Rodeo Goat may have only opened in March, but you'd think it was a longstanding Houston institution given the amount of media buzz it's already garnered. CultureMap, Eater, and the Dallas Observer are just a few of the high-profile publications to praise the newly opened eatery, particularly its burgers.

The Marvin Zindler burger sets mouths watering with its stack of applewood-smoked bacon, a beefsteak tomato, jalapenos, fried onions, cheddar, pickle chutney, lettuce, and house-made barbecue sauce on top of a freshly ground beef patty. The Salted Sow mixes things up a bit with its patty of Italian sausage and beef with basil, pesto, mozzarella, balsamic-infused mayo, and a bit of fresh prosciutto on top. If you want to skip the meat, Rodeo Goat also offers two veggie burgers, one made of quinoa, barley, radishes, and mushrooms (the Billy F. Gibbons) and the other crafted strictly from a blend of veggies (the Neil Young).

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If you think a trip to the zoo is only for kids, allow Houston Zoo After Dark to show you otherwise. This adults-only event takes the family-friendly zoo and transforms it into an outdoor party venue, complete with libations and live entertainment. It all begins at 6 p.m. on June 21st and July 19th.

Pick your date and snag a ticket ($35), then come to the Houston Zoo to meet and greet the animals for a couple of hours after it's closed to the public. Explore the zoo and its residents' habitats from 6 to 8 p.m., then head back to the main stage for some live entertainment. Enjoy a cocktail as you enjoy the entertainment and some fun with friends—the first drink is included. Bring along your wallet if you want extra food and drink, which will be available for purchase.

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What began as a single-block food festival in Toronto has exploded into a sprawling celebration that travels across country and state lines. Vegandale will make its first stop in Houston this year, proving that even in the land of barbecue, it's easy to avoid animal products without sacrificing fun and flavorful food.

Vegandale will take over Sam Houston Park on Saturday, June 2nd starting at 11 a.m. and running until 7 p.m. Its vendors are prepared to convert even the staunchest of meat-eaters into plant-lovers with vegan dishes like juicy burgers, decadent mac and cheese, and even lavish brownie sundaes. Grab your general admission ticket ($15) and bring some cash to pay for food as you go, since not every vendor at the festival will accept debit or credit cards.

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