Houston visitor (June 7-9) looking for best recommendations on things to do, places to eat

Hello, Houstonians!

Fella from STL here who will be spending a few days for a conference at NRG in early June and looking for some restaurant recommendations (BBQ/steakhouses and Mexican fare especially, please, and preferably some of the better-kept secrets) to enjoy while I'm here.

Also, any hookah lounges (NOT clubs, please, not my scene) in the metro area worth trying out? I like to smoke a bit while I do some writing.

Thanks in advance.