Buzzy Vietnamese spot bowls over Northwest San Antonio with new location

OFF THE STRIP

Singh's Vietnamese/ Facebook

Fans of Singh’s Vietnamese currently have two choices — get out a lunar rover to traverse the treacherous valleys of the St. Mary’s Strip or pay a poor delivery driver to do it for them. But according to a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation filing, locals will soon have a third option.

State records reveal that the buzzy restaurant is opening a new outpost at 7331 N. Loop 1604 W. Construction is set to begin in late June and wrap up by the end of September.

The project will diverge from the brick-and-mortar location in offering no indoor dining room. A video posted by designer Victor Hinojosa of Cognitive Creative reveals that an ample patio will be serviced by a food truck. The renderings also feature what appears to be a bar area, although it's not clear whether the spot will have a full beverage program.

According to the filing, the space will also play double duty as a commissary kitchen. Local delivery drivers are currently breathing a sigh of relief.

The opening will be a return to Singh’s food truck roots. Co-owners Eric Treviño and Louis Singh first gained recognition serving banh mi, bun, and rice bowls out of their wildly popular North Side trailer in 2013.

In 2018, the team brought that menu to 7331 N Loop 1604 W. on the Strip, serving the same favorites plus beer, wine, and eventually cocktails. The move established them as a favorite of late-night revelers before bond-funded street improvements revved up in 2021.

The construction, delayed by weather and utility issues, has become a flashpoint of San Antonio’s bar and restaurant community as owners have increasingly spoken out about the loss of revenue the detours have caused in the once vibrant nightlife hub.

Freetail Brewing/Instagram

What's brewing in San Antonio: 5 San Antonio-area breweries win at World Beer Cup, and more news

San Antonio Brewing News

Editor's Note: With a new craft beer spot popping up in San Antonio seemingly every month, we've started a new column to track all things beer in Alamo City. Here's our roundup of everything that's brewing in San Antonio.

Local breweries among World Beer Cup winners

Five San Antonio-area breweries were among winners of the World Beer Cup, which was held during the annual Craft Brewers Conference and BrewExpo America events. All of the 2023 events took place in Nashville; More than 200 beer professionals judged World Beer Cup entries in 100-plus categories, where gold, silver and bronze medalists were named.

In the end, Freetail Brewing Co.’s "Imagine 14 Years" won a gold medal for hoppy lager. Imagine 14 Years, released as part of Freetail’s 14th anniversary celebration last fall, is a variation of the brewpub’s award-winning "Imagine a World with Beer Cellars Instead of 401ks."

Five Stones Artisan Brewery’s "Norma Jeane" was awarded a bronze medal in the fruit beer category. While "Norma Jeane" is part of Five Stones’ seasonal lineup, it has been popular with Five Stones fans since its launch. Located north of San Antonio, Five Stones marked its 10th anniversary earlier in May. “The beer has given us both grief and joy in our pursuit to get it right. Being awarded bronze at this competition blew major wind in our sails as a brewery and a family,” the folks at Five Stones said in a social media post about the award.

Three Hill Country breweries claimed World Beer Cup honors, too. Fredericksburg’s Altstadt Brewery’s hefeweizen was a gold medalist in the South German-style hefeweizen category. Blanco’s Real Ale Brewing Co.’s "Scots Gone Wild" received a gold medal in the wood- and barrel-aged sour category. Johnson City’s Pecan Street Brewing Co.’s rye lager received a bronze medal in the rye beer category.

Other distilled news and notes

Maverick Distilling in downtown San Antonio has released its limited-edition Samuel Maverick Barrel-Aged Texas Dry Gin, which was distilled in small batches using locally grown Texas ingredients. It was then aged in bourbon barrels on-site in the underground vaults of the historic Lockwood National Bank. Only 250 bottles were produced for this small-batch release, which was barreled at 120 proof and aged in No. 3 char white American oak barrels.

“With our barrel-aged Texas Dry Gin, we wanted to create a spirit that is refreshing and unique to the Lone Star State,” distillery founder Dr. Kenneth Maverick said. “Gin continues to grow in popularity as people discover that good gin doesn’t taste like bad medicine. We wanted to offer our customers another version of gin and knew that the impressive botanicals that we use for our Texas Dry Gin would evolve into something beautiful with barrel aging.”

In a May 9 media event previewing the new gin, Maverick provided an update on his facility, saying they have eliminated full kitchen service in favor of partnering with neighboring restaurants and food trucks. Distillery visitors will be able to order food for delivery onsite. Maverick Distilling is open to the public, but it is also available for private special events, from family celebrations to corporate functions. Maverick did say, however, that there are plans to expand the original craft beer offerings.

The biergarten at Faust Brewing Co. in New Braunfels is buzzing once again. Having closed their doors to the public at the outset of COVID-19, the brewery is back open with an expanded biergarten, a new food trailer serving pub grub, and improvements around the tasting room.

Additionally, Faust now has a liquor license and is able to offer spirits, and the brewery owners are promoting their ability to host special events on site. While Faust had a soft re-opening April 1, the brewery hosted the New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce for a formal opening and ribbon-cutting May 18 to celebrate their revamp.

Lucy Cooper's Ice House/ Facebook

7 things to know about San Antonio food right now: Buzzy icehouse serves up new location

NEWS YOU CAN EAT

Editor's note: We get it. It can be difficult to keep up with the fast pace of San Antonio's restaurant and bar scene. We have you covered with our weekly roundup of essential food news.

Openings

One of San Antonio's most recognized chefs is going for a three-peat. Braunda Smith, known for recent appearances on Guy's Grocery Games and Chopped, tells CultureMap that she is opening a third location of Lucy Cooper's Ice House. The new spot will take over the former home of Cerveceria Chapultepec at 8403 State Highway 151 #101 at a to-be-announced future date.

A St. Mary's Strip staple is also in expansion mode. Signage for a second Tycoon Flats is wrapped around the former location of Purple Garlic at 1017 Austin Hwy. It's unclear when the new burger joint will debut. Although the banners promise a summer 2023 opening, renovation appears to still be in the early stages.

The cookie wars are coming to San Antonio as Tempe-based Dirty Dough opens at 19903 Stone Oak Pkwy #104. The franchise's schtick is that its treats feature "some combination of layers, mix-ins, or filling within the dough." But its more recent claim to fame regards a lawsuit brought about by Crumbl Cookies. The rapidly growing upstart accused Dirty of stealing its concept, logo, and recipes. The Arizona brand countered with its own lawsuit and an ad campaign, including mocking billboards on Crumbl's Utah home turf. Cookie criminologists can make their own conclusions on the kerfuffle during Dirty's grand opening on May 27.

On to the less contentious world of ice cream franchises — Ohio chain Handel's Homemade Ice Cream is opening its first Alamo City outpost on May 18 at 5311 N. Loop 1604 W. near The Rim. According to a press release, the grand opening will have face painting, a balloon artist, giveaways, and the chance to win free ice cream for a year. Among the opening flavors will be grape, Key Lime pie, and Graham Central Station — a graham cracker-filled ode to the now-shuttered multi-hyphenate nightclub.

A new kid on the block hopes to wow customers near the University of Texas at San Antonio. Wok N Fries serves 10 riffs on loaded fries, including chicken pesto fries with mozzarella, cheeseburger fries with cheddar and pickles, and Texas fries with mayo, bacon, and onion rings. Potato libertines can head to 7038 UTSA Boulevard on May 20 and 21 for the grand opening weekend featuring free fries for the first 20 guests on either day and a hefty discount for other customers.

According to a Facebook post, the Medical Center location of Taqueria Data Point finally roared back to action on May 12. The revered restaurant was forced to shutter in March 2020 after suffering damage from a nearby fire at Mustafa Grocery. The other two locations at De Zavala Road and Gramercy Place will continue killing the breakfast taco game.

Other news and notes

Culinaria has announced the dates for the summer edition of Restaurant Weeks. The biyearly program recruits eateries to offer a specially priced prix fixe menu as a fundraiser for the nonprofit. Though no participating restaurants have been announced yet, locals can mark their calendars for August 12-26.

Bar House/Instagram

6 things to know about San Antonio food right now: Schertz watering hole slides into second location

NEWS YOU CAN EAT

Editor’s note: We get it. It can be difficult to keep up with the fast pace of San Antonio’s restaurant and bar scene. We have you covered with our weekly roundup of essential food news.

Openings and closings

TDLR records also spilled the beans that Schertz watering hole Bar House is spiffing up a building at 820 N. Alamo for a new location. Construction is set to begin in July and wrap up in early 2024.

While Fiesta crowds were busy reveling in the streets, downtown eatery Bunz Handcrafted Burger was hard at work opening a second location. In an Instagram announcement in partnership with local influencer Chris Flores (aka Eat Migos), the shop revealed its April 24 debut at 6819 N. Loop 1604 W. The featured bite was, what else, a chicken on a stick burger.

Other news and notes

Sari-Sari Supper Club restaurateur Camille De Los Reyes is bringing back last year’s passport program celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and the city's AAPI culinary community. The booklets — available for download online or at any participating restaurant — give guests a 10-percent discount at some of San Antonio’s best eateries, including Sichuan House, Za’atar Lebanese Grill, Singhs, and Best Quality Daughter.

R+ R Collective Co. will also be making the month more delicious with a pop-up event dedicated to Asian American and Pacific Islander vendors. Held noon- 4 pm on May 6, Tastea Market will feature food stands from Happea Vegans, Pinay Bake Shop, Ooyoo Pan, and Mon Bon Delight, plus wares from Transcendental Creative and Archival Goods.

Wizarding fans can break out their wands for a pop dinner on May 8 at 1917 Restaurant and Bar. 1917 chef Hector Rojas and Hell’s Kitchen alum Mary Lou Davis will dazzle guests with blue scallop crudo, beef Wellington, and a treacle tart served with butterbeer. Guests can also order magical cocktails and cosplay for a chance to win door prizes. We would love to see an all-too-fitting mash-up of J.K. Rowling and Dolores Umbridge.

Pearl eatery Ladino is getting into the happy hour game. Along with its usual assortment of refreshers, the restaurant will introduce a frozen Raki lemonade, available only during the social hour. Deals include $5 off select wines and all cocktails, $2 off beer, and specials on small bites, including hummus, muhammara, saganaki, and chicken wing kebab. Hours are 5-6:30 pm on weekdays.

Photo courtesy of Sanrio

Hello Kitty Cafe Truck will roll through San Antonio for one day of pastel pastry sweetness

say hello

We've heard of cat cafes, but this touring pastel paradise appeals to a different type of cat lover. The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck is rolling through San Antonio for one day only on Saturday, April 8.

This isn't the first time San Antonio has said hello to this truck over the years, but it does carry some new items. Visitors to the truck will get access to exclusive merch including a new pullover hoodie with a chef kitty on the front and baked goods and other kitties up and down the arms. There's also a new plush that puts Hello Kitty in a pink teacup made of the same soft material.

Although the focus does tend to be on longer lasting figurative treats (see also: mugs with sprinkles in the handles, enamel pins, and a chef kitty coin bank), there are a few tasty items that make it a functional cafe.

Hello Kitty's classic friends Keroppi the frog and Chococat appear on petit fours. The leading lady appears on those miniature cakes, a giant sugar cookie, smaller cookies in sets with latte cup shapes, and French macarons. A box of madeleines is the only treat without a bow or character piped on.

It'd certainly be more fun to go in person, but all the edible goodies are packaged up in decorative boxes, perfect for giving as gifts.

The truck has been touring since 2014, later inspiring a Hello Kitty Pop-Up Container and Hello Kitty Mini Cafes in malls. The Hello Kitty Grand Cafe in Irvine, California, takes the concept all the way with velvet bench seats, cakes, hot and cold cafe drinks, and even cocktails.

During its visit to San Antonio, the truck will be parked at 17703 La Cantera Parkway across from Bass Pro Shops near Tribute at the Rim, and will serve customers from 10 am to 7 pm. It does not accept cash, so bring a debit or credit card.

Family taking pictures at the Hello Kitty Cafe Truck

Photo courtesy of Sanrio

The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck is returning to San Antonio on April 8.

The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck will be in the following Texas cities on its western tour:

San Antonio, April 8
Houston, April 15
Friendswood, April 22
Fort Worth, April 29
Dallas, May 6

Photo courtesy of Oscar Alvarado

PechaKucha San Antonio presents Vol. 42

PechaKucha San Antonio is a global arts and culture series that hosts speakers who share their passions in a unique format. The night begins with a happy hour featuring local food trucks and bar, followed by presentations.

Volume 42 will feature a talented group of locals. The six presenters include Oscar Alvarado, Mosaicist/Sculptor; Ashley Bird, EducatorEntrepreneur; Kimiya Factory, Activist; Jamie Gonzalez, Food Activist; Randall Rudd, Filmmaker/Professor; and Colleen Swain, Director.

The evening’s emcee will be San Antonio’s most recent Poet Laureate Andrea "Vocab" Sanderson. The happy hour will feature live music by local artists D.T. Buffkin & Roland Delacruz. The event will also feature local food trucks and bar service available for purchase.

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San Antonio arts soar with these 8 June exhibits

State of the Arts

Awaken your artistic muse this summer with these exhibits to inspire and ignite your creativity. Angela Guerra Walley weaves joy into her series of deconstructed quilt dresses at Artpace; a big spotlight shines on the little stages or maquettes at the McNay exhibit, “Big Little Stage"; Alethea Jones woos her viewers with neon colors and fantastical landscapes in “Floating Between Chaos and Peace”; and a group exhibit examines both cultural and social-economic commentary in “I Am Not Your Mexican” at Ruiz-Healy Art. Seize the summer and make it an artful one.

Artpace

“Angela Guerra Walley: We Are Quilted Together” — Now through September 3
Angela Guerra Walley, who is also a local documentary filmmaker and frontwoman for the band Dreambored, says she has come back to a place of “love, joy and comfort” in her art. Her new subject material comforts her as she pays tribute to the lineage of quilt-and-clothing-making women that she comes from. “I’m interested in dresses as symbols of beauty and femininity as a gender-ﬂuid, queer person. I brieﬂy pursued dressmaking, but I realized the most satisfaction I found was in ripping my worn dresses apart at the seams and sewing together textile collages from the pieces.” “We Are Quilted” displays her series of “quilt dresses” made from fabrics that were cut apart, reconﬁgured, and sewn back together.

Un Grito Gallery

“Joao Quiroz: Fluxus” — June 1 through 15
Mexican visual artist Joao Quiroz settled in San Antonio in 2019 and established himself as an urban landscape impressionist. His work is eclectic, outwardly impressionist, and inwardly expressionist, exploring classical art and the avant-garde. Quiroz also has a sense of humor, as witnessed in his painting of the artist Frida Kahlo wearing a Buc-ees t-shirt.

The McNay

"Big Little Stage" — June 1 through February 25, 2024
“Big Little Stage” is an exploration in how designers "present creative visions for stage productions through small-scale and large-scale models called maquettes." A variety of materials are used: "Papier-mâché, fabric, and wood ... as well as sleeker materials like stainless steel and plexiglass." Some of the stage pieces on view include a miniature Hanging Gardens of Babylon (1860), Pablo Picasso’s pastel maquette for Le Tricorne (1919) and a futuristic set by Ralph Koltai for Shakespeare’s Othello (1985).

Sala Diaz

"Alethia Jones: Floating Between Chaos and Peace" — June 2 through 30
In this vibrant exhibit with pieces that look like they were made from collage, Alethia Jones explores her personal mental health through her work. Neon colors and "fantastical landscapes" with "hints of recognizable objects" captivate the viewer. Jones says of her experience, “Like so many people on the planet, I have spent the majority of my life living with mental illness. This body of work exposes the helplessness of one grappling with negative current events, but also suggests that hope does exist, and there is still much beauty to behold in this world.”

Blue Star Contemporary

"Actions for the Earth: Art, Care & Ecology" — June 2 through September 3
18 artists, including Yoko Ono, have created an exhibit that "considers kinship, healing, and restorative interventions as artistic practices and strategies to foster a deeper consciousness of the interconnectedness with the earth." They are putting their concerns about the planet, social inequity, and public health into a creative outpouring. This touring exhibit invites the public to participate in "instruction-based meditation and deep listening among other actions."

Ruiz-Healy Art

“I Am Not Your Mexican" — June 7 through September 9
Featuring works by six different artists, “I Am Not Your Mexican” is a title inspired by James Baldwin’s documentary film “I Am Not Your Negro,” and "is a glimpse into an international macro-cultural phenomenon," according to the gallery's description. Artist Jesse Amado came up with the series name in reference to understanding art that may at first appear to be "highly conceptual or purely abstract." Instead, it prompts visitors to reconsider what belongs in a contemporary canon for this century. Amado’s series is "innovative" in its use of "chicharrón (pork rind) and Styrofoam fast food containers, products with both cultural and social-economic commentary."

San Antonio Art League

"Wax and Wildflowers" — June 11 through August 11
The International Encaustic Artists Annual Juried Exhibition, which is a mouthful to say, simply celebrates layered wax art. The encaustic medium consists of natural bees wax and damar resin (crystallized tree sap), heated or burned. The theme of the all-encaustic exhibit is “Wax and Wildflowers” and invites national, international, and regional encaustic artists to interpret the theme of wildflowers. If you are not familiar with this process, this show is definitely worth discovering.

San Antonio Museum of Art

Photo courtesy San Antonio Art League

Shary Bartlett, Vancouver BC for Wax and Wildflowers at SAALM.

“Still Brewing Art” — June 29 through September 3
Once upon a time, SAMA’s Romanesque style grand brick and stone building was the Lone Star Brewery, the first large, mechanized brewery in Texas. “Still Brewing Art” shares the history of the building with "historic photographs and artwork including belle époque large format brewery posters." In addition, the exhibition will "explore San Antonio’s history as a brewing city and how the San Antonio River fits into the story." The renovated complex reopened in 1981, accompanied by the slogan, “We’re Brewing Art.”

Here are the top 5 things to do in San Antonio this weekend

Weekend Event Guide

Artful experiences, comedic commentary, and a little bit of bubbly are on our agenda over the next few days. Enjoy brunch by Landrace with sparkling wine on the barges at Go Rio, or see comedian Joe Gatto live for a night of laughs. Check out the top five things to do in San Antonio this weekend. For a full list of events, visit our calendar.

Thursday, June 1

McNay Art Museum presents "Big Little Stage"
Explore a selection of small-scale and large-scale models of stage productions, known as maquettes, at the McNay Art Museum’s newest exhibition. Featured small-scale maquettes include a miniature Hanging Gardens of Babylon (1860) by Victor St. Leon and a substantial ship’s prow by William Dudley for Billy Bud (1976). Large-scale pieces displayed include the Trojan Horse by Helen Pond and Herbert Senn for Les Troyens (1972) and a futuristic set by Ralph Koltai for Shakespeare’s Othello (1985). Following opening weekend, this exhibition on display through February 2024.

Friday, June 2

Tobin Center for the Performing Arts presents Josh Gates: An Evening of Legends, Mysteries and Tales of Adventure
Explorer and Discovery Channel star Josh Gates shares stories of his most notable adventures, and insights on famous mysteries live at Tobin Center for the Performing Arts. Fans can expect an immersive and exciting recount of Gates’ global journeys and discoveries with sharp detail. Ticket options include general admission and a VIP meet and greet package offering.

Majestic Theatre presents Joe Gatto’s Night of Comedy
Joe Gatto brings his comedic talents to the stage for an evening of certain laughter. He’s best known for his improvisational roles in hit shows Impractical Jokers and The Misery Index, both of which require thick skin and an impenetrable sense of embarrassment. Check out majesticempire.com for ticket details.

Max Stalling in concert
Country music singer-songwriter and Texan Max Stalling takes the stage at Gruene Hall for one night only. He’s best known for his live projects, including a full-length DVD, and hits songs “The Pila Song” and “Ping Pong, Pool.” General admission tickets are available at thundertix.com.

Sunday, June 4

Joe Gatto/Instagram

Joe Gatto takes the Majestic Theatre stage on June 2.

Thompson San Antonio Bubbles + Bagels Brunch on a Boat
Float into the new week ahead on an effervescent cloud of boozy bubbles at this brunch-inspired Thompson San Antonio boating event. The swanky hotel’s restaurant, Landrace, is now offering a brunch experience complete with sparkling sips on the historically famous Go Rio river barges. Get more information and tickets on Eventbrite

Launch your next Texas trip with this essential guide to its biggest cities

Hit the Road

Everything is bigger in Texas, and that includes the state itself. At 268,597 square miles, it's a lot to traverse — but luckily there's plenty to see, do, eat, and drink along the way.

No matter what kind of trip you're planning around Texas, Marriott Bonvoy Hotels can be the launchpad for your next travel or culinary adventure. Its hotels and resorts are as diverse as the Lone Star State and offer amazing culinary, spa, and destination experiences in each city.

Plan your next trip from this guide below:

People stand-up paddleboarding in Austin See Austin from the water.Photo courtesy of Marriott International

Austin
At a glance: Known as the Live Music Capital of the World, Austin is also home to the State Capitol. University of Texas at Austin helps "Keep Austin Weird," but it's also a growing tech hot spot with a vibrant, culinary-focused atmosphere.

Must-see spots: Ladybird Lake, Texas Capitol, Barton Springs Pool, Zilker Botanical Garden, Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, Pennybacker Bridge, Blanton Museum, ACL Live at Moody Theater, Rainey Street, UT Austin.

Must-try eats & sips: Head to the new Dean’s Steakhouse Austin at JW Marriott Austin for a special occasion or business dinner, and try the Wagyu beef cuts in addition to an acclaimed raw bar and generous happy hour.

Travel north to Renaissance Austin’s restaurant, Knotty Deck & Bar, for an urban retreat with patio views of the Texas Hill Country. It serves elevated Austin cuisine with a spacious backyard for bean bags and other outdoor games to enjoy with family and friends.

Austin easily features the highest density of rooftop bars in the state, including the popular Zanzibar, a tropical oasis serving up inventive Tiki cocktails. Toast to “golden hour” nightly at Otopia Rooftop Lounge with craft cocktails high above the nearby university.

Must-attend events: SXSW Conference & Festivals (March), Blues on the Green (all summer long), Pride in Local Music Festival (June), Austin City Limits (October), Austin Film Festival (October).

Must-experience vibes: Get your retro music fix with unique vinyl record programs at the Otis Hotel Austin and the W Hotel Austin.

Family at Las Colinas Resort Take the whole fam to Las Colinas Resort.Photo courtesy of Marriott International

Dallas-Fort Worth
At a glance: A pair of cities that have undergone true transformation, beginning as cattle hubs and railroad centers and blossoming into Texas' current window to the world with incredible art museums and performing arts centers (the largest arts district in the nation, in fact).

Must-see spots: Dallas Museum of Art, Katy Trail, Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, Reunion Tower, Fair Park, Meyerson Symphony Center, Kimbell Art Museum, the Deep Ellum and Bishop Arts neighborhoods, Mesquite Rodeo Arena, Fort Worth Stockyards, NorthPark Center.

Must-try eats & sips: Dallas’ dining scene is highlighted by Margaret’s, the restaurant at the JW Marriott Dallas Arts District that's opening in June. It offers farm-to-fork ingredients in a dramatic setting with sweeping views of the city and a lively bar with handcrafted cocktails from seasoned mixologists.

Head to Uptown Dallas for its sophisticated restaurant, shopping, and boutique fitness scene highlighted by Good Graces in Marriott Uptown Dallas, a bright and airy brasserie where you can indulge in fresh oysters, charcuterie boards, crisp salads, and a variety of steak and seafood dishes.

In the northwest suburb of Irving, visit LAW at Las Colinas Resort to experience the very best of land, air, and water elements, alongside locally sourced ingredients. Mesa Mezcal at the Westin Irving is the spot for modern Mexican fare, curated mezcal cocktails, and YogaRitas on the patio, a partnership series with YogaSix Studio.

Head west to Fort Worth to dine al fresco at 97 West, where a Southwestern ambiance beckons adventurous spirits and serves up classic Texas heritage dishes.

In the heart of Cowtown, experience the convivial dining culture of Central and South America at Toro Toro in the Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth. Slip outside afterward to take in a movie on its rooftop deck via a partnership with Rooftop Cinemas, complete with a food truck for snacks and drinks.

Marriott Bonvoy’s restaurants aim to incorporate local and regional breweries in their beverage menus whenever possible, so ask your bartender for his or her favorite brew. Explore DFW's robust brewery scene, from Martin House Brewing Company to Deep Ellum Brewing Co., Celestial Beer Works to Manhattan Project Beer Co., and Peticolas Brewing to Texas Ale Project.

Must-attend events: Dallas Pride Parade (June), Homegrown Music & Arts Festival (June), Riverfront Jazz Fest (September), State Fair of Texas (September-October), Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo (January-February).

People on rooftop in Houston The best way to see Houston? From a rooftop.Photo courtesy of Marriott International

Houston
At a glance: Founded as a bustling commercial center and shipping port in the mid-1800s, with major influence from Charlotte Baldwin, known as the "Mother of Houston," today H-Town is statistically the most diverse major city in Texas with a thriving gastronomic scene, world-class museums, and the Houston Space Center.

Must-see spots: The Museum District (18 institutions within walking distance; includes the Houston Museum of Natural Science and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston), The Galleria, Houston Aquarium, Buffalo Bayou Park, POST Houston entertainment district, Chinatown, Houston Graffiti Park, Discovery Green, Houston Zoo.

Must-try eats & sips: Located inside the Magnolia Houston, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, is The Dispatch, which pays homage to its building’s rich history as the home of the Houston Post-Dispatch paper. The Art Deco vibes complement the eatery’s contemporary American cuisine and enticing cocktails.

After a day of shopping at The Galleria mall, stop by White Oak Kitchen + Drinks for a collection of fresh ingredients, a curated wine and cocktail menu, and weekend brunch.

Explore Houston’s culinary melting pot with an experience at Xin Chao, a modern Vietnamese restaurant owned by MasterChef winner Christina Ha. Locals also hail Killen’s BBQ as some of the best in the state.

Houston visitors will also find food trucks dotted around the city, offering inventive cuisine with global fusion showcasing Houston’s diversity.

Must-attend events: Freedom Over Texas Festival (July), Houston Restaurant Week (August), Fiestas Patrias (September 2023), Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (February-March).

Must-experience vibes: Stay cool in the Houston heat this summer by diving into the city's best urban party playground: the iconic, Texas-shaped lazy river at the Altitude Rooftop & Pool at Marriott Marquis Houston.

It's always a party on the San Antonio River Walk.Photo courtesy of Marriott International

San Antonio
At a glance: Remember the Alamo! Explore San Antonio’s famed River Walk or journey further south to the San Antonio Missions National Park, where some of the Lone Star State's most pivotal moments occurred. Northwest of the city, treat your family to a thrill at world-class amusement parks.

Discover the emerging arts and culinary scene while touring historic, trendy neighborhoods like the impressive King William District, dotted with colonial mansions, and Dignowity Hill, sporting the Hays Street Bridge and a deep-rooted sense of community.

Must-see spots: The Alamo, the San Antonio Missions, River Walk, San Antonio Botanical Gardens, San Antonio Zoo, Southtown, Brackenridge Park, SeaWorld San Antonio, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, Historic Pearl Brewery, Tower of the Americas, La Villita, Market Square.

Must-try eats: Check out incredible South Texas fare on the River Walk such as Tributary restaurant in the San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter Hotel, with seasonally rotating menus and ingredients sourced from regional farming partners and purveyors.

Escape to the Texas Hill Country at 18 Oaks for an outstanding quality of meats and seafood prepared with style and expertise, ideally enjoyed after a day of golf at TPC San Antonio or a splashy time at the nine-acre waterpark at the JW San Antonio Hill Country Resort.

Take the kids or pups and head to the Historic Pearl Brewery, where you'll find everything from upscale bistros to an array of dining choices inside the Food Hall at Bottling Dept. Enjoy a picnic on the green spaces and a family-favorite splash pad while taking in the quaint European vibes in this special area of Alamo City.

Must-sip drinks: Visit the new 1 Watson rooftop deck atop the AC Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk for downtown views and a cocktail or two by a fire pit.

Photo courtesy of Marriott International

Gather at Knotty Deck & Bar in Austin.

Hop on the city’s shared bike or scooter systems to explore local-favorite breweries and coffee shops such as Merit Coffee, Freetail Brewing, Weathered Souls Brewing, and Alamo Beer Co.

Must-attend events: Fiesta San Antonio (April), Pride San Antonio (June), Día de los Muertos (November), San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo (February).

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