Our My Top 5 feature showcases Houstonians who are shaping the culture in the city and impacting people’s lives. In turn, they share their own favorite things to do in Houston when they’re not hard at work. This week, we’re very pleased to feature Joey Sanchez, creator of the Blue Tile Project.
My Top 5 Things to Do in Houston
by Joey Sanchez
- 13 Celsius – This place is such an understated and humble establishment filled with top class hospitality. Don’t know what you want to drink? That’s ok, there’s a wine for that. Their historical building also has one of the oldest photographed blue tiles still intact. Adel is the hostess with the mostest and will make you feel welcomed.
- The Hay Merchant – The Hay Merchant, in my opinion, is one of the best beer bars in America hands down. It’s no wonder they’ve become a Westheimer and Montrose mainstay. I specifically respect them for their stance on microbreweries. They love local and so do we. Also, they have the biggest blue tile in town.
- Spring Street Studios – One day, people will look back to the Washington Avenue Arts District as the cornerstone of one of the greatest arts scene in America. There are more than 300 working artists in less than a mile of one another. Spring Street also houses the Blue Tile Grave Yard.
- 8th Wonder Brewery – If you want to meet someone who loves Houston head to 8th Wonder Brewery in EaDo. It is true, you are what you drink and 8th Wonder is all Houston all the time. I recommend checking out their huge back patio which offers a great view of East Downtown.
- Kolache Shoppe – I don’t make this claim lightly. The best kolache in Texas or the United States (well kolaches don’t exist outside of Texas really) are at the Kolache Shop off Richmond Avenue. Seriously, the best. Period.
About Joey Sanchez
Joey Sanchez is a native Houstonian who lives and works in Downtown Houston as Director of Business Analytics at Greater Houston Partnership. In 2015, during a bike ride from Downtown Houston with his wife Kelly, the two took their first pictures of Houston’s historic blue tile street signs. Since then the Blue Tile Project has grown into a historic preservation, art, and local business initiative to “Bring the Blue Tiles Back to the Bayou City”. Click here to learn more about the Blue Tile Project and their initiatives. You can also get involved in the Blue Tile Project yourself by downloading the free app for iPhone, iPad, and Android devices.
