As the countdown begins for the 2023 NCAA Men’s Final Four tournament weekend at NRG Stadium in Houston, fans of college basketball are gearing up for an unforgettable experience. While the excitement of the games is undoubtedly the main draw, fans know that a trip to a city like Houston would be incomplete without sampling its culinary delights. From local favorites to international cuisine, Houston has something for everyone.
Abu Omar Halal Food Truck Turned Restaurant Near NRG Stadium
One such example is Abu Omar Halal, a food truck turned restaurant located near NRG Stadium. Here, fans can enjoy slow-cooked, razor-thin shaved shawarma stuffed inside pressed tortillas, loaded onto crisp seasoned fries or piled onto rice with fresh veggies and sauce. It’s no wonder that this place has become a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
Asahi Sushi Offers Real Deal Japanese Fare Across from NRG Stadium
Right across from NRG Stadium in Kirby strip mall is Asahi Sushi, which offers real deal Japanese fare. Fans can indulge in sushi and sashimi platters at this restaurant. The atmosphere is peaceful and relaxed, giving diners a break from the noise and crowds of the tournament.
Capt. Benny’s Serves Fresh Cajun-Style Seafood Selections
For those who love seafood, Capt. Benny’s is worth checking out. This restaurant serves fresh Cajun-style seafood selections, from gumbo and crawfish etouffée to fried shrimp baskets, oyster po’boys, and whole Gulf flounder stuffed with shrimp and crab. The thick and creamy bisque will leave you craving more.
Clutch City Cluckers Serves Fiery Hot Chicken
Homegrown food truck Clutch City Cluckers serves up fiery hot chicken and signature sandwiches like the classic Cluck It Like It’s Hot or Toasted Juicy Lucy. This truck is parked near the Texaco station on South Main, making it a convenient spot for fans.
Dimassi’s Mediterranean Buffet Offers Fresh Mediterranean Eats
For those looking for halal food, Dimassi’s Mediterranean Buffet is a must-visit. The restaurant offers a buffet spread of fresh Mediterranean eats, including fattoush, tabouli, spicy hummus, baba ghanoush, turmeric-kissed rice, garlic-lemon potatoes, kafta kabobs, spiced bone-in chicken, roasted and stuffed lamb, and baklava and rice pudding for dessert.
JLB Eatery Serves Colossal Patties on Butter Grilled Buns
At JLB Eatery sandwich shop, diners can enjoy colossal patties on butter grilled buns along with all kinds of good stuff, from aggressively griddled onions and zippy Thousand Island dressing to jalapeños and barbecue sauce. This place has quickly become a fan favorite.
Liberty Taco Offers Traditional and Creative Takes on Tacos
For taco lovers, Liberty Taco offers traditional and creative takes on tacos. Fans can indulge in the jerk-seasoned Caribbean chicken taco, serrano ranch slaw-topped honey chipotle baby back rib taco, or the kogi taco with sesame-soy marinated rib-eye, kimchi aioli, and toasted sesame seeds.
Max’s Restaurant Serves Shatteringly Crisp Fried Chicken
Max’s Restaurant is a Filipino franchise known for its shatteringly crisp “Sarap-to-the-Bones” whole fried chicken, pork and veggie stuffed lumpia, shrimp paste and eggplant studded pork binagoongan fried rice and hearty bowl of kare-kare (beef shank and oxtail peanut stew). Fans can enjoy authentic Filipino cuisine at this restaurant.
With so many options to choose from, Final Four fans can indulge in Houston’s diverse culinary offerings while enjoying the games. Whether it’s a quick bite at a food truck or a sit-down meal at a restaurant, there’s something for everyone. Houston’s food culture is vast, and the Final Four weekend is an excellent opportunity to explore what this city has to offer.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
