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.
Cochinita & Co.
Cochinita & Co. hosts its loteria nights every Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. Guests of all ages may participate, sans a fee, and play to win prizes from local vendors. The restaurant’s popular weekday happy hour menu is offered at the same time, during which guests can take advantage of specials like $6 margaritas, palomas, and micheladas; $5 wine; $4 beer; and discounted bites like elote, taquitos, and tostaditas. 5420 Lawndale St. #500, Houston, cochinitaco.com
Space City Birria
This lively Downtown taco shop hosts loteria nights every Thursday beginning at 7:30 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
El Venado
This vibrant hangout, known for its tequila-fueled cocktail menu, street eats, and buzzy patio, hosts loteria nights every Sunday from 4 to 7 p.m. Guests can partake in family-friendly game play for prizes like restaurant coupons, merchandise, and free appetizers and drinks. 6502 Washington Ave., Houston, elvenado.bar
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. Dates and times for upcoming loteria game nights include Thursday, May 29; Thursday, July 24; and 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
