For those who enjoy Italian delicacies, Giacomo's Cibo e Vino is a must-visit offbeat culinary destination in Houston. This quirky, neighborhood eatery doles out an array of scrumptious Italian small plates. Here one can choose from myriad hot and cold antipasti or even mix and match to devour a sublime meal. The restaurant takes pride in its use of the best local and imported ingredients, which add to the authentic flavor of the meals. When visiting, do ask the courteous staff for wine pairings to go with your meal.
Buffalo Bayou Brewing is by far one of the most adventurous breweries in Houston. Brewing up beers like Gingerbread Stout, their tribute to BBQ beer Smoke on the Bayou and many more, all the beverages include some sort of tribute to various Houston points of pride, be it anything from the date the city was founded to the city's prestigious Rice University. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own food and hang out during the open house and soak up the Bayou as much as possible!
Da Marco Cucina E Vino is named after the owner and Chef Marco Wiles, who received his training from his Italian mother, as well as from his cooking experiences in other Houston Italian restaurants. The originality of his dishes makes this a great dining experience for any Italian food lover. This place prides itself for offering authentic Italian cuisine. The décor is bright and comfortable with tones of yellow in the walls and wood floors. The pasta is made in-house from imported ingredients. Specialties include octopus salad, venison fettuccine and lamb chops. An all-Italian wine list is offered to add flavor to any entrée. The Zuppa Inglese, a brandy-soaked cake, is a must for dessert.
Typical of a dive bar, D&T Drive Inn has a hip ambiance, and is often filled by youngsters staying in the neighborhood. A small bar with stools, a black board with scribbled menu and a juke box in the corner adorn this little place, while giving it a casual and local feel. With 50 beers like American Lager, Hefeweizen and Imperial Stout on tap, this place offers a humble food menu, that is perfect to go with the eclectic range of beers. Deviled Ham and Ritz Crackers, Pickle Plate and Stuffed Cherry Peppers are some of the decent dishes that customers seem to like the most. Drop by to have a large mug of your favorite beer, as you chat away the evening with your buddies.
Though specializing in oyster delicacies, Liberty Kitchen and Oysterette has a wide menu of Gulf Coast seafood, Texan beef and more to satisfy almost any palate. From thee Hawaiian poke to shared plates, grilled delights, specialties and burgers, their dishes are beautifully presented and are packed with flavour. Don't miss their happy hours as they are considered to be among the best in town. Private events like parties or formal dinners can also be hosted at the restaurant, while catering to outdoor events also remains available.
For all those who appreciate the authentic taste of an Italian Pizza, this place is just for you. Located in Upper Kirby, this quaint little pizzeria has a casual and laid-back ambiance, which is perfect for a relaxed meal with friends or family. Pizzeria Solario prides itself on serving pizza, that tastes like, its just arrived from Naples. Juicy vegetables, fresh dough, and supreme quality of cheeses are used in all their preparations. Quatro Formagi, Pizze Bianche Filetti and Alla Benno are some of their pizzas, which are absolutely loved by all their patrons. A decent list of wines and other beverages are also available to accompany the pizzas of your choice.
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.
Submit to the charms of Appalachian moonshine and smooth whiskey cocktails, served in quirky mason jars. The Moonshiners Southern Table + Bar plays tribute to Southern American heritage through their selection of classic eats such as Shrimp and Grits, Smoked Trout Crostinis and Deviled Eggs. Booth seating as well as wooden tables and chairs dominate the main dining area, whereas a bar-top with wood finishing manages to catch the eye. The atmosphere inclines toward lumberjack-chic, with wood stumps decorating the walls. An outdoor patio with picnic-style tables are perfect for when the summer breeze blows.
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.
If you are in downtown Houston, and feel like relaxing over some tapas and beer, then Batanga is the place to go. Located in close proximity to the Market Square Park, this cool and casual restaurant serves up some fantastic cocktails and bites, in a laid-back ambiance. With a huge patio of 3600 square feet (334.45 square meter), Batanga seems to attract many hungry tourists and locals. With happy hours being available on drinks, this place remains choc-a-bloc during evenings. Grilled Panela Cheese, Duck Confit Arepas, Cuban Mojo Chicken Skewers and Grilled Hangar Steak remain to be popular dishes among most of their customers. A good range of cocktails accompany the delicious food, while Thai Me Up, One Beat Samba and Patio Cooler remain to be the crowd-pleasers.