HELLO HOUSTON! Texas Two-Step Your Way Through Barrett-Jackson’s New Host City
August 19, 2021
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
Written by Barbara Toombs
With 375 stores, The Galleria is the fourth largest shopping center in the nation.
Welcome to Texas, Barrett-Jackson fans! We’re excited to be coming to the Lone Star State and know you will be, too. There’s much to do and see within easy reach of our new home away from home at NRG Center, so we thought we’d provide you with a quick “lay of the land” to get you started.
Once you get settled in your hotel (check out our hotel guide HERE), of course head over to the auction site and check out all that’s offered there. But don’t miss the chance to explore around the area, whether you’re in the mood for a bit of shopping, dining or dancing the night away.
SHOPPING
The fourth-largest city in the nation, Houston is arguably the style capital of the South. It’s home to a Project Runway winner and more than a dozen distinct shopping areas, with retail options that include everything from vintage to high-end designer. And less than a 20-minute-drive from NRG Center are two of the city’s finest shopping destinations.
The Galleria: Featuring 375-plus stores and a grand indoor ice rink, this venue’s anchor stores are Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom and Macy’s. Akin to New York’s Fifth Avenue or Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills – with shops like Louis Vuitton, Montblanc, Chanel, Gucci and Versace – the sprawling destination also has hip designer boutiques and some great dining options, including Nobu Houston (see “Dining” below).
River Oaks District: This outdoor shopping complex of global luxury brands comprises 252,000 square feet of retail space with shops that include Dolce & Gabbana, Hermès and Cartier, many restaurants (including the acclaimed Steak 48 – see “Dining” below), sidewalk cafes and an iPic movie theater.
If you’re looking for places to satisfy your inner cowboy, the area has that too! Within a 20-minute drive or less you’ll find The Hat Store, renowned for its collection of Western hats with a customer list that includes both Bush presidents, Leon Russell, Shaquille O’Neal and the ZZ Top crew; King Ranch Saddle Shop, a stunning mercantile offering everything from furnishings to luggage, clothing to jewelry and great Texas-themed gifts; Lucchese, a go-to place for top-notch Western boots, shoes and accessories; and Dos Carolinas for the ultimate bespoke guayabera – the casual/dress shirt inspired by the folk traditions of the Yucatan and Cuba. A little further afield, about 30 minutes away, is Cavendar’s Boot City, with all the cowboy stuff you can imagine.
DINING
Houston is known as an outstanding food city, where you’ll find high-end sophisticated restaurants, the perfect date night dining, the ideal celebration spot, remarkable neighborhood establishments and many other jewels tucked into unexpected places. Here are a few of the best – all 20 minutes or less from the auction site.
Steak 48: Since 2016, Steak 48 in the River Oaks District has been the hottest steakhouse Houston residents flock to for special occasions, a night on the town or the best steaks the city has to offer. This is the place to go for prime grade beef, fresh seafood, traditional side dishes and unique desserts.
Nobu Houston: Experience Iron Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s genre-defining cuisine in more than 10,000 square feet of stunning indoor-outdoor space at The Galleria. Enjoy signature dishes like Black Cod with Miso and Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeño, world-renowned sushi and more.
MAD: Located in the River Oaks District, this energetic place known for its innovative Spanish tapas and main dishes captured the 2020 Tastemaker Awards Best New Restaurant prize.
Rosie Cannonball: This restaurant, centered around a wood-burning oven and grill, serves up European comfort food in a lively atmosphere. Expect outstanding pasta and fun veggie dishes, as well as some of the best Neapolitan pizza in the city.
Giacomo’s Cibo e Vino: If you’ve got a hankering for Italian, this is your place, which specializes in Venetian-style small plates. Just about everything is made in-house, and the pasta dishes are raved about: think Pappardelle ai Funghi e Gorgonzola and Orecchiette Giorgione.
Ray’s BBQ Shack: We’d be remiss not to mention a highly rated Texas barbecue spot! This one offers dine-in options, and while tucked away in an unassuming spot near a gas station, its old-school barbecue, massive meat-stuffed baked potatoes and sides (like fried corn on the cob!) are to die for.
Fun on the mechanical bull at Stampede Houston.
NIGHTLIFE
Whether you want to try your hand at the iconic Texas two-step, a little line dancing or a ride on a mechanical bull, a couple of favorite honky-tonks within a 30-minute drive of NRG Center will provide a great night of fun with a big dose of Lone Star State flavor. Stampede Houston is known for its country concerts, Texas-sized dance floor, mechanical bull, karaoke, drink specials and more, while Buck Wild is also home to mechanical bull rides, as well as the longest bar in Texas – measuring in at 120 feet in length – and three dance floors with plenty of space for two-steppin’ and more.