Whether you’re attending a conference or convention in H-Town, or scheduling a corporate event, Houston welcomes you! Located in the heart of downtown Houston, the George R. Brown (GRB) sits at the crossroads of culture, cuisine, and convenience. If you’ve got a few hours between meetings or a free evening after a full day of panels, here’s how to make the most of your time around the GRB.
Discovery Green is your go-to urban oasis, just steps away from the convention center. This 12-acre park features public art, water features, lawn space, and events year-round, from fitness classes to outdoor concerts and movies on the green. It’s the perfect spot for a morning walk, a casual meeting, or a midday recharge with a coffee in hand.
Houston is one of the most exciting food cities in the United States and offers a range of dining options that reflect the city’s global flavor. With Michelin designations and James Beard recognitions, Houston’s renowned palate is sure to inspire foodies and those looking to break out of their comfort zone alike.
At Xochi, a James Beard award-winning restaurant located inside the Marriott Marquis Houston features a Oaxacan menu perfect for a client dinner or treat-yourself lunch.
The Grove, a sleek and modern glass-wrapped restaurant nestled within Discovery Green offers New American cuisine with elevated bites and rooftop views of the park.
Just a five-minute walk from the GRB, Phoenicia Specialty Foods offers a daily rotation of freshly prepared meals and snacks, providing a great for an on-the-go lunch or late-night nibble. For a sit-down meal, the store’s MKT Bar also offers a variety of entrée options as well as gelato to-go!
Just east of the GRB Center lies EaDo (East Downtown), one of Houston’s fastest growing and most dynamic neighborhoods. Known for its bold street art, converted warehouses, and energetic vibe, EaDo is a hotspot for craft breweries, eclectic eateries, and live music venues. Whether you're catching a Dynamo game at Shell Energy Stadium, grabbing a plate of brisket, or exploring indie coffee shops or late-night chocolatiers, EaDo offers a walkable, creative edge to your Houston stay.
What’s a trip to Texas without a generous helping of smoked meats and traditional BBQ sides? At J Bar M BBQ, business travelers are given an elevated Texas BBQ experience with its modern, spacious setting, and consistently high-quality smoked meats prepared in 1,000-gallon offset smokers, making the pit room an ideal atmosphere for a uniquely Texas business meeting. It’s easy to see how J-Bar-M is consistently recognized as one of the state’s top BBQ joints by Texas Monthly each year.
Rodeo Goat is known for its high-quality, house-ground burgers with bold, inventive toppings. The laid-back space also offers a strong beer selection, spacious patio seating, and a casual, lively atmosphere ideal for groups or post-convention meals.
Koffeteria is a modern bakery and café led by Chef Vanarin Kuch, offering inventive takes that marry Chef’s Cambodian heritage with his new Houston roots. With a variety of pastries and comfort food, it’s a favorite for coffee meetings, breakfast bites, or a quick midday break.
For a MICHELIN dining experience, look no further than Houston’s iconic Nancy’s Hustle. Known for its small plates paired with a perfectly curated wine list, this popular bistro continues to be a standout option for business meetings and dinners with colleagues. We recommend an order (or two) of the Nancy Cakes!
Just a short distance from Nancy’s Hustle is Street to Kitchen, a bold and authentic Thai restaurant led by Chef Benchawan Jabthong Painter and who earned a James Beard Award for Best Chef: Texas in 2023. “Chef G,” as she is referred to locals, leans into her love for fiery, deeply flavorful dishes that reflect her childhood memories and learning how to cook in her grandmother’s neighborhood restaurant in Central Thailand.
After indulging in your favorite Thai dish, head next door to CASE Chocolates. As the world's first chocolate and cocktail speakeasy, CASE offers a unique tasting experience that combines gourmet, liquor-infused chocolates with expertly paired cocktails. The perfect night cap after a day of sessions!
Entertainment Within Minutes
Whether you’re into live music, sports, or skyline views, the downtown area has something for every kind of traveler.
713 Music Hall is a top-tier concert venue located inside POST Houston, a former post office building turned food hall and entertainment center. The venue’s music hall hosts major touring acts and international headliners including up-and-coming artists like Teddy Swims and Lord Huron.
POST Houston, formerly known as the Barbara Jordan Post Office Building has been reimagined into a cultural hub featuring the state’s largest urban rooftop garden and farm, panoramic city views, a global food hall, an immersive art installation that morphs into a night club on certain evenings, and boutique shops.
For those looking for a bit of nostalgia, tee off at Putt‑Shack, an upscale indoor mini-golf venue located just steps from Discovery Green and featuring tech-enabled courses and craft cocktails—perfect for relaxed team bonding or client entertainment.
Don’t Miss the Big Game
For business travelers who want to catch their favorite team or attend a concert after the day’s meetings, these venues provide excellent options to mix excitement and networking into your trip while offering a glimpse of the local game day atmosphere.
Shell Energy Stadium, located in EaDo, is home of the Houston Dynamo (MLS) and Dash (NWSL), just a 10-minute walk from GRB. With a dynamic and uniquely Houston food court, Shell Energy Stadium offers a taste of Houston’s local fare.
The fun does not stop there. For NBA fans or those looking to catch their favorite performing artist or concert, nearby Toyota Center provides both convenience and state-of-the-art stadium amenities to catch all the action.
Finally, visitors staying on the convention campus also will have easy access to the city’s iconic ballpark: Daikin Park. Rain or shine, the stadium’s retractable roof ensures baseball fans can watch their favorite MLB player all in an enjoyable, climate-controlled experience.
Getting Around with Ease
No car? No problem. Houston’s Convention District offers direct access to the city’s Houston METRORail. The light rail provides an easy way to travel to nearby neighborhoods and attractions, including Midtown, the Museum District, Houston’s Theater District, Hermann Park, and Texas Medical Center. Whether you’re heading to a meeting or exploring Houston’s cultural side, the rail is fast, reliable, and affordable.
Business trips don’t have to be all business. The area around the GRB boasts everything you need to mix productivity with leisure. From vibrant parks and world-class dining to exciting sports and live entertainment, you’ll find plenty of ways to unwind, connect, and explore Houston’s unique culture. With convenient access to public transit and nearby venues, your downtime between meetings can be just as productive and enjoyable as the convention itself.
Welcome to Houston, where business meets big-city energy and southern hospitality!
