In 2017, the Houston Astros won their first World Series. Now, the newly crowned champs are preparing to open up their 2018 season on April 2. If you’re thinking about being there on opening night or just checking out a game during the year, here’s how to get to Minute Maid Park and what to do once you’re Downtown.

Getting to Minute Maid Park

Considering just how spread out Houston is, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that there are several ways to get to Minute Maid Park. Coming from the north, most people can reach the park by traveling south to I-10 East and merging onto US-59 South. Afterward, you can take the Hamilton exit, take a right on Capitol Street, and another right on Crawford. That will take you straight to Union Station and the front of Minute Maid Park. If you’re coming from the south, you’ll want to continue up I-45 and exit on Scott Street. Afterward, continue west along St. Joseph Parkway and take a right on Chartres Street. That will take you to one of the many parking lots around the ballpark. 

Guests coming from the east will want to take I-10 and exit on San Jacinto Street. Afterward, continue south and take a left on Texas Avenue. Then take another left to arrive at Union Station. Finally, if you’re coming from the west along I-10, exit US 59 South. Take the Hamilton exit, take a right on Capitol Street, then take another right on Crawford Street. Once again, you’ll be delivered to Union Station. There are, of course, other routes to take to Minute Maid Park, which you can find here. 

Where to Eat

Photo courtesy of Jackson Street Barbecue

Minute Maid Park has plenty of delicious concessions stands to eat at. These stands include well-known national chains, like Papa John’s Pizza. However, if you’re hoping to grab food before or after the game, there are plenty of places around Downtown Houston where you can sit down and eat. Jackson Street Barbecue is located just a block away and offers sausage, ribs, and other classic BBQ dishes. Also nearby, you’ll find Irma’s Southwest Grill. This spot is great for some casual dining before or after the game. With fajitas, shrimp tacos, and combo platters on the menu, there’s plenty of food to choose from.

It’s also important to remember that you’ll be within 15 minutes walking distance of downtown, so you’ll actually have plenty of other dining choices on game day. Tejas Grill & Sports Bar offers up classic burgers and comfort food. You can also head over to the Springbok and grab a plate of deviled eggs, chicken wings, or Texas redfish. You might also want to head over to Live Sports Bar & Grill for a quick drink and a plate of chicken sliders or beef fajita tacos.

After the Game

Photo courtesy of Biggio’s

When the game’s over, why not keep the party rolling? In the past, the Astros have hosted an after party at the FiveSeven Grille, which is located just beyond the park’s center field. However, being Downtown Houston, there are also plenty of places in the area to visit once the game is over. There are a number of night spots around where you can celebrate an Astros victory or recover from a defeat. 

Visitors to the area can head right down the street to Biggio’s. Named after the local legend and former Astros player, Craig Biggio, this place is an upscale sports bar that’s part of the Marriott Marquis Hotel. If you get to the area early enough, you can also head for a walk around Discovery Green, which is right across the street. This is a popular urban park in the center of Downtown Houston that holds restaurants and plenty of walking trails. 

You can also grab a drink and some late-night bites. The Hearsay Gastro Lounge serves up specialty cocktails in a historic building that traces its past to the late 1800s.  Batanga is nearby and offer tapas dishes, a hearty wine selection that includes choices from Spain and Latin America, and live salsa and Latin music. MKT Bar also offers live music or DJs almost every day of the week to go alongside a hearty selection of specialty cocktails, bottles of wine, and plenty of beer on tap.