Houston Texans at NRG Stadium — plus everything to eat, drink, and do in Houston for a perfect sports weekend.
Houston's NRG Stadium and Minute Maid Park (Astros) are less than a mile apart, connected by the METRORail. A Texans Sunday after an Astros Saturday is one of the more convenient back-to-back combinations in the NFL. Houston itself — one of the most ethnically diverse cities in America — has arguably the best food scene of any NFL city.
Use GamePlan to find the Texans/Astros overlap windows in September and October. The METRORail connects both stadiums, making a two-game weekend effortless.
NRG Stadium opened in 2002 with a retractable roof and hosts the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo every February — one of the largest rodeos in the world. The tailgating culture in the NRG parking lots is deeply Texan — barbecue pits, live music, and a party that starts 4 hours before kickoff.
You cannot leave Houston without eating these.
Houston's finest hotel. Michelin-starred restaurant on site, extraordinary spa, and a level of luxury that places it among the top hotels in Texas.
Best for: Luxury travelers, couplesA beautiful historic bank building converted to a luxury hotel. Walking distance to Minute Maid Park and easy METRORail access to NRG.
Best for: Groups, Astros-focused tripsReliable, well-located with skywalk connection to the convention center. Easy METRORail access to both stadiums.
Best for: Business travelers, groupsThe birthplace of fajitas. Since 1973. The original margarita recipe. Come for fajitas, stay for the margaritas.
Must order: Beef fajitas, house margarita on the rocksHouston's most beloved craft brewery in a stunning warehouse taproom. Divine Reserve series beers are among the finest in Texas.
Must order: Fancy Lawnmower, Divine Reserve when availableHouston's beloved neighborhood sports bar chain. Cold beer, no pretense, and a crowd that knows its sports.
Must order: Whatever's on draft, loaded nachosOne of the finest BBQ pitmasters in Texas. The beef short rib and brisket are exceptional. Call ahead for hours — they sell out.
Order: Beef short rib, brisket by the pound, jalapeño sausageChris Shepherd's group runs the best collection of restaurants in Houston. The food represents Houston's diversity better than anywhere in the city.
Order: Gulf seafood, Korean-Texan fusion, whatever Chris is doing this weekOne of Houston's legendary Vietnamese pho restaurants. A bowl of pho here is a genuinely moving experience.
Order: Large beef pho with all the sides, Vietnamese iced coffeeThe Red Line connects downtown, Minute Maid Park, and NRG Stadium. Use it — Houston traffic is formidable on game days.
Make a reservation at the original Ninfa's on Navigation the night before the game. The original fajitas and margaritas are the most historically important meal in Houston.
Houston in September is brutally hot and humid — 90°F+ and 80% humidity. NRG's retractable roof helps, but outdoor activities require aggressive hydration.
If your trip is in February or March, the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo at NRG Stadium is one of the largest events in America.
Houston is the most ethnically diverse large city in America. Vietnamese, Nigerian, Tex-Mex, Indian, Salvadoran — explore neighborhoods beyond downtown.
Minute Maid Park is one of the best ballparks in the AL. The retractable roof, Crawford Boxes, and knowledgeable crowd make it a first-rate baseball experience.
Use GamePlan to find the exact dates when your favorite teams all play in the same window — then book everything in one trip.
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