If you’ve been trying to find mahjong in Houston, good news — you can play it right here at Simone on Sunset. On the right night you’ll hear the tiles before you even see a table. There’s usually some shuffling, some laughing, somebody complaining that they were one tile away, and a round of drinks arriving in the middle of it all.
We love it. Come join us.
Mahjong in Houston Is Having a Serious Moment
We’re not making this up. Mahjong events in Houston went up 867% in one year, according to Eventbrite numbers reported by Axios, which puts Houston third in the whole country behind New York and San Francisco. Yelp called it a top trend for 2026 after searches for mahjong clubs jumped over 4,000%.
And when you play a few hands, you get it. Four people, one table, plenty of time to talk between turns. It’s basically an excuse to hang out with your friends for three hours, except now there’s strategy involved and someone gets bragging rights.
The only downside of mahjong is that somebody usually has to host. Clean the house, buy the wine, put out snacks, do the dishes after.
Or you could just come here. We have the tables, the full menu, and bartenders who know what they’re doing. You bring your people.
Give us a call at (346) 980-8107 and we’ll get you set up. Upcoming mahjong nights get posted on our events page and on Instagram, so keep an eye out there too.
What People Order While They Play
No wrong answers here, but a few favorites from our mahjong crowd:
- Espresso martinis, for the players who intend to still be dangerous by round five
- A spritz or a glass of Sauvignon Blanc if it’s a long, lazy patio game
- Hummus, samosas, spinach dip, or a margherita pizza — food you can eat with one hand while the other one guards your tiles
If you get here between 4 and 7 you’ll hit happy hour, which runs even later (until 10) on Mondays and Tuesdays. House wine, $1.50 oysters, premium well drinks. The whole list is on our daily specials page.
Never Played Mahjong? Honestly, You’ll Be Fine
It looks harder than it is. You draw a tile, you get rid of a tile, and you’re trying to put together sets and pairs before everyone else does. If you’ve played rummy, you already understand most of it.
Around Houston, a lot of tables play the American version with the yearly card from the National Mah Jongg League. Others play Hong Kong style, which moves faster. If you want to do a little homework first, the Wikipedia page covers the basics, but the real way to learn is sitting down with people who already play. Mahjong players are famously eager to recruit. Someone will teach you, probably whether you asked or not.
Already Have a Mahjong Group?
Then you have a home now. Bring your regular game here — the lounge, the private room, the patio, whatever suits your group. One table of four or a whole tournament for a birthday, it all works.
Call us at (346) 980-8107 and we’ll figure it out together, or send a note through our contact form.
Mahjong in Houston: A Few Common Questions
Where can I play mahjong in Houston?
Here. Simone on Sunset, in Rice Village, at 2418 Sunset Blvd. Cocktails, wine, a real kitchen, and room for your whole group. Call (346) 980-8107 and grab a table.
Do I need to know how to play?
Nope. Beginners come in all the time, and experienced players are usually more than happy to show you the ropes. Most people are playing real hands by the end of their first night.
How many people should I bring?
Four is the magic number for a table. More than four? Great, bring them all. We’ll seat extra tables, and whoever’s sitting out a hand can hold down the bar.
When are mahjong nights?
It varies, so the easiest thing is to call us at (346) 980-8107, check the events page, or watch @simoneonsunset on Instagram.
Can I host a private mahjong party at Simone?
Yes, and we’d love that. Birthdays, office nights, a full-blown tournament — the private room and patio can handle it. Call us and we’ll plan it out.
Is there food and drink during the game?
Of course. That’s kind of the whole idea. Order off the menu while you play, and if you come between 4 and 7, happy hour prices apply.
Come Find Us
We’re at 2418 Sunset Blvd, Houston, TX 77005, right in the middle of Rice Village. Wander the shops, then come settle in for the evening.
See you at the table.
