In our series of Must Do Things Around Greater Houston, we take a look at Houston’s vast array of neighborhoods to bring you five fun, tasty, and enticing reasons you should give each a visit.
This historic neighborhood was known as Cane Island in the mid-1800s, named for an area creek which was thought to have been filled with cane by early settlers for fur trapping. In 1893, the Missouri–Kansas-Texas or MKT Railroad began laying rails throughout the prairie land, and after railroad officials started calling it “the Katy,” a new name was born. You’ll still find the MKT Depot along with the Katy Heritage Society Railroad Museum in Katy today, plus these other 5 must do things.
Note: For the purposes of this list, Greater Katy includes the suburbs that surround the Katy city limits west to Pederson road, east to Fry road, north to FM 529 and south to FM 1093/Westpark Tollway Parkway.
5 Must Do Things in Greater Katy
- Get your brew on at No Label Brewing Company – Fact: One of Houston’s hottest breweries sits in good ol’ Katy. No seriously, it’s hot – have you ever tried its Don Jalapeño Ale? Stop by the taproom to get a freshly poured pint of the spring seasonal or a year-round brew like the light and refreshing El Hefe Weizen. Monday through Friday 3pm to 10pm; Saturday noon to 10pm; Sunday noon to 6pm. Click here for directions.
- Explore, eat, shop, and play at the nearby La Centerra – Located in the neighboring community of Cinco Ranch, this upscale mixed-use development is a shopping and dining destination. Hit the lawn for special events, festivals, and concerts; indulge in spa and salon treatments; shop boutiques stores and national brands; and check out the mosaic of great eats. Dine on chef-inspired modern eats at Dish Society; go for a big, sloppy burger at Bernie’s Burger Bus; share a pancake flight at Snooze; slurp noodles at Agu Ramen; and savor South African flavors at Peli Peli. Click here for directions.
- Take a journey through wines at The Cellar Door – Wines produced with local grapes go from the cellar straight to your table at this sophisticated wine bar and restaurant. And with Texas-born Chef Raul Carrillo helming the kitchen, there’s excellent, globally-inspired food to match. Go for a mix of local and exotic wines paired with tapas and large plates. Or hit one of their many events, including jazz night, wine dinners and tastings, or a painting & sip in the cellar. Click here for directions.
- Shop local in Old Town Katy – Sure, you can go outlet shopping at Katy Mills Mall (and you should because that’s always fun), but you can also support the quaint local businesses that line historic Katy. There’s Junk Street Market, a vintage boutique with unique furniture finds; The Cottage Door, a gift shop with plenty of jewelry and home décor; and KT Antiques, with everything from shabby chic furniture to old school toys, for starters. Click here for directions.
- Get Korean fried treats and sweets – Located in the same plaza, two Korean-style gems sit awaiting your arrival. Fried chicken purveyor Hoodadak does twice-fried Korean chicken justice in the form of incredibly crisp drumsticks, breasts, wings, and thighs; crunchy popcorn bites; and saucy, sweet, and sour boneless bits known as pa-dak. All of which pair perfectly well with craft brews. Just a few steps away, Cocohodo (aka Sweet Vivian’s Ice Cream & Dessert Lab) draws fans with their sweet, walnut-shaped Korean pastries filled with red bean paste and walnuts, along with their liquid nitrogen ice cream, sweet and savory crepes, coffees and teas. Click here for directions.
Bonus – In the warm months, cool off at Typhoon Texas, the adventure-filled 45-acre water park. The season begins Memorial Day weekend. Click here for directions.
