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The Houston Inner Loop is a bustling center of food and entertainment that draws many people day by day. There’s no denying that Houston is a city packed with flavor, and Inner Loop restaurants are some of the city’s most talked-about destinations in the area. It is one of the places that you should definitely visit if you want to have some fun, a memorable night out, or a great meal.
A diverse culinary scene and various places to eat and drink are available across the Houston Inner Loop, from Michelin-starred restaurants to hip cafes and offbeat pubs. If you want to spend an evening laughing and singing along to live performances, you can also find several concert halls, comedy clubs, and entertainment hubs here.
Want to know more? Read on, and let’s have a fun food trip and leisure journey in the Houston Inner Loop!
Top 5 Entertainment Options in Houston's Inner Loop
1. ZOA Moroccan Kitchen
ZOA Moroccan Kitchen is a fast-casual restaurant offering traditional Moroccan cuisine made with fresh and top-grade ingredients.
It is one of the first Inner Loop restaurants where you can savor an authentic taste of Moroccan street cuisine. Their extensive menu offers other delicious options, including custom sandwiches and bowls stuffed with over 30 different meats, garnishes, and in-house sauces.
The warm decor and welcoming service at ZOA Moroccan Kitchen make it an ideal setting for a casual lunch or cozy dinner, which is why it is definitely one of the restaurants in Houston’s Inner Loop that visitors and locals must visit.
Must-Try:
- Tangier – Shrimp, Pickled Red Onion Cabbage, Greens, Cinnamon Carrots, Cucumber Tomato, Tomato Chermoula, Zesty Mint Avocado Yogurt.
- Rabat – Potato Cake, Zaalouk, Cucumber Tomato, Fava Bean Hummus, Tomato Chermoula, Harissa Aioli.
- Marrakesh – Beef Tagine, Confit Onions, Greens, Sweet Potato, Pickled Red Onion Cabbage, Cinnamon Raisin Onion, ZOA Green Harissa (medium spicy).
Reviews:
“This is my new favorite place! I went last week, and it was amazing. Everything is fresh and delicious (but also healthy), especially for the price point. The lady working there was super friendly and helpful. I made my own bowl with the meatballs. My husband got a mix of chicken and lamb, and we both loved everything. We were able to find parking right in front, as there was only one other customer there at the time. I imagine if it gets crowded, street parking might be necessary.
TLDR: I highly recommend this place, and I can’t wait to go back!” – Rida Khan
Restaurant Information:
- Address: 4710 Lillian St, Houston, TX 77007, United States
- Price Range: $10 - $60
- Click here to check out their menu!
2. Liberty Taco
Liberty Taco is a popular counter-service restaurant in the Inner Loop known for its creative takes on traditional Mexican dishes and innovative tacos with a modern twist. Their extensive menu includes traditional breakfast tacos made with Citrus Pork or Thai Basil, which are flavorful ingredients that goes perfectly with your classic choices.
It is an excellent destination if you need to grab a quick yet fulfilling bite. This Inner Loop restaurant has quickly become popular among residents and visitors because of its comfortable ambiance and high-quality offerings.
Must-Try:
- Chicken Tinga – Shredded chicken braised in roasted tomato puree and chipotle sauce topped with caramelized onions, shredded cheese, fresh avocado, and cilantro.
- Carnita – Tender braised spiced pork topped with queso fresco, fresh onion, and cilantro with a slice of lime.
- Southwest Beans and Rice – Rice with pinto beans, avocado, mango salsa, shredded cheese, and sour cream.
Reviews:
“Liberty Taco has been my go to taco spot on the Galleria area in Houston. My favorites, bacon, egg and melted queso breakfast taco and Kogi beef on lettuce (pictured) Quality of food and friendly attentive staff you can’t beat. Make sure to tell all the staff Hello/Thank you and that Shawn sent you , so they know how much I & you appreciate them.” – Shawn G.
Restaurant Information:
- Address: 4703 Richmond Ave. a, Houston, TX 77027, United States
- Price Range: $3 - $15
- Click here to check out their menu!
3. Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse is a posh food chain serving premium meats, seafood, and wines. Their famous offerings include USDA Prime beef, fresh seafood, and quality wines from their award-winning wine list, all in a classy American steakhouse.
Steak can never go wrong when it comes to formal events or business dinners, right? Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse is a great choice for those looking for high-quality meats, seafood, and wines in a sophisticated setting.
Must-Try:
- Asian Crunch – Napa & Red Cabbage, Pea Tendrils, Mint, Cilantro, Cashews, Soba Noodles, Wasabi Peas, Edamame.
- Filet Medallions – Chateau Mashed Potatoes, Thin Green Beans, Red Wine Demi-Glace.
- Seared Chilean Sea Bass – Crab Fried Rice, Black Bean Garlic Sauce.
Reviews:
“It was our first time dining here at Del Frisco’s, and our experience was outstanding! We tried this restaurant for my birthday dinner. We were kinda hesitant at first because we hate driving around the Galleria area. Our server, Chase, was very nice and attentive. Food was superb. We ordered the crispy fried lobster for appetizer and the 22 oz Prime New York Strip. Sides were also excellent. We had the Butter Cake for dessert, and that really hit the spot. We would definitely come back to dine here!” – EJ B.
Restaurant Information:
- Address: 5061 Westheimer Rd Suite 8060, Houston, TX 77056, United States
- Price Range: $15 - $150
- Click here to check out their menu!
4. JINYA Ramen Bar
The JINYA Ramen Bar is a trendy casual restaurant serving authentic Japanese food, including its signature tonkotsu ramen noodle soup. One of the best meals they serve is their flavorful ramen which is famous for being done in a broth that has been boiled for 20 hours.
In addition to its signature tonkotsu ramen, this Inner Loop restaurant also offers a variety of other ramen flavors, such as spicy chicken and vegetarian options. Customers can also enjoy a selection of small plates, salads, and desserts to complement their meals.
Modern Japanese cuisine, with options for everyone, is available at JINYA Ramen Bar. Definitely, a great place to enjoy a delicious and flavorful meal in the Houston Inner Loop!
Must-Try:
- Shrimp Wonton Ramen – Pork and shrimp broth: shrimp & chicken wonton, green onion, and kikurage, served with thick noodles.
- Karaage Chicken Ramen – Chicken broth: crispy chicken dressed in chili sauce, green onion, spinach, seasoned egg, and nori-dried seaweed and served with thin noodles.
- Tokyo Curry Rice – Tokyo-style curry w/ ground chicken and steamed rice.
Reviews:
“I can’t recommend this place enough for a cute night out. The ambiance is great, and it looks like they invested a lot into the decor, lighting, and seating because it all goes together so well. They have gluten free noodles, which were really good, and I loved the lychee Moscow mule. Service was really friendly, and food didn’t take too long although the place was pretty full.” – Cristelle Meza.
Restaurant Information:
- Address: 3201 Louisiana St, Houston, TX 77006, United States
- Price Range: $15 - $25
- Click here to check out their menu!
5. Carrabba's - The Original on Voss
Carrabba’s – The Original on Voss is a restaurant and bar chain in Houston Inner Loop that serves various traditional Italian dishes. They offer everything from classic Italian fare to gourmet wood-fired pizzas. Fresh ingredients and robust tastes can be enjoyed from every item on their menu. Aside from mouth watering dishes, this restaurant also offers refreshing drinks to complete your Italian dining experience.
Head over to Carrabba’s if you want to spend a quiet evening for two or a fun night out with friends, enjoying delicious Italian cuisine and drinks in a cozy and inviting atmosphere!
Must-Try:
- Pasta Carrabba – Fettuccine “Alfredo style” with mushrooms, peas, and grilled chicken.
- Mushroom Ravioli – A medley of mushrooms in a porcini cream sauce.
- Sogno Di Cioccolata – A fudge brownie made with Kahlua, chocolate mousse, and topped with whipped cream, and hot chocolate sauce.
Reviews:
“This was my first time at the Original Carrabba’s. It was a much more upscale experience than what I have experienced for years throughout the country. There is a distinct difference in food quality from the original. The bread, if you know Carrabba’s, is always a mainstay. But, this bread was much more crusty, yeasty, and very much lighter. Both breads are good. The Original is great.” – black gent.
Restaurant Information:
- Address: 1399 S Voss Rd, Houston, TX 77057, United States
- Price Range: $10 - $65
- Click here to check out their menu!
Top 5 Entertainment in Inner Loop Houston
Photo by Maike und Björn Bröskamp on Pixabay
1. Escape The Room Texas
At Escape The Room Texas, you’ll be put through a reality entertainment gaming experience in which you’ll need to solve puzzles to win the right to leave the room.
In contrast to the usual Friday night game night, this one has an exciting twist! Time will be of the essence as you race against the time to solve puzzles and discover hidden treasures. The stakes are high, but the rush of success is well worth the effort. At Escape The Room Texas, you may choose from different themed rooms, each with its own set of obstacles.
Enjoy an exciting opportunity for any puzzle enthusiast or group of friends seeking a memorable evening out. So contact your friends and see if you can escape before the clock runs out!
2. MATCH - Midtown Arts and Theater Center Houston
The Midtown Arts and Theater Center Houston (MATCH) is a state-of-the-art performing arts center in the Houston metropolitan area.
As a modern community arts facility with numerous venues for theater, dance, music, and gallery events, MATCH aims to provide a meeting place for artists, small and medium-sized arts groups, and art enthusiasts where they can produce and appreciate works of visual, performing, literary, and mixed media art.
3. Houston Axe Throwing
Houston Axe Throwing is the first axe-throwing club in Texas and the first indoor axe-throwing range in Houston.
As you enter Houston’s indoor axe throwing range, you’ll hear the thud of axes striking targets and the whoops of your fellow competitors. If you and your pals are searching for something out of the ordinary to do, you should definitely try axe throwing! The experts in this facility will teach you the fundamentals of how to grip and throw an axe.
You’ll be able to play exciting games that test your precision and strategy as you gain confidence in your abilities. The excitement you’ll experience from shooting for Bullseyes or Killshots will keep you invigorated and eager for more!
It is a superb stress buster, especially when you’ve had a particularly trying day at work or school.
4. Cidercade Houston
Cidercade Houston is a massive arcade bar containing both vintage and up-to-date arcade games and kombucha and hard cider brewed on the premises.
It is a great place to have a good time since it attracts people of all ages who come to play games and drink cider. The classic arcade games harken back to a simpler time, while their state-of-the-art games include stunning visuals and innovative gameplay.
If you want to have a good time with your friends or impress a date, Cidercade Houston is the place to go. Just drop by and have some fun!
5. K1 Speed
K1 Speed is a must-try for those interested in indoor racing! Regardless of expertise, all drivers may enjoy the excitement of high-speed racing on the track’s modern electric go-karts.
But K1 Speed is much more than a simple racing venue. It’s a full-fledged amusement park with rides and shows for people of all ages and backgrounds. It is a family-friendly destination with entertaining activities for everyone, from arcade games to many cafes where you can unwind and enjoy a meal or snack.
Wrap Up
Locals and tourists in Houston, TX, can find and explore several dining and entertainment destinations within the Inner Loop, from casual and upscale restaurants to exciting arcade facilities.
If you, together with family or friends, are looking for a memorable experience in a lively metropolis, go no further than Houston’s Inner Loop, where a myriad of food and fantastic recreation options await!
Share with us if you know other must-visit establishments within the Inner Loop in Houston. Contact us today by calling 832.273.9995 or emailing sheryl.davis@gmail.com to get our conversation rolling!
Frequently Asked Questions
What does inner loop mean in Houston?
“Inner Loop” refers to an area in Houston, Texas, located inside Interstate 610.
What is considered in the loop in Houston?
Everything within a reasonable distance from Interstate 610 and downtown Houston is part of the loop.
What restaurants do celebrities go to in Houston?
The Downtown Aquarium, Brennan’s of Houston, and Turkey Leg Hut are just some Houston inner loop restaurants that celebrities usually visit.
