It’s the dance floor at South Beach nightclub in Montrose.
The swirl of lights, the smiles of strangers, the crystal chandelier and, of course, the blasts of cold fog that envelop the floor after midnight. It’s chaotic and euphoric — sensory overload in the best way.
For a few hours, I just dance. My shoulders drop. The tension I carry there all day finally lets go. No deadlines. No drama. Just me, my people and the music.
Houston is one of the biggest cities in the country — and that can sometimes make it feel lonely. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle. This series is about changing that. It’s a celebration not just of the places but of the everyday moments that bring Houstonians joy. It’s also about making room for stories that disrupt an algorithm made to reward outrage, conflict and bad news. Those stories matter. But so do the ones that remind us why we love living here.
My happy doesn’t always have to be loud. Sometimes it’s a great margarita, the people you love and the perfect patio. That’s La Mexicana Restaurant for me. When I’m stressed, sad, happy, overworked or just plain hungry, it’s the place I always end up. I’ve celebrated birthdays and anniversaries with family and friends. I’ve run into coworkers and sang along with mariachis.
The patio is big, always cool in summer and warm in colder months. It looks out to the corner of Fairview and Montrose — a microcosm of Houston itself. At any moment, you’ll see a bright yellow Ferrari, a procession of slabs, a parade of LED bikes. More often than not, there’s construction happening nearby. I’ve seen couples arguing at the red light and bartenders from nearby clubs rushing in for to-go orders. Years ago, I interviewed Damian Chapa there, who played Miklo in the cult classic “Blood In, Blood Out.” Waiters, cooks and customers swarmed him for autographs.
It’s ordinary and exceptional at the same time. And it’s a personal thing. I’d love to know, what’s your happy in Houston?
Not just a list of places. I want y’all to really think about it. What’s the Houston place, thing or moment you come back to over and over? Why does it matter to you? What does it feel like when you’re there? Tell me the little details that make it special: the sounds, smells, people, memories or routines that bring it to life. Maybe someone else can experience a little bit of that joy themselves.