Welcome to Houston! Ifyou’re in town for Procore Groundbreak, your days are going to be packed with sessions, networking,and booth visits. But once the conference floor closes, Houston’s food anddrink scene is wide open. This city takes its BBQ seriously, loves a cold beer,and has plenty of local flavor to keep you fueled for the week.

We pulled together aquick guide to where you can eat, drink, and unwind while you’re here.

BBQWorth the Messy Hands

Houston BBQ has earnedits reputation — and these spots will show you why:

1.  Truth BBQ – Brisket so good it doesn’t need sauce(though you’ll want to try it anyway). Get there early — the line moves fast.

2.  The Pit Room – Central Texas–style with all theclassics, plus sides that actually hold their own.

3.  Gatlin’s BBQ – Family-run, generous portions, andplenty of smoke flavor. A solid spot for a group dinner after a long day on thefloor.

Breweries& Beer Halls

Networking doesn’thave to end when the sessions do. These breweries are perfect for kicking backor gathering a crew:

1.  Saint Arnold Brewing Company – Texas’ oldest craft brewery with amassive outdoor space. Ideal for a team happy hour.

2.  Karbach Brewing Co. – Easy-drinking beers and solid pubfood, just outside of downtown.

3.  Eureka Heights – Casual and quirky; great if you’relooking to keep things light after a long day.

BitesBeyond BBQ

Sometimes you need abreak from brisket. Houston’s Tex-Mex and taco scene won’t disappoint:

1.  Ninfa’s on Navigation – Legendary Tex-Mex and margaritas. Amust-hit for groups who want more than just meat and beer.

2.  The Original Ninfa’s Uptown – Same flavor, different side of town ifyou’re closer to the Galleria.

3.  Tacos Tierra Caliente – A no-frills food truck with some ofthe best tacos in town.

Off-the-WallRecs

Looking to shakethings up? Here are a few curveballs worth bragging about:

1.  Himalaya – A Pakistani/Texan mash-up that localsrave about. Think chicken fried steak meets biryani.

2.  Korean Noodle House (TofuVillage) – Spicy tofustew and noodles that hit the spot, especially late-night.

3.  The Burger Joint – Massive, messy burgers with a cultfollowing. Sometimes you just need one after a long conference day.

4.  Nancy’s Hustle – Trendy but relaxed, with small plates,natural wines, and one of the best burgers in Houston. Perfect if you’reentertaining.

Closeto the Convention Center

If you don’t want tostray too far from Groundbreak HQ, here are some solid spots within walkingdistance of the George R. Brown Convention Center:

1.  The Rustic – Live music, big patio, and heartyTexas comfort food.

2.  Xochi – Upscale Oaxacan restaurant byaward-winning Chef Hugo Ortega. Killer mole and mezcal list.

3.  Brasserie du Parc – French bistro vibes if you’re cravingsomething a little different.

4.  Truck Yard – Outdoor beer garden with food trucksand a laid-back vibe (good for larger groups).

Groundbreak is abouttechnology, compliance, and the future of construction. But it’s also about thepeople. Sharing BBQ brisket, raising a pint, or trading stories over tacos iswhere real connections get made. Consider this your unofficial field guide toHouston eats — no badge required.

Now go eat!

And if you want tocome say hi to Tough Leaf this week, you’ll find us at Booth #1331!