In a city that is rich with Mexican food, culture, and heritage, it is no surprise that Houston restaurants and bars celebrate the tradition of loteria for all to enjoy. The game of chance, similar to Bingo, in which players are given boards, or tablas, with a grid of images that are called out by a designated announcer, has been a beloved part of Mexican culture for generations. Like Bingo, players of all ages can participate, with the first to cancel out a row, column, or full board proclaiming “¡Loteria!” declared the winner.
Hangouts around town are raising the stakes of the game by offering epic prizes, food and drink specials, and most of all, a warm sense of community that loteria nights have long been known for.
Here is a list of six places in Houston where you can eat, play, and win.
Space City Birria
This lively Downtown taco shop hosts loteria nights every Thursday beginning at 7 p.m. The cost is $10, with players receiving two cards for 10 rounds of play. Upon winning a round, guests can secure prizes like food and drinks, gift cards, game and concert tickets, NASA tours, local hotel stays, merchandise, and a grand prize of $250. Loteria nights are wildly popular and draw crowds often, but guests are welcome to reserve tables in advance. 415 Milam St., Houston, spacecitybirriatacos.com
Museum of Fine Arts Houston
The Museum of Fine Arts Houston takes a unique approach to loteria, by hosting game nights inspired by the museum’s own art collections. Free for all ages with museum admission, the interactive game is held in Lynn Watt Theater in the Kinder Building on specified dates. Participants can play for prizes, and then explore the art featured in the game in person showcased throughout the various galleries in the museum. With 54 works of art featured in the game, there is much to discover. The next loteria game night is Thursday, December 18, from 6 to 8 p.m. Plan your visit to coincide with a meal at Le Jardinir, a Michelin star restaurant, also located in the Kinder building. 5500 Main St., Houston, mfah.org
Verde Garden
Partake in loteria nights at Verde Garden in the Harlow District every Thursday from 7 to 10 pm. The weekly game nights are hosted by BUENAS, a social group that hosts loteria nights around the city, with guests given complementary scratch-off cards to play for prizes. Verde Garden’s menu of 12 specialty frozen margaritas and list of more than 250 agave and Mexican spirits will keep your thirst quenched while you play, plus drink specials are offered all night on game nights. 2817 W. Dallas St. Building C, Houston, verdegardenhtx.com
Understory
Steps below street level, in the Bank of America Tower, Understory is a popular food hall and communal space that hosts loteria nights every Tuesday from 4 to 6 p.m. A fun alternative to traditional happy hour, guests are invited to gather by Silver Lining in the Tunnel Level and play for free, with a purchase from any of Understory’s retailers. As a bonus, specials like $5 Jose Cuervo-fueled drinks and $1 pastor tacos are on offer. Gift cards from the food court’s various vendors are doled out to winners. 800 Capitol St, Houston, understoryhouston.com
Candente
Beginning Wednesday, September 24, Candente is bringing loteria nights back on select Wednesdays, with guests welcome to play on the patio green from 6 to 8 p.m. With a live DJ, the atmosphere is lively, and participants can purchase a margarita in exchange for a loteria card. Compete for prizes like tequila, gift cards, and more. Upcoming loteria nights will be announced on Candente’s social media. 4306 Yoakum Blvd., Houston, candentehtx.com
