Coogs Choose 2017 by The Cougar

ISSUE 17

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MAY 2017

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COOGS CHOOSE

2017

FIRST PLACE

WINNER

Here are a few reasons why Vue on MacGregor was voted #1 Student Housing Community: • • • • •

Walking distance to campus All inclusive utilities** Amazing resident events Private gated parking garage On site patrols

“Great location, cool neighbors, and great staff! CONTROLLED ACCESS. Fully furnished... seriously can’t ask for more.” -Melvin M. U of H Student

Bring this in to receive your

FREE GIFT **subject to change *while supplies last

Vuecollegeliving.com | (832) 709-1780 | text (832) 493-4887 for instant info! | COOGLIFE // MAY 2017

5-6

CAMPUS

Best Pizza

Pink’s Pizza, Star Pizza, Mod Pizza

Best Breakfast

Breakfast Klub, Snooze, Dot’s

Best Desserts

Tout Suite, Chocolate Bar, House of Pies

Best Student Leader

Chris Pinto, Kaitlyn Palividas, Carolina Barron

Best Restaurant in 3rd Ward Frenchy’s, Cream Burger, Ray’s

Best Cougar Fan

Kaitlyn Palividas, Taylor Rouleau, Edwin Mascorro

Best Restaurant to Replace Chinese Star

Whataburger, Chinese Star, Chipotle

Best RA

Chris Pinto, Dean Suchy, Jamarcus Lacy

Best 24-Hour Diner

Dot’s, House of Pies, IHOP

Best Residence Hall

Calhoun Lofts, Cougar Village 1, Cougar Place

Best Cupcakes

Sprinkles, Crave, Sweet

Best TA

Kaitlyn Robinson, Chris Pinto, Cameron Kubos

Best Crawfish

BB’s, LA Crawﬁsh, Ragin’ Cajun

Best Academic Adviser Colleen Davies, Kenneth Garcia, Toni Richerson

Best Donuts

Shipley’s, Glazed, Dunkin Donuts

Best Student Athlete

Best BBQ

Killen’s, Ray’s, Rudy’s

Best UH Staff Member Keith Kowalka, Erin Ciceri, Katy Kaesbier

Best Tex Mex

Chuy’s, El Tiempo, Pappasito’s

Best Student Org

SHPE, NMO, Uncommon Colors/SPB

Best Margaritas

Pistolero’s, Pappasito’s, El Tiempo

Best Professor

Priscilla Tinsley, Charles Crixell, Cyrus Contractor

Best Comfort Food

Just Mac, Frenchy’s, Dot’s

Best Sorority

Delta Gamma, Chi O, Phi Sigma Rho

Best Off Campus Lunch Mandola’s, Local Foods, Frenchy’s

Best Fraternity

Alpha Sigma Phi, Kappa Alpha Psi, Triangle

Best Coffee

Agora, The Nook, Tout Suite

Best Campus Hangout Student Centers, The Nook, Calhoun’s Rooftop

Best Burrito

Chipotle, Freebirds, Bullrito’s

Best Pet Housing

Best Taco

Torchy’s Tacos, Velvet Taco, Taco’s A Go Go

Best Sandwich

McAlisters, Jimmy Johns, Les Givral

Best Chicken Wings

Wing Stop, Pluckers, BWW

Best Local Brew

Saint Arnold, 8th Wonder, Karbach

Best Pho

Pho Saigon, Simply Pho, Mai’s

Best Vegetarian Food

Ruggles Green, Local Foods, Hobbit Cafe

Best Curry

Shiva, Himalaya, Thai Gourmet

Greg Ward Jr, Ed Oliver, Danrad “Chick’n” Knowles

Calhoun Lofts, Bayou Oaks, The Vue

SUGAR LAND

Best Sugar Land Professor Mequanint Moges, Phil Snyder, Estella Gillette Best Sugar Land Hangout

Town Square, First Colony Mall, Flying Saucer

Best Sugar Land Restaurant Jupiter, Grimaldi’s, Lopez

Best Sugar Land Bar

7-8

Flying Saucer, Blu, Big Ben Tavern

LIFESTYLE

Best Bike Shop

Daniel Boone Cycles, HAM Cycles, Third Ward Bike Shop

Best Apartment

The Vue, Campus Vue, Plaza at Westchase

Best Animal Shelter

Houston SPCA, BARC, Friends For Life

Best Car Dealership

Carmax, Texas Direct Auto, Momentum Volkswagon

Best Auto Shop

Jo’s Auto Repair, J-tran, Montrose Auto Center

Best App

Groupme, Tinder, Snapchat

12-13

ENTERTAINMENT

Best Resale Shop

Goodwill, Buﬀalo Exchange, Pavement Clothing

Best Tattoo Shop

713 Tattoo, Flying Squid, Houston Ink

Best Salon

Ulta, Hue, Cliﬀ’s Cut

Best Sex Shop

Adam & Eve, Cindi’s, Kat’s/Candy’s

Best Club

South Beach, Cle, Hallyu

Best Movie Theater

Edward’s, Studio Movie Grill, River Oaks

Best Place to Watch UH Games

Calhoun’s Rooftop, Pink’s Pizza, Pluckers

Best Place to Buy UH Gear Barnes & Noble, Academy, Amazon

Best Live Music Venue House of Blues, Warehouse Live, White Oak

Best Place to Exercise

The REC, Inner Me Studios, Memorial Park

Best Record Store

Cactus, Sig’s Lagoon, Half Price Books

Best Smoke Shop

BC Smoke Shop, Artisan Vapor, Smoke Dreamz #2

Best Radio Station

Coog Radio, 104.1 KBRE, 97.9 The Box

Best Slang

Lit, Y’all, Cash me ousside

Best Karaoke

KTV, Saint Danes, Glitter

Best Place to Study

Library, The Nook, CBB

Best Comic Book Store Bedrock City, Nan’s, 3rd Planet

9-11

FOOD

Best Bowling Alley

Student Center, Lucky Strike, Main Event

Best Driving Range

Top Golf, Clear Creak, Timber Creek

Best Bar

Neil’s, Axelrad, Sage County

Best Halal

Halal Guys, Euro King, MnM Grill

Best Country Bar

WW, Stampede, Whiskey River

Best Burger

Burger Joint, Whataburger, Bernie’s Burger Bus

Best LGBTQ Bar

F Bar, Bayou City, South Beach

COOGLIFE // MAY 2017

Campus

BEST STUDENT LEADER

CHRIS PINTO

He’s perhaps one of the busiest bodies on campus. In addition to best student leader, he won best RA and won second place for best TA. Chris Pinto can almost always be found in the Metropolitan Volunteer Program oﬃce. According to Pinto, the best part of his job is connecting students with volunteer opportunities that will beneﬁt both the students and the community. — KK

BEST FRATERNITY aLPHA sIGMA PHI

Founded in 1845, Alpha Sigma Phi’s goal is to better the world through better men. Alpha Sigma Phi strives to uphold the qualities and attributes of a gentlemen. They’ve been at UH since Fall 2015, and have been approved to charter this semester, after which they will be an oﬃcial chapter— not just a colony. — KK

BEST SORORITY dELTA GAMMA

Founded in 1873, Delta Gamma’s mission is to “do good” through philanthropic work done within its community. Delta Gamma has annual philanthropy weeks which any organization can participate in to raise money for their speciﬁc service organization, Service for Sight. — KK

BEST PROFESSOR cHARLES cRIXELL

Whether you’re a communications major or just someone who happened to stumble upon the Jack J. Valenti School of Communications, you have probably seen this year’s winner for the best UH professor. Charles Crixell is known and loved (most of the time) for his interesting, wisdom-ﬁlled classes on editing and writing, and if you’ve never heard the “Ghost Cow” story, you’re missing out. We’re a better student publication because of you, Crixell. Thank you. — KJ

BEST STUDENT ORGANIZATION shpe

The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers has been with UH since 2002. Since then, it’s been dedicated to promoting academic and professional development among its members and increasing interest in science and engineering within the Hispanic community as well. Recently, the UH chapter of SHPE was ranked the top in the nation. — JA

BEST ACADEMIC ADVISER cOLLEEN DAVIES

Colleen Davies works as an advisor in the Bauer Honors Program, where she runs event planning, undergraduate business honors advising, new student recruitment, alumni outreach and more. — JA

best uh staff member kEITH KOWALKA

Photo Courtesy of Chris Pinto

If you’ve ever submitted a complaint to the Student Government, or maybe picked up an issue of Cooglife (good for you), then you’ve interacted with two of the many student organizations Keith Kowalka helps to lead and grow. As the Assistant Vice President for Student Aﬀairs, Kowalka has served the University since January 2012, and he is still working to maintain the diversity, growth and strategic vision for numerous student groups on campus. — KJ

COOGLIFE // MAY 2017

best Ta

Kaitlyn robinson

When she’s not working as a teaching assistant, Kaitlyn Robinson is busy working toward her degree as a Biomedical Engineering student and being a member in the Phi Sigma Rho sorority. — JA

BEST STUDENT ATHLETE

BEST ON CAMPUS HOUSING calhoun lofts

greg ward jr.

The captain, the quarterback, the man who made the Cougar football team a playoff contender. Greg Ward Jr. was starting quarterback for two and a half years and became the face of the franchise. He helped orchestrate the 25-point comeback in the 2015 Armed Forces Bowl against the University of Pittsburgh, upset the Florida State Seminoles in the 2015 Peach Bowl and racked up 36 points against Louisville in the 2016 season. His winning precedent is one for future Cougars to follow. — LDG Photo Credit: Justin Tijerna

Calhoun Lofts, located across the street from The Nook and Calhoun’s Rooftop, provide on-campus housing for juniors and students age 21 and up. The lofts, which share the building with retail and lecture space, are the newest housing addition at UH. Residents can choose between furnished and unfurnished units, and some rooms offer a downtown view. — JD

BEST RA

chris pinto

If you’re living at the Lofts and Chris Pinto isn’t your RA, you’re seriously missing out. Some would describe him as one of the most charismatic faces on campus. If Pinto is your RA, thank your lucky stars you got this star student looking after you. — KK

best cougar fan kaitlyn palividas

Nothing hypes students up more than a good game of college football. Thousands of excited students stream in to fill the stands of TDECU Stadium every home game—chanting, cheering, booing and screaming their hearts out. Among them is broadcast journalism senior Kaitlyn Palividas, an Honors College member and winner of the award for most dedicated fan. She previously served as president of the Bleacher Creatures and has attended almost every game since the Cougars started playing in their new home. — MP Photo Courtesy of Kaitlyn Palividas

SUGAR LAND

mequanint B E S T P R O Fmoges ESSOR mequanint moges

Boasting a Rate My Professor score of 4.4, engineering technology professor Mequanint Moges ranks among Sugar Land’s best. Students especially praised his lectures, which make the often-difficult coursework easier to understand. — JA

Sugar land B EST H A N Gtown O U T square sugar land town square

best bar

Just by looking up the Sugar Land Town Square website, it’s easy to find a variety of scheduled events, ongoing promotions and a map. Visitors can do the flying saucer everything from shopping and eating to staying the The Flying Saucer has been night at a hotel for a weekend of awesome. — ED praised for its food, happy hour and heated outdoor Hwy 6 & U.S. 59 Frontage Rd 77478 patio. If you buy enough BEST RESTAURANT drinks, you even get your own saucer to hang on the jupiter pizza & waffles Jupiter Pizza and Waffle is the perfect place for anytime brunch without the pretension. Modern, wall as a memorial to all those fun nights. — ED handmade and welcoming from comfort food to atmosphere, this is the perfect place for Sugar Land students to head after a long day of class. — DJ 16135 City Walk 77479 6

COOGLIFE // MAY 2017

705 Main St 77002

LIFESTYLE Best off-campus apartments

Best on-campus hangout The Nook

Whether you’re in the mood for an iced latte or a delicious craft beer, The Nook has it all. Try their Birthday Cake or Smores lattes for fun spins on classic coffee flavors. Then, take a seat on one of the comfiest leather sofas you’ll ever have the pleasure of sitting on and chat with friends or study for that upcoming final. — KK 2706 Westheimer Rd, 77098

The vue

Nestled right across from the bayou, the Vue on MacGregor is undoubtedly the most convenient place to live if you want to be off campus. The complex has floor plans with everything from one to four bedrooms and private or shared spaces, and they’re each only a five minute walk to campus. — KK 4460 S MacGregor Way, 77021

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 our website or visit us in the 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

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uh.edu/csi COOGLIFE // MAY 2017

BEST PLACE TO EXERCISE

BEST PLACE TO STUDY Library

If finals have you stressed and you’re looking for the best place to crack down on papers, then look no further than M.D. Anderson Library. Open until 1:45 a.m on weekdays, 9:45 p.m on weekends and 24 hours during Finals Week, no place offers more flexible hours for those hoping to get some studying done. — JA 4333 University Dr 77204

The rec

The Rec Center is not only kept consistently clean, but it has everything that you could ever need for your work out. The indoor running track saves you from heatstroke, and it’s easy to try new things, such as the rock wall or swimming. Tables and chairs can be used for studying if you need to get some work done, and post-workout snacks can be bought at Smoothie King. Unfortunately, though, you can’t buy gains. — EKD 4500 University Drive, TX 77004

best animal shelter Houston SPCA

As the area’s only animal shelter that utilizes a 24-hour hotline, the Houston SPCA works nonstop to end suﬀering, exploitation and abuse of all animals. If you don’t have the means to adopt a new fur-baby, the shelter wish list is posted their website. All donations are tax-deductible, and you can even pick up a cute calendar for your dorm room. — EKD 900 Portway Drive, 77024

best smoke/vape shop Artisan vapor

Even though this smoke shop is more expensive than most, it has been around for a long time and is considered the best. Both locations in Houston have friendly staﬀ that can answer almost any questions you might have about tobacco or vaping equipment. Their glass pieces, however, are what they’re famous for. The huge selection of pipes look more like works of art than anything else. — EKD 10950 Cypress Creek Pkwy E, 77070 8

COOGLIFE // MAY 2017

best place to buy uh gear Barnes & Noble

If you need a red shirt for Cougar Red Friday, a textbook, or even a backpack, Barnes and Noble will happily take your money. Located conveniently in Student Center South, it’s easy to stop by in between classes, meetings, and even after grabbing lunch. The entire top floor is full of Coog gear while the bottom has every kind of school supply you can think of. If you’re just looking for a new book to read to get your mind off grades, there’s obviously a fiction section as well. — EKD 126 University Drive, 77004

Best Auto Shop Joe’s Auto Repair

Joe’s Auto Repair built their reputation on fair vehicle evaluations, as well as excellent customer service and skills. Though they’re a bit on the pricier side, the company has a loyal following that all say it’s worth it. Joe and his team of mechanics are notorious for giving their honest opinion and fixing things that stay fixed.They offer a long list of services include oil changes and brake and engine servicing. It’s hard to argue with a Yelp review of 5/5 stars. — EKD 7040 Stella Link Rd, 77025

FOOD & DRINK Best Taco

Torchy’s Tacos

Whether you’re in Rice Village or cruising Westheimer and need some “damn good tacos,” Torchy’s is the place to get them— as per their slogan. With three locations in the loop and five more throughout the Greater Houston area, their tacos and signature diablo hot sauce aren’t far away. For the non-carnivores, Torchy’s also offers the “Independent,” featuring fried portobello mushroom strips on a flour tortilla topped with black beans, roasted corn, escabeche carrots, queso fresco, cilantro and avocado drizzled with ancho aioli. — GNF 2411 S Shepherd Dr, 77019

Best Burger

Best Burrito

the Burger Joint

Chipotle

2006 Walker St 77003

2625 Louisiana St K 77006

Burger Joint is the perfect spot for a breezy afternoon lunch featuring classic burgers and signature, hand-cut fries. Enjoy an outdoor dinner with a pint of local craft beer or a creamy St. Arnold’s root beer ﬂoat. If you can’t make it to Burger Joint, don‘t worry; they’ll come to you with their food truck stationed outside Agnes Arnold Hall nearly every day of the week.— GNF

If you’ve never tried a Chipotle bowl or burrito, you’ve been hiding with Patrick Star under the world’s biggest rock. Chipotle oﬀers over six types of protein to choose from, which when combined with any of their ten plus toppings, create a delicious, perfect-for-you, meal. As its nearest location is less than ﬁve miles from campus, it’s the perfect place to grab a quick bite between classes. — EF

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Best Tex-Mex Chuy’s

Texas is often associated with two foods: ﬁnger-lickin’ barbecue and authentic Mexican—if you want the best of both, check out one of Chuy’s many locations throughout Houston, Sugar Land and Katy. According to their website, their food is “always fresh, never frozen.” Be sure to grab some of their handmade tortillas next time you’re in the River Oaks area. — GNF 2706 Westheimer Rd, 77098

best wings

Wingstop

Open until midnight every day of the week, Wingstop is the go-to place for your next late-night study break. With one on Scott Street, their deep-fried chicken wings are a little more than a short walk away. If you’re not on campus, don’t worry, there are at least 47 more locations for you to choose from in Houston. Looking for a little spice on your wings? Try their “Louisiana Rub” next time you’re in. — GNF 4434 University Dr, 77204

BEST PLACE TO STUDY Pho Saigon

BB’s cafe

Looking for a joke about how phoking good this noodle house is? Too bad—but you are going to love the bang for your buck at Pho Saigon in Midtow. They serve huge portions for less than $10, and their menu boasts a ton of options, including non-meat dishes. Get a side of dumplings and wash it all down with a cup of Won Ton Soup. And don’t forget to order the sweet Vietnamese Iced Coﬀee. — TS

BB’s Café may only be turning a decade old this year, but they’ve quickly spread to six more locations in this short amount of time. Founded by Brooks Bassler, the restaurant features a Tex-Orleans menu centered around New Orleans-style po’ boys. What makes BB’s so enticing for students at UH is it’s open for 24 hours at its main location and open until midnight or later at others. — LDG

2808 Milam St D, 77006

2710 Montrose Blvd #A, 77006

Best Sandwich McAllister’s Deli

Looking for a bowl of warm soup on a cold day or a hearty sandwich for your lunch break? McAllister’s has a wide menu catering to both meat lovers and abstainers, has Wi-Fi and—if you go to the one on campus—accepts Cougar Cash. — GNF 4434 University Dr, 77204

COOGLIFE // MAY 2017

BEST CRAWFISH

Best Pizza Pink’s Pizza

Pizza. The foundation of the college student diet. But if college is about one thing, it’s about getting away from the old stuﬀ you’ve had your whole life. No more Papa Johns or Pizza Hut. That’s where Pink’s Pizza comes in with their diverse selection of toppings. Try the Bada Ring, or if you’re a green lover, the Veggie Supremo. The best part? It is right across campus. — TS 4701 Calhoun Rd, Houston, TX 77004

best desserts Tout Suite

Even if you somehow don’t think coffee is the greatest gift to the world, you can’t say no to a peanut butter cup tart with a caramel center. Nestled in an old warehouse-turned-coffee-shop, Tout Suite boasts hand-made macaroons, tarts, cake, croissants, donuts and more. And in the likely chance that you do like coffee, they offer a plethora of hand-crafted lattes and espressos to pair with those macaroons. So, go ahead and treat yo’self at this cute café named after a French pun. — KJ 2001 Commerce St. 77002

Best Restaurant in the Third Ward Frenchy’s

If you’re a Beyoncé fan (and if you’re not, then you’re reading the wrong magazine), you may have heard of this soul food joint-turned-chain in her song, “Bow Down.” Frenchy’s is a classic example of good southern cooking, with features like collard greens, mac and cheese, and the “Tender Sandwich,” which features golden-fried chicken tenders on mayonnaise-slathered French bread. Beyoncé approves this message. — KJ 3919 Scott St. 77004

BEST VEGETARIAN Ruggles Green

Vegetarian or not, Ruggles is one of the best places in town to get a bite to eat. Although it’s not exclusively vegetarian, the restaurant’s meatfree options are amazing. The bowl of tomato soups is one of the best in the city, and to top it off, the bowl is covered in a flaky crust and filled with cheese. It’s a must-try if you’re ever close by. — KK

Best Happy Hour sonic

The happiest of hours is Sonic’s with literally thousands of options when it comes to half-priced drinks there’s something for shake lovers, slush lovers, cream slush lovers and of course anyone who enjoys Sonic’s famous cherry limeades— which is everyone. — GNF 3626 Old Spanish Trail, 77021

BEST 24/7 DINER Dot’s

With a line that wraps around the building on the weekends, the Breakfast Klub is a well-known favorite for college students and the rest of Houston. Try the Katﬁsh and Grits or the Wings and Waﬄes, and you’ll be coming back to wait in that line every weekend. Daily specials range from pasta to cajun-style seafood, and the location in Midtown makes it an easy spot to visit while riding the METRORail from the University. — TS

It may not ﬁt the deﬁnition of a locally owned restaurant, but with Houston’s diversity, there’s no better city to house one of the country’s largest halal chains. The menu is simple—and simply good. For less than $15, you can get a bowl of the best falafel in town and drown it in red sauce. Less keen on Mediterranean food? Grab a side of fries. And if you like desserts (who doesn’t?), don’t miss out on the all the sweet, crunchy layers of the baklava, available for just a few bucks. — KK

Are you tired of going to House of Pies every time you need a place to park your sad, homework-swamped self for the entire night? Do you not even particularly like pie? Then, Houston we’ve solved your problem, and it’s named Dot’s Coffee Shop. Only a ten-minute drive from campus, Dot’s is a 24-hour hot spot that offers comfort food, desserts and all the coffee you need to fuel those late-night study sessions. Dot’s really picks up when the crowds come around 11 p.m. to 2 a.m., so if you’re looking for a quiet spot to hit the books, it might not be the greatest place to be during that time. But if you’re looking for a place with great food, hot coffee and nearness to campus, Dot’s is the place for you. — KJ

3711 Travis St, Houston, TX 77002

3821 Farnham St, Houston, TX 7709

7006 I-45, 77087

2305 W. Alabama St, 77098

BEST BREAKFAST The Breakfast Klub

Best Halal Halal Guys

COOGLIFE // MAY 2017

entertainment Best Club south beach

Appropriately located in the Paciﬁc Street district in Montrose, South Beach is a modern dance club popular among Houston’s gay community, but has managed to appeal to those outside of it as well by winning best overall bar. Its main room features a monstrous circular dance ﬂoor surrounded by two bars and other levels also meant for dancing the night—and your dread— away. The club is always hosting special events that you can check out on its Facebook page. — JA Photo Credit: Stewart Lyons

BEST RADIO STATION coog radio

Featuring top notch student run radio shows like Colt 45, Kill the Music and Future Waves HTX, students can catch live bands, various talk shows and nearly every genre of music on Coogradio.com and on the TuneIn app. The station is run out of the Center for Student Media, and it’s always open to budding DJs and local acts looking to get their music out. — GNF

Student Center North, University of Houston Main Campus

810 Paciﬁc St 77006

BEST SEX SHOP best sex shop

REGISTER NOW Don’t wait on the waitlist…register now for fall! Use Schedule Planner to get the classes you want and the schedule that works for you.

Whether you are in dire need of something to help spice things up with your partner or you just really want some new toys to play around with, Adam & Eve has got you covered. No matter your preferences, you are sure to ﬁnd something in this store that appeals to your more primal instincts. — JA

1111 Westheimer Rd 77006

BEST RECORD STORE cactus musIC

Providing Houston with CDs and records for over 30 years, Cactus Music is not only one of the city’s oldest music stores, it hosts a number of events with locally and nationally recognized artists. If you ever feel the urge to attend a Bun B autograph signing or visit a unique art exhibit, head to the Upper Kirby area for an old school music-buying experience and great customer service. — EF

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

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COOGLIFE // MAY 2017

EnrollatUH

9889 Bellaire Blvd 77036

BEST KARAOKE yes ktv

Have you ever thought to yourself, “Where can I hear some really great Chinese karaoke?” If you have, you are fortunate enough to live in the city that is home to KTV Karaoke. Not only do they oﬀer over 10,000 songs in English, including many top 50 hits, they have more than 150,000 Chinese karaoke songs. So if you ever feel the urge to jam out to some multilingual karaoke, head over to Chinatown for a fun night. — EF

9889 Bellaire Blvd 77036

BEST COMIC BOOK SHOP bedrock city

Hardcore nerds and casual readers alike ﬁnd that Bedrock City is the best place to satisfy their comic book needs. Specializing in Golden and Silver age comics, hosting special events throughout the month and having a presence at various conventions around the state has helped solidify their place as Houston’s best. Every Wednesday, the store gets new books in, so make sure to stop by and pay them a visit. — JA

4602 Washington Ave 77007

BEST HAPPY HOUR

713 tattoo

An online search of the best tattoo shops in Houston will bring up a bounty of lists, all of which place 713 Tattoos in their top ﬁve. 713’s plethora of artists — all with unique styles to suit every need — certainly make it a stand-out shop. They are also known for custom designs they provide for the local motorcycle community. — EF

BEST BAR

Video games and beer: a timeless combination. Some genius decided to combine delicious craft beer, a great liquor selection, video games, comic books and ping pong. Adding to the eclectic ambiance, Neil’s frequently oﬀers made to order taco plates and burgers. Only 2.3 miles from the UH campus, Neil’s is easily within a $10 Uber radius. — EF Photo Credit: Karis Johnson

f bar

2006 Walker St 77003

BEST LGBTQ BAR

F Bar is often credited with bringing drag “back” to Houston. Nestled between Midtown and Montrose, this club, open six days a week, draws in people from both neighborhoods looking to have a good time. — JA 202 Tuam St 77006

Best place to watch UH games

calhoun’s rooftop

Boasting an eclectic sampling of some of Houston’s most delicious craft beers, Calhoun’s Rooftop is conveniently located on campus, making it a great place to watch all of UH’s sporting events. Fun fact: the owners of the popular local brewery, No Label Brewing, are not only UH alumni, they were actually married at Calhoun’s. — EF

4701 Calhoun Rd #200 77004

Best Live Music Venue HOUSE OF BLUES

1533 Westheimer Rd 77006

Neil’s BAr

Photo Credit: Greg Fails

Since 2008, Houstonians have had a centrally located, intimate venue to enjoy live music. Instead of ﬁghting for lawn space with thousands of fellow Houstonians, House of Blues customers can enjoy a cold refreshing drink while watching their favorite bands play only feet away. Surrounded by the beautiful downtown Houston skyline, and plenty of dining options, it is certainly the city’s most comfortable and convenient music venue. — EF

1204 Caroline St 77002

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COOGLIFE // MAY 2017

RICE TO THE FINISH

Find your way through the maze to all of your favorite Asian restaurants. Whether you’re craving Thai food, pho or ramen, these restaurants all oﬀer something that can satisfy your diﬀerent needs.

Vietnamese Noodle House

Vietnamese

thai

China Gard en Restauran t

RESTAURANT

chinese japanese

E D I T O R I A L

Restaurants Featured

Vietnamese | Pho Saigon Noodle House Chinese |Chinese Garden Restaurant Thai |Thai Gourmet Japanese | Jinya Ramen

W R I T I N G

R A D I O

Karis Johnson, EXECUTIVE EDITOR arts@thedailycougar.com 713-743-5302 Trey Strange, FOUNDING EDITOR Karin Keller, ASSISTANT EDITOR Julie Araica, ASSISTANT EDITOR

C. McRae Peavy Jasmine Davis Erin Fehres Greg Fails Leonard D. Gibson III Dana Jones

Sebastián Troitiño Maria Smith Alexandra Marcano

D E S I G N

P H O T O G R A P H Y

Leah Nash, CREATIVE DIRECTOR Katie Santana, GRAPHIC DESIGNER Ramiro Armendariz Erin Davis Sonny Singh

Justin Cross, PHOTO EDITOR Ajani Stewart, ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR Julie Araica Greg Fails Stewart Lyons

V I D E O

Corbin Ayres, PRODUCER Andrea Bonilla, HOST John Cooper, HOST Gabby Peraza, HOST A D V E R T I S I N G

Callista Brown, SALES MANAGER csmadvertising@uh.edu 713-743-5340 Binnie Jeong Thomas Manuel

COOGLIFE // MAY 2017

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE COOGS CHOOSE WINNERS FROM THE DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS AND ENROLLMENT SERVICES!

Best UH Staff Member Keith Kowalka Erin Ciceri Katy Kaesebier

Best On-Campus Residence Lofts Cougar Village 1 Cougar Place

Best Student Org SPB

Best On-Campus Hangout Student Centers

2017

Best Sorority Delta Gamma

FIRST PLACE

WINNERS WINNER

Best Fraternity Alpha Sigma Phi

Best Bowling Alley Student Center Games Room

Student Leader Chris Pinto

Best Radio Coog Radio

#UHSUCCESS uh.edu/dsaes

Best Place to Exercise The Rec

UH_DSAES

UH Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Services

HOUSTON

5/7 Casey James 5/10 Jazz Cartier 5/13 Prophets & Outlaws 5/14 Smino 5/18 LANco 5/20 Justine Skye 5/21 Icon For Hire

THE BOX OFFICE AT REVENTION MUSIC CENTER OR CHARGE BY PHONE AT 800-745-3000

All dates, acts and ticket prices subject to change without notice. A service charge is added to each ticket.