Founded in 1911 by an eccentric oil tycoon, the Montrose neighborhood of Houston is a cultural hub that offers countless gay-friendly bars, restaurants and shops within walking distance of each other. It is also home to one of the world’s largest PRIDE celebrations so it comes as no surprise why Houston's gay scene is centered around this neighborhood. Please find below a brief overview on things to do, eat, and where to stay below:
Things to do: Montrose is a diverse and delightfully eccentric neighborhood, home to unique shops (i.e. Space Montrose, a quirky shop with plenty of gift ideas), cozy cafes, as well as some of Houston’s best museums (such as The Menil Collection, one of Houston’s most prized art institutions) and galleries. The Montrose Center is a robust LGBTQIA+ community center that uplifts and empowers the local scene. PRIDE returns to Montrose this September in the form of a week’s worth of events, including a convert and block party, fashion show, humans rights conference, and a film festival.
Eat: Montrose has also long been a restaurant lover’s dream, with fun and quirky eateries spread along Westheimer, Montrose Boulevard and deeper inside this eclectic district. With lots of new spots opening up (including Tonight & Tomorrow located at La Colombe D’Or), it is a unique foodie destination for locals and visitors alike.
Where to Stay: Built in 1923, La Colombe D’Or on Montrose Blvd is a swanky boutique hotel that places travelers in the heart of Montrose. With its own art gallery and its new restaurant Tonight & Tomorrow, La Colombe is a posh spot and beloved historic landmark that Montrose holds dear. In March 2021, the highly-sought location completed a multimillion dollar modern expansion and renovation project.
Fun Fact: The Montrose area has replaced all the gender images on their bathrooms with the symbol for The Artist Formally Known as Prince!