Hey There Foodies!
Watch out 002 magazine! Looking for a place to eat or wanting to try something new, please check out my list of favorite dining spots!
Price guide (for two people)
$ – Cheap (under $50) , $$ – Moderate ($50 – $100), $$$ – Swanky ($100 and up)
F – Family Friendly
D- Date Night Friendly
G- Girlfriend Friendly
W- Wifi Available
—————————————————————————————————————
Breakfast Places
1) Buffalo Grille – ($, F) – Must try their Migas, Huevos Rancheros, and their Giant pancakes. Buffalo Grille serves Texas style breakfast with a Tex-Mex spin. Gets busy on the weekends!
2) Fountain View Café ($, F) – Cozy, neighborhood café in Tanglewood area. Must try French toast, and their breakfast sandwiches. Feels like a throw back in time as 50s and 60s songs often play in the background. Quiet and clean.
3) Spring Water Café ($, F,W) – Best new café in the Memorial area in a long time. Serves the best New York style bagels in town, and owner, Bob Orzo, also known as Bagel Bob, is super friendly and nice. Originally from Queens, he decided to try his run at bagels in the great state of Texas.
4) Shipley’s Donuts ($, F) – I can walk to the Shipley’s from my house. Yes–I am lucky! I often take my boys out there on the weekends and we get their donuts holes! Easy, cheap, and kids are happy!
5) Avalon Diner ($, F, W) – If you are just looking for a traditional American breakfast with great service, you won’t be disappointed. Sometimes, I just want a classic breakfast– two eggs over easy, sausage links, toast, and a nice cup of Joe!
Lunch Places
1) Pappy’s Café – ($, F) – Serves Southern Comfort foods. Enough said. Please order their Chicken Fried Steak with the country gravy! You can’t pass up their cobblers too!
2) Tiny Boxwoods ($$, G) – Perfect for girly lunches–lots of windows, and the restaurant is clean and delicate. Try their buffalo burger, salmon salad, and baked goodies. Their chocolate chip cookies are perfect for that sweet tooth.
3) Izakaya Wa ($$, G, D) – Hole in a wall sushi place tucked away in Memorial. You will be comforted by the Japanese patrons that frequent the place. Known for their skewers. My favorite is the scallop skewers. I recommend trying their Pork Belly too! Warning –this is for advanced sushi lovers who want more than the California roll!
4) Hungry’s Café & Bistro ($$, G, W) – Great choice of salads, and lots of variety! Gets crowded at lunch, and might have to Valet–only downside. Delivers too!
5) Phoenicia Deli – ($, F) – Quick, easy, and feels healthy! Has been a fixed gem in Houston for years! You will see Arpi, the owner and founder, often working the front lines serving her regular and new customers day in and day out!
6) Vietnam Poblano ($, F) – Oops–I thought of a 6th one! Yes–a Vietnamese sandwich place near me! Warning–their sandwiches are addicting because they are easy to pick up! Try a fried egg on top of your sandwich! My favorite is the BBQ Pork Banh Mi! You can always ask for more jalapenos!
Dinner
1) Thai Gourmet (F, D)- This restaurant is always buzzing as early as 6 p.m. on the weekends. Great for people who are looking for a Thai place, and have been somewhat disappointed in previous Thai restaurants. Let’s face it–Houston is not known for their Thai food. Try the Beef Pad See Ew and the Cheese Rolls! And go Hot!
2) Café Piquet (F, D) – Order the #8, Bistec Empanizado–You will get the Cuban version of a chicken fried steak with all the fixins–black beans, rice, and your choice of yucca or plaintains. The Cuban bread is always freshly baked and served with BUTTER. And for a post meal treat–try the Café con Leche! The fruit shakes or batidos are delish too!
3) Caracol – ($$$, D, G) – Perfect for trying something new and if you are in the mood to splurge! Caracol focuses on Mexican coastal cuisine with an upscale elegance. Many dishes are served tapas style! The seafood is lush, fresh, and yummy! Located in the heart of the Galleria!
4) Jonathan’s the Rub ($$$, D) – This place made me a fan of grits! New American Cuisine with a Southern twist. It’s cozy, elegant, and friendly! Jonathan’s is tucked in Memorial as well, and frequented by locals too!
5) Max’s Wine Dive ($$, D, G) – Fun place to drink, eat, and people watch! It can get loud at peak times. But ambience is pretty neat if you are looking to dine off Washington. Try their Southern fried chicken–one of their most popular dishes– and the bowl of macaroni! The macaroni can be a meal!
So, there’s my list! Can you tell I’m a southern girl who has a dangerous affinity toward fried foods! Happy eating! Stay tuned for more of my top favorites in Houston! Feel free to drop me a line and tell me if you have any additional faves or if you have any requests!
tmillerproject 