By The Editors By The Editors | February 7, 2024 | Food & Drink, Lifestyle, Guides,
It's no secret that Houston is home to mouthwatering bites, a vibrant nightlife and an impressive lineup of cultural experiences. Here, experience all that the Montrose neighborhood has to offer.
Where To Eat
Ostia
2032 Dunlavy St. / Website
Chef Travis McShane’s Mediterranean is an Italian staple in the Montrose neighborhood. Ostia is the Houston native’s first solo project, where a rotating menu specializes in seasonal, farm-to-table offerings such as roasted chicken, braised eggplant, seafood risotto, harissa shrimp and ribeye with anchovy-garlic butter.
Rosie Cannonball
1620 Westheimer Rd. / Website
What’s more romantic than a delicious wine list and even dreamier dessert menu? Rosie Cannonball serves up European-inspired fare—showcasing local vegetables, pizzas and pastas, simple seafood and locally-sourced meat cooked over live fire.
Marmo
888 Westheimer Road, Suite 109 / Website
Visit Marmo Italian for freshly made pasta and hand-cut steaks, paired with prized Italian wines. On the menu, indulge in Texas Wagyu, New York strip, cowboy ribeye, porterhouse and beef tenderloin. Elsewhere on the menu, enjoy highlights like lobster ravioli, squid ink campanelle, and prime beef tartare. Every night, the restaurant hosts live music, ranging from singers to bands to instrumental musicians, perfect for creating a romantic atmosphere.
Van Leeuwen
888 Westheimer Road, Ste. 157 / Website
Did you hear the scoop? Van Leeuwen, the ultimate ice cream destination, has officially opened its doors in Montrose Collective for Houstonians with an undeniable sweet tooth. At this Frenchstyle shop, even vegan customers can enjoy over 30 flavors including honeycomb, marionberry cheesecake, Royal Wedding Cake and Earl Grey tea. Whether craving sundaes, ice cream sandwiches, root beer floats, milkshakes or simply your favorite flavor in a waffle cone, you’ll be living the cream at this ice cream oasis.
Where To Stay
La Colombe d’Or Hotel
3410 Montrose Blvd / Website
Nestled nicely in Houston’s Montrose neighborhood, this beloved hotel is the ultimate staycation, boasting 32 suites in three unique stay experiences, extravagant hotel amenities, a sculpture garden, mouth-watering dining options and so much more. “With over 100 years of history and a collection of more than 425 pieces of art and sculpture,” shares co-owner Dan Zimmerman, “La Colombe d’Or is one of the city’s most elegant spaces for a romantic dinner and getaway.” During your stay, don’t forget to check out the hotel’s rotating events—from a posh Art Salon to weekly HIIT classes and so much more.
Where To Relax
Sanctuary Spa
1791 S. Shepherd Drive / Website
Relax, renew and rejuvenate— thus is the motto for Sanctuary Spa. This oasis, tucked between River Oaks and Montrose, offers the ultimate oasis for its clients. Spend the day enjoying a sumptuous selection of hydrotherapy, facials, massages and bodywork. After your first visit here, we can guarantee you’ll be hooked.
Montrose Med Spa
2505 Dunlavy St / Website
Fillers, facials, micro-needling, oh my! Nestled in the heart of the neighborhood, Montrose Med Spa offers an impressive lineup of luxurious treatments, healing therapies, medical aesthetics - paired with friendly service and the cleanest products possible. Call to make your appointment now.
Where To Shop
Montrose Collective
888 Westheimer / Website
On the hunt for Houston's latest dining destinations, coolest independent merchants and trendy shopping spaces? Cue the Montrose Collective. Framed with lush balconies and shaded courtyards, shop from brands like Ganni, Reformation, Brilliant Earth, Gorjana and more.
Christy Lynn
Located in the Montrose District of Houston / Website
The Atelier’s décor and atmosphere are inspired by NYC designer Christy Lynn’s love for art and travel, allowing clients a peek into the brand’s romantic and modern lifestyle while offering a warm escape from the hustle of Houston life. Whatever the season may bring, Christy Lynn has an outfit for every occasion.
Where To Hit the Town
Anvil
1424 Westheimer Rd. Ste. B / Website
If you’re looking for a place with more bustle and a little less sophistication that still serves a mean Martini, head downstairs from Refuge to Anvil. Unlike its sister bar, Anvil toutes a list of 100 cocktails its owners Bobby Heugel and Steve Flippo believe you ought to try. Under the Herbal & Spirituous section you will find the tried and true classics, the Martini and Martinez, but don’t stop there. For a delicious riff off your favorite cocktail try the First Growth, a refreshing version made with sage, pineapple and elderflower, or the floral forward Lost in Translation made with Texas Gin, Japanese Shochu and a slightly salty finish of Fino sherry.
Refuge
1424 Westheimer Rd. / Website
Step into the discreet and dimly lit “cocktail apartment,” for an elevated escapist experience. Refuge pays homage to some of the more under-appreciated spirits serving just over a dozen signature cocktails. If you’re looking for “the coldest martini in town,” you’re in luck. The only cocktail brought over from the now replaced Tongue Cut Sparrow, is Bobby’s Martini. Created by martini aficionado and owner Bobby Heugel, the crisp cocktail is presented on a custom brass tray alongside an assortment of olives, a house pickled onion, and cornichon. For a contemporary take on the Martini’s historic precursor, try Refuge’s Martinez made with more vermouth than gin and topped off with two dashes of Yuzu bitters.
Bludorn
807 Taft St. / Website
This cozy restaurant nestled in the heart of Montrose is making its mark when it comes to the best Martinis in the neighborhood. Don’t be deterred by their unique ingredients like cocchi americano, verjus, chartreuse, and even a whole whipped egg, Bluedorn does Martinis exquisitely with the perfect balance of complimentary flavors. For an after-dinner digestive you have to try their Nitro Espresso Martini, a smooth and satisfying rendition of the traditional coffee cocktail, made on tap with Katz Nitro coffee, house amaro blend, coffee liqueur and bitters.
Cultural Experiences
Rothko Chapel
3900 Yupon St. / Website
Rothko Chapel is the epicenter for social activism, community and spiritual growth. Home of the Óscar Romero Award, this physical forum welcomes 100,000 visitors from all faiths, backgrounds and geographic locations annually. Outside, Barnett Newman’s “Broken Obelisk” rises over a reflecting pool on the plaza. Inside, the space presents 14 murals by American artist Mark Rothko. Complete your visit with a stop at the Welcome House and the chapel shop.
Menil Collection
1533 Sul Ross St. / Website
With over 50 years in the art world—including nearly 250 curated exhibitions—the Menil Collection’s founding director, Walter Hopps, was once dubbed “the marvelous mad maven of modern art in America.” Now, the collection, The Curatorial Imagination of Walter Hopps, celebrates his life with an exhibition featuring approximately 70 artists and more than 130 artworks, all honoring his curatorial vision, distinctive approach to exhibition-making and appreciation for a variety of 20th century art movements. March 24-Aug. 13.
Photography by: Photo courtesy of La Colombe d’Or Hotel
