Gameday

As we have covered in previous chapters, Houston is spread out and local Astros fans are spread out as well, across the city. And since downtown isn’t a typical hanging out spot for locals in Houston, there aren’t a ton of things to do and experience in the immediate area surrounding the ballpark, like you might find in Chicago, Boston, or in other cities with downtown ballparks.

Nevertheless, there are a few nearby bars and restaurants worth checking out as pregame options, as well as some others no more than a 5-10-minute drive from the ballpark that can serve as decent pregame choices.

Pregame options outside the park: Bars/Restaurants

You guessed it… Biggio’s is named after Astros legend Craig Biggio. Located inside the Marriott Marquis hotel, it’s a 5-minute walk to the home plate entrance. This two-level bar/restaurant has some cool features, including two 30-foot-tall screens and reclining leather chairs. The food is mostly bar eats (burgers, wings, nachos) and they have over 20 beers on tap. Overall, expect a casual, slightly upscale sports bar vibe that is within quick walking distance to the ballpark. Think Buffalo Wild Wings, but nicer. Go here for the proximity to the ballpark and the atmosphere. If you’re a foodie, this probably is not the right pregame choice for you, as there are better options.

Potente is located on Crawford Street directly across from Union Station and the centerfield entrance. Coincidentally owned by Astros owner Jim Crane, this upscale Italian restaurant would typically not make our list of pregame options, but due to the lack of close pre-game options, and its proximity to the ballpark, it’s a nice option for those seeking an upscale dining experience before an evening game.

TSI TIP: Although we are not in the restaurant review business, in our opinion the Spaghetti al Tartufo Nero is good enough to make you forget your team lost the World Series.

Ninfa’s on Navigation has been a Tex-Mex staple in Houston for many years, and as we mentioned in our chapter on local transportation, it is the one restaurant we know of that offers free transportation to and from the ballpark. You’ll miss out on the stadium food, but if you prefer what we think is a great meal instead, and to save some money on parking, this is a great option.

Texas tailgate is a 10-minute walk to the ballpark and is always packed with ‘Stros fans before games, but note: the crowd here tends to be a bit younger and can get a little rowdy. There is a ton of seating, most of which is on the outdoor patio, which is covered in artificial turf and resembles a football field. Texas Tailgate has drink specials every day, so if you’re looking to have a few beverages before the game without paying ballpark prices, this is a good place to check out.

That’s “Pitch,” as in soccer pitch. We know, we know… this is a baseball ballpark guide. But don’t let the name stop you if you’re seeking a pregame option close to the ballpark, because this beer/sports garden is just a 10-minute walk to Minute Maid. If you are also a fan of kicking a soccer ball around, this would be a good option. Pitch 25 is named after Houston Dynamo star Brian Ching, who wore the number 25 jersey and opened the place along with a local restaurant group. The bar has over 100 beers on tap, plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, a full indoor soccer field and tons of games.

Tom’s has a similar vibe to Biggio’s, and it is more upscale than the previous two bars. It’s a bit of a further walk to the ballpark than the other bars—about 17 minutes—but if you’re up for the trek, Tom’s is a really good space. They have a ton of screens inside the bar, a full drink and food menu, and lots of seating.

What to do inside the park

The Astros offer a game day tour, which will get you into the ballpark a full hour before the gates open. The tour lasts one hour and will wrap up with a viewing of Astros batting practice in either the Crawford boxes or bullpen seats. This is the only option that will allow you to view the majority of the Astros BP.

Not interested in taking a tour but still want to watch batting practice? You’re in luck, as gates at Minute Maid park open two hours before game time. You likely will not see any of the Astros take BP, but will have a chance to watch the visiting team.

TSI TIP: For the best chance to catch a ball, hang out in the Crawford Boxes in left field, sections 100-103.

The AT&T broadcast booth is located in center field next to the Budweiser Brewhouse. You can hang out here and watch the live pregame broadcast, and may even have a chance to get on TV!

Karbach
(Section 405)

Although there is not much to see in the club level, there are several premium food and beverage options here that are not available to the rest of the park. If you are a Honda owner or have a Honda key, you are still able to gain access to everything the club has to offer without a club-level ticket. Present your Honda key at the club-level entrance and you (and your group, up to four total people) will be given a wristband that allows access during the entirety of the game.

TSI TIP: There are only 100 of these wristbands available per game so you will need to show up early if you plan to take advantage of this. But you can grab your wristband, wander the ballpark at your leisure, and come back up to the club level whenever you’re ready to. And if you’re renting a car while you’re visiting, renting a Honda could get you access to the club! (We don’t know this for sure—we haven’t tried showing them a Honda key with a giant Hertz tag attached to it).

Check out the sites on the main concourse

Astros mural
(center field)

Baseball Wall
(home plate next to Insperity Club)

Located on the 300 level and overlooking right field, this is a popular place to grab a pregame beer, get a birdseye view of the ballpark, and take photos. Additionally, every Friday night from 5-7pm there is a live DJ and beers are only $5! So if you’re there for a weekend series and enjoy cheap beer, we’d suggest heading up to the Michelob Ultra patio on Friday for your pregame, and saving the other pregame activities for Saturday/Sunday.

Bottom Line

As we mentioned at the top, you don’t have a lot to pick from in the way of pregame activities in downtown Houston. If you are keen to grab a quick bite and beer before the game, we would suggest checking out Biggio’s or Tom’s Watch Party (or any of the other bars we mentioned). If you have a bit more time and want a full dining experience before the game, Potente or Ninfas are good options. If you’re in more of a party mood, Texas Tailgate is the place for you and Pitch 25 is a cool place to eat, drink and play a few games. 

If none of those options appeal to you, keep in mind that the gates at Minute Maid Park open two hours before first pitch, so you can always just head in and have plenty of time to explore the ballpark.