In our Must Do Things Around Greater Houston series, we take a look at Houston’s vast array of communities, neighborhoods and destinations to bring you five fun, tasty, surprising and enticing reasons you should give each one a visit.
Largely a residential neighborhood, the Spring Branch area plays home to a tapestry of cultures, making it an excellent destination for authentic global cuisine.
But that’s not all the sprawling ‘hood has to offer, as there’s plenty of other fun to be had.
Here’s a glimpse at 5 of the best things to do in Spring Branch.
Note: For the purposes of this list, Spring Branch is roughly bound by Clay Road and Highway 290 to the north, Interstate 10 to the south, 61 to the east, and Beltway 8 to the west. It includes Spring Branch East and Spring Branch West, plus the area in between.
5 Must Do Things in Spring Branch
Sip top-notch suds at Karbach Brewing Company
Just on the edge of Spring Branch East lies this fantastic brewery, which has been keeping beer nerds quenched since 2011.
With a multi-million dollar renovation which upgraded the facilities, expanded the outdoor space, and added an entire restaurant several years back, Karbach’s following continues to gain traction both far and wide.
Hit the biergarten to sip pints of Hopadillo IPA and Weekend Warrior, fresh from the tap (and look out for live music, pop-up markets and more); and check out the restaurant, where you’ll find refreshing brews alongside a lineup of elevated pub grub, from hot pretzels and smothered poutine to refreshing salads, brewmaster burgers and Weekend Warrior-battered fish & chips.
Go big on smoked meats & more at Feges BBQ
Husband and wife duo Patrick Feges and Erin Smith make quite a team, as proven by their original Feges BBQ location over in the Greenway Plaza food court.
Now with bigger digs, the pair is making waves in the Texas barbecue scene, both for the smokehouse’s stellar bbq staples from brisket to whole hog, and with outside-the-box bbq accompaniments, from an unexpectedly perfect wine list to features like porcini-crusted steaks, fried chicken and biscuits, Money Cat potatoes, spicy Korean braised greens, and a PB&J chocolate cake.
Sitting in a revamped strip mall, the fresh-faced space is family-friendly, too.
Get a taste of authentic eats from around the globe
The laundry list of ethnic cuisines dotting this part of town is downright impressive, but you’ll have to look inside the unassuming strip malls to find them.
The ‘hood also packs street cred, as celebrated chef Chris Shepherd has been known to tout the spots lining Long Point Road.
On that road, you’ll find real deal Mexican eats—think lamb barbacoa and cabrito (roast goat) served with handmade tortillas—at the family-run El Hidalguense in Spring Branch East.
Cross the street and find one of the most spot-on examples of traditional Thai in the city at the highly regarded hole-in-the-wall, Vieng Thai.
As you move along, you’ll see that Korean eateries are abundant, with Korea Garden Restaurant dishing out stellar Korean BBQ; fan favorite Bon Ga Korean Restaurant boasting everyday grub that is best ordered family-style; and Kim Shabu drawing in fans with homey fare, from bulgogi to kimchi fried rice.
For Vietnamese, don’t miss the banh mi at the unfussy Roostar Vietnamese Grill. It’s also worth venturing off Long Point to all-star Korean fried chicken at The ToreOre, located in the Super H Mart’s food court.
Sandwich fans should pop by Stuffed Belly, the hit sandwich drive-thru from MasterChef winner Christine Ha (The Blind Goat, and formerly Xin Chào); while those wanting a taste of Texas can get Lone Star worthy eats from queso to wagyu chicken fried steak at Wild Oats.
Experience the Texas-inspired tasting menu at Degust
One of Houston’s most unique dining experiences lies in Spring Branch.
With a dark, intimate interior, 20-seat tasting restaurant Degust offers a progressive and imaginative, technique-driven menu Thursday through Saturday evenings.
Interact with fellow foodies and the chefs as you indulge in intricately plated, seasonal dishes inspired by the local palate.
For a bespoke cocktail experience with the same impeccable service, try out sibling establishment Diversión Cocktails next door.
Get your laugh on at Improv Houston
Is there any better way to spend the night than laughing until you’re literally crying? We think not.
This comedy clubs hosts a lineup of talent that includes both the biggest names in comedy and up-and-coming funny guys that just may become your new favorite acts around.
Seating is first-come, first-served, so show up early if you want the best seats in the house. Don’t worry, there’s a bar inside (and you can always kill time at the neighboring Dave & Buster’s).
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