Our seasonal My Top 5 series returns for Spring 2025! Here, we feature Houstonians actively adding to the city’s character. And, in return, they share their own favorite things in Houston, revealing how they maximize their local time during their time off.
This week, we’re very pleased to showcase Cara Carbajal, who founded and created The Doll House boutique shop—formerly the Pop-Up Co-op—at M-K-T in The Heights.
My Top 5 Things to Do in Houston
by Cara Carbajal
Squable – This spot on 19th Street is my favorite restaurant in the Heights. I could eat their grapefruit + radishes and charred broccoli every day of my life. We love bringing our friends who are visiting from out of town.
Sushi in Houston – My 2 favorites are Kata Robata in Upper Kirby and Aiko off Washington Ave. I’ve been going to Kata for over 10 years and it has never disappointed. Kata’s hamachi with quail egg and warm blueberry cake are absolute musts! Aiko is new in our rotation—don’t sleep on the A5 wagyu tartare. Aiko pro tip: ask for more milk bread when ordering.
My Flaming Heart in Midtown – I love My Flaming Heart’s selection of vintage, oddities, and antique dolls. The Mid-Main shop has an entire wall of dolls that makes me so happy. Every time I visit, I find a new one to add to my collection.
Sig’s Lagoon Record Shop – Also in Midtown’s Mid-Main, Sig’s Lagoon is around the corner from My Flaming Heart. They’ve got a great variety of all music genres. The staff is very helpful and nice. Last time I visited I purchased the Spice Girls’ Spice, Hole’s Live Through This, and Tool’s Lateralus.
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston & Glassell School of Art – A Sunday afternoon or a Thursday night at MFAH is always a wonderful time. My husband and I are members and love viewing new exhibits. The Glassell Studio School is also great way to learn more about all types of art. I took fashion design classes back in high school and recently started taking a jewelry fundamentals class with Heidi Gerstacker that’s been a lot of fun and very informative.
About Cara Carbaja
Cara Carbajal founded and owns The Doll House—formerly known as The Pop-Up Co-Op—a boutique located in M-K-T in The Heights that features more than 65 different women-owned brands, designers, and artists. To date, the recently renamed and rebranded local retail outlet has showcased over 200 women-owned businesses and marked its seventh anniversary. A Houston native, Carbajal grew up in Spring Branch and graduated from the University of Houston with a Retail and Consumer Science degree. A huge lover and supporter of Houston, she loves how her diverse creative circle continues to grow.
