Life in the East End
Developing Community
The historic East End has shaped the fabric of Houston’s identity since the city’s founding. What began as little more than a geographic focal point for industrial activity—in proximity to Ship Channel and railroad infrastructure —has transformed over the decades into the neighborhoods, nostalgia evoking restaurants, iconic parks, and community supported businesses that residents have made as much a part of their identities as their family names.
The area’s arts and cultural scene are made richer by the legacies, histories and cultural revolutions that underscore its artists, creatives, painters, and scholars. In short, the East End exemplifies the very best of Houston only because of its people, and in 2023 the area welcomed new projects, organizations and partners focused empowering residents from all walks of life. Houston’s East End is at the forefront of new developments and continued growth. The East End prides itself on being the place to work, live and do business and with that slogan, With the help of the East End Chamber of Commerce and its President, Frances Castaneda Dyess, leading the way, progress is set forth to continue to be strong and plentiful.
One mile from downtown, at the corner of Jensen and Clinton Dr., the Fifth Ward is home to East River—an emerging 150 acres of urban, mixed-use development. East River has space built for inventors, builders, creators, and connectors, as well as sites for corporate and medical office, high density residential and other uses found in a master planned urban environment. Named the largest mixed-use development in Houston, East River has continued its expansion. With its eclectic charm and industrial landscaping, East River is paving the way for work, play and live, to coincide in Houston’s central core, bringing together a multitude of industries and businesses in one place. With over a mile of frontage along Houston’s Buffalo Bayou waterfront, East River provides a unique community connection access to this vibrant community asset.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be one of the largest sporting events in the history of the world. Seven matches will be played at NRG Stadium over the course of 20 days, from June 14 through July 4. While the seven matches are the main event, the primary ancillary event is the FIFA Fanfest which will be held in East Downtown (EaDo). This will take place over the course of 39 days, from June 12 through July 19. Thousands of soccer fans per day will descend upon EaDo to celebrate the World Cup. It will be a great opportunity to showcase EaDo to residents and visitors from around the world. Event organizers continue to work on the final details and more plans will be available as the event approaches.
Port Houston has long been a driving force in Houston's economy, managing the public wharves and terminals along the Houston Ship Channel for more than a century. In 2026, Port Houston will move to the Historic Fifth Ward, nestled along the scenic Buffalo Bayou. The relocation is part of the vibrant East River development, a dynamic 150-acre mixed-use project. In collaboration with real estate partner Midway, Port Houston's new headquarters will feature six floors of modern office space, housing key departments such as Government Relations, Community Relations, Legal, Accounting, Business Equity, Economic Development, Human Resources, and more. This move signals a new chapter of growth and innovation for Port Houston and its continued impact on the region's success.
Tejas Brewery is located in the heart of vibrant Sawyer Yards, offering three stories of exceptional food, handcrafted beer, creative cocktails, artisan coffee, and versatile event spaces—all with a stunning view of downtown Houston.
Known for its locally brewed Tejas Beer, a beloved favorite with a stellar reputation and loyal following, the brewery and taproom boast an impressive lineup of beers on tap, alongside premium spirits, craft cocktails, a full dining menu, and exclusive Tejas merchandise.
Tejas Brewery is more than just a place for great drinks, it's a cornerstone of the Houston community. Visitors can enjoy guided brewery tours, unwind in a welcoming atmosphere, or gather with friends and colleagues for memorable experiences. Whether it’s a casual lunch, dinner, a corporate reception, or catching a game of your favorite sports team on one of the many big-screen TVs, Tejas Brewery has you covered.
From brewery tours and tastings to post-work happy hours, Tejas Brewery is the go-to destination for Houstonians. And for those looking to bring the flavor home, Tejas Beer six-packs are available for sale to-go and at retailers near you!
Credits for Tejas Brewery Photo: Steve Hyde
The Flying Biscuit Cafe began in a quaint little neighborhood just East of Atlanta over 30 years ago. Fast forward to today they’ve expanded to over 35 locations throughout Georgia, North Carolina, Florida and Texas. Located at 2404 Navigation Blvd, The Flying Biscuit houses a variety of dishes perfect for breakfast, brunch and lunch. Known for their creamy grits and fluffy biscuits, customers enjoy various menu items ranging from Chicken & Waffles to Breakfast Burgers, as well as Gluten Free and Vegan/Vegetarian options. Looking for a stay-at-home vibe? They also offer Carry-Out and Pickup options. Want to feed a group? They offer catering for ANY size event! A staple of Southern-inspired comfort, The Flying Biscuit has a little something for everyone.
Following recommendations from the 2011 Second Ward Livable Centers Study, the East End District conducted a thorough East End Mobility Study in 2012, which resulted in the Navigation/Jensen/Runnels Roundabout safety improvement. The roundabout addresses current and anticipated issues, including roadway capacity bottlenecks, dangerous intersection and roadway geometry, and network connectivity, which makes the intersection safer for all users, including pedestrians, bike riders, and drivers. The roadway achieves safety by simplifying turning movements and forcing vehicular traffic to slow as they approach, yielding to pedestrians, bike riders, and drivers who are already moving in the roundabout ahead of them. The East End District is proud to aid in creating a denser, transit-oriented, pedestrian-friendly community in order to accommodate the influx of new commercial concepts as well as improving the community for long standing property owners.
Located in the heart of Houston’s East End, Jonathan’s the Rub is a family-run restaurant with over 20 years of history in Houston. This location is the only one offering their exclusive Brooklyn-style pizza, alongside juicy burgers, expertly grilled steaks, and fresh seafood. Known for its high-quality comfort food and warm, welcoming atmosphere, Jonathan’s delivers a memorable dining experience. Whether you’re enjoying a signature dish or a standout entrée, this hidden gem promises a taste of tradition and hospitality in a vibrant neighborhood setting. Jonathan's The Rub is the perfect place for everyone to enjoy a delicious and memorable meal.
Houston East's End is not just witnessing development; it is embracing a holistic transformation that encompasses infrastructure, recreation, sustainability, community support, and culinary diversity. These initiatives collectively contribute to the growth, vibrance, and resilience of the East End Community, shaping a promising future for residents and visitors alike.
The East End represents a number of the city’s most historic and culturally significant neighborhoods. Many area residents can trace their ancestors back to some of the area’s early settlers and some of Houston’s original recorded deeds are in the East End.
The homes built in Eastwood were custom homes reflecting the early 20th century fondness for Craftsman, Arts & Crafts, Foursquare and Mission architecture. Today, Eastwood has one of Houston’s largest intact collections of these architectural styles.
Please take a look at the East End's premier neighborhoods:
Houston Country Club Place
Eastwood
East Lawndale
Fullerton Place
Harrisburg Civic Association
Idlywood
Greater Magnolia Park Pine View
Middle Street Lofts on the Bayou
Twenty-two new residential communities have become a part of the East End landscape bringing new and old together in a fashionable way. In town Homes the newest development in east downtown offers a variety of townhomes and lofts sure to suit your style!
For current residential properties for sale in Houston’s East End please click on the following links:
East End Entertainment Venues
Part of the vibrant redevelopment of downtown includes entertainment venues located on the eastern side that include Minute Maid Park- home of the Houston Astros, and the Toyota Center- home to the Houston Rockets. Also calling the East End home are the two-time MLS champions, the Houston Dynamo, and the Houston Dash, the National Women's Soccer League.
Cultural Arts
Houston is second to only New York as a major cultural arts center. More than 200 cultural institutions are dedicated to bringing art to the Houston community. Houston is one of the few U. S. cities that offer world-class year-round resident companies in all of the major performing arts. Visual arts are served with distinction in Houston by the Museum of Fine Arts, Contemporary Arts Museum, and the Menil Collection. Joining the Menil are several other museums including a wide range of commercial galleries. East End treasures also feature and promote Latino artists and theater groups providing extraordinary imagination and the opportunity to express personal artistic vision through unique public art.
Enjoy a leisurely stroll along Brays Bayou in Houston’s Historic East End! From hike and bike trails, linear trails to parks nestled in historic neighborhoods offering a beautiful backdrop of downtown Houston. Visit the East End and enjoy amenities including a skate park, golf course, swimming pools, soccer fields and community gardens. Take a drive down East End streets and enjoy lush and beautiful canopies of trees lining the neighborhoods! The East End your HOMETOWN in A Big City!
Trails
Brays Bayou from Lawndale to Forest Hill
Brays Bayou from 75th to Evergreen
Harrisburg - Sunset Drennan to Marsden; Ave. R to Ave H
Hike and Bike Trail
Eastwood Park - 5000 Harrisburg
Hartman Park - 9311 Ave P.
Mason Park - 541 75th Street
Parks
Broadmoor/Kretschmar Park - 1500 Elliot St.
Brown Foundation Plaza - 2801 Harrisburg Blvd.
Denver Harbor Park - 6402 Market St.
De Zavala Park - 7520 Avenue J/907 76th St.
Eastwood Park - 5000 Harrisburg
Eastwood Skatepark - 5020 Harrisburg
Glenbrook Park & Golf Course - 8201 North Bayou Drive
Gragg Park Complex - 2999 S Wayside
Guadalupe Plaza - 2311 Runnels
Gus Wortham Park & Golf Course - 311 S Wayside Dr
Hidalgo Park - 7000 Avenue Q
House of Tiny Treasures - 1529 Lombardy St.
Ingrando Park - 7302 Keller St.
Japhet Creek - 4600 Clinton @ Emile St.
Jenkins Garden Corner of Lockwood & Harrisburg
Mason Park - 541 South 75th St/Tipps
M.C Cullinan Park - 5120 Polk
Milby Park - 2001 Central
Park Drive Park - 4600 Park Dr
Park Place Park - 8600 Detroit
Peiser Park - 8510 Manchester St.
Reveille Park - Oak Vista
Settegast Park - 3001 Garrow
Smither Park - 2441 Munger St.
Spurlock Park - 6700 Park Lane
Tony Marron Park - 808 N. York
Yolanda Black Navarro Buffalo Bend Nature Park - 2300 S. Sgt. Macario Garcia Dr.
Over 25 murals can be found in every nook and cranny of the East End. From world-renowned artists to local talent telling the East End story and its rich history, you do not want to miss taking a drive and checking out these colorful works of art. Stop and enjoy a delectable dessert or coffee or enjoy lunch at one of our many restaurants.
A Mexican Mountain Scene - 521 S. Wayside @ Avenue P
Aerosol Art Wall - 4500 Harrisburg Blvd.
Angel Wings - 6632 Harrisburg Blvd.
Baile - 6311 Gulf Fwy.
Coffee Plant/ Second Ward - Metrorail Station - 511 York St.
Conduit - 5020 Harrisburg Blvd.
Don't Forget Your Roots - 6635 Harrisburg Blvd.
East End: Birthplace of Houston - 3715 Harrisburg Blvd.
Eastside Houston - 802 Telephone Rd. @ Dumble
El Callejon de Los Murales - Oshman’s Building - I-45 @ Wayside
El Centro de Corazon - 5001 Navigation
El Derecho el Respeto Ajeno - 2950 Broadway
Frenetic Theater - 5102 Navigation Blvd.
GEEMD/ East End Foundation - 3211 Harrisburg Blvd.
Goodwill Building - 4535 Harrisburg
Harrisburg Plaza - S. Wayside @ Capitol
Houston's East End - 1450 Gulfgate Center Mall
Jardin - 6311 Gulf Fwy.
Jungle - 5100 Polk St.
La Reyna del Acorden - 6901 Harrisburg
La Virgen Encantador - 2405 Navigation
Las Mananitas - 6311 Gulf Fwy.
Lee Angel Ramirez - 6300 Navigation
McDonald's Mural: "Arte Sin Barrerras" - 6000 Gulf Fwy.
Metamorphosis - 110 N. Milby St.
Nuestra Familia, - Nuestra Comunidad - 4410 Navigation Blvd.
Nuestra Senora - 5100 Polk Street
Papel picado - 6311 Gulf Fwy.
Paz a Las Americas - 6635 Harrisburg Blvd.
Peace to the Americas - 6635 Harrisburg Blvd.
Port Houston - 1929 Dorsett St.
Rebirth of our Nationality - 5800 Canal
Sal Creations at Crespo Navigation - 2516 Navigation Blvd.
Selena - 7037 Capitol
The Houston Ship Channel - 6601 Harrisburg
The View from Magnolia - 7748 Avenue K
Ventanas de Opportunidad - 2704 Navigation - (behind Original Ninfa’s)
Voodoo Queen - 3004 Canal St.
Walmart Mural: "Together Somos Mas" - 2391 S Wayside Dr.