Texas Real Estate Blog & Market News

When a hankering for a great beer (and maybe a burger, too) sets in, there’s little that can stop it. So why not indulge? Here are some of the best places for a great beer in Houston, no matter what your taste.

Underdogs

Kind of a newbie on the Houston beer scene, Underdogs boasts two things above all others: The passion of the two ex-bartenders who own it (so they know what you like) and the cheapest craft pints in the entire city. Their bottled brews are also pretty wide-ranging, including a few rare labels that will keep your taste buds on their toes.

Down House

Don’t let the comparatively short list of taps fool you.  Down House is about quality over quantity, and you can be assured that the handful of taps contain only the best (usually

There’s no night out quite like one with live music, and there’s no hotter place to catch a band than Austin. Check out these sound environments for the best audio pleasure Austin can bring you.

The Elephant Room

So maybe you don’t think “jazz” when you think about Austin, but you should. And when you do, think of it at the Elephant Room, a cozy basement of a club with brick walls, low ceilings, and perfect seating.  

The White Horse

Prefer tattoos and rockabilly to jazz? You know Austin has you covered.  The White Horse is unapologetically dark and unadorned, apart from the glowing ruby-colored stage. This is the hub of Austin’s country music scene, and any band that plays to what would consider itself a honky-tonk crowd. White Horse

We’ve all heard the ol’ chestnut that failing to plan is planning to fail. Well, even if that’s annoying to hear for the umpteenth time, it’s true. Without a direction, without a set of goals to aim for, you’re going to wander through your business trying to figure out what to do next.

Get Writing

Get out a pen and notebook, open a note on your phone, send yourself an email, or fingerpaint it on the wall of your home office, just make sure you write down your goals. Goals you tell yourself about have a way of sliding off into the ether unless they are given concrete form. Write them down and, preferably,

copy what you write. And keep your goals list in a spot where you’ll see them. Don’t put it in your “miscellaneous” folder and never look in

Who doesn’t love a good happy hour? And Bryan-College station has plenty. Try these five on for size.

Atami Steak and Sushi

Considered not just the best hibachi in the area, but also the best happy hour in Aggieland.  Visit Monday through Thursday from 5-7 p.m. for $1.50 longnecks and discounted menu items. And if the chef isn’t Japanese, so what, the food gets top marks from pretty much everyone who’s ever eaten here.

Grub Burger Bar

It’s not just a great patio and great burger at Grub. They also have a terrific (and quite popular) happy hour, every day from 3-6 p.m. Grab $3 well drinks, domestics, and half- order cheese fries, or $4 craft pints, margaritas, wines, and half-order Ahi Tuna appetizers. And for $5, there are signature drinks,

Ever get the vague sense that something in a movie looks familiar? Well, you’ve likely walked right through some of cinema’s more mainstream sets and never knew it. Or maybe you did know. In either case, here’s a list of some of the coolest movies ever to set up camp in Austin.

1. True Grit (2010)

While the original True Grit, starring John Wayne, is a Hollywood legend in its own right, 2010’s revisiting of the classic tale of a grizzled cowboy helping a young girl find justice is roundly considered one of the best remakes of the past 25 years. And if you’re familiar with Austin and its surroundings, you already know why the city was the ideal location for this Texas classic.

2. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre

Admittedly, Texas could use a

You might have heard rumors to the effect that Christmas and the holiday season are around the corer again. Well, in between fighting the mall traffic, frantic plan-making, and ‘Yeah, I’ll just have one more cookie,” you might want to catch one of Austin’s great holiday shows. Here’s some of the lineup you can catch before 2015 sets in.

1. The Nutcracker, Dec. 6-23, Dell Hall

Kick off the holidays with the legendary Nutcracker. Ballet Austin brings what is probably the most famous Russian ballet ever written, to  Dell Hall, at the Long Center for the Performing Arts, starting Dec. 6. Unlike other renditions of The Nutcracker, this one runs for multiple performances, through December 23. So there’s no good reason to pass this one up (not like there

Are you surprised that Austin, of all places, has some great pizza shops? Of course you’re not. Forgive us for asking. How about we go get a slice of pizza and talk it over at one of these places?

East Side Pies

Thin crust makes a pizza a thing of beauty to talk about forever. And East Side Pies has the thinnest crust in the whole city. They also have a variety of sauces for the adventurous (like the Fast Pie, which has spinach curry sauce, sausage, and feta cheese). But don’t worry, you can still get a red sauce pizza any time you want.

Home Slice

Everybody from Austin knows about Home Slice Pizza. Or at least they should. This South Congress landmark is a must-visit stop if you’re looking in or visiting Austin, and it’s a

There’s something about food trucks that makes grabbing a bite kind of like a scavenger hunt. And since Bryan-College Station is a college area, food trucks are abundant and delicious. These five food trucks are worth the trip around Aggieland, for sure.

Chef Tai’s Mobile Bistro

Chef Tai’s might just be the pinnacle of food truck dining. And in this case, that’s a lot more impressive than it might sound. Usually parked on the A&M campus, Chef Tai’s has garnered the attention (and praise) of the Food Network for its off-beat blend of international cuisines. Where else can you choose from barbecued pulled pork sandwiches and tofu Florentine?

Wafology

Not a breakfast truck, but rather an unending exercise in excellent eats in the

One of the great thinks about Texas weather is that it stays warm long enough to really enjoy some fall outdoor dining.  So get some fresh air and good times on one of these College Station great outdoor patios.

La Bodega Baja Taco Bar

Don’t let the name fool you. La Bodega is far removed from the madness of College Station’s bars, yet close enough to wander in and have the best Baja, California-style meal in town. La Bodega has one of College Station’s few covered patios, so weather isn’t as big a concern, and the patio is pet friendly. Check it out for its blend of colorful spiciness and laid-back charm.

Grub Burger Bar

Again, don’t let the name fool you. Grub is not a trendy hangout, nor is it a meeting ground for college kids. The

When you live in Austin, it’s easy to stay put when it’s time to take a few days off. The Austin area offers a ton of great things to do on  a staycation, and plenty of great spots to stay. Before you book your next trip out of town, consider booking a staycation at one of these top-notch hotels.

Hotel San Jose

The San Jose on South Congress Avenue is the essence of a great getaway without leaving town. Simple, minimalist, and effortlessly charming, the San Jose is also right on top of Austin’s hottest places to visit, dine, shop, or take in the sights. By the way, if you want a swim in the hotel pool and forget your suit? The San Jose is famous for offering “dipster” swim gear.  

W Hotel

If you’re looking for a cool place to stay in the