Five amazing cities for an epic night out in Texas

The state capital also happens to be a live music capital: in ATX the beats never stop. Start with the local delicacy, Tex-Mex. El Alma on Barton Springs Drives serves the juiciest fish tacos and stuffed enchiladas. If they’re busy, you can’t go wrong with a beloved Tacodeli or Torchy’s. They’re all over town. Now you’re ready for the legendary live music scene, best enjoyed at The Continental Club or Antone’s, historic venues that have hosted the likes of B.B. King, Ray Charles, and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Cheer Up Charlies on Red River and Texas Hotel Vegas in East Austin will keep you dancing, with—you guessed it—live sounds.

One of America’s most diverse cities, if you’re up for many flavours make like Beyoncé and live it up in Houston. The speciality here is Viet-Cajun cuisine, so snag a table at Crawfish & Noodle where the buttery mudbugs will make your eyes roll to the back of your head… in a good way! Save a little room for POST Houston, a new hub for street food, drink, and culture, and don’t miss their brilliant rooftop when an impromptu party happens on the regs. Finally, cap the night off with some K-Pop karaoke at One Shot in Spring Branch, or take the crew to Montrose, Houston’s vibrant and trendy neighbourhood with everything from diverse dining options to a rich art scene.

Think Dallas, think sport. That includes sporting your Sunday best in the affluent districts of Uptown and Turtle Creek, where a visit to The Mansion restaurant is a royal treat. Pre-game at The Reunion Tower, an observation deck with 360-degree views, before the actual game at the American Airlines Center. This arena is home to the Dallas Mavericks basketball team and the Dallas Stars ice hockey team, but there are other hot tickets since A-List musicians also park here to play. Afterwards, toast to the Big D up on a twinkling rooftop. Our picks are The Pool Club at Virgin Hotels Dallas and Waterproof at The Statler, where DJs soundtrack and bottle service will keep you feeling hydrated throughout the night. 

San Antonio’s a city steeped in history, but when you’re done exploring there’s no need to step off the Riverwalk to let loose. The city’s number one attraction is also a hot spot for bars, all taking advantage of its glorious waterway views (and if you’ve seen J.Lo in Selena, you’ll recognise this backdrop). Make a beeline for Esquire Tavern, the walk’s oldest bar and a fixture since 1933. Then mosey over to Hopscotch, an immersive art gallery championing Texan talent. The drinks from its bar can be taken into the installations for an extra arty experience. A stroll along the path leads you to an outdoor plaza called The Pearl, where hunger pangs can be filled with something seriously scrumptious. We recommend the French brasserie Mon Chou Chou or the American farmhouse fare at Cured. To finish, follow the music back to Waxy O’Connor’s where festivities here are aplenty till 2 am all week long. 

Fort Worth is one incredibly fun place to embrace cowboy culture. Look the part in your hat and boots fresh off M.L Leddy’s store shelves, and pick up tickets for your rodeo debut at Fort Worth Stock Show Rodeo. There’ll be a lot of bucking. Texas barbecue calls for dinner, and the brisket at Goldees and Angelo’s BBQ is fall-off-the-bone perfection. Afterwards, do drinks at the Rodeo Exchange in the company of live music and friendly folks, then two-step over to honky tonk, Longhorn Saloon, for country dancing. You’ve earned those cowboy stripes.