Houston, Texas, has a lot to offer to many kinds of homebuyers. Those who prioritize athletics and nature have their choice of options, as well as those who are all about culture and nightlife. Some of us are eager to live among delicious eateries—bakeries, cafes, restaurants, pubs, you name it. If it’s tasty, we’re there. (Foodies, unite!)

If that sounds like you, you’re in luck. Below, we’ve listed the top four foodie neighborhoods in Houston that you must check out before you dive into local real estate.

1.      Montrose

According to a recent study by WalletHub, Houston was ranked 20 among the “Best Foodie Cities in America.”  Mmm-mmm. That’s a pretty significant honor, too. In the study, over 180 cities across the United States were compared according to 29 indicators of foodie-friendliness.

Besides the overall ranking, Houston was also ranked 32^nd and 15^th under Accessibility & Quality, and Affordability & Quality, respectively. In the ‘Restaurants per Capita’ category, Houston was ranked first by the WalletHub study.

And when it comes to the best foodie neighborhoods in Houston, Montrose is a well-known culinary corridor.

It’s home to the country’s best cocktail bars like Anvil Bar & Refuge, the best beer bars like The Hay Merchant, as well as authentic and diverse Thai, French, Indian, and Mexican cuisines, all on the same strip. It’s enough to make your mouth water.

2.      The Heights

What if your tastes are for something…steeped in history? (See what we did there?) With residential properties dating back to the 1900s, the Heights is Houston’s earliest planned community. This charming neighborhood is known for exquisite boutiques and restaurants along 19^th Street.

The food and drink scene of the Heights continues to boom, while the neighborhood’s residential roots remain intact. During the spring, restaurants host crawfish boils for the community. It simply doesn’t get more Texan than that.

Young professionals and families enjoy brunch on Sunday mornings; neighbors meet up at ice houses and dive bars; couples visit intimate establishments for date nights.

Overall, if you’re looking for a family-oriented neighborhood, something that’s clearly reflected in the area’s eateries, then the Heights is your home.

Food destinations at the Heights that you must check out are Squable (for the flavor-packed menu of European flare), La Lucha (for Gulf seafood and fried chicken), and Coltivare (for cacio e pepe pasta and wood-fired pizza).

3.      Midtown

Once known as ‘Little Saigon’ owing to a thriving neighborhood for Vietnamese Americans, Midtown began its transformation in the 90s, due to the booming local commercial construction industry. It’s now a hub for 20-somethings, popular for great restaurant options and bars.  

Buying a home in Midtown places you in the midst of noteworthy food destinations, including  Izakaya (popular for Japanese cuisine), Piola (Italian Pizzeria), Little Woodrow’s (a lively sports bar with 50+ beers), and District 7 Grill Midtown (indulgent meals around the clock). You might see fewer strollers in tow here, but the locals are warm and friendly…and the plates and the portions can’t be beat.

4.      Downtown

Downtown is the heart of any city; Houston is no exception.

From a rich nightlife, movie screenings, Houston’s oldest commercial building that comes alive in classic watering holes such as La Carafe, and major sporting areas (like the BBVA Compass Stadium and Minute Maid Park) – there’s something for everyone in Downtown Houston!

Indecisive foodies should beware, though: decision fatigue may set in. Those who live here will encounter myriad choices when it comes to their next meal or snack. From upscale restaurants to casual eateries, this increasingly residential neighborhood has it all. Downtown is ideal for people looking for a dynamic dining scene, bustling nightlife, and work conveniently within a few blocks.

If you’re visiting the neighborhood in person, don’t miss Xochi, Kulture, and Bravery Chef Hall. Don’t forget to tell them we sent you!

Wining, dining, and finding a fabulous new home. Grab some toothpicks, maybe a few wet wipes, a bib, and your appetite (hey, we never said being a foodie wasn’t a messy endeavor!) Houston’s neighborhoods are ready to welcome you.