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.
Vintage photographs of family members provide a charming ambiance. Due in part to the location, this restaurant enjoys a great deal of popularity with artists and business people alike. Outdoor seating is tempting in fair weather. Traditional Tex-Mex dominates the menu, but an unusual alternative is available in the form of Mollejitas, or sweetbreads. Of course, they are not for the faint of heart, so order with caution and enjoy. Finish off your meal with some sopapillas or flan.
Onion Creek is the ultimate neighborhood hangout with a little something for everyone, regardless of the time of day. Need some homemade waffles with fresh fruit and coffee to start your day right? Maybe an O.C. Poboy to get you through the afternoon? Or the Frito Pie, a cold beer on tap, and the game on the tube for dinner to make everything right with the world? Don't worry if you think you missed Happy Hour—it goes until 11p on Monday nights.
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.
From nicely priced happy hour sushi delights to incredible Horiuchi Manubu-crafted Japanese creations, Kata Robata’s exquisite offerings are meant to exceed expectations. The serene, modern atmosphere of this restaurant is the perfect setting to enjoy a freshly-brewed Japanese beer or smooth sake accompanied by scrumptious delights. The grilled snapper collar, Russian Osetra Caviar, and the richly-flavored layered Horse Mackerel makes up the restaurant's specialities.
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.
Sambuca prides itself on serving up delicious American dishes and live music entertainment every night, with a variety of featured music from classic rock to top 40 hits. Weekends provide a venue to get some grub and rock to the beats of a high energy dance band. Call or see the website for more information.
Lawless is a swanky bar located within the Rice Hotel. The interiors are richly furnished with dark woods, leather seating, and chandeliers. The brick-walled room is a pictorial journey of all those who have fought for freedom and liberty such as Teddy Roosevelt and Mahatma Gandhi. The room opens onto a terrace-balcony with views of Downtown Houston. The drinks menu serves wine, beer and classic and contemporary cocktails with delicious American bar bites and finger food.
The Bovine & Barley is a lively, upbeat bar with more than 30 beers and real ales on tap and casks. With neon lights displaying HTX and drinking quotes by famous personalities on the exposed brick walls, the decor is quite funky. Seating includes a mix of comfortable coffee bean bags, high bar stools and booths. Local food favorites you can opt for are the Bovine Burger and B&B’s Rib Eye when you start to feel hungry. If you are looking for a vibrant bar atmosphere without compromising on the quality of the food, Bovine & Barley is the place to go.
If tequila is your poison, El Big Bad is the place to be. The cantina serves over 70 flavored, handmade tequilas that change as per the season, along with craft beers, margaritas and other cocktails, and Mexican bar bites. The interiors have eye-catching murals, while a rooftop patio offers an impressive view of the Historic District. This place is also open for brunch, and offers exciting happy hour specials.
An elegant venue housed inside JW Marriott Houston Downtown, Main Kitchen has won awards for its great breakfast options and burgers as well as for the best chef. Executive Chef Erin Smith and her team have put together creative American recipes, handcrafted cocktails and exceptional wines on the menu. In fact, this place is best known for food and wine tastings, cocktail making and cooking demonstrations, and interaction of diners with local farmers and winemakers. The menu varies seasonally to incorporate fresh ingredients into all the dishes. The kitchen has served items like Parker House Rolls with Whipped Honey Butter, Ale Braised Pork Sausage and Strawberry Sherbet in the past. The wine list majorly features selections from France and California, although you can sample Portuguese varieties as well.