Coming off a grind-it-out 2-1 victory at home against CF Montréal on Wednesday, the Philadelphia Union will head back to Texas for their second road trip to the Lone Star State this Saturday. This time, they’ll face the Houston Dynamo and former Union Homegrown midfielder Jack McGlynn for the first time since his trade this past offseason.
If you’re heading to the match, I’ve put together a few recommendations to check out while you’re in town before kickoff. If you’d like additional suggestions, feel free to reach out to me at kyle@madhatteradv.com via my travel advisor email—I’d be happy to assist!
About Houston, Texas
America’s fourth-largest city is a cosmopolitan destination, filled with world-class dining, arts, hotels, shopping, and nightlife. Take a stroll through the historic Heights, spend the day exploring the Museum District, or head down to Space Center Houston. Later on, grab a bite at one of dozens of award-winning restaurants or hang out with the cool crowd on Washington Avenue.
Old Town Harrisburg
Old Town Harrisburg—also known as “Houston’s Little Mexico”—is a neighborhood full of culture and history, offering a unique experience in the heart of Houston with Mexican soul and multicultural entertainment. It features shops with arts and crafts, Garibaldi’s Plaza (where mariachis and other artists perform regularly), pop-up tents, an indoor market, a Mexican pizzeria, and a unique coffee shop.
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Downtown Aquarium
Part attraction, part restaurant, the 500,000-gallon Downtown Aquarium complex is a multi-functional destination boasting a Ferris wheel, an aquatic carousel, Shark Voyage, a white tiger exhibit, and a restaurant. The spectacular wall-to-wall aquarium view complements a surf-and-turf menu. Parents can dig into silky lobster bisque and crabmeat-topped Gulf red snapper, while kids enjoy popcorn shrimp, ‘sand dollar’ pizza, and ‘Captain’s’ grilled cheese. Keep an eye out for scuba divers feeding fish in the restaurant-set tank during dinner.
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Space Center Houston
Ignite your curiosity at Space Center Houston, the official visitor center of NASA’s Johnson Space Center. On the NASA Tram Tour, get a behind-the-scenes look at human space exploration. Tour iconic locations like Mission Control, Rocket Park (home to the massive Saturn V rocket), and astronaut training facilities such as the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility.
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The Galleria
The Galleria, an international shopping destination that hosts more than 30 million visitors annually, offers world-class shopping with over 400 fine stores and restaurants, two hotels, and a full-sized ice rink.
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The Health Museum
Located in the heart of Houston, The Health Museum inspires passion and curiosity about health, medical sciences, and the human body. With over 2.5 million visitors, it is one of the most interactive and popular science learning centers of its kind—and a local favorite.
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Food and Drink
With 13,000 restaurants representing cuisine from over 70 countries and American regions, Houston’s dining scene is as diverse as its more than 6 million residents. Here are some standout spots to check out:
Truck Yard Houston
Describing itself as an “adult playground,” Truck Yard Houston offers brews, grub, and tunes in a come-as-you-are setting. With its first location in Dallas, Truck Yard chose Houston for its second, complete with a Ferris wheel (yes, a real one), treehouses, food trucks, live music, and plenty of outdoor space—making it a summer sanctuary for outdoor fun.
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Pitch 25 Beer Park
Pitch 25 is a soccer-themed bar, grill, and neighborhood hangout for fans of the world’s most popular sport. It’s a place where fútbol finally gets the spotlight it deserves, right in the heart of Houston.
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Roots
Roots is a self-serve wine bar in the East End that reimagines wine tasting with 56 rotating wines available via automated dispensers in 1-, 3-, and 5-ounce pours. Its seasonally driven, farm-to-table New American cuisine includes a main menu along with dedicated brunch and happy hour offerings.
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Rodeo Goat
Known for the mouth-watering Chaca Oaxaca burger—a beef and chorizo patty topped with avocado, pico de gallo, queso fresco, Tabasco mayo, and a fried egg—Rodeo Goat also offers salads and protein add-ons. Don’t skip dessert: try their milkshakes, pies, or the infamous “Goat Balls” (fried brie with blackberry compote).
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Pappas Bar-B-Q
Founded by brothers Chris and Harris Pappas, Pappas Bar-B-Q is known for slow-smoked ribs and brisket that are always tender and juicy. Their sides are made fresh daily, and the smoky house-made barbecue sauce ties it all together.
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Irma’s Southwest
Irma’s Southwest, an evolution of Irma’s Southwest Grille, offers authentic Tex-Mex right next to Daikin Park in Downtown Houston. Located on the ground floor of the luxury apartment building Catalyst, Irma’s brings a fresh take to its 20+ year tradition.
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That’s all for today’s travel article! If you have any suggestions or recommendations for places to visit in Houston, please send them my way so they can be included in a future article. Jillian and I will be in town covering the match, so if you see us around, be sure to say hello. I hope you have a safe and enjoyable experience during your time in Houston.
Main Article Photo Courtesy of the Philadelphia Union
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