Houston, we have a plan.

Houston, food first

Houston argues about food the way other cities argue about sports. Viet-Cajun crawfish, brisket, tacos, late-night pho on Bellaire: plenty of evenings start with dinner and a debate, then drift to a patio or an icehouse once the heat breaks.

It's also huge, and getting anywhere means a freeway. Nobody wants to drive across the 610 Loop on a guess, so YesTonite shows who's out tonight near you: Montrose, the Heights, EaDo, wherever you already are.

Summers are long and sticky, so people head out later. Spring brings crawfish season and the rodeo, and fall finally brings patio weather back.

Friday and Saturday are the big nights, with Thursday close behind. Texas bars serve until 2 a.m., and in summer people go out later, once it cools off a little.

Houston's going-out spots

• MontroseEclectic bars, cafes and LGBTQ+ nightlife, walkable by Houston standards.
• Washington AvenueA long stretch of bars, lounges and patios west of downtown.
• MidtownA busy bar scene between downtown and the Museum District, big on weekends.
• EaDoEast Downtown: breweries, music venues and spots near the soccer stadium.
• The HeightsNeighborhood bars and restaurants along 19th Street and White Oak.
• ChinatownBellaire Boulevard's late-night food, karaoke and dessert spots.