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Linda's Picks
Mexican
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This opened in Houston on November 30th. The food is high quality and not the usual enchiladas and refried beans (but they do have those) Highly recommend the brisket tacos.
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An absolute favorite of the Rosenfelds. Try the bacon wrapped shrimp or Jose’s Dip. But, if you crave a hamburger, Molina's is awesome.
Italian
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This restaurant is an all-time favorite of Houstonians. If you don’t go to the original, try the restaurant on Kirby. Great Italian food and atmosphere. The Carrabba family owns several restaurants in town.
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Family style Italian food. You won’t leave hungry and try the lemon cookies.
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Known for its Old Country trattoria ambiance and many of its “old world” signature dishes. Each season brings different menu items.
Steak House
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Founded by Ruth Fertel, a fiery woman that risk it all by mortgaging her home to build a small steak house in New Orleans known as Chris Steak House, she risked it all. The original steak house was destroyed by fire and she relocated her business but had to change the name. It was then known as Ruth’s Chris Steak House! No matter where you go…you can’t beat a steak at Ruth’s Chris Steak House.
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This restaurant boasts of being a traditional churrasco experience with skilled gauchos (Brazilian cowboys) that roam the restaurant bringing skewers of sizzling meats that have been cooked over an open flame. And the salad bar goes on for miles (maybe just a quarter of a mile).
Seafood
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Truluck’s opened in 1992 and has been privately held by the same two founders since the beginning. Their promise includes never serving endangered, overfished species. The menu always identifies the origin of the fish and their Florida Stone Crab is captured by their own team of professional crabbers. Not in the mood for seafood, they offer steaks and plant-based options.
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Located in the Galleria Mall, Oceanaire offers a variety of oysters, a raw bar with caviar, crabmeat shrimp and more. The offering of sushi, surf and turf, crabcakes and more make the mouth water. But one of the unique dishes is chicken fried lobster with cheesy grits and truffled honey. They also offer steaks.
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Eugene’s offers Gulf Coast Cuisine including house specialties such as blackened catfish enchiladas, shrimp Mardi Gras or stuffed redfish. And, if you are in the mood for a sandwich, try the pimento cheese sandwich (trust me)
Shopping
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Houston Galleria
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Town & Country
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Bering’s Hardware
Theater
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Hobby Center
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Alley Theatre
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Stages Houston
Other
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Houston Rodeo
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dEniSe's Picks
Lunch
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One of my favorite lunch spots! Different types of food for every taste. I always go back to the chicken pozole. The Taco Salad is vegan but it’ll leave you wondering if they tricked you into eating meat. I highly recommend it!
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Local spot for fried chicken. It’s Beyoncé’s favorite!
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This location has a large buffet with a wide variety of food. Seating available—as well as a brewing company (wink wink).
PLANT-BASED
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Plant-based lunch within walking distance from the Hyatt.
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Not a local spot but they have a menu diverse enough to satisfy all cravings—this restaurant is not exclusively plant-based but has good vegetarian and vegan options. The Ancient Grains Bowl is delicious, I have it nearly every time I go. For sharing, the Herb Hummus and Charred Cauliflower never disappoint.
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Another spot that can be found outside of Texas but they serve sustainably resourced and healthy meals. I always find myself in this place when I’m in the mood for a light bite.
BARBECUE
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The best barbecue I’ve had in Houston. Meat sampler and a side of green beans and elote are my go-tos!
INTERNATIONAL
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Not your typical cheap Mexican food but it’ll be worth your gold coins. You will never have a better queso fundido, I promise. I haven’t even found a better one in Mexico! Sharing portion. Do not go without me!
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Tasty, affordable spot near the hotel for both luch and dinner!
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A Houston’s Greek institution! Big portions. Lunch and dinner.
BREAKFAST
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It’s famous for a reason! Come early to avoid lines.
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You’re in Texas, have the Chicken and Waffles!
FINE DINING (reservations are advised!)
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Any steak of your choice will be cooked to perfection. All sides come in sharing portions—can never go wrong with lobster mac and cheese. The Butter Cake is a must! You cannot skip dessert at Mastro’s. Huge portion, good to share with the whole table.
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Modern Italian spot. Delicious pizza in individual sizes (unless you’re sharing it as an appetizer). The specials always slap!
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Inventive sushi. I recommend the tasting menu.
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Danielo's Picks
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If you’re making it rain and really want to treat yourself, I recommend B&B Butchers & Restaurant – A vintage bakery has been converted into an upscale steakhouse with an attached butcher shop & deli. I love this elegant steakhouse! When you enter the establishment at the ground level, it resembles an old time meat market/deli. However, when you venture through the industrial refrigerator door, you are transported into one of the finest dining experiences in Houston. It’s like transporting through to Narnia. They also have an extravagant rooftop dining area. Be prepared to spend some dough!
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An esoteric bar downtown with 4 levels of art, taxidermy, a speakeasy, spiraling staircases and hidden rooms. There’s even a UFO to be discovered on one of the top levels, the inside of which jams some killer tunes to dance to.
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Spaghetti Western is a highly affordable Italian restaurant located in Washington Corridor. The food is great and you have local access to some of Washington Corridor’s nightlife. I recommend their Blackened chicken salad.
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This is another restaurant that I enjoy for the local atmosphere. It’s warm on the inside, with a great deck on the outside. It offers some great comfort food as well as some healthier options.
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I roll through this spot with my bike crews a few times throughout the year. I always enjoy it. They have an outdoor deck which usually hosts some kind of entertainment. There are some great surrounding restaurants, nightlife, and a view of The Heights.
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I believe this is heralded as the oldest building in Houston. Rumor has it General Sam Houston once stayed the night upstairs. Wine and beer. No hard liquors. Cozy and intimate atmosphere lots of history and a dash of spookiness.
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Scott's Picks
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JOEY Uptown
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P.F. Chang’s
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Casa do Brasil
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The Capital Grille
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Truluck’s
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Los Tios
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Post Oak Grill
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Grotto Ristorante
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