Skip to main content

Tex-Mex and More: The Delicious Eateries of Houston

We didn’t think of Houston as a food city when made a visit down there recently, but after some local residents took us to the best spots in town, we instantly changed our minds. Here’s the low-down on where to dine in this Texas city.

Down House
When we got to this restaurant we couldn’t decide what to order…chicken and waffles? Crawfish croissant? We ended going with their take on shrimp and grits: wild caught Gulf shrimp, Applewood smoked bacon, Anson Mills grits, cilantro and scallions topped with poached duck eggs, in a tiny bit of pho broth, which sounds strange, but balances out the dish quite well.
1801 Yale Street
713-864-3696

El Real Tex-Mex Café
Best. Tex Mex. Ever. Yes, the three partners of this Tex-Mex joint — which calls a former theater home and projects old Spaghetti Westerns on the wall— have worked under the famed Jean Georges Vongerichten, and a few James Beard awards and nominations between them, and boy did they get the regional cuisine right. Start out with some queso and frito pie and then go for the puffy tacos or enchiladas, and wash everything down with a margarita.
1201 Westheimer Road
713-524-1201

Lowbrow
Head to this joint, known for its delicious brunch, to see drawings of Houston’s hometown heroes —  Bill Hicks, Selena and DJ Screw. We started out with a special, the duck quesadilla, and then opted for the chicken fried steak and eggs with bourbon gravy. It was absolutely heavenly. For something extra decadent, try the eggs benedict with foie gras over brioche toast.
1601 West Main Street
281-501-8288

Canopy

Clean design and a pleasant atmosphere help make this establishment a nice place for gathering with friends. Make sure to try the Texas T Ranch Kobe Beef Dawg with local grass fed chili.
3939 Montrose Boulevard
713-528-6848

Editors' Recommendations

Ann Binlot
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Ann Binlot is a New York-based freelance writer who contributes to publications like The Economist, Wallpaper*, Monocle…
These are the travel memberships and subscriptions that are worth the money – CLEAR, Global Entry, and more
Not all travel programs are created equal
Traveler pulling a rollaboard suitcase outside an airport, sun shining directly into the camera.

From Netflix and smartphone apps to food delivery services, everyone is vying for your subscription dollars these days. Most aren’t worth the expense, in our opinion. There are a few, however, that make legitimate sense — and cents — for travelers. If you're planning to travel in the upcoming year, here are the best travel memberships and subscription services that are worth the money in 2024.

TSA PreCheck
Let’s start with the most obvious travel membership: TSA PreCheck. Even for U.S.-based travelers who only fly a handful of times per year, the recurring cost is worth the time and money. A five-year membership costs $78 (less than $16 annually). It’s guaranteed to save you hours at the airport because PreCheck passengers needn’t remove their shoes, belts, or light jackets, and can leave laptops and liquids in their carry-on luggage.

Read more
Wineries, golf courses, museums, and more: Here are 12 of the best campground alternatives for RVs
You just might find your favorite place to stay on this list
Two fighter planes, one yellow one black, sit facing an aircraft hangar.

With the camping season around the corner, it's time to pull the covers off the RV, take your essential gear and get ready to hit the road. RV owners across the U.S. are champing at the bit to get back out and experience the freedom of having the world at your feet. When peak season arrives, this means that campsites and national parks can be overrun, and your sense of freedom starts to disappear as campsite after campsite feels more like a parking lot than your own Shangri-La.

This means you need to get creative, and with 21st-century technology at your fingertips, your phone is your friend. If you're looking for traditional RV campgrounds, apps like Good Sam and Campendium can give you a range of options. If you want to avoid the rush, one of the best apps for finding campground alternatives in the U.S. is Harvest Hosts. You can get a subscription for just $99 per year, and with thousands of free sites for you to choose from, this pays for itself after just a few trips.

Read more
Jerky, trail mix, chickpeas, and more: Here are the 18 best healthy snacks to munch on during road trips
You don't have to forget about your diet on the road, you have plenty of healthy snack options
Road trip

Road trip season will be here soon enough. The carefree season of cookouts, beach days, grilling, camping, and road trips. There’s something so thrilling about stuffing your trusty car to the gills with everything you could possibly need and then hitting the road toward a brand-new destination or revisiting your favorite stomping grounds. The road trip essentials: You, your travel companions, the open road, your favorite tunes, and a bounty of snacks.
However, most of the time, road trip snacks are highly processed, sugar-laden, salty, caloric indulgences that can not only leave you feeling bloated and throw your digestive system into disarray, but they can also derail your diet and fitness goals. Though most gas stations and rest stops now offer some healthier snack options, you’ll have better luck stocking your car with nutritious options if you grocery shop ahead of time and pack a cooler before you hit the road.

Best snacks for the road that are good for you
Regardless of whether you’re a planner or prefer to wing it and pull over once hunger strikes, there are plenty of healthy snacks for road trips you can choose from. Keep reading for inspiration to come up with healthy snacks for the road.

Read more