There are plenty of places to eat and shop in Houston, but Houston’s newest mixed-use community, Memorial Green, is not your typical strip mall.

Nestled in the Memorial Villages, Memorial Green is nearly 15 acres of luxury homes, boutique shopping and upscale dining experiences. We’ve curated a list of just some of the reasons to add Memorial Green to the top of your to-do list for 2019.

1: Food

Dish Society

Good food that is good for you? Yes, friends, Dish Society offers it and a great atmosphere to boot. Consistently named one of the best restaurants in Houston, Dish Society lives up to the hype. Start off with a drink to get you warmed up for the good food that is to come. I loved the Black Cherry Limeade and the Red Basil, but you can’t go wrong with anything on their cocktail menu or robust wine list. A standout on the appetizer menu is the Smoked Gouda Grit Balls with jalapeño jelly, and I also enjoyed the Berry Bruschetta, it is light and tasty – you can’t go wrong with goat cheese and a balsamic reduction.

From the entrée menu, I suggest the Shrimp and Grits which are nicely cooked and topped with large shrimp. The 44 Farms Chimichurri Steak Tacos are always a good option – tender steak and house-made chimichurri sauce along with house-specialty roasted corn pico makes for a delicious bite of food.

Jonathan’s the Rub

The original Jonathan’s the Rub located on Gaylord is still very much a part of the Memorial area, but Jonathan Levine has expanded to his newest location in Memorial Green, and patrons couldn’t be happier to have a different experience with the same commitment to great flavor.

Famous for Levine’s hearty meat dishes, the menu is expansive, with something for every discerning pallet. The Smokey Mac-N-Cheeses with Bacon is not your typical restaurant mac-n-cheese, but a hearty mixture of cheeses and large chunks of bacon to punctuate every bite. Yes, very decadent, but also very worth it. For the signature rub, try the Bone in Strip which is well seasoned and comes with a choice of sauce.

Owner Jonathan Levine began with just one of his famous rubs, but has now expanded to three. Levine divulged a secret or two about the ingredients to his rub recipes during my dinner at the restaurant: smoked paprika and vinegar powder, which he says “hits you right in the back of the mouth.” Makes you want to visit, just to see if you can taste it, huh?

Vine Wine Room

Part of the Memorial area for over 14 years, Vine Wine Room now has a new address across the street from its original location, in Memorial Green. Vine Wine Room is one of the oldest wine rooms in Houston, has live music four nights a week and carries a large selection of small batch wines that can’t be found other places. The pizzas are delicious and the Vine’s Signature Cheese Plate is a must – I highly suggest getting it with everything. Great cheeses, fruit, nuts, a variety of cured meats along with artisanal bread make for an enjoyable experience.

2: Pamper Yourself

Isle Pedispa

Beautiful décor, sparkling chandeliers and a fresh atmosphere are what Isle Pedispa is known for. Memorial Green boasts the fifth location of the charming boutique nail salon which is located on the second floor of the development.

The décor and attention to detail is absolutely delightful – the perfect mix of luxury and sparkle will leave you feeling not only pampered, but relaxed. Isle Pedispa has private rooms for parties of two or more and also allows clients to bring in their own snacks and drinks (wine or bubbly included). Getting your nails done just got a whole lot more lux…

The Lash Lounge Houston

You also won’t want to miss the cute boutique style of The Lash Lounge Houston, where co-owners Amanda Vu and Lisa Pham have brought the eyelash extension craze up to a whole new level. Pamper yourself with eyelash or brow extensions, tinting, threading or permanent makeup.

Define: Body & Mind Memorial Green

If getting your sweat on is more your thing, check out Define: Body & Mind Memorial Green. The sleek gym has a number of classes, including barre, cycling and yoga to get you moving. Define also offers a nutrition component called Define Foods. Everything you need in one upscale location.

3: Luxury

Memorial Green Living

The homes in Memorial Green’s gated community are luxurious, tranquil and their location literally can’t be beat. Centered around a central green space, the custom homes are built by McCollum Custom Homes, Jeff Paul Custom Home and Pelican Builders Inc. Even if you aren’t in the market for your next piece of Houston property, they are worth a look.

Lam Bespoke

For more than 30 years, the Lam family has been synonymous with custom upholstery services. Lam Bespoke, now with two locations, one in the Upper Kirby area and the second in Memorial Green, is still committed to the ultimate custom upholstery services as well as décor. Their store is an interior designer’s dream come true, with not only beautiful furniture, but also top of the line accessories, art, lighting and more.

Cover courtesy photo Dish Society, Memorial Green

Gabi De la Rosa lives in Houston with her husband and three children. You can usually find her at a great local restaurant or out exploring HTX with her family. Visit her on Instagram @gabioftheroses_htx