The Perfect Montrose Houston Weekend

Head to The Dunlavy for Montrose Houston Brunch

Houston is one of those energized cities that always has so much going on, it can almost be intimidating. I follow a few blogs and social media accounts (and downtown Houston’s weekly newsletters) to keep up-to-date with everything happening, but I’ve also been around the Montrose block long enough to create a little weekend itinerary myself.

Here is my perfect Montrose weekend itinerary:

Start with any of these Montrose coffee shops, but if you’re starting at Encore Montrose, a quick walk next-door to Black Hole coffee is an obvious choice. Quaint, laid-back vibe with awesome coffee and people watching.

I’m personally a big fan of brunch, and no weekend is complete without mimosas and brunch. Before brunch, I recommend taking advantage of one of Houston’s amazing parks on a nice day.

I love Buffalo Bayou, because it’s centrally located with easy parking to meet up with friends and of course, it’s dog and stroller-friendly. Then head over to Dunlavy for a casual brunch amongst a handful of sparkling chandeliers, that make for a great photo opp as well. It’s a pretty casual spot (order at the counter) on the weekends, so it’s no problem to come in yoga/running clothes — even if you’re sweaty and in a hat (my usual weekend outfit). They have smoothies and “real food” as well as indoor and outdoor seating, all with beautiful park views.

Empire Cafe is probably my second choice for a true-Montrose brunch, which is also counter service and incredibly popular. Most of the seating is outdoors, but the reason these two top my brunch list is they are both in great locations, so you can either walk around the park (while at Dunlavy) or around some fun and eclectic shops on Westheimer, along with hitting up one of my favorite Montrose Houston murals along the way.

Mid-day my vote is to take a few hours and hang by the pool at Encore Montrose, which overlooks 59 (but obviously you have to live here or know someone who does for that). The crowd here is always fun, it’s easy to invite a friend or two over and it’s never (at least not yet) out of control. Bring some rosé from your apartment and bask in the sun for a few hours.

Another way to spend the afternoon in Montrose is galavanting around the

Iced Coffee After a Run at Buffalo Bayou Park

Houston Museum District, which is only a few miles from our Montrose apartments, and highly regarded around the nation. There are 19 museums (that’s seriously a lot) in 4 walkable zones and some changing exhibits and nightly events that are well worth the visit.

If you’re looking for a low-key evening in Montrose, Light Years Wine Shop is literally a cute little house/turned business I stumbled upon a few weeks ago. It has an incredible local vibe, deserving of the Montrose neighborhood address and they offer tastings every Friday from 5-8p, though I’d recommend visiting anytime. You can rent bikes from one of Houston’s cycle stations, take your own or walk.

I don’t do clubs or intense nightlife spots, but I do enjoy an early evening at nearby Goodnight Charlie’s for LIVE music or Bar Boheme to meet friends, which has a laid back vibe and a ton of picnic tables out back.

Many have told me Bacco Wine Garden is up my alley, and although I haven’t been yet, I thought I should add it to this Montrose list based on the number of recommendations I’ve received. Per my preference, these are all laid back joints, but you can hit up a few “clubs” in Montrose if that’s more your speed.

This is part of a sponsored series with Encore Montrose, sharing what I love about this unique neighborhood in Houston. These luxury Montrose apartments are currently offering a few leasing specials on all their remaining floor plans, like a few weeks free rent. Stop by for a quick tour and tell them Jayme (or The Blonde Side) sent you! There aren’t many apartments left, so hurry and my pro tip – ask for the Champagne Tour.