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benjy’s and Beyond - Where The Cool Kids Hang Out in Houston

I don’t have to tell you Houstonians benjy’s on Washington is a hot spot.   But you might be interested to know it’s still living up to the hype.

The bar is bustling with Houston’s trendy crowd.  Trendy in Houston doesn’t have as much to do with age and style as in other cities.  Here trendy means people “in the know” looking to have a fun night out.  Socialites let their guard down, parents sip martinis with people half their age, and everyone is laughing.  In H town, everyone knows everyone else (and EVERYTHING about their past), so the people watching can get interesting.

The food is equally trendy and fun; a welcome change from Houston’s classic offerings. With a variety of apps and entress, you’re sure to find more than one thing to get your mouth watering from the list of unique dishes, even the cripsy chicken has a tasty twist.

I can’t say so much for the original Benji’s off of Kirby.  It hasn’t changed, the scene has just moved North.

If benjy’s is booked, drive down the street and try:

Soma Sushi - The decor and atmosphere want so desperately to look like it belongs in NYC.  Luckily, the food (creation of Robert Gatsby) would be good enough to hold it’s own in the big apple.

Catalan - Tapas for when you’re feeling adventurous, as in sweetbreads is on the menu.

Max’s Wine Dive - Looks like a dive, but the wine selection and fare are anything but dumpy.

El Tiempo - classic Tex Mex with meat market bar where singles of all ages hang out.

Porch Swing - On Heights Blvd.  It’s the casual, cool outdoor pub.  Roll up in a t shirt and shorts to grab a beer with friends.  The fare is fair at best, so I would grab something beforehand.  My favorite part: the dart board!

Cedar Creek - another outdoor pub that really looks like they took it from Texas hill country, creek and all.  I haven’t tried the food, but apparently it’s decent.

Eight - THE club of the moment.  Bring your white man’s over-bite, the music is a remix of hip-hop’s top 40.