EaDo, which has been an official Houston neighborhood for roughly 10 years, is steadily gaining steam as the city’s next “it” neighborhood. The area has changed shape over the years, serving as Houston’s first Chinatown in the mid-20th century before being carved out of Downtown as a standalone district. Over the last decade, EaDo has emerged as an attractive destination for buyers eyeing affordable real estate close to the city center and for creative types interested in converting the neighborhood’s abandoned warehouses into studios and galleries.

Real estate in the area includes mostly attached homes like contemporary condos, lofts, and, of course, converted warehouses from the high $100s to the low $600s, according to Neighborhoods.com. Newbies and locals can experience the best of the neighborhood’s amenities during an activity-packed weekend in EaDo.

Friday

Photo courtesy of Super Happy Fun Land

Since Nancy’s Hustle opened in 2017, it has quickly become a city favorite. Esteemed restaurant critic Alison Cook even named the bistro in her the Chronicle's annual top 100 Houston restaurants list. The intimate industrial spot with scratch-made small plates, drool-worthy desserts, and a notable bar program has all the trappings for a romantic date night or an intimate get-together.

There are three entertainment options for following up dinner. Super Happy Fun Land, inside a graffitied brick warehouse, showcases underground art and music. The place is a walk-in art installation full of oddities like an eerie wall of Raggedy Ann dolls. Keep in mind that the dark, dank, cluttered-ness is all part of the appeal; strap in for a uniquely Houston experience.

Warehouse Live is a performance venue for musicians and stand-up comics. As the name suggests, it’s also a revamped warehouse (welcome to EaDo), but definitely more mainstream than Super Happy Fun Land. The space is relatively small, accommodating around 1300 guests for standing room only, but Warehouse Live has hosted powerhouses Adele and Bruno Mars in the early stages of their careers and helped propel Drake to superstardom.

The Secret Group presents live comedy shows on Friday nights and 90s throwback dance parties on the first Friday of the month. The multipurpose venue and bar with a rooftop patio hosts local and nationally touring comedians and musicians.

Saturday

Blue Field Market photo courtesy of Quy Tran Photography

BBVA Compass Stadium is home to a Major League Soccer club, the Houston Dynamo; a National Women’s Soccer League, the Houston Dash; and a college football team, the Texas Southern Tigers. The Dynamo play on Saturdays during the regular season from March to October, the Dash play between April and September, and TSU plays on Saturday nights in the fall. Bring a date or a group of friends to the stadium for thrilling, up-close action.

Pitch 25 is a local soccer hangout for those who can’t make it to the stadium but are looking for a place to pre/post-game or watch other teams play. The massive 25,000-square-foot beer garden from Dynamo star Brian Ching has over 40 big screen TVs and an array of bar games including a one-of-a-kind indoor soccer pitch. Pull up a stool (or a swing) and enjoy pub favorites like burgers, wings, and loaded fries.

Blue Field Market isn’t a typical farmers market. The market aims to be a place of congregation as much as a place of commerce by offering free yoga, live music, sand volleyball, and yard games like giant Connect 4, ping pong, and corn hole. Peruse vendors’ selections of handmade jewelry, local art, and farm fresh goods; play games; and lounge in Adirondack chairs on the signature blue turf as the sun fades on the Houston skyline.   

Sunday

Chicken and Waffles / Shutterstock

There are a couple of Sunday brunch spots in EaDo. Tout Suite, an airy space with exposed brick and Edison bulbs, is a popular cafe and bakery where EaDo dwellers study or work. On weekends, Tout Suite rolls out an impressive brunch menu with southern dishes like chicken and waffles and migas. Head here for a casual, hip coffeehouse breakfast.

Leeland House is a more quaint and cozy option. The brunch menu is small but varied. Sweet and savory standouts include creme brulee french toast and shrimp & grits. At $3 a pop, Leeland House offers some of the cheapest mimosas in the city.

There’s no better chaser to brunch than Sunday Funday. Neighboring hangouts 8th Wonder and Truck Yard help residents stretch out the weekend’s waning hours. 8th Wonder is a warehouse brewery named and modeled after the iconic Houston Astrodome. Sip craft beer, watch a game, or hang out in the bustling backyard. Afterwards, hop over to Truck Yard, an adult playground outfitted with converted shipping containers, repurposed pickup trucks, and a Ferris wheel. Go solo, with friends, or bring the whole family—and yes, that includes children and pets.