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. Originally published in 2016, we are now refreshing, updating, and adding to this series, including new neighborhoods and destinations.
The neighborhood of Woodlands Heights is small but mighty, rocking bars, restaurants, parks and more. Here are the neighborhood’s must hits.
Note: For the purposes of this list, Woodland Heights is bound by North Main to the east, Studewood to the west, I-10 to the south and 11th to the north.
5 Must Do Things in Woodland Heights
- Catch live music at the White Oak Music Hall – This awesome music hall boasts three gorgeous performance spaces, the 1,000+ capacity Music Hall, the 200+ capacity Stage at White Oak Music Hall, and the 2,000+ capacity open-air Lawn at White Oak Music Hall. This space hosts over 500 music events throughout the year, from indie rock and country to hip-hop and R&B. After (or before) the show, head over to the Raven Tower, an outdoor patio bar with 24 taps and a cool indoor/outdoor space. Click here for directions.
- Take a stroll on the White Oak Bayou Trail – The White Oak Bayou Greenway twists and turns its way along the White Oak Bayou, providing over 15 miles of public greenspace and hike-and-bike trails and connecting neighborhoods in the city, including Woodland Heights. You can pick it up in Stude Park or Woodland Park and continue along to explore outside the neighborhood.
- Load up on great eats – Woodland Heights is home to a number of excellent restaurants, including one French spot with an Ecuadorian spin, Maison Pucha Bistro, where you can indulge in octopus ceviche, steak frites, duck with fig port demi-glace, and Ecuadorian chocolate soufflé. Nearby, BCK: Kitchen & Cocktail Adventures mixes nostalgic food from the ’80s and ’90s with handcrafted cocktails. Pop in for tuna melts, double cheeseburgers, “pasghettio’s”, and Peking duck tacos. Locals know to get their hot dog fix at Good Dog Houston, which rocks a location on Studewood. And those looking to go big on beef can hit up Ritual for dry-aged bone-in ribeye, brisket burgers with bone marrow glaze, and comfort foods from pulled pork mac to warm apple pie.
- Hit the court at Sideout Volleybar – Part bar, part outdoor volleyball spot, Sideout Volleybar offers the opportunity to catch some rays and play some beach volleyball. The local hangout boasts 3 outdoor beach volleyball courts complete with lights, hosting tournaments, leagues, open play, and private events. Courts are available to book for $40 per hour. Click here for directions.
- Unwind with a drink – Relax with a glass of pinot or sauvignon blanc at Sonoma Wine Bar & Restaurant, or really relax with an entire wine flight. The neighborhood wine bar also boasts a rooftop patio, happy hour specials, and eats from cheese and charcuterie to bacon blue burgers and truffle mushroom pizza. At the Ready Room on White Oak, guests can travel back in time with craft cocktails and jazz. To grab craft beers and the game, hit the patio at Little Woodrow’s Heights, also on White Oak. The popular sports bar offers specials from Big Ass Beers & Trivia Night (Wednesday) to Steak & Bingo Night (Thursday). If you want to continue the fun, you’ll also find fan favorites like BB’s Café, Christian’s Tailgate, and Bobcat Teddy’s set along White Oak just outside the ‘hood.
