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Sometimes, you get exactly what you want. Then again, sometimes, you don’t. So if you’re picking up this magazine and expecting

the same old stories, i.e., a splattered chronicle of student’s favorite spots to hangout (all, disappointingly, on-campus chains) or a pointlessly crafted calendar of events you’ll nev-er even consider stopping by, then go ahead and do yourself a favor: find the nearest recycling can, and throw Cooglife away. Because that’s not what this is at all.

Gone are the days of the Life & Arts section of The Cougar, with its reviews on albums of which you’ve never heard, coverage of plays you won’t watch and lists of books you’ll never read. You didn’t notice because you were already glazing over it to get to the Sports section.

A solid farewell, too, to the spe-cial sections of the past. They’re tran-sitioning into Cooglife, a magazine published by The Cougar that spends the necessary time generating the quality lifestyle and entertainment stories that this city and this Univer-

sity definitely warrant.In fact, Welcome to Houston —

and its future monthly counterparts, including the Sex and Coogs Choose editions — is a revved-up version of those that you’ve seen in the past, but with a little more flare and a lot more funk. In the coming months, we’re rolling in an issue dedicated to car-lovers, and, for those of you with stomachs; we’ve got a restau-rant guide coming your way. And, of course, a few surprises, and maybe more than a few more parties, be-cause we couldn’t write about you if we didn’t get to know you personally. Meanwhile, The Cougar’s newspaper can focus on the kind of hard-hitting daily reporting the students want to read.

For the newcomers, we get it. You’re getting the traditional Hous-ton welcome, congestion and all. That’s why we’ve made you a guide to roaming the urban sprawl and a J.J. Watt-hailing breakdown of the teams you’ve got to catch. Reading this magazine, you can back a first trip to the Chase Tower sky lobby with a hearty knowledge of what you’re

actually viewing in the ever-growing skyline.

Really, that’s what this is all about. Admittedly, we’re here to indoctrinate you into our city and university. Welcome to Houston, the city that floods high over freeways. Welcome to Houston, that place where you have to budget an hour for a 10-mile drive. Welcome to Houston, that burgeoning quagmire of urban sprawl that, for some reason, we still love. And I guarantee you will, too.

But how did we get here?Maybe it’s that we’re Tier One.

Maybe it’s that we’ve got Renu Kha-tor for a president. Maybe it’s that The Cougar, and Cooglife by proxy, continues to serve you, the students, by striving for the louder voice, the stronger message and the relatable stories that you deserve.

Or maybe, it’s that we’re just that damn good.

Whatever it is, we hope you stay with us and keep living, so that we can keep writing.

Trey StrangeExecutive Editor

4 Monday, August 17, 2015

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WRITERSBryce DoddsKaris JohnsonJasmine MorrisKelly Schaffler Henry SturmAnthony TorresSonia Zuniga

DESIGNA. TomicJosue B. Diaz

PHOTOSBraelyn Coulter Catherine Lara Pablo Milanese Esteban PortilloKevin Portillo Mónica Rojas Men SaleebyMichael Winland

ABOUT THE COVERIllustration by A. Tomic

The cover design for the premiere issue of Cooglife was inspired by the city of Houston’s eclectic, multi-cultural atmosphere. Its vibrant color palette expresses the energy of a sprawling city world renowned for its international cuisine, bustling commerce and iconic historical landmarks.

CLOSING EDITORSSean AlderMónica RojasGlissette Santana

EDITORIAL STAFF

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0810 Things to Love about UHThere are thousands, but we could only fit 10.

10Student DiscountsGet the most free stuff out of Cat’s Back this year.

12 Best Places to NapOr, you know, pass out drunk.

13Houston ParksGo green, or go home.

24HillcroftCruising through our international microcosm.

25Top Five FestivalsGet your Renaissance on.

26City ComparisonsNow that you’re here, let us convince you to never leave.

28Outer LoopFun, without the Beltway borders.

12 14

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CONTACT COOGLIFEwww.cooglife.com


EXECUTIVE EDITORTrey Strange

[email protected]

EDITORIAL ADVISERSJenae SitzesCara Smith

14Houston NicknamesAre they endearing or insulting? We don’t know, and we don’t care.

16 Sports BreakdownAll hail J.J. Watt, and don’t forget to fear the beard.

17Social Media HoustoniansArtists you’ve got to follow.

18Neighborhood GuideGet to know your Houston.

SALES REPRESENTATIVESDiana Nguyen

SALES MANAGERCallista [email protected]

ADVERTISING


THINGSABOUT

TOLOVE

UHGLISSETTE SANTANA

Editor in Chief

Monday, August 17, 2015 9

10. THE PEOPLEWe all have one thing in common: we’re Cougars. For whatever reason you may be attending UH, the pride of the red and white is running through our veins and when you’re with friends who have the same feeling instilled within them, it’s a winning combination.

9. THE COMMUNITY Once you graduate from UH, you’ll become part of an alumni network of thousands. Alumni all around the world are proud to tell you that they are a member of the Cougar community. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that?

8. THE CITYNestled in the heart of the fourth-largest city in the world, UH has to admit that some of its glory comes from its namesake. In a city as diverse as Hous-ton, students don’t have a problem finding their signature area within the city.

7. THE ORGANIZATIONSJoining a student organization on campus not only helps you make friends and connections that will last past your years at the University, but it’ll also give you something on campus to be involved in besides classes. Student organizations are the backbone to campus life at UH — whether you want to start planning events with the Student Program Board or fight for student rights in the Student Government Association.

6. THE CAMPUSWhile we may not have the biggest campus in the world, our school is far from ordinary. From the shiny Student Center to the Grove next to the Moore’s School of Music, our campus has more than enough spots for you to get out of your dorm room and chill. That’s literal — we’re home to the first air-conditioned school building in the U.S. (thanks, Roy G. Cullen!)

5. THE SPORTSWith a new head football coach, new digs for the basketball teams to practice in and a brand new video board at Cougar Field, this is bound to be the best year for UH athletics yet. Plus, who doesn’t like winning teams and free entry to every game? If you don’t call that a perk, I don’t know what is.

4. THE MASCOTS We have not only one, but two mascots – Shasta and his ladyfriend, Sasha. Both can be seen around campus and at various events.They’re more than happy to show off their Cougar pride, but beware: Sasha has a bit of a jealous streak when it comes to ladies cuddling up to her man.

3. THE PRESIDENTWe call her the chancellor and president, but she’s more like the queen — not only the prime gal when it comes to UH affairs, but also in charge of all UH subsidiaries, like UH-Clear Lake and UH-Downtown. All that power and she stills takes the time to take selfies with students and never fails to wear red on Fridays. And how many presidents (or queens) offer up their personal blog? Check it out; she gives a tip or two on leadership.

2. THE CLASSESWe’ve all gotten those emails telling us how we are one of three Tier One uni-versities in the state (we refuse to name the other two.) The classes prove it. Whether you’re in Dr. Bott’s CHEM 1301 class — wear red on Fridays for extra credit — or you just got out of the hardest math test of your life (thanks a lot, Calculus 3), you’re sure to have something to talk about the next day.

1. THE EXPERIENCEThey say college can be the best years of your life and when you go to school in the middle of one of the most interesting cities in America, you better believe it. The mix of old and new students from all walks of life is sure to conjure up some great memories throughout your time at UH, whether you spent your weekends in a Chemistry study group or exploring all the nooks and crannies of Houston.

MONDAY, AUGUST 24TH / 11:30AM 1:30PM

Join us for FREE food & prizesJoin us for FREE food & prizesat the Student Center Circle Drive


There’s perks to going to UHGo to Cat’s Back and get prizes galore

SONIA ZUNIGAAssistant News Editor

While fluttering from class to class in the haze of what’s called college, you’ll need something to keep you busy while you’re not in class or studying. That’s where Cat’s Back comes in. An organizational fair held every school year in the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center, it’s a chance for new and old Cougars to find an orga-nization to spread their wings and grab some cool prizes along the way.

#6 KOOZIE, MAGNET, POSTERSWho: Athletics DepartmentThe Athletics Department and its 17 intercollegiate sports offerings have landed Cougars prestigious awards, a Master’s champion, a NBA MVP and three of the NBA’s Top 50 Greatest Players, to name a few. Competitive students can play basketball or golf, and those who just want to stay fit during the semester can take off to the Rec’s 264,000 square-foot build-ing, which has classes and equip-ment to keep them moving daily.

#5 YOYO, NOTEBOOKWho: MVPThe Metropolitan Volunteering Pro-gram is a chance for students to give back to the community by focusing on giving aid to areas that need treatment. It’s a worthy way to get volunteer hours and a warm fuzzy feeling inside. From cleaning beaches to feeding the homeless, MVP gives students the chance to help them-selves by helping many others.

#4 SHOPPING BAGS, BUTTONSWho: Coog Radio This student-fee funded online radio station gives people an outlet to express themselves in their shows mixed with a variety of music — a great way to introduce an aspect of the broadcasting world.

#3 COFFEE MUGS, MORE BUTTONSWho: CoogTVPowered by the Student Video Net-work, CoogTV visualizes the current interests of students, ranging from education, sports, news and enter-tainment. Filled with special features from cooking segments and sports coverage seen on “In the Game,” students learn the media production process from filming to production and delivery, operating on Channel 6.

#2 PERSONALIZED T-SHIRT, FANNY PACK, WATER BOTTLE, HATS AND UMBRELLAWho: CEOThe Council of Ethnic Organizations provides activities and events where they promote cultural awareness and community diversity. Enriching student life is their mission by edu-cating the students involved of their surroundings and neighbors to one’s own view. It’s only fitting since UH is the second most diverse institution in the nation.

#1 PERSONALIZED STREET SIGNSWho: SPBIf you get to experience free movie nights, game-infused activities or seeing your friends try to sing on some open mic night, then you can thank the Student Program Board. They provide enrichment activities, enticing students to get involved in campus life. Members of SPB like to keep it diverse and innovating, so students get to create and run events as they become a part of the community.

Hold on—before you get angry...

Obviously, the mighty Shasta will for-ever remain the mascot of our dear University of Houston. And true the Cooglife team will ever be to him.

At one time, there may have been a live Cougar at the University, but today most of us don’t see Shasta except on annual obligatory (and free) visits to the Houston Zoo.

So, pressed with the issue of how to convey what it’s like to walk, dine, snooze, study, party, take classes, lounge and live on the public univer-sity that best captures the city’s name and culture, the Cooglife team looked outward. And what did we see?

Squirrels. everywhere — taking your lunches, following you to class and freaking out your girlfriends.

They’re as common as the stu-dents. They scurry from tree to tree just as we stroll from Agnes Arnold to Melcher. They shovel down shreds of Einstein’s bagels just like we do.

As a reminder of ourselves and of our UH squirrels, we’ve peppered this magazine with the cute crea-tures (although, trust us, they’re not always so cute).

See if you can spot them all.

GENERAL MEETINGS: 5:30-6:30 PM in the Student Center Sept. 2nd Downtown Room 261 // Sept. 16th Downtown Room 261 // Sept. 30th Downtown Room 261 Oct. 14th Space City Room 214 // Oct. 28th Downtown Room 261 // Nov. 28th Downtown Room 261

uh.edu/csiseo


Best places to crash after classIf one of your favorite things is to sleep, there’s plenty of places for that

Just a heads up: classes are going to get stressful, and we deal with that in differ-ent ways. Some will dredge through the night, cramming for tests. Some will waste their study time complaining on Twitter. And others? Well, they’ll just get sloshed and go to parties to forget their obligations.Under the pressure of all that studying, whining and drunkenness, you might need a break. Here are just a few places where you can go and likely find a bit of rest — or, you know, not get shipped to the drunk tank.

THE FOUNTAINWhen the fountain reopens this semester, students will once again be able to lie in the grass and snooze undisturbed. It’s not uncommon to see, among the hipsters making flower necklaces, plenty of planked individuals with their butts turned to the sky.

If you don’t want to wait for the grand reopening, there’s still the lawn left outside the fence. Although the scenery might not be as peaceful, it will still feel quiet enough for some shut-eye. And, then again, you’ll like-ly be wasted, so does it really matter?

THE LEGACY LOUNGEIf you’re not a fan of sweating and snoozing, take a trip to the Student Center South. While other students might be working diligently on class projects or papers, you can find solace in the comfort of the chairs and sofas.

TREY STRANGEExecutive Editor

If you want to take a group nap, grab a few friends and ask the desk for a key to a study room. Turn out the lights and catch a few Zs without interruption.

THE BURNOUT WALLStudents, you’ve seen it. On the backside of the Social Work building, facing the Satellite and the Valenti School of Communication, where students lean against the wall for support in trudging through the swamp of Finals Week.

So kick back, relax and knock out for a few minutes…or hours…or days. It may not beat your grand-mother’s couch, but it’s a nice place to sleep.


Chill in a parkJASMINE MORRISCommunity Manager

Despite the luxury of attending a lively university in a major city, the time will come when you’ve grown bored and feel a strong desire to go outside to see something beyond campus. When the feeling strikes, Houston parks offer free ways you can let loose and feel united with nature. Grab a friend, a ball, a bike or a book to accompany you in any number of green spaces across the city to enjoy some free time.

HERMANN PARK6201 HERMANN PARK DRIVE, 77030This bustling park nestled between the Museum District and Houston Zoo is great for a scenic stroll or charming photoshoot with its pic-turesque design and historic mon-uments. Although their jogging and cycling trail is a city favorite, it has much more to offer than just exercise space. Visitors can ride a train, play in a public art structure shaped like a birds nest, rent a pedal boat or see a concert at Miller Outdoor Theatre in a single visit. Don’t forget to take a detour into the tran-quil Japanese Garden, a “peaceful hide-away” within the park.

DISCOVERY GREEN1500 MCKINNEY ST., 77010This bright epicenter of activity is easy to stumble upon if you’re walk-ing through downtown Houston, and luckily there’s always something happening. In addition to its lawns, gardens, restaurants, and play areas the “urban green space” frequently hosts a variety of events from festi-vals to kayaking lessons and even transforms into an ice rink during

the winter months. Be sure to check their website for

details on daily events, or just go play any

day from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

BUFFALO BAYOU PARK18-3600 ALLEN PARK-WAY AND MEMORIAL

DRIVE, 77019Featuring a

stunning view of the Houston skyline,

Buffalo Bayou Park has one of the city’s most popular jogging and biking trails for gradual

elevation changes and consistently beautiful scenery. Alongside the trails, the park includes Lee and Joe Jamail Skatepark, which encourages skaters of all ages and mastery, as well as the friendly Johnny Steele Dog Park and new water and nature attractions. Watch the bat colony that lives under Waugh Bridge, which takes flight from their crevice around sunset every evening.

HOUSTON ARBORETUM & NATURE CENTER 4501 WOODWAY DRIVE, 77024Escape into what feels like deep wil-derness on a series of wooded nature trails, but don’t forget bug repellent. Each trail is specifically designed for a unique sensory experience in mind, so it’s easy to wander lost in the wildlife.

All trails eventually lead back to the air-conditioned Nature Center, which houses an interactive Discov-ery Room dedicated to helping curi-ous folks understand nature through a series of exhibits and activities.


Houston isn’t just any city — Houston is our city. It has an identity all its own, with many names to match the faces. Wheth-er you’re a new Houston transplant or a long-time native, here’s a quick guide to help you learn a few of the terms you might hear in your time at UH.

SPACE CITYHouston is home to NASA at the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center. With mission control serving as the primary contact in the heyday of the space race, the nickname arose in the late 60’s. In fact, the first transmitted words from Neil Armstrong were “Houston, Tranquility Base here, The Eagle has landed.” Houston contin-ues as an epicenter of outer-space exploration.

CLUTCH CITYOne of the most recognizable nick-names for Houston, Clutch City came about after the 1994 and 1995 NBA titles won by the Rockets. Behind the skills and leadership of former Cou-gar Hakeem Olajuwon, the Rockets staged a series of improbable and amazing comebacks en route to back-to-back titles, earning them a moniker for the ages.

THE BAYOU CITYHouston boasts a series of 10 bayous which intersect throughout the city. The most famous, Buffalo Bayou, runs through the heart of downtown, and the city itself was founded by Augustus Chapman Allen and John Kirby Allen right where the Buffalo and White Oak Bayous meet. Over the years, the bayous have played a large part in the Houston rise as an economic powerhouse with the establishment of the Houston Ship Channel. The bayous also serve as security for Houston residents,

helping contain runoff in the event of flooding. This nickname has also been rebranded on the Bayou Bucket, part of a tradition of competition in football with the Rice Owls. After a few years of no competition, the series is set to be revived in 2017. Of course, the Cougars expect to retain the trophy.

ENERGY CAPITAL OF THE WORLDOne of the largest forces behind the economy in Houston is the large number of energy-related businesses located here. Housing more than 5,000 energy-related firms, Houston is a top producer of all energy forms and leading the way in the oil and gas field. Thirteen of the 20 largest natural gas transmission companies corporations in the nation are locat-ed here, in addition to more than 170 pipeline operation businesses. Both the Sam Houston Tollway and I-10 West are lined by a large number of them, dubbed Energy Park. This has allowed people from all nations to re-locate to Houston as the city became an energy powerhouse, lending to the amount of diversity found here.

SCREWSTONThis one takes a bit more digging. The city is a hotbed of the “chopped and screwed” style of hip hop at-tributed to DJ Screw, who pioneered the style in Houston. In a time of fast southern hip hop, Screw served as a pioneer by slowing down the music and applying techniques like record scratching.

A guide to all of Houston’s namesBRYCE DODDSSports Editor

Houston has a long history of hosting many styles of music, especially rap and hip hop, and the local artists quickly took to the “chopped and screwed” style, forming a hip hop super-group “Screwed Up Click,” or “SLC” for short. Led by DJ Screw, the group SLC has hosted a number of Houston-area legends and continues

actively today. Houston quickly took to the music style that was all their own, and the nickname encapsulates exactly how the city is unlike any other.

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Sports are good, yo.Keeping an eye on athletics

CARA SMITHEditorial Adviser

In order to achieve maximum Houston literacy, you’ve got to have a steady handle on the basics of Houston’s biggest sports franchises. Thankfully, Houston’s got a myriad of entertainment of-ferings in the athletic world, whether you fancy a cheap night out in east downtown or are willing to cough up more cash for a Sunday night football game. And just for good measure, even if you’re not a football junkie, you’ll look like a straight fool in Houston if you don’t know who J.J. Watt is.

MEN’S SOCCER: HOUSTON DYNAMOWhere they play:BBVA Compass Stadium at 2200 Texas Ave.What you’ll pay:Tickets start at around $20, and climb upwards of $100 for VIP seat-ing. Athlete to know: Midfielder Brad Davis qualified for the U.S. Men’s National Team in the 2014 FIFA World Cup.How they did last season:The MLS has two conferences, Eastern and Western. The Dynamo play in the Western conference and are ranked No. 8 out of 10 conference teams. WOMEN’S SOCCER: HOUSTON DASHWhere they play:BBVA Compass StadiumWhat you’ll pay: General admission starts at $15, and

tickets climb up to $42 for President’s Club seating.Athlete to know: Midfielder Carli Lloyd– y’know, the two-time Olympic gold medalist and player that just had the statistically best women’s World Cup perfor-mance in history.How they did last season:Finished in last place with five wins, three draws and 16 losses.

MEN’S FOOTBALL: HOUSTON TEXANSWhere they play:NRG Stadium at Reliant Pkwy, Hous-ton, TX 77054What you’ll pay:You can probably get nosebleed-level seats for under $50, but some tickets nearing the field can climb near $250, even going up to $400 and $500 when it’s close to game time.Athlete to know: Defensive end JJ Watt. He’s a cultural icon in Houston, and he’s a house-hold name around the nation. In his four seasons with the Texans, Watt’s won the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award twice. He’s also set two franchise records.How they did last season: Considering how they did in 2013 (2-14) the Texans’ 2014 record of 9-7 was a welcome change.

MEN’S BASEBALL: HOUSTON ASTROSWhere they play: Minute Main Park at 501 Crawford St.What you’ll pay:Depends on where you want to sit. Nosebleeds go for around $15, while club seats will cost you around $100.Athlete to know: Second baseman Jose Altuve. Aside from him being one of the shortest players in the league at 5’5”, Altuve’s been a force of nature for the Astros since his 2011 debut. He’s been selected to three All Star games and has a batting average of just over .300.How they did last season: From 2010 until 2013, the Astros fin-ished in last place in their division. In the midst of the 2015 season, they’re regarded as one of the best teams in the MLB.

MEN’S BASKETBALL: HOUSTON ROCKETSWhere they play: Toyota Center at 1510 Polk St.What you’ll pay:After last season’s sky-high perfor-mance, you’ll have to cough up some serious cash. You’re looking at paying anywhere from $30 to a few hundred bucks.Athlete to know: Shooting guard James Harden. Fear the beard.How they did last season: They finished 56-23, the third best in their history. They advanced all the way to the Western Conference Finals, but fell to the Golden State Warriors 1-4.


The ones to watchHit ‘Follow’ for these local Insta-bloggers

KARIS JOHNSONExecutive Editor

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Social media today is often associated with preteens and Starbucks drinks. But these five Houstonian bloggers have found a way to avoid the “selfie Sun-days” and bring original creativity to the table. Each account boasts culture and diversity unique to Houston, featuring quality photography on one of the biggest social networking sites in the world. Hit the “follow” button on these insider accounts to catch a glimpse of the colorful inner-workings of H-town.

@houtxgrown Amidst stunning shots of Houston’s graffiti, Ivan Rodriguez captures an often-overlooked section of Hous-ton’s art scene. Rodriguez also gives a social media shout-out to street artists by tagging them in shots of their work. His blog displays mostly graffiti, but occasionally a stunning downtown city-scape will make an appearance. Follow Rodriguez for inspiration to head out and explore these featured murals for yourself.

@tschoutxFilmmakers J.E. Hernandez and A.J. highlight hidden corners in Montrose and sprawling shots of downtown to document the city. This account is centered around their vision to cre-ate and score an original film about Houston. The low-budget art project has been in the works over the past year, and according to the blog’s web-site www.toscoreacity.com, their mis-sion is to “document the Houston we

know and love, but also document that which we didn’t.” Each post features an insightful perspective on Houston’s architecture, culture and people. Keep up with their progress as the creators work toward making a film “all Houstonians can appreci-ate and relate to.”

@edoardovillan This blog gives photography a make-over with a fresh look on life in Hous-ton. Shots on the account play up the architectural symmetry and simple beauty found in the 713. Capturing raindrops on office windows and time-lapse shots of cars racing down Highway 59, Villan creates a raw im-pression of the city. Many of his posts use angles and stark color contrasts to turn a daily commute into an art show. For more of his photography, visit Villan’s website www.villanvi-suals.com. Scroll through colorful portraits and enjoy the view through his creative camera lens.

@hailiedurrettDon’t let cozy latte posts and person-al anecdotes fool you – Hailie Durrett is the creator a one-of-a-kind blog known as The Coffee Stories Project. Durrett takes a Humans-of-New-York approach with her project, giving it her own twist by playing on people’s love for coffee and conversation. Check out café portraits of Housto-nians at www.thecoffeestoriesproj-ect.com, or enjoy the antics of her cat, Archibald Claudius Durrett, on this creative Instagram account.

@livelifeloveall Get up close and personal with vibrant graffiti featured daily on this art-centric blog. From peeling murals on abandoned buildings to fresh por-traits blasted onto train cars, these photographs takes a close look at street art’s diversity. Each post melds with the next to create an accurate mosaic of some of the most innova-tive artists featured on Instagram.


Houston’s a burgeoning metropolis, constantly growing and morphing to the liking of its dwellers. For every bustling street in Downtown, there’s a suburb in Bellaire, and regions like Midtown and East Downtown roar with nightlife while neighborhoods like the Third and Fifth Wards slide mostly under the radar. Between the upscale Uptown and the Heights’

cooler-than-thou atmosphere, Houston’s facets piece together in sections. Here are just a few student-friendly places to check out.


FRANK’S PIZZAHome of the “late-night slice,” Frank’s takes the college student’s favorite dish and serves it the college student’s favorite way — at 2 a.m. in a cramped bar with plenty of beer. Add to that the loud noises of the open kitchen and you get the real charm of the nocturnal restaurant, which boxes pizza by-the-slice for lone travelers with pocket change. By day and by night, Frank’s trundles on with a bustling atmosphere akin to Houston’s own. —TS

Sunday–Wednesday, 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Thursday 11 p.m.–1 a.m.

Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.–3 a.m.

417 Travis St., 77002

DOWNTOWN

MIDTOWN

In front of the main Houston library is a courtyard with colorful designs. Color explodes upward in the form of strange men and women, many of which are homeless. You can find these same lost souls reading, sleep-ing and, more often than not, getting kicked out shortly after. It is one of the few free places where you can find refuge, knowledge and escape. It is a fixture in downtown life, and patronage helps it grow. Go ahead and visit; you’ll find something you weren’t even looking for. —HS

Monday–Thursday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.

Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Sunday 1 p.m.–5 p.m.

500 McKinney St., 77002

The 7-mile underground mall lies 20 feet below Downtown’s streets, connecting 83 buildings, a huge change from the initial two downtown movie theater linkage. Enter from the McKinney Garage and you’ll see small shops and various restaurants to eat from, like the affordable Baoz Dumplings. —SZ

Monday–Friday, 6 a.m–6 p.m.

930 Main St., 77002

Some nights you get lost in the middle of mid-town and find yourself under the dimly lit neon twinkle-lights among a land of stickers and graffiti quotes that make absolutely no sense. Don’t despair. In fact, count yourself lucky, because you’ve discovered Lola’s Depot. The ec-centric dive bar’s strong drinks and low prices would make even Futurama’s Bender proud. And by low prices, I mean $1.75 margaritas at Happy Hour and $1.75 Pabst Blue Ribbon every day. Plus, the jukebox is amazing. —SZ

2327 Grant St., 77006

Monday–Sunday, Open 24 hours

If you like Urban Outfitters but aren’t crazy about the prices, Pavement might help. This new and used apparel store, next to Leopard Lounge, racks clean and modern styles for women and men. You can easily find laid-back clothing (boho-chic, retro, vintage and so on), for a steal. Just as well, guys get a nice range, from preppy shorts to the gym-is-my-life muscle shirts. Note: You might as well help yourself into a dressing room; it’ll save you five minutes, no joke. —SZ

Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–9 p.m.

Sunday, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.

1657 Westheimer Rd., 77006

Located in the heart of Midtown’s bar scene, it has a versatile atmosphere, with a bar that is half-inside half-outside. Celtic Garden is a cool scene, and it attracts a nice variety of twenty-somethings. It crowds on weekends, so expect to have a difficult time finding seating and getting to the bar. Pro tip: if you do manage to find a place to sit for your group, guard it with your life. —KS

Monday–Friday, 3 p.m.–2 a.m.

Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m.–2 a.m.

2300 Louisiana St., 77006

THE TUNNELS

CENTRAL LIBRARY

PAVEMENT HOUSTON

LOLA’S DEPOT

CELTIC GARDENS


This near-campus favorite takes you back to a simpler time, where burgers don’t cost $6, the likelihood of complementary fries seems inevitable and I don’t have to worry about the quality of the beef — just be thrilled to have enough change left over for a root beer float afterward. —TS

Monday, 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m.

Tuesday, 11:30 a.m.–Midnight

Wednesday, 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m.

Thursday–Saturday, 11:30 a.m.–Midnight.

3481 Elgin St., 77004

Paying due diligence to the Astro-dome’s unofficial title, 8th Wonder really is one of those destinations you’ve just got to see. With tours of the machinery running daily at 4 p.m. and plenty of brews served, the brewery is sure to delight both the beer connoisseur and the occasion-al partaker. —TS

Monday–Friday, 3 p.m.–10 p.m.

Saturday, Noon–10 p.m.

Sunday, Noon–6 p.m.

2202 Dallas St., 77003

TEXAS ART ASYLUM

BOHEMEO’S

EAST DOWNTOWN

“Music, art, coffee” seems a too-small slo-gan for this café, which can double a mean vegetarian sandwich with a delectable fro-zen iced espresso drink. Plus, if the hipster interior deters you, there’s bountiful space on the patio to enjoy studying or relaxing. If you frequent enough, you might catch some of the local talent pool of spoken word artists and bands, which Bohemeo’s supports and promotes often. —TS

Monday and Tuesday, 7 a.m.–10 p.m.

Wednesday and Thursday, 7 a.m.–11 p.m.

Friday, 7 a.m.–Midnight

Saturday, Noon–Midnight

Sunday, Noon–10 p.m.

708 Telephone Road, 77023

Outside, Texas Art Asylum’s walls mount painting of two great cats; inside, their living inspirations roam as evidence of the laid-back and accessible nature of the shop. Seeming to be filled with junk, the Asylum proves the old adage — at second, the junk actually is treasure. Whether you’re painting, sewing, putting together a collage or building a cigar-box guitar, Art Asylum’s eclectic inventory can supply both the materi-al and atmosphere to cultivate an honest masterpiece. —HS

Sunday and Monday, closed;

Tuesday–Friday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.;

Saturday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.

1719 Live Oak St., 77003

8TH WONDER BREWERY

THIR

D W

ARD FRENCHY’S

The outside presence is unassuming, sure, but inside feels warm and cozy enough to fall into a good book for a bit, and the friendly staff can keep you there for hours. Promoting coffee, espresso creations and myriad vegan baked goods, Doshi House is a hidden gem that can meet all your needs for both health and happiness. —TS

Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–8 p.m.

Saturday, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.

Sunday 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

3419 Dowling St., 77004

Move out of the way, Kentucky Fried Chicken, because Houston’s most notable food chain is also one of its best. You might think the greasy tenders are available just as good at the nearby Popeye’s, but I disagree — and Beyonce, who’s been known to drop by, would beg to differ, too. —TS

Monday–Thursday, 10 a.m.–1 a.m.

Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.– 3 a.m.

Sunday, 10 a.m.–1 a.m.

3919 Scott St., 77004

DOSHI HOUSE

CREAM BURGER


HEIGHTSOriginally built for Polish immigrants to gather before Sara Fitzgerald bought it in 1977, renovations have since allowed an ambience for metal, rap, blues and rock-and-roll. If you’re looking for a good concert, look no further than Fitzgerald’s. From hosting nationwide, headlining acts to giving local bands a start, Fitzgerald’s is a great place to see live music. —BD

Open evenings for concerts2706 White Oak Dr., 77007

Boasting anything from punk to blues and jazz, Vinyl Edge has a great collection of records, CDs and posters. Vinyl Edge is also the place to get into the vinyl game if you don’t know where to start. They can help you find the right player, setting you up with a few introductory records to get you into the world of music. —BD

Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Sunday, Noon–6 p.m.239 W. 19th St, 77008

Founded back in 2011, Boomtown focuses on delicious specialty coffees and keeping great relationships with their growers. The best way to find your new favorite blend is to stop in and ask for recommendations. If you’re feeling a little hungry, sample the menu, which has scrumptious selections like the Boomtown Taco, consisting of fried eggs, avocado, black beans and cheese. —BD

Monday–Friday, 6:30 a.m.–7 p.m.Saturday, 7 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sunday, 7 a.m.–7 p.m.242 W .19th St, 77008

VINYL EDGE

FITZGERALD’S

BOOMTOWN COFFEE

MONTROSE

After food and gas, buying new clothes is arguably a college student’s big-gest expense — unless you plan to wear the same outfit five days a week. This widely-known chain thrift store is the answer to your clothing needs. From casual tees and shorts to nicer dresses and button-downs, Buffalo Exchange is for guys and gals alike, and it’s a good starting place if you plan to check out the other thrift shops along Westheimer. Plus if you’re looking for some extra cash, you can sell your personal items at a good prize, but be ready to bargain. —JS

Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.1617 Westheimer Road, 77006

If you’ve never eaten Mediterranean food, it’s a great option. This Medi-terranean grill has it all: kabobs and shawarma, gyros and hummus — even burgers. Bring your own beer and wine for a chill evening with friends, or order ahead and pick up your food to go. Either way, La Fendee is an affordable and delicious choice for students. —JS

Monday–Wednesday, 11 a.m.–MidnightThursday, 11 a.m.–1 a.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.–3 a.m. Sunday, 11 a.m.–Midnight.1402 Westheimer Road, 77098

With its dark, cozy atmosphere, Agora is one of the city’s coffee-houses. Bring your laptop and decide whether you’d like to sit outside on the patio, take in the view from upstairs or curl up on a couch below. The music from Agora’s jukebox can be loud in the evenings, but headphones easily block it out. Oh, and don’t fret if you can’t snatch one of the 10 parking spots outside; street parking is always available nearby.—JS

Monday–Sunday, 9 a.m. to 2 a.m.1712 Westheimer Road, 77006

BUFFALO EXCHANGE

AGORA

LA FENDEE


BELL

AIRE UPTOWNAt the corner of Evergreen and

Newcastle, this four-acre estate transforms into a nature trail with wooded pathways, play areas, covered picnic tables and a rehabilitation aviary. Plus, the Nature Discovery Center offers interactive classes and guided tours. A perk: this mini adven-ture is always free. —JM

Monday–Sunday, 6 a.m.–9:30 p.m.7112 Newcastle St., 77401

Created in 1983, the Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park stands as the centerpiece of Uptown. At 64 feet, the waterwall provides a beautiful backdrop to any picnic. But don’t get caught standing in the Waterwall basin — that’s against park rules. —MR

Sunday–Saturday, 8 a.m.–9 p.m.2800 Post Oak Blvd, 77056

Vinyl lovers and inexperienced music explorers alike can get lost in Black Dog Records’ expansive collection. From Beyoncé to Pink Floyd, any mu-sic fan is sure to find something they’ll enjoy for reasonable prices. The staff prides themselves on being friendly and available to help, so don’t be afraid to ask questions or just chit chat. They often feature DJs and live bands in-store, so keep an eye on their Facebook and Instagram for local artist features and occasional concert ticket giveaways. —JM

Monday, closed; Tuesday through Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.4900 Bissonnet St., 77401

The largest mall in the state offers stores for all budgets. The first level fea-tures luxury boutiques such as Burberry and Louis Vuitton. The second floor of the mall has PacSun, Apple and the LEGO store that might be better-suited for the all-too-often penny-pinching college kid. The mall also accounts for two hotels, office towers and a private health club. —MR

Sunday, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.; Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–9 p.m.5085 Westheimer Road, 77056

Voted best smoothie in Hous-ton by the Houston Press, Dan’s Vitamin House is a hole-in-the-wall that’s been serving locals for nearly 30 years. Not only do they have damn good smooth-ies, but a portion of their profits go directly toward orphanages,

so you’re helping a good cause with every purchase. If smoothies aren’t your thing, they also have a vast collection of vitamin and energy supple-ments with staff on hand to aid you in your healthy lifestyle. —AT

Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.Sunday, closed.3861 Bellaire St., 77025

Not all cupcakes are created equal. The bakery has more than 17 cupcake fla-vors on any given day that rotate throughout the week. Served as both regular and mini-sized, the cupcakes are made without preservatives and baked in small batches throughout the day to ensure freshness. Enjoy your cupcakes with a freshly-brewed coffee. —MR

Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.1151 Uptown Park Blvd #06, 77056

BLACK DOG RECORDS

RUSS PITMAN PARK

DAN’S VITAMIN HOUSE

THE GALLERIA

HINES WATERWALL PARK

CRAVE CUPCAKES


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ARD

You may think that peanut butter and jelly are the perfect couple, but one dine-in at Mo Mo’s, whose interior bleeds a scarlet red like UH’s, opens your eyes to another winning combination: crisp poultry and the contoured brother of the pancake. Plus, since the dish mixes breakfast with dinner, Mo Mo’s makes a great option for any meal.—TS

Monday, 8 a.m.–Noon; Tuesday–Friday, 9 a.m.–8 p.m.Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.3419 Liberty -Road, 77026

Similar to the zoo’s Inversion sculpture in Montrose, Dan Havel and Dean Ruck created Fifth Ward Jam in 2011 with planks from the interior of other dilap-idated houses in Fifth Ward and fixing them to look like an explosive splash of wood. Sometimes, local artists play live music for residents. It’s also a nice spot to hang out with a friend. There are picnic tables, so bring a lunch with you. —ED

Open for events3705 Lyons Ave., 77026

This is a nice spot to grab some lunch on the go, but there are a couple tables and chairs set up on the porch if you want to dine in. The perfect spot if you’re on a budget, take your significant other and spend less than $15 on both of you. The menu ranges from seafood baskets, cheeseburgers and po’boy sandwiches. —EDOpen for events3705 Lyons Ave., 77026

NICKEL SANDWICH GRILLE

MO MO’S CHICKEN & WAFFLES

FIFTH WARD JAM


Hitting up a culture clashHilcroft puts an emphasis on diverse city life

TREY STRANGEExecutive Editor

It begins with a left turn off Westheimer at Voss, where the freshly built Pollo Tropical idles in turquoise splendor. The chain, which of-fers Caribbean as a fast food delicacy, seems to prepare its dishes in a hearty, homogenized and (I’d presume) wholly American way.

I’m sure the obnoxious blue would feel exotic in a less cultured location, but that isn’t Houston — and it defi-nitely isn’t Hillcroft, whose north end begins at this bustling intersection.

The street, alongside the epon-ymous surrounding region, has be-come known for its population and ethnic variety. It represents Houston, which greedily claims the most diver-sity in the whole union.

In fact, Bob Stein, a dean of Rice University’s college of social sciences, declared Hillcroft an amalgam of all the city’s diverse groups in an article by the Houston Chronicle.

“Hillcroft is disorganized but not necessarily unorganized develop-ment,” Stein said. “It is what Houston is all about. When you go from one end of Hillcroft to the other end, you cross every ethnic and racial group in our city. As a result, I want to say it is a microcosm.”

Amazingly, (even though he’s from Rice) Stein is right. Running through Brays Oaks, Gulfton and the recently deemed Mahatma Gandhi District, the bustling avenue pieces together Houston’s own story in its strip malls as it cuts southward.

Take a simple bakery down the street from Pollo Tropical, Abdallah’s, and try the spinach fatayar pie or Lebanese zataar bread, which are two dishes that my suburban-dwell-ing mother could never pronounce, much less prepare. Commanded by a family of emigres

from Lebanon and stocked full with towers of fresh bread and baked goods, Abdallah’s—like the other cakes in the neighborhoods—offer what dine-and-dash chains cannot: a genuine home-style meal. Hillcroft’s Houston doesn’t throw international dishes in a paper bag for carryout; it welcomes you, seats you in a chair and serves you with plenty of charm.

But Hillcroft doesn’t stop with bakeries. Continue a few blocks, and you’ll find immersion in the caring arms of Marines Empanadas Deli-cias, where one uncultured white kid can not only ask without shame the difference between Tex Mex and Co-lombian foods, but the staff will also graciously show him how it should be eaten.

The Houston’s Hillcroft isn’t just international cakes and pastries – it’s the acceptance and understanding between different people.

Of course, the international city has as diverse a lifestyle, too. Set apart from the generic HEB and Fiesta, Hillcroft’s grocery stores, like Patel Brothers., an Indian food mar-ket where boys can be seen running around and sipping on the popular Mango Swad drink. Houstonians from near and far, in all different colors, gather to experience culture not only at the table but also in the kitchen.

Drive a bit further through the residential abyss and you arrive at a somewhat unexpected end, a Baskin Robbins, another chain — like the Pollo Tropical.

It’s almost a shame that the mighty road, a burgeoning cultural nexus for eating and merriment without cultural borders, should begin and end with chains. That a chain, America’s way of easing into an international dish, should be on the welcoming committee for the eight-mile stretch of “pure Houston,” as Chron reporter Tara Dooly wrote, seems disappointing.

Then again, in a city where McDonald’s and Starbucks stretch across most corners, maybe it’s just another part of the culture.


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Entertainment for every CougarHouston’s festival scene brings a solid break from the average

JENAE SITZESEditorial Adviser

When you think of famous Texas festivals, Austin City Limits and South by Southwest probably come to mind, but Houston hosts an abundance of festivals, proving that life is never dull in the Bayou City.

HOUSTON DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL: OCTOBER LOCATION: SECOND WARDDragon boat racing is a traditional water sport from Hong Kong that is growing in popularity worldwide, and every year, Houston hosts its own competition along Buffalo Bay-ou. The 40-foot boats require more than 20 paddlers to operate. Wheth-er you’re participating in the races or simply watching, the Dragon Boat

Festival is definitely worth the visit, If you need volunteer hours, Dragon Boat Fest organizers will gladly give them to you. The best part: admis-sion is free.

TEXAS RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL – OCTOBER–NOVEMBERLOCATION: TODD MISSION, TEXASThis one’s technically outside city limits, but trust us — it’s worth the hour-long drive. Texas holds the country’s largest Renais-sance-themed park just 50 miles from Houston, so get a carpool together and check it out. Spanning eight weekends in October and November, every week has a theme, such as “Pirate Adventure,” “All Hallow’s Eve” and “Celtic Christmas.” With artist demonstrations, daily performances, food and drinks from all over the world and more than 400 shops to peruse, you’ll want to return weekend after weekend to explore this festival. Cosplay is encouraged.

HOUSTON WHATEVER FESTIVAL: NOVEMBER LOCATION: EADOLast year, Houston debuted its own version of Austin’s Fun Fun Fun Fest with a new, two-day music and comedy festival that showcased more than 70 artists of all genres on five stages. The Whatever Fest is sure to bring even more acts to its eclectic lineup, with local vendors and food trucks also showing up for the party. Slacking in self-promotion for its first year, the festival has a lot to prove, but we hope Whatever Fest will con-tinue to grow and improve in coming years.

GREEK FESTIVAL: MAY LOCATION: MONTROSEEscape the dining halls and chow down on plates of souvlaki, spana-kopita and other authentic foods at this four-day festival held every May. Take in the mouthwatering smells as you browse shops and buy Greek

art and jewelry, watch Greek dancing and cheer on competitors in the Gyro Eating Contest. Check the schedule online for days and times you can get in for free. Seriously, Greek Fest is your chance to eat so many gyros you can’t move – no one will judge you, we promise.

PRIDE HOUSTON: JUNE LOCATION: DOWNTOWN Houston is home to the largest Pride Celebration in the southern United States. The festival brings together LGBT individuals and allies — and the 2015 celebration saw 425,000 at-tendees from around the world. The festival is free to attend, and the pa-rade, which follows a week of events around the city, begins at sunset. Be prepared for anything at this one — whether its men wearing nothing but spandex pants and a bowtie, drag queens on roller skates or people in cosplay. It’s all part of the fun.


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HOW DO I SEE HOUSTON?Houston hits hard. It’s a concrete jungle, an urban sprawl made up of millions of beating hearts. Real people make it their home. They try hard every day, and sometimes they fail. But you could fail anywhere, and there’s no better place in the Amer-ican Southwest. Here’s why I think all those other Texas cities don’t compare.

THAT ONE WEIRD CITY“Keep Austin Weird” applies to the Urban-Outfitters-wearing, Aus-tin-City-Limits-flocking trendy-tat-too-sporting yuppies that dominate

the city’s image. If Houston used such a slogan — which it never would because Houston isn’t so self-in-volved — it would be “Keep Houston Screwed Up.”

There are a lot of homeless on these Bayou streets. There’s crime, too. There’s also art, love, success and intelligence. That’s an incredibly beautiful part of this city. There is just something about this city and its erratic heart rate… but whereas that catches the eye, something else makes you stay.

There is a deep sense of care here. The Houston Food Bank is the nation’s largest food bank and helps feed 18 Texas counties. All cities follow this pattern of charity, but Houston sets the tone of how it should be done.

The mosaic of human stories is

iridescent here. It’s OK to be scared. Genuine souls are hard to compre-hend. But don’t let your fear inspire prejudice. Houston possesses a diversity that is seen nowhere else in Texas. That’s the main difference.

Austin is a bit like a pair of white-washed jeans: worn-looking without the hardship.

THAT ONE RICH CITYFor some reason, Houstonians hate Dallas. It’s a drive-through city for many which makes the source of hatred sometimes uncertain. There’s that tall structure that looks like a rigid tadpole. The Reunion Tower, it’s called. But what else is there, beyond the skyline? All other knowledge comes from the show “Dallas,” — oil tycoons and betrayal. Maybe that doesn’t sound different from Houston, but whereas money and treachery is the focal point of Dallas’ life, they are just one facet of Houston. Any similarities stop at the surface.

Houston’s location makes it a nexus of culture. Dallas can offer sports and oil money — and the life that pinwheels from those subjects. But for many Houstonians, it’s hard to go deeper.

THAT ONE CITY NO ONE TALKS ABOUTFort Worth is a part of the DFW Met-ropolitan area. They’ve got a bit of an identity crisis going on.

They want to be like Dallas, but there aren’t enough snobby white rich people. They want to be cool, but they’re main attraction is the stock-yards, which celebrates a dead age of cattle drives.

Since the age of mechanical reproduction, improved farming techniques, and the death of the homey sustenance farmer family, the townspeople, like everyone else, have eased into a sedentary lifestyle.

At a young age, children put on the sorting hat and are granted passage to either the world of cows and snakeskin boots or the realm of... whatever hipsters wear. There is also homelessness, like everywhere else. But most people might not think of it when they think of Fort Worth. That’s part of this grand illusion of safety and comfort and suburban quiet — people ignore the problems (and people) in front of them because they don’t fit in their daily lives.

That illusion has no room to pass in Houston. It crashes and burns like a wayward meteorite. Houston is a place of history, of many rises and many falls. The people here don’t have time to be phony. Their systems are ingrained with a desire to be frightfully real.

THAT ONE CITY WITH THE OLD BUILDINGA desert metropolis, San Antonio emits a romantic vibe. But that vibe fades once you’re there for a bit. It ends up being a city of landmarks and gimmicks.

They have the Alamo, the source of Texas pride and the inspiration for future victory. Located within the bustling city, one can imagine the battle raging on in the Catholic mission. It is nice to picture Spanish missionaries settling down by the big San Antonio River, planning their futures. They are articles of antiquity now, but their efforts blossomed, and their struggle thrums beneath the ground.

The juxtaposition of past and present is jarring for someone who is into history. But, educational trips can only occupy the mind for so long.

Then there is the River Walk, which entices at first. Rivers are the bigger and better version of bay-ous. The river walk, a focal point of entertainment in San Antonio, would be a rightfully attractive place for Houstonians. You can eat, or dance, or fall in love. Basically, it’s the best

Why we’re the best in the stateHere’s a couple reasons why Houston is better than the rest

HENRY STURMNews Editor


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vacation spot within a three- to-four-hour drive. Caverns and other, less historical missions dot the area. And of course there is Six Flags Fiesta Texas. Not much more needs to be said there, as it is one of the most well-known attractions of the area.

People come to Houston to make a life. People go to San Antonio for roller coasters, which are fun the first few times. But who wants to live in a place known for their theme park?

A vacation spot isn’t a home. If it were, it would be where you’re mov-ing, not where you’re visiting.

THAT ONE CULT CITYThe home of the Cult … sorry, the Aggies. College Station and Bryan basically make up one city, though perhaps “town” is a better word. Without Texas A&M University, it would be much smaller, like the empty Texas ghost towns that it pines for. Southern hospitality and the lack thereof run this place. You become accustomed to men holding doors open for women, a true and enviable respect for our veterans and a romantic sense of school pride.

Houston has multiple univer-sities, sports teams and a sprawl-ing demography. As a small town, College Station is able to devote its focus to singular pursuits. That is the best part about College Station. You get the small-town aesthetic while still having access to good education, a mall, sports, nature, somewhat of a nightlife, and even an Olive Garden.

But then there’s the fanaticism over tradition. Don’t walk over the seal. Stand up during the game. Let’s have male yell leaders instead of cheerleaders. Say “howdy” to every single living thing you pass; buy an Aggie ring, get a job. There are nice ones as well, and none of them are detrimental, but after a certain point a stranger to that town will start to wonder if they are stuck in a loop.

Let’s just say you’ll never see a homeless man sleeping or panhan-dling near campus. The focus on the university and the pride involved sometimes overshadows the bigger issues. That doesn’t happen in Hous-ton. Everybody has a chance to get noticed here, even if it is the fourth most populous city in America.


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Who says that be-ing outside the Loop keeps you out of the loop? While young Houstonians flock to the city’s inner Loop (the area inside 610), there’s sprawl-ing communities and entertainment available throughout the greater Houston area.

ALAMO DRAFTHOUSE CINEMAS VINTAGE PARK: 114 VINTAGE PARK BLVD. KATY: 531 SOUTH MASON ROADYour hipster friends are right — this isn’t just a movie theater. Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is one of the state’s most historic movie theaters, and it’s evolved into one of the trend-iest, too. As the name implies, you can enjoy a nice craft brew alongside your movie, and the theater is also known for its signature series. The theater also airs cult favorite movies, marathons of popular TV shows and more.

TOP GOLF KATY: 1030 MEMORIAL BROOK BLVD. SPRING: 560 SPRING PARK CENTER BLVD.Expect to spend around $15-$40 per person, including food and drinks.As further proof of its greatness, Top Golf is one of the city’s most popular hangouts for young Houstonians. It’s a multi-story driving range, and the objective of the “game” is to hit your ball to one of the range’s many lit-up targets for a set amount of points. Don’t worry, though – about 99 percent of the people that go to Top Golf haven’t held a golf club in their lives. Top Golf has two bars, foosball tables, an upstairs patio and offers appetizers, entrees and drinks while you’re playing.

Not inside the Loop?There’s still plenty of fun things to do.

CARA SMITHEditorial Adviser

NORTH HOUSTON SKATE PARK SPRING: 12351 KUYKENDAHL ROADIn case you didn’t know, Houston is home to the largest skate park in the nation. The park was completed last summer, and all 78,000-square-feet of bowls, vertical ramps and one bowl shaped like Texas are always free of charge. Pardon the jargon, but for the skaters out there, the park also has a fullpipe, a snake run, and a lazy river-style pathway. If you’re not into skating, the park is still visually stun-ning, and makes for a great hangout to watch some of the city’s most talented skaters.

PLEASURE PIER GALVESTON: 2501 SEAWALL BLVD.For Houstonians still reeling from the loss of Six Flags AstroWorld in 2005, Galveston’s next-best offering comes in Pleasure Pier, a 16-ride theme park in Galveston. The rollercoasters aren’t as extreme or intricate as the ones at AstroWorld, but they’re guar-anteed to deliver some much-need-ed catharsis. There’s also food and drinks served, and it’s located right next to the beach. It’s aimed at all audiences, so it’s safe to bring your family here one weekend and let off some steam with your organic chem-istry buds the next one.

Making names in the businessRestaurants owned by Cougar alumni make an impact

TAELOR MARQUETTI-GADISONCopy Chief

BB’S CAFEMONTROSE: 2710 MONTROSE BLVD.BB’s is a Tex-Orleans style restaurant, featuring overstuffed Po-Boys and other New Orleans staple foods with a Texas twist. The café was founded in November 2007 by UH alumnus Brooks Bassler. The original location is a small building, just over 1000 sq. ft., on the corner of Westheimer and Montrose but has since expanded to 4 locations, stretching over Houston as far as Katy. Cougars would prob-ably be suited to visit the original, though, as it is closest to campus and opens from 11 a.m. every day, closing at midnight Sunday through Wednesday and 3 a.m. Thursday through Saturday.

100% TAQUITOWEST UNIVERSITY: 3245 SOUTHWEST FREEWAYSchool-project-turned-restaurant, 100% Taquito is the brainchild of UH alumnus Marco Garcia and his sister. 100% Taquito had humble beginnings, operating from a food truck for two years before moving to its storefront. Contrary to the more commonly known (in Texas anyway) wrapped, fried and smothered Tex-Mex, 100% Taquito aims to pay hom-age to the authentic tastes of Mexico City street cuisine. The restaurant offers a wide array of dishes, includ-ing tacos, quesadillas, tostadas, tra-

ditional plates and sopes, which are thick, open-faced tacos. In addition, 100% Taquito holds accommodating hours from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

GLAZEDTHE MEDICAL CENTER: 1333 OLD SPANISH TRAILGlazed is everything a Cougar could ever want in a donut shop. It has sweet (and even savory) gourmet doughnuts, coffee and a quaint, com-fortable environment for hanging out or studying. One of the most attrac-tive components about Glazed is its hours as it is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The shop is run by Bauer graduate and founder Edose “Ose” Ohen and his family. Glazed opened in 2013 after Ohen spent two years travelling and researching to perfect his recipes. From Plain Glazed to Crème Brulee and Glazed Chicken Sandwich to The Macon, Glazed has something for everyone.


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