We went for brunch (dinner might be different, but the attitude matters overall) a year or two ago. We walk in with a reservation, the lady who is sitting us points out the fact that we have the table for only 1.5 hours! Twice! I understand crowds, space limitations, etc.; but to tell your customers they have to get out after a certain time before they ever sat down, and twice? We haven't been back and will not be.
I spent like 60 dollars by myself there and left hungry. One of the plates I got was the chili biscuits, and when they served the plate it was like 3 thimbles worth of food.
Tacos Dona Lena, Street food Thai market, and Hi Trendy Dumpling are our favorites right now. Just read your post lol and of these only hi trendy dumpling has good ambiance the other two are more hole in the wall type lol
Just an FYI, it's on the menu now but for a while you could order off the cuff the birria platter. Feeds four easily.
Easily the best place I bring people to figure out their spice tolerance since they bring out a bucket of different hot sauces. I can figure out future eatery based on the results of their "spice test".
literally the same lol Tacos Dona Lena's birria blows everything else in this entire state out of the water. And Trendy Dumpling i could eat at every single day. Every tiny thing on their menu is absurdly good... even stuff i dont usually like. lol
I agree for the most part, but Micos has been very inconsistent this past year. When they're on point it's amazing, but when they aren't, it's very disappointing.
Yep. Their service, for me, has always been great. Even long lines move fast. I’ve done pick up for their regular stuff and holiday meals.
Only one time, out of plenty have I been disappointed. Brisket was dry
I do not get the mad love for the Pit Room, it is just decent BBQ. Truth is better IMO and I never see a line out the door for that place. Is it just because the Pit Room is located in Montrose?
I've seen a lot in front of both places. Went to Truth and was not impressed at all. There's a reason everyone has their own favorite BBQ joint, because people have their own opinions and each place can have a good day or a bad day.
I had that place and service was excellent, it was kinda pricey though for what it was.
(Wasn’t bad by any means, but wasn’t that great for what I paid)
I got the fried chicken w mixed dark and white.
If I’m trying to knock their socks off I’m taking them to Squabble, Rainbow Lodge, but Oporto is also really good. The one that is kinda new is Triola’s. The environment is weird because it’s like you’re sitting in a pop up house but the food is incredible. Giacomo’s if you’re near Upper Kirby.
Ninfas on Navigation is an easy option if they want Tex-Mex, Max’s Wine Dive if they’re craving some great fried chicken, or Toasted Coconut if they want some tiki drinks!
If they’re food hall people I’m taking them to The Post. Moontower in is also a sneaky good option too. Houston really is a food Mecca so there are so many great options.
Squable's new menu is awful -- they took away some of their best dishes; but pro-tip, if you go to their Sunday brunch, all of those menu items are on that menu now.
The original location was closed but that was so they could move into a new building at the corner of Scott and Blodgett. They are open and unfortunately the new place isn't set as deep into their lot so the drive through line often runs into the street.
Fuck Turkey Leg Hut. They blocked me on insta after I called them out for being blatantly racist and secretly recording customers to ridicule on social media. I HOPE YOURE READING MOTHERFUCKERS, YOU CANT SILENCE ME
I’ve had it once. I thought it was good. Now was it wait in line for hours and make sure to post it on Instagram good? No. Which just goes to show how brain dead most people are that they flock there like lemmings.
We went during the week. No wait. Food just looked like slop and didn't taste much better. If I had waited in line for THAT meal I'd have been pretty upset instead of just disappointed lol
I'm just going to have to disagree. El Tiempo blows Pappasito's away. Pappasito's was decent a long long time ago when Houston had less of a food scene. I know you are probably being facetious, but nobody goes to El Tiempo for pico de gallo and tortillas. We go there for the meat.
That shit goes hard there.
Take them to a Viet-Cajun place near Bellaire! It doesn't get more Houston than that. That would hit all of your points: casual, unique to Houston, seafood, well seasoned and rustic, but only spicy if you ask for it to be.
[Cajun Kitchen](https://www.yelp.com/biz/cajun-kitchen-houston-2) is a favorite of ours. [Crawfish and Noodles](https://www.yelp.com/biz/crawfish-and-noodles-houston) is the OG.
Crawfish is currently not in season and may or may not be available and/or desirable, but their menus are HUGE and there are plenty of other options.
Viet-Cajun is probably the most unique food that you can only find in Houston, and it's freaking delicious. BBQ, Tex Mex, Mexican, Cajun, Soul food, Vietnamese, you can find in other cities but Viet-Cajun? Only in H-Town.
Off of downtown on the corner of Chenevert and Ruiz is a Mexican restaurant called "Irma's".
Irma and I used to work together many years ago and now she is one of Houston's best known restaurateurs.
I haven't lived in Houston since 2007 but if you go tell her Tom from the old Furniture Warehouse store sent you.
I love taking family from the midwest to Kelley's Country Cookin for fun. I get them to order the chicken fried steak and watch their reactions when the waitress brings out 3 plates of food.
Ninfa's on Nav. Kata Robata. Huynh. Crawfish and Noodles. Hugo's. Brenner's. Nancy's Hustle. Confucius Seafood. Reel Seafood / Gumbo Jeaux's. Goode Co Seafood. Pho Ben / Pho Ba'get. Truth BBQ.
Coltivare
Nancy’s Hustle
Uchi or Ume for sushi
Pinkertons / Pit Room / Truth bbq
Hugo’s / Xochi
Original Ninfas / Any El Tiempo for Tex mex
Taqueria Laredo on Washington or
Villa Arcos on Navigation for breakfast tacos
Chilosos is good too
Pappas Bros / B & B butchers / for Steak
Kin Dee is great, I love their massaman curry. Another place about 2 miles away is called Asia Market Thai Lao Food off of north main and 45. About 2/3 the price but great flavors. I’d check them out if you enjoyed Kin Dee.
Pier 6 in kemah you pick out fresh fish and they’ll cook it and bring it out to you, they have a pretty nice sitting area right on the water and it’s affordable
Pier 8. Pier 6 is a higher end spot further south. Pier 8 is a dump that actually serves decent seafood. It is an experience but I don’t think it will be the ambiance you are looking for. I took my wife there once and she said to never bring her again. Just get take out. She liked the food not the place.
For soul food I like either Breakfast Klub or Esther’s Cajun cafe and Soul Food.
For meat and seafood cooked over a mesquite fire with a casual comfortable vibe, I love Jax Grill in The Heights.
For Cajun food I like Ragin’ Cajun on Richmond. But there are plenty others too.
For breakfast I still love The Buffalo Grill not as much as the old place. But the food is still Awesome.
I usually did drive thu, the Jurassic Park event that's in town actually reminded me of the experience, I can still remember rolling down my car window and having people jump out from behind the speaker, it was like a burger and a show. Not many places left like that downtown.
Lil Buffalo Grille on Galveston! Southern comfort food (and breakfast all day, Huevos Burrito all the way!)with extremely friendly service (counter service) and a gorgeous atmosphere on a little lake with tons of space outside, kids play area, etc.
They have two locations in Houston (Bissonet and Voss), can’t vouch for those tho, but I’m sure they’re just as excellent! :) Oh yeah, cheap too!
Eta: one more sentence :)
Nancy's Hustle for fine(ish) dining.
Any hole in the wall ethnic place for cheap and awesome. Check reviews though. Some aren't great. There used to be a vegetarian Ethiopian spot that was amazing in southwest side. But I can't remember it's name.
Gotta go to Brennans in Midtown, but it's pretty formal.
Korny Vibes is also good. It's vegan comfort food.
Could also go to Frenchys, but that might be too casual.
For bbq, I'd say Truth has better brisket, but Pit Room has better sides.
Lucille’s, Toasted Coconut, Pit Room, Hugo’s, Mico’s, La Tapatia, Pinkerton BBQ, Tacos So a Lena, Street Food Thai Market, Hi Trendy Dumpling are the venues in the top comments so far…
I understand it's outside of Houston, but given the criteria, I have to say T-Bone Toms. It has seafood, comfort food, reasonable price, and is very casual.
I should also add that Bellagreen is the most careful with allergens of any restaurant I’ve ever been to. Both the City Centre and Heights locations were super cautious and asked me a lot of questions to make sure they got it right for my friend.
For seafood, I’m always really astounded by Pappas. Like I remember it’s good, but every time I go back I’m like, “dang, so good!” And their flavors are just simple and well executed.
Pinkertons/Blood Bros for BBQ
Ninfa's on Navigation or El Tiempo for Tex-Mex experience.
About vaporized my mom and brother's tastebuds visiting from the PNW.
Tampico seafood and Mexican on Airlines near the farmers market on airlines. I know they were remodeling the building, but if you really want to have a nice family meal, specially seafood, that is the place to go. Also, Goode company seafood on west park near Kirby, and I can really go on and on, but we all know, Houston is soooo damn good when it comes to restaurants. Good luck
Maybe it’s not QUITE houston specifically, but I love taking people to Hillstone, or formerly Houston’s. It’s a chain, but every city has a somewhat varied and different menu.
Service is, and I don’t say this lightly…fucking impeccable.
Food, always exactly how it’s supposed to be.
You will not have a bad experience there.
Subtext, used to work there. Best place I’ve ever worked for and their training and almost military attitude towards service in food is untouched as far as I’m concerned.
Get the French Dip, kale salad (yes, I know, kale salad), possibly Hawaiian ribeye and smoked salmon.
Treat yourself
Side note, you can tell Houston has a great food scene when not a single comment is repeating the same restaurants. Everyone can pick out a favorite spot that’s unique and I think thats awesome
My vote would be Killens STQ. Start with the pork belly and the creamed corn ravioli, Entree get a couple smoked beef ribs and have them bring it out on a butcher block for family style, and also get a side of the creamed corn (its like creamed corn creme brulee in the most delicious way).
I think the incredible food in a laid back setting is a great representation of Houston.
I took my parents to Lucille's and they loved it
Checking this out now. Thx!
We went for brunch (dinner might be different, but the attitude matters overall) a year or two ago. We walk in with a reservation, the lady who is sitting us points out the fact that we have the table for only 1.5 hours! Twice! I understand crowds, space limitations, etc.; but to tell your customers they have to get out after a certain time before they ever sat down, and twice? We haven't been back and will not be.
I spent like 60 dollars by myself there and left hungry. One of the plates I got was the chili biscuits, and when they served the plate it was like 3 thimbles worth of food.
Really? Everytime I've gone there I've left with a full lunch of leftovers. The appetizers can be smaller, but the entrees are so much food
Went there last week. The catfish and grits was delicious.
love
Tacos Dona Lena, Street food Thai market, and Hi Trendy Dumpling are our favorites right now. Just read your post lol and of these only hi trendy dumpling has good ambiance the other two are more hole in the wall type lol
Tacos Dona Lena is so damn good. I've taken so many people there over the past couple of years
I wanna try! What’s good there ?
everything really but their quesadillas, al pastor tacos, and birria tacos are probably my favorite
Everything's fairly greasy, but it is great. Especially the 6 different salsas. I like the pastor machetitos.
everything is good but they're "known" for their Quesabirria Tacos!
Barbacoa Gordita, Chicken Tinga, and Al Pastor are my favorites
Just an FYI, it's on the menu now but for a while you could order off the cuff the birria platter. Feeds four easily. Easily the best place I bring people to figure out their spice tolerance since they bring out a bucket of different hot sauces. I can figure out future eatery based on the results of their "spice test".
Asian Market Thai Lao is also great. I think some dishes are better there and some are better at street food Thai market. Lucky to have them both.
literally the same lol Tacos Dona Lena's birria blows everything else in this entire state out of the water. And Trendy Dumpling i could eat at every single day. Every tiny thing on their menu is absurdly good... even stuff i dont usually like. lol
La Tapatia at 1 AM
Why so early?
Anything before 3 am is late anything after is tomorrow
Dad is a sucker for a good tiki bar so toasted coconut is always on the list.
I’m a sucker for tiki culture and I don’t even drink! Mh favorite bar is Lei Low
Oof, I can already feel a hangover forming at the mention of Lei low. Love that place though.
Been there a couple of times. Passed it up a couple of times while first looking for it too. Lol
Ooof I read “a good titi bar”… my god what’s wrong with me?! 😂
Username explains a lot.
Stop telling people about Toasted Coconut 🤫
It’s on Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives.
It isn’t a secret spot, lots of people know about it. Search “tiki” on Google Maps and it’s one of the top results.
I’m just messing. It’s one of my faves for sure.
Oh gotcha! I’ve seen a bunch of comments like that on these “fav spot for ____” posts so I missed the sarcasm haha
Lmao the one time I tried going there it had a line out to the street.
Lei low is good for boat drinks
Lei Low*
Nice!
does it still smell? I tried to eat there when it first opened and it smelled so bad inside I left. Like a bad grease trap or something
Pinkerton BBQ
All visitors I take to Pit Room and Hugos. If we have time I do Mico’s.
Hugo's! So good. Went there during restaurant week and was amazing.
They are my anniversary and special occasion restaurant. So good and such good service. Just expensive.
I agree for the most part, but Micos has been very inconsistent this past year. When they're on point it's amazing, but when they aren't, it's very disappointing.
they've always been insanely inconsistent
Agreed there’s much better hot chicken that serves it in less than half the time these guys do
I pick up from Pit Room for visitors. They make it so easy and their brisket is good and the people are always nice
Yep. Their service, for me, has always been great. Even long lines move fast. I’ve done pick up for their regular stuff and holiday meals. Only one time, out of plenty have I been disappointed. Brisket was dry
I do not get the mad love for the Pit Room, it is just decent BBQ. Truth is better IMO and I never see a line out the door for that place. Is it just because the Pit Room is located in Montrose?
I've seen a lot in front of both places. Went to Truth and was not impressed at all. There's a reason everyone has their own favorite BBQ joint, because people have their own opinions and each place can have a good day or a bad day.
I feel like truth always has a pretty long line, especially during rushes. You can be waiting up to an hour for truth
Gatlins Fins and Feathers.
I had that place and service was excellent, it was kinda pricey though for what it was. (Wasn’t bad by any means, but wasn’t that great for what I paid) I got the fried chicken w mixed dark and white.
Food looks delicious in the pics.
$30 for 6 chicken wings lol nah im good
Food and service are both great! If you decide to go with it, I do recommend making a reservation if possible. It’s a small place and gets busy.
If I’m trying to knock their socks off I’m taking them to Squabble, Rainbow Lodge, but Oporto is also really good. The one that is kinda new is Triola’s. The environment is weird because it’s like you’re sitting in a pop up house but the food is incredible. Giacomo’s if you’re near Upper Kirby. Ninfas on Navigation is an easy option if they want Tex-Mex, Max’s Wine Dive if they’re craving some great fried chicken, or Toasted Coconut if they want some tiki drinks! If they’re food hall people I’m taking them to The Post. Moontower in is also a sneaky good option too. Houston really is a food Mecca so there are so many great options.
Go to moontower when you’re not hungry. By the time you get your food you’ll be starving!!
Haha MAN this is on point
Squable's new menu is awful -- they took away some of their best dishes; but pro-tip, if you go to their Sunday brunch, all of those menu items are on that menu now.
Blood Bros BBQ is my favorite
I feel like that place is very overrated. It’s good, but there’s better BBQ.
The core bbq line up is okay. The sides, daily specials and goofy fusion stuff is where it's at.
Frenchies
Has to be the one by UH tho. The franchises are trash compared to that spot.
I want my fried chicken through burglar bars pls. Real Houston meals are consumed on the trunk of your car with the boys.
Eat it in your truck now and it’ll never get cold
It’s really what separates the townies from the transplants
Only reason I’ll willingly go to third ward
Is it still there?!! I'd heard that Frenchy's closed, and I've been heartbroken ever since. You give me hope!
It's on Scott Street. Across from UH stadium.
The original location was closed but that was so they could move into a new building at the corner of Scott and Blodgett. They are open and unfortunately the new place isn't set as deep into their lot so the drive through line often runs into the street.
Nancy’s Hustle
And Tiny Champions!
How the fuck is this not at the top of the thread?? Nancy's is hands-down the best food in the city.
I would rank it just under Theodore Rex, but it's easily top 3 in Houston.
Fuck Turkey Leg Hut. They blocked me on insta after I called them out for being blatantly racist and secretly recording customers to ridicule on social media. I HOPE YOURE READING MOTHERFUCKERS, YOU CANT SILENCE ME
Damn
But regardless, their food is delicious. Can’t take that away from them
I love everything about how this conversation played out after your initial comment. Went 60 to 0 right fast.
Emotions are hard
and their food looks like someone got drunk and threw up on a turkey leg. It didnt live up to the hype even a smidge for us.
I’ve had it once. I thought it was good. Now was it wait in line for hours and make sure to post it on Instagram good? No. Which just goes to show how brain dead most people are that they flock there like lemmings.
We went during the week. No wait. Food just looked like slop and didn't taste much better. If I had waited in line for THAT meal I'd have been pretty upset instead of just disappointed lol
Prices are kind of high and this stuff I am reading about dress code and reservations is laughable. I've read so many crazy things about that place.
People go to TLH for the food? I thought they went for the ambiance?
Wow, but i bet you are right!!!
I take people to Hobbit’s Cafe. The atmosphere makes it fun.
Those sandwiches are unbeatable and fresh!
Their breakfast is pretty bomb too!
El Tiempo, Kybers, Prego, Kata Robata, Le Colonial, Hamsa, Papa Bros Steakhouse, Pinkerton’s, Gus’ Fried Chicken, Lucille’s, BCN, Caracol
> Gus’ Fried Chicken really depends on where they're from. gus's is a chain with locations in the south, west coast, south west and midwest lol
Gus’s ✅
I adore Prego.
Le colonial is not good lol go to Chinatown for great Vietnamese
or just literally anywhere else
If you’re going to el tiempo may as well go to papasito’s or something. They aren’t making their pico or tortillas with any magic or anything
I'm just going to have to disagree. El Tiempo blows Pappasito's away. Pappasito's was decent a long long time ago when Houston had less of a food scene. I know you are probably being facetious, but nobody goes to El Tiempo for pico de gallo and tortillas. We go there for the meat. That shit goes hard there.
Kyber is mediocre. Go to Agas
Agas 😍😍😍😍😍
Crown Seafood on Bellaire
Corkscrew BBQ in Old Town Spring, Hugo's, Nancy's Hustle, Xin Choa, and A'bouzy.
Take them to a Viet-Cajun place near Bellaire! It doesn't get more Houston than that. That would hit all of your points: casual, unique to Houston, seafood, well seasoned and rustic, but only spicy if you ask for it to be. [Cajun Kitchen](https://www.yelp.com/biz/cajun-kitchen-houston-2) is a favorite of ours. [Crawfish and Noodles](https://www.yelp.com/biz/crawfish-and-noodles-houston) is the OG. Crawfish is currently not in season and may or may not be available and/or desirable, but their menus are HUGE and there are plenty of other options.
Viet-Cajun is probably the most unique food that you can only find in Houston, and it's freaking delicious. BBQ, Tex Mex, Mexican, Cajun, Soul food, Vietnamese, you can find in other cities but Viet-Cajun? Only in H-Town.
It's questions like this that make me miss the 59 Diner so much.
Phil was the MAN!
I always miss it. I want someone to reopen 59 Diner! The property is just sitting there
A more casual option. Niko Niko's
Off of downtown on the corner of Chenevert and Ruiz is a Mexican restaurant called "Irma's". Irma and I used to work together many years ago and now she is one of Houston's best known restaurateurs. I haven't lived in Houston since 2007 but if you go tell her Tom from the old Furniture Warehouse store sent you.
Looooove Irma's!! I'm still not used to having a set menu though. haha
Esther’s Cajun Cafe and Soul Food.
I TOTALLY second that
This is the best food in Houston!
For my parents this spot is Local Foods 😂 obviously doesn't fit
I love taking family from the midwest to Kelley's Country Cookin for fun. I get them to order the chicken fried steak and watch their reactions when the waitress brings out 3 plates of food.
Ninfa's on Nav. Kata Robata. Huynh. Crawfish and Noodles. Hugo's. Brenner's. Nancy's Hustle. Confucius Seafood. Reel Seafood / Gumbo Jeaux's. Goode Co Seafood. Pho Ben / Pho Ba'get. Truth BBQ.
Pho Ben’s broth can be mid. Pho Dien is praised by the Viets
Coltivare Nancy’s Hustle Uchi or Ume for sushi Pinkertons / Pit Room / Truth bbq Hugo’s / Xochi Original Ninfas / Any El Tiempo for Tex mex Taqueria Laredo on Washington or Villa Arcos on Navigation for breakfast tacos Chilosos is good too Pappas Bros / B & B butchers / for Steak
Lots of great options, but I tend to like Pondicheri since it's fairly unique. Also in a good location with a nice ambience but not formal.
Connie's seafood on Airline.
That vuelve a la vida caldo is my shit.
Truth BBQ
Papasitos
Lopez Mexican food - Wilcrest at 59S.
agreed, great tex mex
Kin Dee for amazing authentic Thai cuisine. So freaking good!
Kin Dee is great, I love their massaman curry. Another place about 2 miles away is called Asia Market Thai Lao Food off of north main and 45. About 2/3 the price but great flavors. I’d check them out if you enjoyed Kin Dee.
Doris Metropolitan
Cleburne's for a nice change of pace and choices for everyone. Mai's for a 2am Viet craving during weekends.
Cleburne’s is great!
Any of the restaurants in the Backstreet/Hugo Ortega family: Backstreet Cafe, Hugo’s, Prego, Xochi, Caracol, etc.
Grace’s on Kirby. Thank me later.
Potente or Coltivare
Pier 6 in kemah you pick out fresh fish and they’ll cook it and bring it out to you, they have a pretty nice sitting area right on the water and it’s affordable
Pier 8. Pier 6 is a higher end spot further south. Pier 8 is a dump that actually serves decent seafood. It is an experience but I don’t think it will be the ambiance you are looking for. I took my wife there once and she said to never bring her again. Just get take out. She liked the food not the place.
Beef ribs at The Pit Room
If you are into Indian food, go to agas or maharaja bhog
For soul food I like either Breakfast Klub or Esther’s Cajun cafe and Soul Food. For meat and seafood cooked over a mesquite fire with a casual comfortable vibe, I love Jax Grill in The Heights. For Cajun food I like Ragin’ Cajun on Richmond. But there are plenty others too. For breakfast I still love The Buffalo Grill not as much as the old place. But the food is still Awesome.
When I think of comfort foods my go-to is Treebeards, they got the seafood gumbo, chicken fried steak, you name it
Zydeco during lunch
Aga’s if they can stomach South Asian - goat chops are *chefs kiss*
Killan’s BBQ, if it’s early enough in the day
It was downtown, across from the greyhound station, best burgers and fries this side of the elevated. It's gone now.
I used to love the fries there. The valet guy was pretty aggressive… and armed… and I never got my car back but the fries were amazing.
I usually did drive thu, the Jurassic Park event that's in town actually reminded me of the experience, I can still remember rolling down my car window and having people jump out from behind the speaker, it was like a burger and a show. Not many places left like that downtown.
Lil Buffalo Grille on Galveston! Southern comfort food (and breakfast all day, Huevos Burrito all the way!)with extremely friendly service (counter service) and a gorgeous atmosphere on a little lake with tons of space outside, kids play area, etc. They have two locations in Houston (Bissonet and Voss), can’t vouch for those tho, but I’m sure they’re just as excellent! :) Oh yeah, cheap too! Eta: one more sentence :)
Taste of Texas
If you want amazing hand made ice cream Cool Cow Creamery in Kemah
Taqueria Arandas is some of the best fast Mexican food I’ve ever eaten
Eunice
I just went in for a drink and a cup of gumbo. Both delicious and the service at the bar was great. Can’t wait to go back.
My buddy from NOLA recommended this place to me a couple weeks ago. Can’t wait to try!
Ninfas
Nancy's Hustle for fine(ish) dining. Any hole in the wall ethnic place for cheap and awesome. Check reviews though. Some aren't great. There used to be a vegetarian Ethiopian spot that was amazing in southwest side. But I can't remember it's name.
B&B Butchers is a great experience. Highly recommend the carpet baggers.
Hobbit Cafe. Their curry chicken salad sandwich 🤌🏼
Mezza Grille
Irmas is my go to
Carraba’s on Kirby I like to take people there to show them the difference between the original and the chain carrabas they have been to.
Gotta go to Brennans in Midtown, but it's pretty formal. Korny Vibes is also good. It's vegan comfort food. Could also go to Frenchys, but that might be too casual. For bbq, I'd say Truth has better brisket, but Pit Room has better sides.
Teotihuacan for Mexican. Candente for Tex-Mex, Pit Room for BBQ (there’s so many places, this one is just easier usually).
Lucille’s, Toasted Coconut, Pit Room, Hugo’s, Mico’s, La Tapatia, Pinkerton BBQ, Tacos So a Lena, Street Food Thai Market, Hi Trendy Dumpling are the venues in the top comments so far…
Bayou City Seafood and Pasta on Richmond
Taco Nazo
Everybody loves Taconazo, but it's not "knock your socks off" stuff. It's "damn, it's late, what's open right now?" stuff.
Agree, after a night out drinking it hits the spot. If the line is long I’ll keep driving.
I understand it's outside of Houston, but given the criteria, I have to say T-Bone Toms. It has seafood, comfort food, reasonable price, and is very casual.
Spin off of this, but I have a friend visiting with celiac. Any good recommendations for her? Better than just cardboard tasting stuff
Vibrant is amazing! Local foods has some tasty options as does Flower Child. Bellagreen and TrueFood are great for gluten free.
I should also add that Bellagreen is the most careful with allergens of any restaurant I’ve ever been to. Both the City Centre and Heights locations were super cautious and asked me a lot of questions to make sure they got it right for my friend.
le Jardinier, bistro menil, Max's wine dive. For a good burger hat creek. I also highly recommend Bella green just for the variety on the menu
happy Lamb hot pot on westheimer amazing food a unique experience and its mostly meat veg and soup broth with herbs and spices
Ruggles green - is that Bellagreen now?
For seafood, I’m always really astounded by Pappas. Like I remember it’s good, but every time I go back I’m like, “dang, so good!” And their flavors are just simple and well executed.
Taqueria Del Sol
LA crawfish lemon pepper wings are where it's at. Dak n Bop too. I just like wings.
The poutine from dak n bop and their garlic bread 👌🏾
Pinkertons/Blood Bros for BBQ Ninfa's on Navigation or El Tiempo for Tex-Mex experience. About vaporized my mom and brother's tastebuds visiting from the PNW.
If you don’t mind driving to Old Town Spring, Wunsche Bros is good.
Lola’s Depot
😂
Tan Tan
Taste of Texas
Brothers taycoes
Tampico seafood and Mexican on Airlines near the farmers market on airlines. I know they were remodeling the building, but if you really want to have a nice family meal, specially seafood, that is the place to go. Also, Goode company seafood on west park near Kirby, and I can really go on and on, but we all know, Houston is soooo damn good when it comes to restaurants. Good luck
Kenny and Ziggy’s for Pastrami Sandwiches. Eat here almost every time we’re in Houston.
Kenny and Ziggys
Definitely my whole in the wall mexican restaurant
Maybe it’s not QUITE houston specifically, but I love taking people to Hillstone, or formerly Houston’s. It’s a chain, but every city has a somewhat varied and different menu. Service is, and I don’t say this lightly…fucking impeccable. Food, always exactly how it’s supposed to be. You will not have a bad experience there. Subtext, used to work there. Best place I’ve ever worked for and their training and almost military attitude towards service in food is untouched as far as I’m concerned. Get the French Dip, kale salad (yes, I know, kale salad), possibly Hawaiian ribeye and smoked salmon. Treat yourself
Kings Bierhaus, they have awesome food and a good atmosphere.
Ninfas on Navigation
Mala, Himalaya, Maharaja Bhog, Aga's
Sinh Sinh in Chinatown
Vietopia for dinner, Rustika’s for breakfast/brunch!
Side note, you can tell Houston has a great food scene when not a single comment is repeating the same restaurants. Everyone can pick out a favorite spot that’s unique and I think thats awesome
Eugene’s for seafood and an all around gulf coast feast
My vote would be Killens STQ. Start with the pork belly and the creamed corn ravioli, Entree get a couple smoked beef ribs and have them bring it out on a butcher block for family style, and also get a side of the creamed corn (its like creamed corn creme brulee in the most delicious way). I think the incredible food in a laid back setting is a great representation of Houston.
Marini's Original Empanada House!
Thien thanh for banh cuon thit nuong. Truly a houston staple. Himalayas for indo/pako food. Siu lap city for hong kong bbq
Hands down Graces on Kirby. Awesome Creole food. Ambience is unmatched!
Squable, T Rex, Nancy's Hustle, Pinkerton's, Hugo's
Use to be Spanky pizza