Top Rated Restaurants & Cafes in Houston

The interior theme of this charming cafe is decorated in memory of a dog named Barnaby (may he rest in peace). The little dog bones adorning the walls certainly make excellent conversation pieces. Bring along family and friends for this enjoyable experience. The menu offers a wide range of items that might make it difficult to choose. A good old-fashioned hamburger with French fries is always an excellent choice. If you want something lighter, try one of the delicious (and huge) salads. Talk your friends into sharing with you because you will want to leave room for one of the delicious desserts, such as the carrot cake or apple pie.

Barbecue lovers and chicken fried steak aficionados have been flocking to this popular Heights area family restaurant since 1986. There is no table service, but you are welcome to grab an icy soda or beer from the old fashioned drink case while you wait to order. The rustic wood walls, vintage signs and formica tables spell out casual dining. There is plenty of seating indoors, or you can stake out a table on the small covered patio. On the weekends, there is dinner and a show when bluegrass bands take to the stage in the back dining area. The generous barbecue brisket plate, served with tangy house sauce and two sides, is dependably delicious and bargain-priced. Other popular dishes include the crispy, chicken fried steak. A kid's menu is available, and there are plenty of desserts for everyone to choose from. If you want something stronger than the iced tea served in mason jars, beer and Texas wines are both available.

If you hit it just right, you won't have to wait in line long at this eatery where the Green Eggs & Ham are almost as popular as their fried Wings & Waffle topped with fresh strawberries. Even if you end up in line, it seems to move fast as conversations sprout up between neighbors, regulars, and even out-of-towners who make the drive in to get their fix.

Located on the outskirts of Houston's colorful Montrose area, the Empire Cafe is a delightful spot for enjoying a brunch date, meeting friends for dinner or ending the evening with coffee. Sit on the patio after ordering one of the inventive specials displayed proudly above the cakes at the dessert bar and the busy Westheimer traffic doesn't seem quite so oppressive. Although the dishes are less inspired than the specials, their wide variety of consistently delicious cakes, the bold coffees, and the bright camaraderie are the reasons to visit this delightful and humble inner Houston cafe.

Baba means granny in Russian, and this restaurant—named after the fairy tale witch characterized in an Emerson, Lake and Palmer song—has been a fixture among the art galleries, antique stores and second-hand shops in the Montrose area since the early 1970s. The menu features contemporary cuisine ranging from healthy California-style salads, sandwiches and sprouts to burgers, rib eye steaks, pastas and a spicy, old-fashioned Southern gumbo.

Have a yearning for the nautical life? Take a plunge into the deep at the Houston Downtown Aquarium. This aquarium is definitely the place to be for a fun day out. The aquarium features around 400 species of aquatic life, with the Shark Voyage being the main attraction. This voyage gives visitors the opportunity to travel via train into an acrylic viewing tunnel with live sharks swimming overhead. Other attractions include the Diving Bell Ferris wheel, the aquatic carousel and some themed educational exhibits. If you've had your fill of the aquatic life and need some grub then take a pick from the Aquarium Restaurant or Dive Lounge.