A Day In Houston Heights

The Daily Meal Staff|Aug. 30, 2014 7:00 am EST

Houston Heights is a vibrant neighborhood. In many ways, the Heights maintains a small-town feel, but the action in the Heights is non- stop and ever-changing. Quaint homes, historic structures, unique entertainment and other qualities place the Heights in a class by itself. Here are some things to do if you visit the Houston Heights.

Patrenella's Ristorante Italia
813 Jackson Hill St.
Houston, TX 77007
(713) 863-8223
www.patrenellas.net

Who doesn't love great Italian food? Most people do and Patrenella's Ristorante Italia in the Houston Heights is a great place to visit for Italian cuisine. The restaurant is located inside of an historic house and its charms are evident from the moment guests walk through the front doorway. Portion sizes are generous and the food is authentic Italian, made according to old world family recipes. Homestyle dining, attentive service and a cozy atmosphere make Patrenella's Ristorante Italia a great place to visit in the Houston Heights.

UpStage Theatre
1703 Heights Blvd.
Houston, TX 77008
(713) 838-7191
www.upstagetheatre.org

Those looking for some live entertainment need to pay a visit to Upstage Theatre, a popular Houston Heights attraction founded in 2000. Plays and musicals are performed at Upstage Theatre throughout the year and feature performances by local talent. Cast members often engage the audience as they perform, making for an interactive and entertaining experience. Upstage Theatre is centrally located in the Heights area and it ranks highly among Houston Heights attractions.

Liberty Station
2101 Washington Ave.
Houston, TX 77007
(713) 640-5220
www.libertystationbar.com

Once you're ready to wind down and have a drink, consider a visit to Liberty Station. This Houston Heights establishment is housed inside of a former gas station and it commands a large and loyal following. Guests can play a round of cornhole, select a beer or cocktail from the substantial offerings and relax outside by the fire pit on cooler evenings. A food truck is often parked outside, ready to serve some delicious and varied food. Liberty Station has a dog-friendly outdoor patio and its legions of fans rank it among the Houston area's best neighborhood bars.

Heights General Store
350 W. 19th St.
Houston, TX 77008
(713) 360-6204
www.heightsgeneralstore.com

When the need to shop strikes your soul and won't let go, a visit to the Heights General Store is just the cure. This store features fresh produce, cheese, meats, honey and other products from local vendors known for their emphasis on quality. Once the shopping cart is full, feel free to indulge in a quick meal from the Heights General Store Restaurant, featuring locally grown, natural food options. It's a nice way to support local business and purchase some of the best food products grown in the local area.

World War II Memorial
Heights Blvd. and East 11th St.
Houston, TX 77008
www.houstontx.gov

History is important and a visit to the World War II Memorial in the Houston Heights is the perfect way to pay tribute to those who served in history's greatest armed conflict. The memorial is part of the John H. Reagan World War II Memorial Plaza and it includes names of individuals who lived in the Heights and served in the war. A walk around the World War II Memorial is like a step back in time to a world that was often hostile and uncertain. It's a nice way to relive this important era in world history and a great way to wrap up your visit to the Houston Heights neighborhood.

Bryan Carey is a Houston, Texas resident with an avid interest in restaurants, dining, breweries, wineries, festivals, cultural events, museums, theatre, concerts, and other forms of entertainment. He has been writing about entertainment, travel, and related topics for more than fifteen years and has thousands of articles to his credit. His work can be found at Examiner.com.