presents
BEST OF CITY AND CAMPUS LIFE
OFFERING DEALS TO ALL I-COULD-USE-AN-EXTRA-$300 COUGARS. Open a FREE TDECU personal checking account with a recurring direct deposit and receive $1501. We won’t even ask you for an opening deposit. Plus, you’ll gain access to more than 55,000 surcharge-free ATMs. Another way to get extra cash is by bringing your auto loan to us. We’ll help you refinance it with an annual percentage rate as low as 1.99%2 and give you another $150! What great ways to start getting your finances in order!
Visit our member center located in the Student Center! Be YOU and Belong.
TDECU.org/CheckingAuto 800.839.1154
Offers valid through 6/30/15. TDECU membership required. For full terms/conditions, contact TDECU. Federally insured by NCUA. 1To receive the $150 bonus, you must establish a recurring direct deposit in the amount of $100 or more within 60 days of opening your account. The bonus will be paid to your checking account the month after the direct deposit is established. Bonuses are considered interest and will be reported on IRS Form 1099-INT. 2APR and benefits are accurate as of 4/1/15 and are subject to change without notice. Rate includes 0.25% discount for auto pay. To receive $150 bonus, you must refinance your auto from another lender with TDECU and have/open a new primary checking account with a recurring direct deposit. $150 bonus will be deposited into your checking account once loan has been funded. 6002.9-ChkApr8 7600.10
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OFFERING LOANS TO ALL NEEDING-MORE-THAN-100%FINANCING COUGARS. Need more? We can do that for you! TDECU can finance up to 103% on your home loan to help minimize your out-of-pocket costs. We can even sweeten this deal for you. We’ll give you up to $1,000 off your closing costs, and if we can’t meet or beat a competitor’s rate on the purchase or refinance of your home, we’ll give you $250 after closing. More is always better, so don’t wait! Contact TDECU Mortgage or stop by our member center located in the Student Center.
Apply today! Be YOU and Belong.
TDECU.org/mortgage 800.839.1154 x4614 Credit approval required. Certain terms and conditions may apply. Additional loan options available for primary residence, second home, and investment properties. The offer for payment of closing costs applies to new purchases and refinances only. Loans of $100,001 or more will receive $1,000 off closing costs. Loans less than $100,000 will receive $500 off closing costs. We require the Truth in Lending, Good Faith Estimate and HUD-1 closing statement from the competitor for comparison purposes in order to receive the $250 if we can’t meet or beat your qualified rate. Visit TDECU.org/mortgage for complete loan requirements. Offer valid through June 30, 2015 exclusively to the students, faculty/staff and alumni of the University of Houston, and cannot be combined with any other TDECU Mortgage offer. Federally insured by NCUA. 6002.9-MtgApr8
COOGS CHOOSE
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The Best Vue This Side of the Bayou! Apartment Amenities LIVE Efficiency, 1, 2, and 4 bedroom apartments shared accommodations also available SLEEP Queen size beds with pillow tops in private bedrooms CHILL Spacious, fully furnished living rooms with 50� flat screen TV, sofa, lounge chair, coffee table and end table STUDY Desk and chrome chair COOK & DINE Full kitchens with dishwasher/disposal, full refrigerator, microwave, oven/stove PEACE OF MIND Individual leases – you are only responsible for your rent and not the rent of your roommates
Brand New Student Living
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Community Amenities LEASE AT: 5048 Calhoun Road | Houston, TX 77004 LIVE AT: 4459 N MacGregor Way | Houston, TX 77004 281.942.8519 campusvueapartments.com
THE VUE 5th floor lounge area with foosball, basketball shoot game, kitchen and flat screen TVs. Spacious covered outdoor deck overlooking campus and views of downtown THE COURTYARD Outdoor kitchen featuring flat screen TVs, grilling stations and dining tables, spacious green spaces FIT State-of-the-art fitness center with state-of-the-art tanning beds WET Resort-style swimming pool with in-water lounge chairs, water volleyball net and surrounding Acapulco deck lined with palm trees
4 | Wednesday, April 15, 2015
COOGS CHOOSE
BEST LOCAL BREW
come visit our brewery just north of downtown we serve lunch and offer tours and tastings monday through saturday
CANS now broadcasting in
Wednesday, April 15, 2015 | 5
COOGS CHOOSE
table of contents
Drooling yet? Coogs Choose is part of a series of new special sections published every month by The Cougar. These sections are intended to give recognition and focus to certain aspects of student life that can often be overlooked.
COURTESY PHOTO
When it comes to burgers, Houston offers an overwhelming amount of options. But don't worry; we've narrowed it down for you. Page 30
CARA SMITH/THE COUGAR
FOOD & DRINK
Learn to become a better beer snob. Page 31 CAMPUS LIFE
Who's got spirit? Professor Simon Bott does. Page 7
Become the next explorer
The Cougar takes you around the globe with food options that will excite your taste buds. Page 27
The changing face of Houston hip hop COURTESY PHOTO
With Swisha House past its prime, a new crop of rappers is grabbing the wood wheel. Page 20
ENTERTAINMENT
Improve your wooing and golf swing at the same time. Page 17 CAMPUS LIFE
Case Keenum's 13-1 season still resonates with the UH community. Page 11
PHOTOGRAPHERS Cara Smith Justin Tijerina Jenae Sitzes Izmail Glosson Julie Soefer Emily Chambers PRODUCTION Jose Cruz Alex Tomic Josue Diaz COVER DESIGN Alex Tomic
CLOSING EDITORS Cara Smith Jenae Sitzes Chris Shelton ADVERTISING TEAM JP Montgomery Elizabeth Murphy Jose Salazar Summer Davis Yissel Lerma Tiffany Willie
Contact The Cougar thedailycougar.com NEWSROOM 713-743-5360 editor@thedailycougar.com facebook.com/thedailycougar twitter.com/thedailycougar
ADVERTISING 713-743-5340 csmadvertising@uh.edu Like us on Facebook
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COOGS CHOOSE PHOTO BY IZMAIL GLOSSON
PHOTO BY JUSTIN TIJERINA
EDITOR'S NOTE
Letter from the Editor: Students, get to know your Houston
A
few weeks ago, I was chowing down on a $3 cheeseburger a block away from campus. This burger had my head spining — the finely-ground, juicy beef crumbled during each bite, and that perfect, single slice of American cheese melted and meshed into the crisp veggies and buttery bun. The family-owned eatery, Cream Burger, has been up and running for 54 years. And to this day, the source of its quirky, noteworthy name remains a mystery. “You’d have to ask my parents that — they’re no longer with us,” said Sandra Greenwood, 55, who is one of the restaurant’s co-owners. “But I’d have to say it’s because we have ice cream and hamburgers.”
Houston is chock-full of these hidden gems, ones that are breeding grounds for cultural crossover and conversation. For every Cream Burger, there’s a Kanomwan Thai, one of the Second Ward’s most authentic Thai offerings. Then there’s Moontower Inn, Houston’s only brewpub that also cooks up a mean venison dog and burgers topped with fried eggs and jalapenos. That’s why it was disheartening to see students voted McDonald’s as the city’s best hamburger, Starbucks as Houston’s best coffeeshop and Chipotle as our best burrito. Houston is one of the nation's best cities to eat and be entertained in. Our city's population fulfills America's identity as a melting pot better than
any other. Call me crazy, but I'm not sure every city in the United States has Cuban bistros that a Vietnamese family can be seen packing into on a Saturday, or a hole-in-the-wall soul food kitchen that young professionals will wait three hours or more to eat at. That's something that I believe is unique to Coog City. You’ll see The Cougar’s dining, entertainment and lifestyle favorites highlighted throughout the issue. These aren’t places that were voted on, but they’re ones that members of
The Cougar and the Center for Student Media think represent Houston and all of its layered cultures and inspiring character. We hope you’ll learn to call these places your favorite Houston hangs, too. Oh, and if you find yourself grabbing a bite at Cream Burger, stay off your cellphone while you order at the front counter. Rumor has it the owner won’t hesitate to slam the screen door shut on you mid-sentence. I don't think they do that at McDonald's. — Cara Smith, editor in chief
JOIN THE NEXT GENERATION OF STUDENT JOURNALISM. VISIT bit.ly/cougarstaffapp TO APPLY (LOGIN REQUIRED)
facebook.com/thedailycougar
@thedailycougar
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COOGS CHOOSE
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CAMPUS LIFE
Movers and shakers
If you're involved on campus, chances are you've encountered one of these members of the community. These students, faculty and staff were voted the most impactful people at UH.
Best Student Leader
CARA SMITH/THE COUGAR
Anthony Hidrogo
Though he has only served as Financial Officer for the Society of Human Resource Management since December, Anthony Hidrogo has already made quite an impression on his team. "I really emphasize teamwork and a positive attitude where students can do their best." 2nd Place: Christine Bang 3rd Place: Erica Tat
Best Registered Student Org
Asian Business Student Association President Christine Bang said the Asian Business Student Association’s enthusiasm is what sets them apart from other student organizations. “Having such positive energy really does radiate through to other people.” 2nd Place: Society for Human Resource Management 3rd Place: Veteran Students for America
Best Best Teaching Assistant
Sameer Thacker Computer science major Sameer Hai serves as a biology teaching assistant. Hai said he enjoys the responsibility of the job, noting that that the best parts of being a TA are “being in charge...(and) teaching.” 2nd Place: Angelynn Alvarez 3rd Place: Cesar Pham
Best Academic Adviser
Sandra Gold-Singleton Political science adviser Sandra Gold-Singleton served as an assistant to Undergraduate Director Jerald W. Jackson. She also contributed to a linguistic and phonetic analysis study entitled “Effect of Accent and Dialect on Employability." 2nd Place: Colleen Davies 3rd Place: Jeremy Dafoe
Best UH Staff Member
Custodial & Maintenance Staff Jeanne Brewster is one of more than 350 custodial and maintenance staff members who were collectively recognized for this category because they keep the school clean and running smoothly while going almost unnoticed. “We are composed of people from all parts of the world. Either through choice, luck or divine providence, we were brought together as a team,” said Ray Mosley, North Zone and Custodial Program Manager. 2nd Place: Lawren Bradbury 3rd Place: Taylor Wiley
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CAMPUS LIFE COURTESY PHOTO
Best Resident Assistant
Kayla Fischer An RA on the fifth floor of Cougar Village 1, Fisher said her passion for helping people is what motivated her to apply for the position. “(My residents) are such a talented group of students who I know will be successful, so I would do anything to help them.” 2nd Place: Christian Ohabunwa 3rd Place: Chris Pinto
Best Professor
Best Sorority
Simon Bott Arguably the most spirited person on campus, chemistry professor Simon Bott is known for getting students involved. He gives extra credit for attending campus events and wearing red on Fridays. "I do try to make my classes a more holistic experience, emphasizing life and university issues as well as chemistry.” 2nd Place: Bekki George 3rd Place: Melahat Almus
Delta Zeta Delta Zeta dates back to 1902, when six young woman came together to establish a sorority on the male-dominated Miami University campus in Oxford, Ohio. Today, Delta Zeta has more than 15,000 undergraduate members at any given time and over 165 collegiate chapters throughout the United States and Canada.
CONGRATULATIONS
They host the largest philanthropy event on campus, Gong Show, and over the past year Delta Zeta was able to donate more than $10,000 to their causes. 2nd Place: Chi Omega 3rd Place: Phi Sigma Rho
Best Fraternity
Pi Kappa Phi Pi Kappa Phi is only national fraternity to establish its own philanthropy, The Ability Experience, which serves people with disabilities. Boasting more than 7,000 undergraduate brothers and 160 active chapters nationwide, Pi Kappa Phi sets high expectations for its members in terms of their academic success and campus involvement outside the fraternity, with 80 percent of its members making over a 3.0 for the past two years. Pi Kappa Phi has been No. 1 in Greek intramurals on campus for the past three years and won Best Fraternity in 2010. 2nd Place: Kappa Sigma 3rd Place: Lamda Phi Epsilon
TO OUR WINNERS OF BEST FRATERNITY AND BEST SORORITY
PI KAPPA PHI AND DELTA ZETA THE CENTER FOR FRATERNITY & SORORITY LIFE WOULD ALSO LIKE TO EXTEND CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR RECIPIENTS OF OUR FRATERNAL EXCELLENCE AWARDS! Excellence in Intellectual Development Chi Omega Delta Gamma Triangle Fraternity
Excellence in Leadership Development Delta Zeta
Excellence in Service and Citizenship Delta Gamma Kappa Delta Chi Phi Mu Pi Kappa Phi Sigma Phi Epsilon Zeta Phi Beta
Excellence in Brotherhood/Sisterhood Chi Omega Delta Gamma Zeta Phi Beta
Excellence in Ritual and Values Chi Omega Delta Gamma Delta Zeta Phi Mu Sigma Phi Epsilon Zeta Tau Alpha
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SAY YES TO GETTING INVOLVED...
SAY YES TO GETTING SUPPORT...
SAY YES TO STAYING HEALTHY...
uh.edu/dsaes SAY YES TO SUCCESS SAY YES TO UH_DSAES LIVING ON CAMPUS...
uh.edu/dsaes
UH_DSAES
SAY YES TO SUCCESS
What does #UHSuccess look like to you?
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COOGS CHOOSE
CAMPUS LIFE
Best On-Campus Place to Study
M.D. Anderson Memorial Library With computer labs to connect online and private group rooms, UH's main library has everything a student could ask for. “There is basically something for everybody here,” student leader Mike
Alder said. “Whether you need a really quiet area or a public area where you can speak as loudly as you need to and collaborate with other folks, the library has it all.” 2nd Place: The Nook Cafe 3rd Place: Student Center
THANKS, COOGS!
FILE PHOTO/THE COUGAR
Best On-Campus Hangout
MD ANDERSON LIBRARY “2015 BEST PLACE TO STUDY ON CAMPUS”
The Student Center The new Student Center, of which renovations were completed this semester, has become a staple student hangout space as well as a go-to spot for food and drink. The second floor is a great spot for studying, since most students still forget it’s been completed. If nothing else, students are just glad they don’t have to walk by construction anymore and feel like their ears are going to burst. 2nd Place: The Nook Cafe 3rd Place: Recreation and Wellness Center info.lib.uh.edu
CONGRATULATIONS At the Center for Student Involvement, we provide the tools and expertise to develop student leaders and organizations to become the best they can be! Check out or website or visit us in Student Center North to find out what we have to offer! We want you to be next year’s best! Registered Student Organization Resources Leadership Development Programs Campus Traditions and Entertainment Events Service and Civic Engagement Opportunities Register your organization today and start making an impact on campus! 2015 – 2016 Student Organization Registration April 6th through May 22nd Check the Center for Student Involvement website for times, dates and locations!
uh.edu/csi
To the winners of Coogs Choose!
T S E B T S E BS TU D EN T S T UD E N T R E D E A L
go y Hidro Anthon idarnoggo stiyneHB ACnhtrhion a TaBtang ic e ChrEirstin at Erica T
ON T A I Z I N A G OR udenntt neessss SSttude i s u n B i s n u AAssiiaan BAsssoocciiaattiioonn As maann Huum orr H f y t o f e i c y meenntt SSoocietce Maannaaggeem r M ou ce RReessour or deennttss ffor u t S d u n t a er S VVeetteranAmeerriiccaa Am
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FILE PHOTO/THE COUGAR
Best Student Athlete
Greg Ward Jr. Greg Ward Jr. certainly has a flare for the dramatics. He led the Cougars to 29 fourth-quarter points en route to an improbable 35-34 victory in the Armed Forces bowl to cap the 2014 season. In his eight games as a starter, Ward’s 2010 passing yards and 12 touchdowns helped UH go 6-2 down the stretch. 2nd Place: Zachary Brown 3rd Place: Joey Mbu
FILE PHOTO/THE COUGAR
Best Alum Case Keenum Not since Andre Ware's Heisman has a single football player had a bigger impact on the program than Case Keenum. He piloted the Air Raid offense, leading the Cougars into the national spotlight and a 13-1 season in 2011. After two stints with the Houston Texans, Keenum is now with the St. Louis Rams. 2nd Place: Cathy Frank 3rd Place: Jim Parsons
Best Cougar Fan
Taylor Rouleau Taylor Rouleau exemplifies the perfect Cougar fan by showing up to games early, cheering on the UH teams and staying late no matter what the score was. “I love this school with all my heart and have since day one. If we don't love our school and have great school pride, how can we expect anyone else to? We need to show incoming freshmen and all outsiders that UH is amazing.” 2nd Place: Crissy Martinez 3rd Place: Allen Lin
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LIFESTYLE
The living's easy
We've got final exams to take and Frontier Fiesta cowboy costumes to make. There's no time to sweat the little stuff during college. Rely on these places for the fastest, cheapest or most consistent day-to-day services in or around campus. Best Screen Repair
Best Bike Shop
Best Off-Campus Apartment
Apple Store
Bike Barn
The Vue
Apple will repair models as far back as the iPhone 5 for $129, except for the iPhone 6, which will cost you $109 to get a new screen. Apple’s service is fast, with same-day repair if you go to the store and a 3-5 business day return if you send in your phone for service.
Bike Barn has everything you need for your ride. In addition to the wide variety of bicycles, Bike Barn offers cycling resources and showcases social bike riding events. You also won't have to worry about finding a location, as Bike Barn is arguably the most popular bike shop around.
The Vue provides top-of-the-line appliances and furnishings, including gourmet kitchens, a flat screen television that includes cable and even private balconies and wood floors. You'll find every amenity that comes to mind at or near this residence without the hassle of travel, such as Wi-Fi, computer center, tanning beds, fitness center and even a dog park nearby.
2nd Place: Best Buy 3rd Place: Cougar Byte
2nd Place: Bay Area Cycling 3rd Place: Blue Line
2nd Place: Cullen Oaks 3rd Place: Domain by Windsor
Proudly Supporting the Cougars!
FIRST PLACE
WINNER
FILE PHOTO/THE COUGAR
bikebarn.com
Best Bike Shop in Houston Coogs…thanks for voting us the Best!
ATASCOCITA 7506 FM 1960 East 281-812-8423
CHAMPIONS 6935 Cypresswood Dr. 281-320-0399
CLEAR LAKE 2422 Bay Area Blvd. 281-480-9100
CYPRESS 25807 NW Fwy 281-213-3791
CUSTOM FIT STUDIO 5339 Weslayan 713-432-7720
KATY 629 S. Mason Rd. 281-492-7433
UNIVERSITY 5339 Weslayan 713-529-9002
WESTCHASE 11105 Westheimer 281-558-2234
Ⓡ
COOGS CHOOSE
LIFESTYLE Best Tech Store
THE COUGAR'S FAVORITE
Best App
Waze Have you ever been driving, wondering whether there’s a police car tucked in that ditch on the side of the interstate? Or maybe you’ve just been frustrated with Google Maps underestimating how much traffic there is on I-59. Download the free, user-generated traffic app that lets you leave messages for other Waze users about traffic, dangerous potholes and hidden cops. Its traffic updates and accident information are all updated in real-time and fueled by user feedback, so the app gives you more information about driving conditions than most satellite-driven GPS apps.
Best App for Students
BlackBoard Blackboard has made life easier for students on the go who don’t always have the time to sit at a computer and check their notes. The app notifies you when a grade has been posted, and it's a quick way to look over notes on your phone before a test. 2nd Place: Yik Yak 3rd Place: Snap Chat
THANKS FOR VOTING FOR US!
UH students get 15% discount PASADENA WEBSTER - CLEAR LAKE 2049 South Richey (Richey & Allengenoa) 16864 Hwy 3(@Bay Area Blvd) Pasadena, TX 77502 713.472.6651 Webster, TX 77598 281.332.6433
Best Buy Best Buy has a huge array of appliances including TVs, computers, cameras, audio equipment, vacuums and even washers and dryers. With several locations around the greater Houston area, students shouldn't have trouble finding a nearby location. In addition, Best Buy frequently offers sales, especially around the beginning of the semester, which is pretty clutch for a college student. 2nd Place: Apple Store 3rd Place: Cougar Byte
Best Auto Shop
Maaco Whether your car needs a new paint job, dent fix or major repair, Maaco has a long list of locations around Houston
Wednesday, April 15, 2015| 13
ready to assist. The company takes pride in its affordable and reliable paint process. In 2014, Maaco paired up with Uber so that the body shop’s customers can utilize special Uber deals while their cars are being restored, and Uber Driver Partners receive a discount on Maaco services. 2nd Place: Pep Boys 3rd Place: Apollo Paint and Body
Best Car Dealership
Sterling McCall Toyota Though not all students may consider purchasing a new vehicle while under the monetary constraints of college, those who are looking can feel good turning to Sterling McCall. “It’s an honor to be recognized by the students at the college,” said Customer Relations Manager Aisha Foster. “We are very big on taking care of customers. That’s the type of business we are, and we believe in customer service; we don’t just say it.” 2nd Place: CarMax 3rd Place: Russell & Smith Auto
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LIFESTYLE
Best Place To Keep Fit
Recreation and Wellness Center With free workout classes, an indoor track, 24,000 square feet of workout machines, treadmills and weight areas all for the swipe of your Cougar Card, this is a deal that students would be remiss not to take advantage of. 2nd Place: 24 Hour Fitness 3rd Place: S Factor
FILE PHOTO/ THE COUGAR
Best Place To Buy UH Gear
UH Bookstore With a new look for the Student Center, the UH Bookstore provides fresh new gear for Cougars of every age. UH-themed sweatshirts, workout gear, coffee mugs, pints, children's clothes and more are available at the bookstore. “We’ve been working really hard to be the best, we got some new gear, we’re expanding and it’s good to hear that our hard work is paying off," bookstore manager Jalisa Fisher said. 2nd Place: Academy 3rd Place: Amazon
COURTESY PHOTO
GET REC’D UPCOMING EVENTS
1ST PLACE BEST TO KEEP FIT 3RD BEST CAMPUS HANGOUT 713-743-7529 (PLAY)
Backpacking on the Lonestar Hiking Trail (UH Student $100/Guest $150) Friday–Sunday, April 24–26 Enjoy the weekend backpacking on a 20 mile section of the 96 mile long Lonestar Hiking Trail, which runs the length of Sam Houston National Forest. No experience is necessary and equipment is provided. The deadline to sign up for this trip is 4/20 at 5pm. SUP Yoga and Kayak Trip (UH Student $25) Friday, May 1 You don’t have to stay out of the water just because the pool is closed! Join us for a day of fun on the water and in the sun! Two hours of beach time will include sea kayaking and a stand-up paddle-board (SUP) yoga class. Cost includes all equipment rental and lunch! Event is from 10:00am- 3:00pm. Registration is at the Outdoor Adventures desk. Deadline to sign up is Monday, April 27th. Florida Paddling and Hiking Trip (UH Student $500/Guest $600) Friday–Sunday, May 16–23 Join Outdoor Adventure for a Florida adventure trip. We will be going to several National forests and State parks as well as beautiful Cape San Blas. No experience is necessary and equipment is included. The deadline to sign up for this trip is on 5/4 at 5pm.
UH.EDU/RECREATION
LIFESTYLE
COOGS CHOOSE
Best Slang
Best Smoke Shop
"Go Coogs!"
Smoke Alley
This modern Cougar call to arms is a great way to rally up campus spirit. You’ll hear it uttered like a spell at games and team-building events, and it's become eponymous with being a proud UH student and proud Houstonian. Of all the social media tags that reflect Cougar Pride, #GoCoogs is one of the most popular. 2nd Place: "On fleek" 3rd Place: "YOLO"
Smoke Alley would be better designated as a head shop, rather than smoke shop. With a varied collection of glass pipes, the premier item among other smoking tools, the store is a place to spend some time really thinking about your next pipe purchase. The prices are fair, so your hobby won't break the bank. Smoke Alley is like a boutique, delivering a sense of safety and cleanliness void in many other smoke shops. 2nd Place: BC Smoke Shop
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THE COUGAR'S FAVORITE Best Adult Shop
Pleasure Zone Pleasure Zone is an accessible sex shop for newbies and seasoned shoppers alike. The knowledgeable staff will answer any question you have, no matter how silly. And Pleasure Zone celebrates "all that is feminine," so you'll have a wide variety of toys for you and your partner to pick from.
COURTESY PHOTO
YOUR STUDENT-RUN TV STATION
ON CAMPUS ON DEMAND AND
News, Sports, Entertainment & More On your desktop. On your phone. On your tablet. Anywhere you go. facebook.com/coogtv @coogtv youtube.com/coogtv
www.coogtv.com
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entertainment
Worth the splurge
If you go to UH, you're now a Houstonian. It doesn't matter if you grew up around Houston or if you're from out of state or country. Discover (or rediscover) one of the nation's most vibrant cities the way it's meant to be discovered — with good friends during even better nights.
Best Club
Best Country Bar
Best Live Music Venue
Limelight
Wild West
House of Blues
Limelight is the perfect place to dance and rage on a night out in Midtown. Patrons can expect to feel their feet shake upon stepping through the doors from the heavy bass of EDM or rap music. Complete with multiple bars, two floors, cages and go-go dancers, Limelight is a great place for young singles. 2nd Place: Stereo Live 3rd Place: Drink Houston
Wild West is a great place for everyone who enjoys some good country music. True to its motto of ‘Wild West is Texas, Two-Steppin’ & Longneckin’, its solid oak dance floor is a match made in heaven for your boots. The atmosphere is complete with the DJ playing the hottest country music and Top 40 pop and hip hop songs, while fresh fajitas and other appetizers are always available in between dancing. 2nd Place: Midnight Rodeo 3rd Place: Buckwild
The House of Blues Houston is a unique venue that allows fans to see some of the biggest names in music up close and personal in an intimate setting with an amazing atmosphere. Tickets are affordable and the restaurant and bar have a divine variety of options. This venue has become one of the city's top spots for live music performances and it’s easy to see why. 2nd Place: Fitzgerald's 3rd Place: Warehouse Live
CARA SMITH/THE COUGAR
COURTESY PHOTO
File photo/The Cougar
Calhoun's Rooftop Bar and Grill As the name implies, Calhoun’s Rooftop Bar and Grill’s big draw is its location - a door wedged next to the Nook on campus takes you to a dark, grey flight of stairs, which open out to an airy, open-window bar and rooftop. As the temperatures rise, Calhoun’s becomes the perfect spot to grab a pint of beer and overlook the spectacular views, with the downtown skyline clear in view. Those who aren’t big beer fans won’t be disappointed - Calhoun’s also serves cocktails and shots, several of which are UH-themed, and a full menu of appetizers, burgers, flatbreads and even Sunday brunch. 2nd Place: Pub Fiction 3rd Place: The Den
Calhoun's Rooftop Bar and Grill
Best Bar, Best Place to Watch UH Away Games
Calhoun’s Rooftop Bar and Grill’s big draw is its location - a door wedged next to The Nook on campus takes you to a dark, gray flight of stairs, which open out to an airy, open-window bar and rooftop. As temperatures rise, Calhoun’s becomes the perfect spot to grab a pint of beer and overlook the spectacular downtown skyline. Those who aren’t big beer fans won’t be disappointed - Calhoun’s also serves cocktails and shots, several of which are UH-themed, and a full menu of appetizers, burgers, flatbreads and Sunday brunch. 2nd Place: Pub Fiction 3rd Place: The Den
Best Local Music Act
A More Perfect Union The Pearland-based band has been making quite a name for themselves by streaming their music online and performing all over Houston. The 4-piece rock band formed together in Spring of 2014 and has already found their own sound, a blend of alternative rock and punk rock. Blink-182 and Green Day are among the band's influences. 2nd Place: Only Beast 3rd Place: Football, etc.
THE COUGAR'S FAVORITES Best Bar
Neil's Bahr Who said you can’t have your alcohol and video games together — in public? Even if you just want to strike up a conversation with a crowd that’s just into gaming as you are, this is the place for you. With arcade games, table games and console games, there’s something here for everyone. Keep in mind that this place can get crowded on the weekends.
COURTESY PHOTO
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COOGS CHOOSE
entertainment THE COUGAR'S FAVORITE Best Movie Theater
River Oaks Theater
ed #fail
atgolf
happy
Best Date Spot
hour!
The River Oaks Theater is a historic three-screen theater north of downtown. Notable for its Art Deco style, the theater’s focus is on screening previously released, indie and cult films. This landmark is a great place to hang out with friends.
CARA SMITH/THE COUGAR
Best Movie Theater
Top Golf
AMC Theatres
Top Golf won't leave you bored. The entertainment monolith combines driving-range golfing with a full bar, restaurant and bar games that'll give you and your date plenty of ways to break the ice. It gets crowded on weekend nights, though, with wait times climbing above three hours or more, so be sure to arrive early or make a reservation.
Voted the best in Houston, AMC goes above and beyond to provide the greatest variety of films in a friendly, family-oriented atmosphere. Depending on your budget, locations like Studio 30 on Dunvale come complete with a bar, plenty of concessions, and every rendition of Coke you can think of. 2nd Place: Edwards Cinema 3rd Place: Studio Movie Grill
2nd Place: Hermann Park 3rd Place: Discovery Green
FIRST PLACE
WINNER
BEST DATE SPOT FROM ALL OF US AT TOP GOLF, AND
BEST SPOT FOR A 21ST BIRTHDAY
We would like to say a big THANK YOU to all of the students of UH who took the time to vote for us in the Coogs Choose Category as Best Date Spot and Best Spot for a 21st Birthday! Go Coogs!
L o c a t i o n 1 0 3 0 M e m o r i a l B ro o k B l v d . H o u s t o n , T X 7 7 0 8 4
Phone (281) 406-3176
We b s i t e w w w. t o p g o l f . c o m
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entertainment
THE COUGAR'S FAVORITES
The Scene
When it comes to clubbing, it's all about going to the right place at the right time in the right outfit with the right people. Sound overwhelming? Let us help you figure out where you were born to rage.
LGBT, vibrant
Prep, modern
South Beach
Vao's
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Vao's crowd is of the more upscale, white collar scene. The people are strictly dressed to impress and nothing less. Expect the club to be laden with young professionals just getting off work at Ernst & Young, dressed to the nines and tossing back cocktails. It's also a Greek-heavy scene, with members of UH's sororities and fraternities flocking to the club on weekends.
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The scene at South Beach is and almost exclusively LGBT. Gay, straight, or transgendered - the atmosphere is open and friendly. The scene at South Beach features people of all ages, all looking for a fun night in one of Houston's most popular clubs.
Punk, alternative
Numbers COURTESY PHOTO
The crowd at Numbers is of the alternative scene. If you're up for a little rebellion and a trip to the wild side, you'll find the right company here. The people are edgier and come from a different shade of cool.
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Dance, lounge
Grooves
FROM 10:30PM TO 11:30PM
FROM 10:30PM TO 11:30PM
OPEN FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS
DOORS 10:30PM TO CL OPEN FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS
DOORS 10:30PM TO CL
2016 Main St, Houston, TX • 702 530 9650 • www.vaoclublife.com 21 and over • Dress code enforced • Doors 10:30pm till close
VAOCLUBLIFE
2016 Main St, Houston, TX • 713-655-0700 702 530 9650 • www.vaoclublife.com 21 and over • Dress code enforced • Doors 10:30pm till close
VAOCLUBLIFE
Grooves is a local brunch spot for the younger and professional crowd. The people there take brunch seriously. But on weekend nights, it comes to life with hip hop dancing and a lounge that fills up quickly. If you're young and hungry for a good meal and a good time afterward, Grooves needs to be your destination.
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READ
WATCH
LISTEN
THE COUGAR
COOG TV
COOG RADIO
GET INVOLVED! Build your portfolio. Make an impact.
20 | Wednesday, April 15, 2015
COOGS CHOOSE
entertainment
THE COUGAR'S FAVORITES
That Third Coast wave
For Houston's next generation of rappers, the throne is ready for the taking. We've highlighted four who have embraced the city's hip-hop history while distinguishing themselves from the growing group looking to fill the city's rap void.
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Travis Scott Where he's from: Mo' City After getting his start as a producer on Myspace, Scott is becoming more popular as the man with the microphone. He is featured on "Company" off Drake's recent project "If you're reading this it's too late." But don't doubt that he still has the production skills that got him noticed. He helped produce Rihanna's recent single B*tch better have my money. What you should download: "Skyfall" ft. Young Thug
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Propain Hiram Clarke
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The former college basketball player reached new heights when his collaboration with Rich Homie Quan "2 Rounds" extended his reach past Texas. Propain features a combination of complex lyrics and catchy flow not often found in Slab City. Expect your friends that live outside of the Loop to learn more about Propain in the next few years. What you should download: "Father's Day" and "All Day" ft. Zero
Where he's from: Northside
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Boston George
You've probably turned up to his local hit "Flicka Da Wrist," but he's more than just this regional hit. The record executive turned rapper has made a habit of making hit songs in the past few years. What you should download: "Greatness" ft. Rick Ross, Slim Thug and Rich Andruws
Sauce Twinz Where they're from: South Park and Mo' City "2 legited 2 Quited" has been a staple on the radio and in the club. Their chemistry on wax reminds many of Migos, another popular rap duo, and we foresee many club bangers in their future. What you should download: "93" ft. Doughboy
COOGS CHOOSE
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entertainment COOG RADIO'S FAVORITES
Best Record Store
Cactus Music With an extensive collection, Cactus Music doesn’t disappoint customers looking for vinyl records and impressive prices. If being a source for records isn’t enough, Cactus Music also hosts live music with free beer on the weekends. 2nd Place: Best Buy 3rd Place: Half Price Books
BIGSTOCK
Sound Exchange Though it doesn’t have as much of a selection as Cactus Music, Sound Exchange is a great destination for those who have a specific niche.
Cactus Music If being a source for records isn’t enough, Cactus Music also hosts live music with free beer on the weekends.
Sig's Lagoon The chance to enjoy all that music you heard
your parents playing around the house or in their car will keep you sifting through cassettes, CDs and vinyls for hours.
Vinal Edge Records With a constant stream of new and old music coming in, Vinal Edge is a great place to revisit often.
Heights A one-stop shop for old jazz and blues records, Heights Vinyl is another niche shop that won’t have much outside of its genre. It is a good place to get a turntable.
STUDENT-RUN RADIO Broadcasting 24/7 at CoogRadio.com facebook.com/coogradiohouston
@coogradio
Listen anywhere on TuneIn.com (search for Coog Radio)
coogradio
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FOOD & DRINK
Clutch dining
Houston is one of the best cities in the nation to eat in. It's a heavyweight in ethnic diversity, affordability and accessibility, with many of Houston's eateries spread out in different pockets of the city.
Just wing it Best Wings
Buffalo Wild Wings Customers can choose the sauce the wings are tossed in, ranging from super spicy to sweet. In addition to wings, BWW also offers tasty appetizers, like mozzarella sticks and potato wedges. 2nd Place: Wing Stop 3rd Place: Pluckers
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Best Taco
Torchy's Tacos It's one of the trendiest places in Houston to get a taco. Torchy's is also affordable for students, with tacos costing around $4 each. 2nd Place: Taco Bell 3rd Place: Taco Cabana
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Best Pizza
Pink's Pizza The opening of Pink’s on campus has answered our pizza and beer needs. Even though we dole out $7 for a slice, we leave Pink’s with no regrets. It's helped to boost UH's campus nightlife and vastly improved our on-campus dining. 2nd Place: Pizza Hut 3rd Place: Star Pizza
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FOOD & DRINK THE COUGAR'S FAVORITES Best Wings
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Pluckers COURTESY PHOTO
The Shepard location has a sprawling environment that’s great for watching the game at (and is better lit than Buffalo Wild Wings). They boast fewer wing sauces than BWW’s, but this is a case of quality over quantity. And if you’re looking for sides other than French fries, go for Plucker’s insanely-creamy macaroni and cheese.
Best Sandwich
McAlister's Deli McAlister’s Deli is a favorite for students because it is easy to get to on campus and accepts Cougar Cash in exchange for their delicious sandwiches. They offer a variety of sandwiches ranging from classic to grilled. In addition to tasty sandwiches, McAlister’s Deli also has salads, soups, spuds and desserts. 2nd Place: Subway 3rd Place: Chick-Fil-A
Best Pho
Pho Saigon Noodle House With six locations around the city, it’s not hard to see why Pho Saigon is great for students. 2nd Place: Mai's Restaurant 3rd Place: Pho Binh
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Best Off-Campus Lunch
Chipotle Mexican Grill The grill has a little something for everyone, with plenty of options for your burrito or bowl. 2nd Place: Whataburger 3rd Place: Chinese Star
Best Sushi For Your Dollar
Sushi Wabi You're in the mood for sushi, you don't have an hour to wait in line at Oishii, and you're not dressed for Ra or Sushi King. Where do you go? Sushi Wabi is the perfect place for a casual meet-up with friends or a spontaneous date night - it's just around the corner from the Edwards Greenway theater. Take advantage of its happy hour menu - we're talking large $6 rolls.
FILE PHOTO/THE COUGAR
CARA SMITH/THE COUGAR
Best $5 Lunch
Cream Burger The family-owned joint caters to its customers with quality meals that are easy on the wallet. “We make each burger individually and with a whole lot of love for each customer,” said co-owner Beverly Greenwood.
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Best Off-Campus Lunch
Empire Cafe Empire is 10 minutes from campus and promises some of the most delectable cafe food. Go for the Not-Fried Chicken sandwich. It's baked, breaded chicken on a butter criossant with chipotle aoli sauce and fresh greens.
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Best Breakfast
IHOP
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FOOD & DRINK THE COUGAR'S FAVORITES
Being open 24 hours is a big plus for college students. A Rooty Tooty Fresh & Fruit never fails to hit the spot. 2nd Place: Breakfast Klub 3rd Place: McDonald's
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Best 24-Hour Diner
IHOP The diner offers classic breakfast dishes such as pancakes, eggs, omelettes, waffles and crepes as well as lunch and dinner items like hamburgers, salads and desserts. 2nd Place: Dot's Coffee Shop 3rd Place: House of Pies
Best Restaurant to Broaden your Horizon
Katz's Deli and Bar This late-night spot is the perfect place for when you crave a taste of the Big Apple. If you're hungry after burning some calories on the Midtown dance floors, look no further than Katz's, because it never closes. 2nd Place: Cafe 101 3rd Place: Sweet Paris
The Breakfast Klub
If it's good enough for Beyoncé... If you see a line wrapping around the corner of an unassuming yellow-roofed building in Midtown anytime between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m., don't be alarmed; these patient folks are customers of the iconic Houston eatery. If you’re hungry and have a few hours to spare, park and get in line – it’s worth it. Known for signature dishes such as the “Katfish and Grits” and “Wings and Waffles,” The Breakfast Klub excels at southern specialties that will bring back memories of Grandma’s kitchen for any southern-born visitor. In addition to its award-winning breakfast menu, the restaurant also offers sandwiches and salads for lunch as well as a “heart healthy” menu.
EMILY CHAMBERS/THE COUGAR
Best $5 Lunch
McDonald's McDonald's won't break the bank and makes grabbing lunch as convenient as ever. 2nd Place: Subway 3rd Place: Taco Bell COURTESY PHOTO
59 Diner
Best Kolache
Known for its classic '50s throwback look and decadent milkshakes, 59 Diner has the vibe of a hangout you'd find in a Scooby Doo episode. It offers a menu of classic favorites from hamburgers to steak, with those filling U.S. portions people just can't get enough of. 59 Diner is also open 24/7, so there's no excuse not to head to the nearest one and try some of its fare.
Kolache Factory This shop offers traditional kolaches with fillings like fruit, sausage and jalepeno. Try the specialties, including Bar-B-Q-Beef, Philly Cheese Steak and Sausage and Gravy.
EMILY CHAMBERS/THE COUGAR
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FOOD & DRINK THE COUGAR'S FAVORITES
THE COUGAR'S FAVORITES
21 in Houston
Best Food Trucks
Reaching that glorious age is exciting for anyone, but those of us in the Bayou City party even harder. When planning your night, stick with these tried-and-true hotspots that promise a good time.
The Group Activity
The Dinner Spot
Top Golf
The Hay Merchant
Top Golf has entertainment for all ages, and not in the cheesy way your parents hope for. There’s full bar and craft beer pints, but your under-21 buds won’t be shortchanged on things to do. Your group can golf, eat dinner, play pool or just hang out at the bar, which requires ID for only those drinking.
For dinner, take your crew to The Hay Merchant on Westheimer. It's the perfect place to wet your whistle, as the bar boasts over 30 taps that rotate throughout the season. You'll be able to figure out your preference in beer, all while waiting for your Cease and Desist burger to arrive.
The First Bar
Eatsie Boys It can be found across from Agnes Arnold Hall offering a range of mouthwatering sandwiches stuffed to capacity with hearty meats and flavorful ingredients.
Flip 'n Patties
Little Woodrow’s is a good bar to know. There’s several of them scattered around Houston, but the most popular location is on Brazos Street. It’s a fairly casual place, and it’s in the center of Midtown, which boasts one of the highest concentrations of popular bars in Houston. On Thursdays during summer months, you can also enjoy turtle races – bet on the right turtle, and you get a free drink. It doesn’t get much better than that.
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Filipino street food has never tasted so good. Flip ‘n Patties offers a variety of burgers, appetizers and rice dishes that you will definitely need a napkin for.
Bernie's Burger Bus
Little Woodrow's
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If you’re accustomed to Big Macs, trying any burger from Bernie’s menu will give you well-needed shock — each burger is handmade from scratch.
THE COUGAR'S FAVORITES
Best BBQ Joints
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Triple J’s Smokehouse
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Triple J’s is a tried-and-true favorite. Its loaded baked potatoes can come stuffed with sausage, beef and ribs smothered in BBQ sauce, with two-meat, two-side dinner clocking in at an affordable $11. Its reputation as one of Houston’s best-known BBQ joints has been alive and thriving for 20 years.
Ray's BBQ Shack
Gatlin's BBQ
Ray’s BBQ Shack excels in regional cuisine beyond BBQ. In addition to succulent brisket, beef and BBQ ribs, Ray’s also serves a healthy variety of fresh seafood. Its catfish basket, which comes with three large helpings of catfish for just over $10, rounds out a diverse seafood menu.
Gatlin’s BBQ is probably Houston’s most widely-known and talked about BBQ joint, making a monumental impact on the city in its five short years. It started out of the current co-owners’ home and has quickly established itself as a regional staple of BBQ, with juicy beef and pork sliders that are hard to rival.
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FOOD & DRINK THE COUGAR'S FAVORITES
Close to Coog City
Walk, bike, jog or rollerblade to these places from campus — just make sure you get there, because they're some of the city's best-kept secrets. Kanomwan Thai Kanomwan serves strictly authentic Thai — its pad thai isn't laden with gooey peanut sauce, which is a welcome change. COURTESY PHOTO
Ben's Beans It's a five-minute drive from campus and promises a chill place to study, serving sandwiches, coffee, smoothies and pastries.
COURTESY PHOTO COURTESY PHOTO
Moontower Inn
Bohemo's Cafe
Moontower Inn doubles as the city's only brewpub and the best place for a gourmet, greasy hot dog at an affordable price. You'll find wild boar dogs and venision dogs, but Moontower and its sprawling back patio attract an unpretentious crowd.
If Bohemo's open mic nights aren't enough, its shrimp tacos, coffee and craft beer make it great for weekend decompression. COURTESY PHOTO
Hoang Sandwich Hoang Sandwich is a hidden gem that offers affordable, delicious Vietnamese food and a quiet, comfortable atmosphere.
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There aren't many places that make homemade tamales, empanadas and other Mexican delicacies, but this is one of them. COURTESY PHOTO
Cream Burger For less than $4, Cream Burger will fill you up with a cheeseburger, but we recommend splurging for an added super rich milkshake.
To say Frenchy's is just succulent is an egregious understatement. The chicken is tender, juicy and insanely flavorful. CARA SMITH/THE COUGAR
Brooks Family BBQ
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Mandola's Deli's walls are covered with UH gear, and all UH students get 10 percent off their delicious meals.
Frenchy's Chicken
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Mandola's Deli
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La Imperial Bakery
Brooks Family BBQ is located across Scott St. on the opposite side of the stadium from campus, so it's a great place to grab a chop beef sandwich after watching the Cougars on a Friday night.
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FOOD & DRINK
8 DAYS AROUND THE WORLD IN
Houston's diverse foodie culture can be intimidating at first. Don't fret; The Cougar has suggestions that stretch past Cullen Boulevard.
DAY 1: Vietnamese
Mai's Restaurant In the ‘90s, the Houston community was introduced to Vietnamese food by the founders of Mai’s Restaurant, who named the restaurant after one of their daughters. Called a “landmark” by the Houston Chronicle, Mai’s offers hundreds of Vietnamese dishes into the wee hours of the night, staying open until 3 a.m. on weeknights until 4 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. A large bar faces the entrance of the two-level establishment, which is packed every time you walk in. The wait is never long, though.
CARA SMITH/THE COUGAR
CARA SMITH/THE COUGAR
DAY 2: Italian
Mandola's Deli This UH alumni-owned deli is chock-full of Cougar Pride — there's a wall almost completely covered in Cougar red attire. Though it specializes in wes and po'boys, its American-portioned pasta dishes are sure to leave even the hungriest without room for another bite, and their pizza packs more flavor that most. Mandola's is only a short drive down Cullen Boulevard and a perfect stop for lunch.
R E S T A U R A N T
R E S T A U R A N T
25% DISCOUNT FOR UH STUDENTS Must show UH ID. Discount does not include alcohol. Discount lasts for 2 months (through the end of the semester).
HOURS OF OPERATION Open every day 10AM — 4AM 812 Westheimer Rd Houston, TX 77006 713-523-0425 www.theoshouston.com
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FOOD & DRINK DAY 3: Soul Food
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This is it You won’t leave this selection of Southern comfort food hungry. From ox tails to collard greens, this soul food hotspot has a slew of affordable breakfasts, lunches and dinners worth the money and classic desserts that’ll pleasantly remind you of childhood. Only four minutes from campus, this restaurant is an easy lunchtime trip for the stressed student needing some downhome comfort. COURTESY PHOTO
DAY 4: Tex-Mex
El Tiempo Cantina For many Americans, there’s not much difference between Tex-Mex restaurants, but El Tiempo distinguishes itself among the rest with its 55 years of serving family recipes. With seven locations across Houston, El Tiempo’s menu offers everything from calamari appetizers and creamy enchiladas to jumbo shrimp platters and more meat options for fajitas than you thought possible. COURTESY PHOTO
ELTIE MP O C A N T IN A . C O M
DAY 5: Mediterranean
Aladdin
THE NEW EL TIEMPO 1308 ANNEX L O C AT E D AT 3 2 2 W E S T H E I M E R COMING APRIL 2015
This Montrose establishment is the perfect choice if you’ve barely eaten all day and you’re ready to consume the entire planet. Accept this fact: You will have leftovers – enough for another full meal, which makes the $12 to $15 that you’ll pay worth it. Endless pita is available, and there are several flavors of hummus. Aladdin claims the gyro as its specialty sandwich, and with a combo platter you can pick or choose from all your favorites to create the perfect meal.
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FOOD & DRINK CARA SMITH/THE COUGAR
COURTESY PHOTO
DAY 6: Japanese
Miyako With a sizeable menu of both sushi and seafood, Miyako fills up fast, so you might want to make reservations if you’re coming with a large group. In spite of that, the restaurant feels spacious and the atmosphere is warmly lit just enough. As with other sushi bars, what you spend depends on what kind of rolls you buy, but take advantage of the happy hour if you get the chance.
DAY 8: Indian
Shiva With two locations in Rice Village and Sugarland, Shiva's menu is expansive, containing dishes for meat-eaters and vegetarians alike. Most entrees hover around $10, but you’ll walk away with leftovers. With a low-lit atmosphere, Shiva is classy enough for date night. Have fun trying different curries, and be sure to let your waiter know if you’re sensitive to spicy foods. Order a mango lassi; the cool drink will cut through the spiciness of the food.
BEST OF 2015
COUGAR FAVORITE
STN BELIA
ITA PO’ BOY S
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DAY 7: Greek
Theo's Restaurant Occupying a large slot of Westheimer Road’s real estate all on its own, Theo’s can be deceptively empty, but that doesn’t speak of the quality of its Greek cuisine. Its gyros are good, but don’t hesitate to try other classic Greek dishes like moussaka and souvlaki. It’s open until 4 a.m., which makes it a great stop even on late nights, and if you’re not hungry and want to try a unique pick-me-up, be sure to order a Greek frappe.
IE DA FR AGN LAS (yup. we said it.)
TEXAS
BEERS
ACRO
F R E ESS THE FROM W A Y
ON
CA
CULLMPUS EN
4105 HoustLeeland on, TX
713.223.5186
mandolasdeli.com
*Limit one discount per person, per order, per visit. Not
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FOOD & DRINK THE COUGAR'S FAVORITES
Burger heaven
Houston has a slew of grills competing for the hearts and stomachs of the Bayou City's burger aficionados. Which one has yours? COURTESY PHOTO
Best burgers
Live free or die fryin' Some of the best french fries Houston has to offer aren't even made of potatoes. Say whaaaat?
At Bernie's Burger Bus sky-high sandwiches are filled with any Tex-Mex topping under the sun – “The Principal” comes with garlic tomatoes, “Homeroom” is topped with a fried egg and “Fire Drill” boasts spicy guacamole and tortilla chips. Bernie’s also makes detention sound like a good thing: Its “Detention” burger uses bacon grilled cheese sandwiches as the bun.
Hubcap Grill’s greasy, tender burger is consistently seen on the tops of Houston’s best burger lists. It has one of the juiciest burger patties in the city, and the grill’s outdoor patio is the perfect place to chow down like it’s your last meal.
Barnaby's Cafe is more than just a
Bernie's Burger Bus CARA SMITH/THE COUGAR
Barnaby's Cafe
CARA SMITH/THE COUGAR
Hubcap Grill
burger joint, but its tasty bacon cheeseburger will have you running back for lunch as often as you can. You have to be of-age to get into the Westheimer craft bar Hay Merchant, but its Cease and Desist burger is better than any cocktail you’ll have on your 21st. It’s named after a lawsuit that was filed against them by In-N-Out (originally, the burger was called the Double Double), and it’s made with farm-fresh beef in partnership with Underbelly’s award-winning chef Chris Shepard.
PHOTO BY JULIE SOEFER
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Happy Endings' queso kimchi fries UH, if you haven’t tried Queso Kimchi Fries yet, then you should be ashamed of yourself. Kimchi is a probiotic, which helps aid in digestion. It’s a perfect counter-balance to the queso, which definitely doesn’t.
Fat Bao's avocado fries Not all fries are potatoes, people. As the name of the restaurant implies, these are FAT slices of avocado breaded and deep fried. They’re the perfect marriage of creamy and crunchy goodness.
Andes Café's salchipapas Salchipapas are a classic South American street food with cut up hot-dog, tomatoes, peppers, onions, fried bananas and brown gravy. And while they're great on any occasion, we know that they’ve cured many hangovers.
La Boheme's Bankgok style french fries
Hay Merchant
We've always throught that French fries needed pork shoulder and peanuts.
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FOOD & DRINK
BREWCITY,
TEXAS
Houston's craft beer scene has exploded, making it a national leader in microbreweries, craft brews and all things beer. Crack one open.
THE COUGAR'S FAVORITES New to Karbach? Start out with a...
Love Street Summer Seasonal
Love Street is extremely refreshing. It's a Kolsh-style, meaning it's a tad floral but lighter than the Rodeo Clown. The hoppiness (the beer's earthiness or bitterness) is fairly medium in this brew.
New to 8th Wonder? Start out with a...
Rocketfuel
8th Wonder infuses a porter with dark, cold brew coffee and lactose. It's a cult favorite and a great excuse for drinking before noon. COURTESY PHOTO
Best Local Brew
Saint Arnold
Rodeo Clown Double IPA
Rodeo Clown still packs a mean punch, but it's a fairly floral, fruity IPAs. This isn't a beer you should plan on chugging. Instead, pair it with fried food or a spicy Mexican dish.
Intellectuale
It's light and easy to drink, but this blonde-wit hybrid is bursting with floral notes and faint hints of sweetness. Sip it on a patio.
Our favorite Saint Arnold brews... Summer Pils is one of Saint Arnold's freshest brews. The Germain pilsner has a medium body and hoppy notes. It has a sweet malt taste and is full-bodied but doesn't bog you down after a pint or two. Santo is a malty brew and drinks like a darker ale. It might be pretty gritty if you aren't a big beer drinker, but its dark malt flavor promises a smooth punch.
Open since 1994, Saint Arnold is the state’s oldest craft brewery. Its most sought-after brews are the crisp Lawnmower and the punchy Elissa IPA. But Saint Arnold brews 23 beers a year on a rotational basis, including Pumpkinator, which is known to sell out of grocery and liquor stores within hours of being stocked. 2nd Place: Karbach 3rd Place: Pluckers
A beer snob's guide to talking Use these words casually to achieve maximum beer literacy, pretentiousness
HOPS The flavoring and stability agent in beer. Hops are a flower of the hop plant. They give beers "spice," or bitterness. They're present in all beers but not necessarily dominant. An IPA is a hoppy beer; Coors Light is not hoppy (whether Coors is a beer is another discussion).
IPA Stands for "India Pale Ale." The beer was originally brewed with extra hops to last the long sea voyages from England to India. Now, the strength has become a preferred taste regardless of voyage. IPAs are very bitter and floral.
HEAD The foam at the top of beer. You usually want to pour a beer that yields a 1" to 1 1/2" head. There are YouTube videos that show you how to do this, but it comes down to the speed and angle of your pour.
FILE PHOTO/THE COUGAR
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E F I L S U P M DS
N A A H C IS IN YOUR
ABOUT REDLINE
Download the latest version of Redline, your dashboard for student life at UH, now for iOS and Android devices. Check on the latest campus alerts and events, tune in to student media, catch the next bus and more! You don’t have an Android or Apple phone? Just tap the web app version of Redline at:
http://uh.edu/redline
FEATURES
• CALENDAR
• BUS ROUTES
• ALERTS
• SOCIAL MEDIA
• CAMPUS MAP
• COOG RADIO
• BUS ROUTES
• CAMPUS NEWS
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FOOD & DRINK
Caffeine overload
In Houston, it's not so much what you're studying as where you're studying. Whether you're looking for a coffeehouse with great brunch or belly dancing, we've got the best of the Bayou City lined up.
COUGAR FAVORITES
Best Coffehouse
Starbucks
You never have to stress about finding a nearby Starbucks location. But for us, that's where the advantages end. 2nd Place: The Nook 3rd Place: Agora
Best Place to Study Off-Campus
Starbucks
Agora Open until 2 a.m. daily, Agora has established itself as one of the best study and lounge spots in Montrose. People go for the Wednesday night belly dancers, but they stay for the shop’s coziness. It’s housed in – quite literally – a large, old house, so there’s two stories worth of hang space. Tip: Don't creep on people too much if you're sitting upstairs.
Ben's Beans Located just five minutes away from campus, Ben’s Beans warehouse-style high ceilings and local art displays set it apart from the cozier coffeehouses on this list. It’s usually empty, which is astounding once you see the eclectic atmosphere and take a seat in their dense, cozy black leather couches. This is a hidden gem by all accounts.
Antidote Antidote makes up for sparse parking outside with ample seating inside. With arts lining the walls and dozens of people studying their laptops seriously, it's a non-distracting atmosphere that encourages productivity. They don't serve many pastries, but the coffee's delicious.
CARA SMITH/THE COUGAR
CARA SMITH/THE COUGAR
With artisan coffee and pastries at affordable prices, it's no wonder students flock here to get their study on. 2nd Place: Agora 3rd Place: The Nook
Thanks for making us your prime on-campus hangout.
Ben's Beans CARA SMITH/THE COUGAR
Antidote
The Nook Cafe
Empire Cafe
Even if The Nook wasn’t affiliated with UH, it would still make this list as one of the best coffeehouses in Houston. Its new outdoor patio and consistently fresh, delicious brews make it a cafe to keep coming back to.
Empire Cafe is the only place on this list where you can eat breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, dessert, a cocktail, beer and a bottomless cup of coffee. There are two outdoor patios to enjoy on nice days.
4701 Calhoun St. Suite 150 Houston, TX 77004
832-831-3620
34 | Wednesday, April 15, 2015
COOGS CHOOSE
FOOD & DRINK
Desserts galore
Don't worry about what the doctor told you — sweets are good for the soul. Houston serves up some mean helpings of pie, cake, ice cream and cupcakes, all with a signature Bayou City twist.
THE COUGAR'S FAVORITES Best Dessert Best dessert
Engineering junior Diego Guala (left) shares our enthusiasm for House of Pies, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary. The iconic café specializes in desserts such as Bayou Goo, which is coated in cream cheese and custard with chocolate chunks.
COURTESY PHOTO
Cheesecake Factory There's a variety of flavors to choose from, such as Oreo and Reese’s. If you're not a fan of cheesecake, there are still plenty of desserts for you to enjoy. 2nd Place: The Chocolate Bar 3rd Place: House of Pies
JENAE SITZES/THE COUGAR
House of Pies
JENAE SITZES/THE COUGAR
THE COUGAR'S FAVORITES
WE’VE GOT A
Best Cupcakes
Crave Cupcakes
SWEET GIG COURTESY PHOTO
Crave is consistently at the top of lists ranking Houston's cupcakes. Once you taste the rich icing, such rankings make total sense. Its cupcakes are dense and always fresh, and its expansive offerings (including gluten-free flavors) makes Crave one of Houston's best.
COURTESY PHOTO
COURTESY PHOTO
FOR YOU NOW HIRING!
Hostesses and servers for Houston Galleria location. To apply visit www.cakecareers.com.
Sprinkles Cupcakes THANKS COOGS!
We’ve got the Best Dessert in Houston Look for your next sweet treat at the Houston Galleria! 5015 Westheimer Road Houston TX 77056 713.840.0600
Sprinkles Cupcakes has become eponymous with its cupcake ATMs, which allow you to buy fresh cupcakes at any hour. Sprinkles also delivers, making it one of the most accessible bakeries on this list. In stores, ice cream and cookies are also available for purchase, which makes Sprinkles an ideal stop after a long week.
MMM Cupcake
This food truck does deliveries around downtown and offers any flavor of cupcake you could desire. Specializing in fruit flavors, like strawberry-banana and pineapple, the truck offers other delightful flavors, such as a cookies and cream, s’more, red velvet and even carrot cake, all for affordable prices that rival the other two shops on this list.