Home to The Galleria, the largest mall in Texas, Uptown Houston has to be all about color, right? Not so fast. It is also a fun, upscale, residential area that boasts cultural attractions, visionary architecture, beautiful parks and unbeatable restaurants.
If you haven’t been to Uptown or it’s been a while, keep reading to learn more about this fun-filled area.
Where is Uptown Houston?
The immediate boundaries of Uptown are I-610 to the east, Richmond Avenue to the south, Sage Road to the west and Woodway Drive to the north. The MetroRapid Silverline is a smart, car-free way to get around the area.
How Uptown Houston transformed from a farm to a treasured village
The film, “Post Oak Boulevard: A Texas Legacy,” shows how a rural area with historic roads and farms was transformed over the decades into Uptown Houston, an area known for high-end stores and coveted spots. One game-changing venue, Tanglewood, has been home to people like the Bush political dynasty and the family of Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top.
“My parents built their house near Sage Road in 1954. The bus station stopped at Highland Village; the 610 wasn’t there yet. Where The Galleria is now is a one-room schoolhouse. My friends thought my parents were moving too far.” recalled Philip Alter of Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty.
The cityscape came mainly from the plans of developers who dreamed big and built big buildings. The late Gerald D. Hines made international headlines with the opening of The Galleria in 1971, which changed the game in shopping malls around the world. Hines also pioneered the idea of hiring famous architects to create urban landscapes, and the ones they chose made the Uptown Houston district famous.
Georgio Borlenghi sent the Italian concept of piazza shop-sip-nosh to Uptown in 1978, opening apartments like the Four Leaf Towers. Cesar Pelli’s revolutionary design used two types of colored glass inspired by natural stone and the earthy colors that distinguished Borlenghi’s Italian style. Hines and Borlenghi “put Uptown on the map,” Alter said.
Post Oak Boulevard is centered on high-rises lined with flowers and beautiful buildings, free of electric cables and billboards. Adding to the ambiance of the place are the stainless steel pillars with car logos. Today, older Houstonians live side by side with jetsetters, living in luxury and high-rises like the 40-story Aspire Post Oak and the 34-story 1661 Tanglewood.
“My husband and I have lived in the Uptown district for eight years and we love it,” said Gina Metzler. “We enjoy the city life, being able to walk to grocery stores, coffee shops, restaurants and The Galleria, and this neighborhood has great attention to detail with the decor and location.”
President of the Uptown Houston District John Breeding said, “This is a beautiful street scene, high-rise buildings, luxury and luxury hotels and shopping centers that rival New York, Chicago or LA.”
An ice cream shop at The Galleria mall in Houston, Texas.
The Galleria via YelpEnjoy world-class shopping at The Galleria
Residents fondly remember how Sakowitz’s store, which opened in 1951, established Uptown as a style center two decades before Texas’ largest mall, The Galleria, opened. Hines, inspired by Milan, Italy where he shops, came up with the idea of planting large ice rinks in three malls.
The ice cream parlor is still there, along with more than 375 shops and department stores that include Gucci, Christian Louboutin, Alexander McQueen, Fendi and Jimmy Choo. Looking for something Texas? Gifts of Texas preserves the Lone Star State’s collections of sports and college items. When you want a watch that makes a statement, look to Breitling for the most accurate timepieces. When you’re hungry, the Galleria’s 60 restaurants will do the trick.
The Bounty, a tray full of vegetables, almonds and hummus is a favorite to share at Postino, a restaurant in Uptown Park in Houston.
Courtesy of Robin Soslow, Special to ChronWine, dine and shop in Uptown Park
Lovers of artisan goods, contemporary design, funky restaurants and wine bars gather outside at Uptown Park. After browsing home goods at the Longoria Collection and coveted accessories by local artisans at High Gloss, pair bruschetta boards with wine at Postino. Then, feast your eyes on the brilliant glitter of Zadok Jewellers’ outpost.
Watch movies under the stars at the Rooftop Cinema Club Uptown in Houston, Texas.
Courtesy of Rooftop Cinema Club UptownLots of fun things to do in the Uptown/Galleria area
You can take the stairs by walking around The Galleria, but here’s a great alternative: Walk around the scenic, aforementioned area of The Galleria. The rink is open year-round, and also offers skate rentals and lessons.
Outdoor movies have been upgraded at the Rooftop Cinema Club Uptown. At this cool theater atop BLVD Place, you can watch movies under Houston’s dazzling stars while sitting on Adirondack chairs or snuggling up on an Adirondack love seat.
If you prefer live action, catch a show with AD Players. Their adult and children’s shows are held at The George Theatre.
Musaafer’s ingredients and natural surroundings create a rich cultural experience in Houston, Texas.
Courtesy of Robin Soslow, Special to ChronWhere to find the best restaurants in Uptown Houston
Foodies flock from Space City to restaurants in Uptown Houston. If you’re craving an Instagrammable and pricey twist, pair the wine with healthy options like dosa and mushroom mousse with beet chutney at one of the outdoor venues or outside Musaafer. Would you like to meet local Francophiles? Uptown Park’s Etoile Cuisine et Bar serves favorites like French onion soup and coq au vin.
Best restaurant along Post Oak Boulevard. At Kenny & Ziggy’s New York Delicatessen, customers feast on delicious sandwiches. This huge Schmooze room became famous in 2022 when NBA legend, Shaquille O’Neal came in and treated the lucky guests to Christmas dinner.
Grab a friend and chat over Whatamelon margaritas and crab tostadas on the patio at The Annie Café & Bar, or check out the price of smoked, roasted and cured Uchiko.
For Mexicans on the beach, hit up Caracol, chef Hugo Ortega’s place where the tapas match the atmosphere. At The Original Ninfa’s Uptown, try wood-fired salmon with mango slaw—or order the fajitas that made Ninfa’s original location on Navigation famous.
The Eastern Glades at Memorial Park in Houston, Texas.
Courtesy of Memorial Park ConservancyWhat to see in Uptown, from nature to impressive architecture
Steps from The Galleria, stroll around the Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park and see the fountain for a visual and auditory treat. At Memorial Park, which is twice the size of New York City’s Central Park, take in views of Uptown from the bridges, and enjoy a picnic in the Eastern Glades. Or, check out the Tanglewood Boulevard Esplanade. It’s a favorite companion that combines exercise and beauty.
Architecture lovers, travel nearby by car or on foot to admire Philip Johnson’s Williams Tower and Post Oak Central, IM Pei’s Hilton Houston Post Oak and Pelli’s Four Leaf Towers.
During the winter holidays, Houstonians come from all over to see Uptown’s beautiful decorations and 300 holiday trees displayed on Post Oak Boulevard and throughout the county.
Where to stay in Uptown Houston for a first-hand experience
If you’re ready to go deeper, accommodations that cater to business and leisure travelers include The Post Oak Hotel (the only Forbes Five-Star Hotel in Texas), Hotel Granduca and The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa. Each has its own history and vibe, but they share this: Trees that force us to keep thinking more.
This article was edited by Hearst Newspapers Managing Editor Kristina Moy; you can contact her at kristina.moy@hearst.com.
