tasting Room: While more of a wine bar than a traditional pub, The Tasting Room in Uptown Park (near the Galleria) offers a wide selection of wines and a delicious food menu.
11. The Richmond Arms Pub: A bit further away, but worth the drive if you’re seeking a British-style pub atmosphere. Known for its wide beer selection and traditional British pub fare.
12. The St. Regis Bar: Located inside the St. Regis Houston hotel, this bar offers a more upscale experience with a selection of fine wines, cocktails, and a small menu of high-quality bar food.
13. Chapman & Kirby: An elegant gastropub located in East Village. It serves a range of craft cocktails and local beers, alongside an inventive food menu.
14. Eight Row Flint: Located in the Heights but accessible from the Galleria area, this modern icehouse offers whiskey, craft beer, and inventive tacos.
15. Bosscat Kitchen & Libations: This whiskey bar near the Galleria offers over 300 varieties of whiskey, alongside a robust selection of cocktails and beers.

Pub food and drink

popular pub foods:

1. Fish and Chips: A classic British pub dish, consisting of battered and deep-fried fish (commonly cod or haddock) served with chips (or fries in the U.S.).
2. Burgers: Pubs often serve a variety of burgers, including classic cheeseburgers and more gourmet versions with a variety of toppings.
3. Wings: Chicken wings are a pub staple, often served with a variety of sauces like buffalo, hot, barbecue, and teriyaki.
4. Nachos: Tortilla chips topped with cheese, jalapenos, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and often additional toppings like ground beef or shredded chicken.
5. Pizza: Many pubs serve pizza, ranging from traditional margherita to more unique flavor combinations.
6. Pretzels: Soft pretzels are often served with a variety of mustards or cheese dip.
7. Fried Pickles: Pickle slices that are breaded and deep-fried, usually served with a ranch or creamy dipping sauce.
8. Shepherd’s Pie: A traditional British dish of minced meat and vegetables topped with mashed potatoes.
9. Peanuts: They are salty and go well with a cold one. Even better is in the shell.

As for beers, here are some types that are commonly enjoyed:

1. IPAs (India Pale Ales): These are hoppy beers with a higher alcohol content. There are many sub-varieties including Double IPAs, English IPAs, and New England IPAs. Sierra-Nevada is excellent choice.
2. Stouts: These are dark and rich beers, often with notes of chocolate or coffee. The Guinness Draught is a well-known example of a stout.
3. Lagers: These are often light and crisp beers. They are fermented and conditioned at low temperatures. Examples include Pilsners and Dunkels. Aka Miller Lite.
4. Ales: These are usually fuller-bodied with nuanced flavors and aromas. They are fermented at higher temperatures than lagers.
5. Wheat Beers: These beers are brewed with a large proportion of wheat and often have a light, refreshing taste. They include styles like Hefeweizen and Witbier.
6. Porters: These are dark and malty beers, often with flavors of caramel and chocolate.
7. Sours: Sour beers have a tart and sour taste. Styles include Gose and Berliner Weisse.