Parker McCollum embodies the spirit of Texas. Raised near Houston, he grew up performing at local open mics before heading to Austin for college. There, he recorded his first album inspired by summers spent working on a ranch in Limestone County.
Over the past decade, McCollum has continued to proudly represent Texas, mentioning Austin in songs like his U.S. Country Airplay #1 “Pretty Heart.” He recently honored fellow Texan George Strait by performing “Troubadour" alongside Miranda Lambert at the 2024 Country Music Association Awards, where McCollum’s hit “Burn It Down” was also nominated for Song of the Year.
Before catching him on the 2025 What Kinda Man Tour, check out his top Texas recommendations below.
Where do you like to stay in Texas?
The Post Oak Hotel (One MICHELIN Key)
Houston, Texas
I love the Post Oak Hotel because they are committed to customer service. I have been able to spend some time with Tilman Fertitta and he is the perfect representation of excellence in customer experience. Top tier etiquette, The food is the best room service I have had in any hotel in the country. The staff goes the extra mile to ensure you are always taken care of. There isn't a better property in the Houston area to stay than the Post Oak.
Where are your go-to restaurants in Austin?
Terry Black's BBQAustin, Texas
Terry Black's is the best barbecue in the country. The entrees, the sides, the banana pudding is all superior. I have had barbecue all over the country and nobody has as good of a moist brisket, a beef rib, a smoked turkey, sides as Terry Blacks does. By far the best barbecue in the country.
Where do you like to shop?
Waterloo RecordsAustin, Texas
I used to go in there when I had no money when I first moved to Austin. I would save up my money to go in there and try to buy records. I bought "Bright Lights Big City" by Gary Clark Jr. I bought "Continuum" by John Mayer. I bought "Goodbye Normal Street" by Turnpike Troubadours. It's an old school record store that kind of seems like you walk back in time when you walk down the aisles. It's fun to go in there and there's no telling what kind of record you may stumble upon on the shelves. I've gotten to perform there before and it's one of the coolest and oldest spots in Austin that I think that still represents what Austin was for so long.
What’s your favorite park?
Zilker ParkAustin, Texas
I love Zilker Park. One of my best friend's parents would take us to Austin City Limits Music Festival when we were in high school, which is held in Zilker Park. I ended up moving to Austin right after high school and we would always go spend a bunch of time in Zilker Park. We would just go hang out there and let the dogs run or just go out there and play catch or go for a walk along the river. Zilker Park will forever be one of my favorite spots in that city.
Where do you go for live music?
Dosey Doe - The Big BarnThe Woodlands, Texas
One of my favorite music venues ever. I remember I saw "Band of Heathens" there when I was in high school and was absolutely hooked, unbelievably obsessed with them. I had always wanted to play there and finally was able to play there. It's a hometown venue for me so it's always been a hometown show anytime I perform there. Some of the first times I can really remember being super nervous about going on stage were at Dosey Doe because I knew that I was probably related to everyone in the crowd. As terrible as those shows probably were, I'll never forget them because they felt like the biggest thing I could ever do at the time.
Address Book
Dosey Doe - The Big Barn
25911 Interstate 45, The Woodlands, TX 77380
Terry Black's BBQ
1003 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston (One MICHELIN Key)
1600 W Loop S, Houston, TX 77027
Waterloo Records & Video
600 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78703
Zilker Metropolitan Park
Austin, TX 78746
Hero image: Jason Stoltzfus / Parker McCollum
