Known as “Space City,” “H-Town,” and “The 713,” Houston excels as a cultural and research hub. Famed for its authentic Mexican food, NASA, and the world’s largest livestock show and rodeo, it now features one of Saatva’s newest Viewing Rooms in Uptown.
Just west of Downtown, Uptown offers high-end shopping, gourmet dining, chic bars, live music, and beauty spots. Home to the renowned Galleria and some of the best interior design stores, this walkable district has it all.
So shop the latest fashion and design trends, pick out your Saatva mattress, and enjoy Uptown’s exquisite dining scene. Here are the best spots to shop, eat, and explore in one of Houston’s most sophisticated neighborhoods.
Where to shop
Saatva Viewing Room
Located on Post Oak Boulevard, Saatva’s second Texas location is nestled in a stylish area known for its upscale interior design and furniture stores. Whether you’re shopping for a new mattress or bedroom essentials, our expert sleep guides will ensure a smooth, stress-free experience. You can also browse at your own pace using the latest tech. From mattresses to bedding, rugs, and furniture, you’ll find anything and everything for your sleep space—and we’ll hand-deliver it right to your door.
Saatva Houston: 1701 Post Oak Blvd
High Gloss
If you love handmade, one-of-a-kind jewelry, High Gloss is the perfect destination. Discover unique statement pieces crafted by local Houston artists as well as national and international designers. Whether you’re looking for necklaces, watches, earrings, or vintage collectibles, there’s something for everyone. Feel free to browse at your leisure or get expert guidance from the knowledgeable staff to help you select the perfect piece.
High Gloss: 1131-06 Uptown Park Blvd
Pinto Ranch
Is it really a Texas retail roundup without a Western store? Pinto Ranch is one of Houston’s finest, carrying everything from cowboy boots to curated men’s and women’s apparel, jewelry, and more. With top brands for both casual and formal occasions, casual wearers and newcomers to Western style are sure to discover something that suits their vibe.
Pinto Ranch: 1717 Post Oak Blvd
Toys to Love
Locally owned for over 30 years, this hidden gem is dedicated to selling the best toys and gifts for children of all ages. From dress-up costumes to collectible dolls and accessories, there’s something for every little one. You can even personalize items with custom embroidery or vinyl for a special touch.
Toys to Love: 1715 Post Oak Blvd
Cos Bar
Cos Bar is a luxury beauty retailer that offers a carefully curated selection of top-tier brands. Founder Lily Garfield, based in Aspen, Colo., started the store to address the challenge of finding skincare and beauty products suited for harsh climates. What sets Cos Bar apart from other beauty retailers is its commitment to prioritizing customers’ needs, with handpicked skincare and makeup from the world’s most prestigious collections.
Cos Bar: 444 Westheimer Rd Suite C140
Where to eat and drink
Giant Leap Coffee
For many, coffee is an essential start to the day, and Giant Leap Coffee aims to be part of that. Offering premium locally roasted coffee, fresh-baked goods, and a variety of teas and specialty drinks, it’s the perfect spot to kick off your morning. Though the indoor space is cozy with limited seating, the ample outdoor seating lets you savor your drink while soaking in the city’s ambiance.
Giant Leap Coffee: 1135 Uptown Park Blvd
Local Foods
As a Houston local, I can confirm this spot truly lives up to its name. Local Foods is all about fresh, hyper-seasonal dishes made from scratch daily using the finest local ingredients Texas has to offer. The menu accommodates a variety of dietary preferences and needs, including options that are gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian. With soups, salads, sandwiches, and an ever-evolving seasonal selection, Local Foods offers healthy, delicious meals for the whole family.
Local Foods: 1709 Post Oak Blvd
Crave Cupcakes
Consistently voted Houston’s best cupcakes, Crave Cupcakes is a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth. Baked in small batches throughout the day to ensure freshness, these cupcakes are made without preservatives or hydrogenated oils. Instead, Crave uses premium ingredients like pure Madagascar bourbon vanilla, European chocolate, seasonal fruits from Napa Valley, and dairy from Texas farms to create delicious cupcakes and frostings.
Crave Cupcakes: 1151 Uptown Park Blvd #6
Lombardi Cucina Italiano
Lombardi Cucina Italiano perfectly blends authentic Italian cuisine with a modern twist. Fresh pasta, fish, meats, and produce come together to create flavorful dishes. For a more intimate experience, the Segreto Lounge offers a refined bar and cocktail setting, featuring a curated selection of global wines, handcrafted cocktails, and a warm, moody ambiance with live entertainment.
Lombardi Cucina Italiano: 1101 Uptown Park Blvd #18
The Rustic
With its iconic illuminated sign, The Rustic aims to create a welcoming atmosphere that feels like home. The menu offers a variety of homestyle meals made from farm-fresh local ingredients alongside a selection of local beers and wines. This relaxed setting is ideal for any occasion—be it a date night, happy hour, business lunch, or a casual visit. Additionally, live music shows from Thursday to Sunday provide even more reason to stop by and enjoy the vibrant ambiance.
The Rustic: 1121 Uptown Park Blvd STE 4
Where else to spend time
The Galleria
No Houston visit is complete without a stop at The Galleria, Texas’s largest and most luxurious mall with over 400 stores and 60+ eateries. As the seventh largest mall in the world, it’s hard to believe there are malls larger than this one, especially considering it has a full-sized skating rink! With a mix of popular retail chains and high-end luxury brands, The Galleria is truly a must-visit destination for anyone who loves to shop.
The Galleria: 5085 Westheimer Rd
Beautique Day Spa & Salon
After a day of shopping and dining, take a moment to unwind at Beautique Day Spa & Salon. With a range of relaxing services, this place features skilled stylists and masseuses to accommodate any budget. Everyone deserves a little self-care, and Beautique is the perfect place to treat yourself.
Beautique Day Spa & Salon: 5520 Weslayan St
Memorial Park
As Houston’s largest urban green space, Memorial Park brings a refreshing touch of greenery to the bustling city of Houston. With various loops and lush green spaces, it’s the perfect destination for running, walking, and enjoying picnics (it has the best spots for reading too!).
Memorial Park: 6501 Memorial Dr
Houston Flea Market
Houston is renowned for its strong Hispanic culture, beautifully showcased in its diverse flea markets. The Houston Flea Market features over 600 vendors selling antiques, collectibles, clothing, crafts, new and used merchandise, furniture, appliances, books, and fresh produce. Additionally, the market provides entertainment for both adults and children, including live music on weekends and fun activities like pony and train rides.
Houston Flea Market: 6116 Southwest Fwy
Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park
A popular destination for capturing memorable moments, Waterwall Park serves as an iconic backdrop for proms, engagements, and weddings, making it one of Houston’s most cherished landmarks. The multi-story sculptural fountain is a stunning sight for visitors, creating a serene escape from the bustling business district. Here, you can enjoy the refreshing mist of the waterfall and the soothing sound of cascading water, creating a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city.
Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park: 2800 Post Oak Blvd
FAQs
Is Uptown Houston a good area?
Uptown Houston is a lively and safe area, offering a wide variety of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks that cater to diverse tastes and lifestyles.
What side of town is Uptown Houston?
Uptown Houston is located west of Downtown and is centered along Post Oak Boulevard and Westheimer Road.
Is it better to stay in Uptown or Downtown Houston?
Choosing between Uptown and Downtown Houston depends on your preferences. Downtown offers convenient access to many of Houston’s attractions and major highways, making it an ideal base for families exploring the city.
In contrast, Uptown is renowned for its exceptional shopping, dining, and nightlife options, providing a vibrant atmosphere for those looking to experience the best of Houston’s culinary and social scene.
Check out our additional travel guides for advice on how to spend the day near our other Viewing Rooms:
- Washington, DC’s Logan Circle
- San Francisco’s Union Square
- West Hollywood, Los Angeles
- New York City’s Upper East Side
- New York City’s Flatiron
- Boston’s Back Bay
- Chicago’s Lincoln Park
- Dallas’s Uptown
- Charlotte’s South Park
- Portland’s Pearl District
- Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse Square
- Seattle’s University Village
- San Diego’s La Jolla
- Florida’s Winter Park
- Baltimore’s Harbor East