Traveling to Houston, April 21-28, Need Input!

about this time last year, but I don’t know how to quickly sift through those.

quick hit anwers to your questions:

where to park? – I usually park on the other side of 59, which seems to be less popular and easier to find a free street spot. depending on what your pre- and post-game plans are, you can find plenty of street parking closer to main street and there are some food and drink options that way. there are ample pay lots, depending on your willingness to open the wallet. the closer you get to the stadium, the more expensive it is. there’s a parking garage on Caroline (i think), that’s just a few blocks from the stadium and at least used to charge only $5 for regular non-marquee games (parking prices skyrocketted for the Sox and Yankees, just like everything else).

where to eat? – outside the stadium, i like Home Plate Bar, especially if you go up to the 3rd floor, where it still seems that nobody knows they have a bunch of tables and another bar. it may be appetizers only up there, though. don’t go to bells and whistles cafe if you want a pregame beer with your pregame food. at least last season, they didn’t have a liquor license and seemed to cater more towards blue hairs and families. i’ve never been to Irma’s, but that’s a popular pre-game eatery. inside the stadium, i like the new ballpark sizzlers or whatever they call those new food carts on the main concourse. they have sliders, sausage and peppers, cheesesteaks, and maybe a few other options, if you’re looking for an alternative to the dog and peanuts. they tried out a new all-you-can-eat section in the upper deck last year, but i never checked it out. i did the math and figured you’d have to have one hell of an appetite to get your money’s worth. also, don’t rule out Larry’s Big Bamboo as a pregame hangout. their prices before first pitch are actually pretty competetive.

where to smoke? – not a smoker, but i think they have smoking terraces all over the place, at least in the upper deck.

where to get an artery-clogging baked potato? – i’m not a baked potato fan, so i can’t help you there.

Here is the link to last year’s discussion. I looked back over it and don’t really have anything to add. Also, I can’t help you with the baked potato either, sorry.