UNIQUE RESTAURANTS/BARS
Houston has 8,000+ restaurants - the array of options is overwhelming, from lowly fast food to lofty haute cuisine. Here is a sample of the more unique restaurants and bars:
Juicy in the Sky: http://juicyinthesky.com/
- Houston Restaurant Weeks (HRW): This event is scheduled for August 1 - September 1 this year (2014). Established in 2013, HRW is a fun-filled dining event benefiting the Houston Food Bank. Held simultaneously in restaurants in the greater Houston area, HRW is the largest single annual fundraiser for America's largest food bank. http://www.houstonrestaurantweeks.com/
- Houston Food Truck Park: https://www.facebook.com/HoustonFoodPark. The Coreanos food truck appeared in an August 2014 "burritos" episode of Food Paradise on the Travel Channel.
- Beer breweries: Saint Arnold’s (https://www.saintarnold.com/tours/index.html) by downtown Houston, Karbach Brewing (http://www.karbachbrewing.com/tours/brewery-tours), Back Pew Brewery (www.backpewbrewing.com) in Porter, B-52 Brewing Co. (www.b52brewing.com) in Conroe, and 8th Wonder Brewery (http://8thwonderbrew.com/) in EaDO.
- Black Walnut Cafe at the Lone Star Executive Airport: In Conroe, with good views of the airport and general aviation aircraft flying in and out, from the third floor of the Galaxy Fixed Base Operator (FBO). It is currently only open for breakfast and lunch and has indoor and outdoor sitting. http://blackwalnutcafe.com/locations/houston-locations/lone-star-airport/
- CK's Lounge and Grill: On the top floor of the Marriott Hotel at Bush Intercontinental Airport, with good views of the airport and airliners. http://www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-information/restaurant/iahap-houston-airport-marriott-at-george-bush-intercontinental/
- Spindletop Restaurant: “There are other views and delicious downtown stops, but at least once, you must experience the 360-degree view of the Spindletop restaurant, where you’ll marvel at the size and shape of downtown and far beyond. Named for the birthplace of the oil boom, the revolving restaurant atop the Hyatt hotel opened in 1972 and was renovated post-Ike. They’ll validate your valet parking. Try the paella or fish special.” http://www.hyatt.com/gallery/spindletop/
- OKRA Charity Saloon: For each drink purchased, guests receive one vote that they may cast that night for one of four charities selected by OKRA's members. The charity with the most votes at the end of the month receives the next month's proceeds. http://friedokra.org/okra-charity-saloon
- Wild West: A part of the Bayou City for over 30 years, Wild West is Texas. Two-Steppin' and Longneckin' is their motto. It is a true country nightclub with a solid oak dance floor just for your cowboy/cowgirl boots. http://wildwesthouston.com/
- Comedy clubs: This link has a list of comedy clubs in the Houston area. http://www.yelp.com/search?cflt=comedyclubs&find_loc=Houston%2C+TX%2C+USA
- Sammy’s Wild Game Grill: A modern-day urban cowboy's dream, with exotic seasonings on wild critters - we're talkin' elk tacos, pheasant hot dogs, and python chili fries. http://sammyswildgamegrill.com/
- House of Blues: http://www.houseofblues.com/houston/
- Dirt Bar: An ideal House of Blues after-show venue. On Thursdays, you can say a password or flip a coin to get into their secret backroom. http://dirtbar.com/
- Last Concert Café: "You have to be a local to know about the Last Concert Cafe, a nondescript Mexican eatery that's almost hidden under the I-10 off ramp. There's no sign and - except for the red door and live music blaring from the courtyard - this mystical cafe easily blends in with the urban landscape. So keep a watchful eye. Tradition requires customers to knock twice on the locked door to be let in on one of Houston's best-kept secrets." http://m.lastconcert.com/
- The Breakfast Klub: “Indulge in waffles and wings. The catfish and grits, gourmet coffee and funky vibe also draw big crowds, especially on Saturday mornings. Waiting in line is a rite of passage. And it’s worth it – for both the Southern comfort food and the people watching.” http://thebreakfastklub.com/
- Brennan’s: Authentic Cajun cuisine. “Get a taste of the good life with brunch on the courtyard at the historic Brennan’s. On Sundays, guests relax to the soothing sounds of a traveling jazz band. It’s hard to go wrong with this stellar menu, but regulars swear by the shrimp and grits, catfish pecan, eggs Sardou, shrimp remoulade and turtle soup. Be sure to have the Bananas Foster prepared tableside.” http://www.brennanshouston.com/
- Tiny Boxwoods: “Do lunch al fresco. Choose a nice weather day and enjoy the garden feel on the patio. The grilled cheese and pesto with mint lemonade is a must. Save room for the to-die-for chocolate chip cookie"
- Hamburger Mary's: www.hamburgermarys.com/houston
- El Real Tex Mex Cafe: In the restored Tower Theater in the heart of Houston's Montrose neighborhood, this restaurant was awarded "Best Tex-Mex" and "Best enchiladas" in 2013 by the Houston Press "Best of Houston Awards." http://elrealtexmex.com/
- 13 Celsius: Wine bar in a distinctive building - a refurbished 1920s dry cleaner. They take their wine pretty seriously. http://13celsius.com/
- Boheme: Good ambiance, pizzas, frozen mojitos and Vietnamese fries. http://barboheme.com/
- Noveau Antique Art Bar: (pictured above) Pronounced New-Vo, it combines the style of Art Noveau with a neighborhood bar/pub atmosphere. It displays one of the largest private collections of reproduction Tiffany lamps. http://www.art-bar.net/
- Weights + Measures: A casual Midtown restaurant, bakery and bar in a 1950s industrial warehouse at 2808 Caroline St. www.weights-measures.com
- The Alley Kat Bar & Lounge: A two-story club and live-music venue, the Alley Cat features a small bar in front and raucous rock 'n' roll bands upstairs in the back. http://blogs.houstonpress.com/rocks/2013/01/the_alley_kat_houston.php
- Byzantio: Mediterranean restaurant. Has belly dancing shows on Thursdays. http://www.byzantiohouston.com/
- Agora: This coffee shop "offers gourmet coffees, imported ales and beers, and a wide selection of wines in a very warm, old-world, artistically inspiring atmosphere." They sometimes have belly dancing shows on Wednesdays. http://www.agorahouston.com/
- Double Trouble: Caffeine and cocktails mixed together. http://www.yelp.com/biz/double-trouble-caffeine-and-cocktails-houston
- Continental Club: http://www.continentalclub.com/Houston.html
- Poison Girl: One of the most colorful and crazy places to spend a late night with bright pink walls and incredible selection or bourbons and pinball machines. https://twitter.com/poisongirlbar
- Valhalla: It started over 40 years ago as a place for graduate students to hang out, relax and socialize after a long day of school/work. They are staffed by graduate students and alumni volunteers. http://valhalla.rice.edu
- Torchy's Tacos has a secret menu. On it there are items called "The Hipster," "The Mad Cow," and "The Ace of Spades" which is a jalapeno sausage link with grilled brisket, a fried egg, green chile queso, cilantro, cotija cheese, sour cream, mixed cheese, and diablo hot sauce. Served on a flour tortilla. http://torchystacos.com/
- Lucky Strike bowling: http://www.bowlluckystrike.com/locations/texas/houston/
- Treebeards: Regional Cajun cuisine in downtown. https://www.treebeards.com/
- Coco's Crepes: Several locations around town, including one in midtown with a nice atmosphere. http://www.cococrepes.com/
- Tout Suite: An offshoot of the popular grab-and-go bakery SWEET, Tout Suite opened in September 2014 in a massive 7,000 sq ft warehouse space that had been abandoned for 10 years after serving as an underground rave venue. Named one of 14 best new coffee shops in America by thirllist.com. www.toutsuite.co
- Ninfa’s: “Legend has it that “Mama Ninfa” Laurenzo first stuffed beef into tortillas – thereby creating the first fajita – at the Original Ninfa’s on Navigation, just east of downtown. Dine at this legendary restaurant where the fajita was born.“ http://www.ninfas.com/
- Andes Cafe: The laid-back eatery in EaDO showcases food from the South American countries that run the span of the Andes mountain range: Ecuador, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Argentina, Bolovia and Venezuela. www.andescafe.com
- “The Holy Trinity of Tex-Mex, barbecue and Gulf seafood unite at Goode Company. Four separate restaurants all within walking distance of each other means there is no limit for the ambitious gastronome. Look for the 12-foot, bedazzled Amarillo near the entrance of the Armadillo Palace, which serves Texas-sized comfort food and often has
live music and dancing. Try the venison chili and pick up some chewy pralines for the road.” http://www.goodecompany.com/ - Uchi: Contemporary Japanese dining and sushi restaurant. Features Top Chef-winning Paul Qui's exquisite flavor combinations that have somehow never been attempted before, such as salmon and Asian pear or yellowfin tuna and oranges. Reservations required. http://uchirestaurants.com/houston/
- The Blue Fish: Known for its generous portions of seafood with top-notch ingredients in popular items like yellowtail and eel rolls. http://www.thebluefishsushi.com/
- Rosemont Social Club: http://rosemonthouston.com/
- Underbelly: The Story of Houston food. Helmed by a visionary chef who passionately champions regional produce like braised goat, tilefish with okra, snapper with bok choy, and lamb meatballs. Has been on TV several times. Reservations recommended. http://underbellyhouston.com/
- Big Easy Social and Pleasure Club: Houston's premier venue for live blues and zydeco. http://www.thebigeasyblues.com/
- Anvil: Its Nitro Cuba Libre is the fanciest rum and Coke ever made. http://anvilhouston.com/
- Wakefield Crowbar: This restaurant mixes a little food and drinks with sand volleyball. http://www.wakefieldcrowbar.com/
- Gatlin's Barbecue: One of the best Texas BBQ joints in Houston. A meat-lover's paradise, offering perfectly smoked beef brisket and hearty sausage and pork ribs. http://gatlinsbbq.com/
- Little Woodrow's Midtown: They have "turtle racing" on Thursdays at 8 pm. http://midtown.littlewoodrows.com/
- Sambuca: A Jazz fan's dream, located in the stunning historic Rice Hotel, offering nightly performances from local and national performers like Norma Zenteno, Tianna Hall, and The McClanahans. http://www.sambucarestaurant.com/
- Cezanne: The most discerning Jazz Venue in Houston with world class local and international musicians in both a creative and intimate environment. http://www.cezannejazz.com/
- Batanga: In downtown, by Market St Square. They have live music most nights. http://batangahouston.com/music-events/
- Prohibition: Reopened in Nov of 2014 in a new, downtown location with two different areas: a 3,000 sq ft restaurant with a patio and a 5,000 sq ft theatre that once was the historic Isis Theatre built, in 1912, as the first silent theatre in Houston. http://houston.culturemap.com/news/restaurants-bars/06-04-14-downtown-houston-is-getting-its-own-burlesque-bar-and-the-sexy-dancings-only-part-of-a-new-triple-threat-complex/ and http://prohibitionhouston.com/
- Kings Biergarten & Restaurant: Established on April 15, 2011, this is Houston's most traditional and fun German restaurant. In Pearland. http://www.kingsbiergarten.com/. Oktoberfest is also celebrated here every year: http://www.kingsoktoberfest.com/
- Lankford Grocery & Market: “What started as a roadside fruit stand in 1938 has evolved into a Houston institution, serving up a full menu including what many consider to be the best burger in Houston, as featured on the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.” http://www.lankfordgrocery.com/
- Hubcap Grill: Well, Hubcap and Lankford might have to fight for "the best burger in Houston." They have a sinfully scrumptious Cheetos burger - a beef patty topped with crunchy Cheetos and finished with a cheesy sauce. http://www.hubcapgrill.com/
- III Forks: Known throughout Texas for its sumptuous steaks, with featured cuts including the double-cut strip, filet mignon, and porterhouse. http://www.3forks.com/houston/
- Dean's Credit Clothing: Bar in downtown that strives to maintain as much of its early charm as possible. Original features include the elevator (one of the first in Texas), the ornate flooring, and the checkout area that's been transformed into a bar. Even the clothing racks remain stocked wth vintage items, available for purchase at the bar. Local fashion shows are held here on occassion, and best of all, the drink prices are almost as dated as the surroundings. http://deansdowntown.com
- Warren's Inn: Low key and comfy. A longtime downtown lounge, it is a dark and mellow place where the regulars look like they've occupied their spots at the bar for decades. Be sure to check out the jukebox with appropriate soundtrack music from the 1940s to 1960s. http://warrensinn.biz/
- La Carafe: Bar. Known for its laid-back vibe and legendary jukebox, it is in a historic brick building that exudes character. Oldest building in Houston. http://www.owlnet.rice.edu/~hans320/projects/lacarafe/ and http://www.yelp.com/biz/la-carafe-houston
- Hearsay: Second oldest building in Houston. Beautiful setting. http://hearsayhouston.com/
- Club Venue: Opened in 2006. http://www.venuehouston.com/
- Oxheart: Known for its bold flavor combinations, like the smoked tuna accompanied by chickpeas, seaweed, and caramelized tomatoes. http://oxhearthouston.com/
- Molina's: Traditional Mexican restaurant, a Houston tradition since 1941. http://www.molinasrestaurants.com/
- Churrascos: Draws from the rich well of Central American cuisine; instead of tortilla chips and enchiladas, think plantain chips and empanadas. https://www.cordua.com/churrascos/
- Firehouse Saloon: Country-and-western culture with live music on weekends. http://firehousesaloon.com/
- Alice's Tall Texan: A true no-frills experience in the Heights, with friendly folks chatting above the din of classic jukebox country music and clinking botters of Lone Star beer. http://www.houstonpress.com/locations/alices-tall-texan-drive-inn-22029/
- TopWater Grill: Seafood on the bay. http://topwatergrill.com/
- Gillhooley's Oyster Bar: "The ultimate seafood dive" as described by Andrew Zimmern from the Travel Channel. http://www.travelchannel.com/video/gilhooleys-oyster-bar
- Big Texas Dancehall and Saloon: Local joint with western decor and boot-scootin' worthy live music on Thursdays. http://www.bigtexassaloon.com/
- Mam's House of Snoballs: Refreshing frozen dessert (strawberry lemonade or gummy bear flavor for the kids), which is often a necessity in hot and humid Houston. http://www.mamssnoballs.com/
- Hong Kong City Market: “Arrive hungry. Pick up fresh fish at the massive Hong Kong City Market in Hong Kong City Mall, hit the amazing food court or dig into dim sum at Ocean Palace. Shop for jewelry, hand-dyed fabrics or lucky bamboo. Finish the day at one of several dessert bars in Dun Huang Plaza.” http://www.hkcitymall.com/market.html
- Houston's Little Saigon: Some of the city's best Vietnamese restaurants as well as street signs in both English and Vietnamese. http://www.vietworldkitchen.com/blog/2011/06/little-saigon-houston.html
- Sparrow Bar and Cookshop: Food-as-Medicine series. http://www.sparrowhouston.com/
- Good Dog: If hot dogs are your thing, try this gourmet hot dog joint. www.gooddoghouston.com
- Jus' Mac: You prefer Mac and Cheese? No problem. This place is for you and they have a few locations to choose from. www.jusmac.com
- Piola: Pretty authentic Italian pizza with a variety of unique ingredients. www.piola.it
- Star Pizza: A few locations across town. www.starpizza.net
- Luigi's Pizzeria: Known for their white pizza, of which they usually ran out of. www.luigipizzamidtown.com
- Pluckers: Yummy wings. Started by two Austin youngsters. Now a local Texas chain. www.pluckers.com
- Andalucia Tapas Restaurant and Bar: In downtown. They have live flamenco music on Friday and Saturday nights. http://www.andaluciatapas.com/
- BCN Taste and Tradition: Modern Spanish cuisine. http://bcnhouston.com/
- Majorca Bistro and Tapas: In midtown. Nice patio. Live music on some nights. http://www.majorcabistroandtapas.com/
- Rioja Spanish Tapas Restaurant: West side of town. Probably has the most authentic Spanish food of them all. http://riojarestaurant.com/ Could be closed.
- Tejas Chocolate: As Texas' first bean-to-bar chocolate company, it already had an award-winning chocolate business before getting into the barbecue game in 2015. Since then, it has become an absolute Texas powerhouse. https://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/19/us/chocolate-maker-stays-true-to-his-texas-roots.html?_r=2
- Juice bars:
Juicy in the Sky: http://juicyinthesky.com/
- Groceries stores: Central Market, Whole Foods, Phoenicia, HEB on West Alabama St… Canino’s has been a farmer’s market since June 1958: http://caninoproduce.com/. El Bolillo Bakery: http://www.elbolillo.com/.
- Viet Hoa supermarket: It has lots of international foods and some hard-to-find foods, including live frogs. http://viethoa.com/