Tailgating In Houston With Nick Riewoldt

With the 2017 Super Bowl in Houston kicking off on Monday, AFL superstar Nick Riewoldt has taken us behind the scenes of a classic Texas tailgate.

Riewoldt has got to know the ins and out of Houston over the last 6 years, spending 2-3 months every AFL off season based in Houston with his wife Catherine and family, as that is where his Catherine’s family live.

Riewoldt’s links to the US and passion for US sport saw him appointed ambassador for Sports Where I Am (www.sportswhereiam.com & mobile app on iOS & Android) which is a one-stop-shop for sports fans that ensures every game experience will be an event to remember.

The online community, created for sports fans by sports fans, allows fans to find games, buy tickets & merchandise and get all the best game day tips generated by fans (think best bars, where to park, best seats, food options) and more – all in the one spot. 

Sports Where I Am currently provides coverage to 52 US/Canadian Cities, 14 Australian cities, 30 England Cities, 246 stadiums, 15,000+ events and houses over 4750 Fan Tips. This coverage is expanding by the day.

CHECK OUT NICK'S VIDEO AND READ THE FULL LIST BELOW

NICK RIEWOLDT’S HOUSTON HOT LIST

FOOD

MEXICAN

ARMANDOS TEX-MEX Fine Dining

2630 Wertheimer Houston, TX

Upscale Mexican dining nailing the classics with a sophisticated edge. Amazing Margarita list. Lobster enchiladas, Carne Asada and refried beans unlike anything you’ve ever tasted. Go on a Thursday night. From 10pm they push back the tables and the restaurant becomes a salsa dance floor.

EL TIEMPO

3130 Richmond Houston, TX

For the ultimate Tex-Mex meal with a casual atmosphere, head here for a taste of their famous fajitas and popular margaritas. Perfect for a large group if you book ahead. Be sure to order the queso and guacamole to start as you’re guaranteed to have a long night of drinking at this local favorite.

TEXAN BBQ

GOODE COMPANY BBQ

5109 Kirby Drive Houston, TX

You’re unlikely to find anything more Texan than this. A Houston tradition that’s stood the test of time, BBQ pits fuelled by smoking wood bring you brisket, ribs and sausage better than anything you will find back home. Best consumed with locally brewed Shinerbock lager.

BURGERS

HUBCAP GRILL

1133 W 19th St, Houston 77008

Hole in the wall hang out spot offering great burgers with a funky twist, local craft beers and fries.

PAPPAS BURGERS

5815 Westheimer Rd, Houston 77057

For the hungry! Huge high quality burgers and authentic hand spun milkshakes. Great hangover destination.

RIBS

HOUSTON’S

4848 Kirby Drive, Houston 77098

Without a doubt the best place to come for ribs. The menu is expansive but you won’t get ribs like these anywhere else. Served simply with fries and coleslaw. I like to mix some tabasco in with my slaw for a bit of extra bite. I’ve taken a couple of my footy mates to Houston’s for a great feed of ribs.

NIGHT LIFE

BEST BARS

ARMADILLO PALACE

5105 Kirby Drive Houston, TX

Owned by the Goode Co crew, this bonafide dance hall, backyard and community space is a tribute to all things Texas right down to the saddles sitting atop the bar stools. Live music from local artists and a dance floor made for your freshly bought cowboy boots.

KIRBY ICEHOUSE

3333 Eastside Street Houston, TX

Sleek, expansive bar serving local beers, cocktails & wine with a big backyard & food trucks. A local favourite on weekends where the plethora of big screens make it the perfect football (College/NFL) watching venue. Dress casual.

LIVE COUNTRY MUSIC

FIREHOUSE SALOON

5930 Southwest Fwy, Houston 77057

Hosts live music every week featuring new acts and established favourites. Old school country feel and a packed bar. BYO boots and hats.

NIGHTCLUB

CLE

2301 Main Street, Houston, TX

If you’re up for a big night out hit this Vegas inspired club with plush booths around the dance floor and premium bottle service options. Best off leaving your ten-gallon hat at home for this one.

NFL @ NRG STADIUM

NRG possess one of the best regarded tailgates in all of pro football. Try to get to the stadium early to experience the party atmosphere pre game in the car parks. Custom converted trailers and campervans are decked out with flat screens, pop out bars and BBQ pits ensuring you enter the stadium on a full stomach.

I can only imagine that these activities will be taken to a whole new level on Super Bowl day… If that’s even possible.

Once inside NRG, typically the best place to view the game is as close to the 50 yard line as possible in the middle tier. This might not always be possible $$$$ so sitting higher up in the stands to save money is another option or just get as close to the action as you can so you can feel the hits on the field! For more insight visit http://sportswhereiam.com/houston/nrg-stadium/fan-tips/nrg-stadium-seating/

Using the @sportswhereiam app or website www.sportswhereiam.com provides some great insights as to the food/bev and merchandise on offer in and around the stadium.

If when you are at the stadium they play the “Texas, Our Texas” National Anthem or a military salute, make sure you stand and remove your hat. You don’t want to annoy the locals by not doing this!

CHECK OUT OTHER SPORTS

If you’re big sporting fans then you won’t be short of opportunities to watch other sports in Houston. Houston is home to four major professional sporting teams: Texans (NFL), Rockets (NBA), Astros (MLB), Dynamo (MLS). All these teams play locally within the city. 

Additionally, College Sport in the US has a huge following. Depending on the college and the competition there can be anywhere from 10,000-100,000 watching College sports.

Again www.sportswhereiam.com and the app will have all your games covered so check it out.

SHOPPING

HOUSTON GALLERIA

You could quite easily spend a day or two shopping here. Take advantage of all the stores that we have limited access to in Australia and depending on the time of year take some time to ice skate on the rink located near the food court.

CITY INFO

There is no zoning in Houston so as a general rule people can build anything wherever they want. This has resulted in a vast sprawl and no central hub with the exception of the Galleria District.

The Galleria District is home to a number of 3,4 and 5 star hotels, all of the high end fashion and department stores, restaurants and close proximity to the rest of the cities attractions. Approximately 30 minutes to Hobby and 45 to Intercontinental Airport.

GETTING AROUND

Public transport is virtually non-existent in Houston so its best to get an Uber or Taxi between destinations.

HOUSTON RODEO AT NRG STADIUM (7-26 March 2017)

If you’re lucky enough to still be in Houston in March this is a must. The world’s largest livestock show and richest rodeo occurs every Spring. The show features a number of Texas and cowboy pastimes, spectacular food and beverage and has been headlined in the past by some of the world’s greatest performers including Elvis, Garth Brooks, Bob Dylan, Beyonce (a Houston local) and Taylor Swift.