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
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
