Eclectic mix to grace Rodeo stage

Livestock show, carnival offer many enjoyable experiences

By Jason Caesar Consolacion
Daily Cougar Staff

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo opens its gates as early as 9 a.m. for children's activities and exhibits.

It also opens that early so you can skip school and spend all day there.

However, if you're going to play hookie, you better consider the ever-important element of hunger. You're definitely going to want to get your grub on at the HLS&R. 

Now, for those of you who don't eat, this is not a problem. But the Rodeo will be full of a variety of options where you can grab some eats. Unfortunately, the preliminary "eat fest" is now history with the annual Bar-B-Que cook-off having been completed this past weekend, but there is still plenty of good food to go around.

First and foremost, bring a lot of dough -- not for eating, but for spending. You will be forced to shell out the big bucks to satisfy your hunger. 

If you plan on buying a snack, something equivalent to a dinner and a few drinks before, during and after the Rodeo, you could be shelling out anywhere from $20 to almost $50 on food (assuming that you cowboys will be spending for your dates).

So what's available for your eating pleasure?

Whether you're in the mood for barbecue, hamburgers, Mexican eats, ice cream or coffee, you'll have an easy time finding what to eat. 

For your traditional Rodeo eats, Luther's Bar-B-Q, Goode Company BBQ and Harlon's BBQ House & Catering lead the way. Luther's is located in the Astrodome, while the other places have set up booths in the Astrohall.

If you're looking to run for the border, Alamo Tamale & Taco of Houston LP, Go Tejano Dinner, Lobos Cafe, Lupitas Gorditas and Pappasitos will be available for you spice lovers. All of these places have booths in the Astrohall and are easy to find.

Specialty restaurants include Owen's Country Sausage Cafe, Cajun's Unlimited, Field of Corn, New Braunfels Smokehouse, Bum's Grill, Subway Sandwiches and Triple J's Smokehouse -- all fine restaurants that offer specialized menus.

If you like items from the orient, feel free to visit Kim Son Restaurant. If you're not into eating animals with legs, Brandon's Fish Shack is there to serve your seafood fancy. 

Now don't forget about beverages and desserts. There are plenty of places to find a snack and even more places to find something to wash it down. 

Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream, Crown Cinnamon Rolls, Dippin' Dots Inc., Frontier Fruit & Nut Company, Helmut's Strudel, Sweetie Pies and The Apple Cart feature an array of munchies to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Fife's Agencies Inc., Spresso Bar, SQUEEZERS, Toopees Coffee Company and Tropical Fruit Smoothie Company are also available to quench your thirst. 

As you can see, you have plenty of options when you get hungry at the Rodeo. Just remember to bring a wad of money so you won't be left with an empty wallet when your stomach starts growling at the carnival.