MKT Bar / Phoenicia - Phoenicia is a specialty grocery store in downtown Houston that has a hot food bar known for their gyros ($12). It’s a nice, low-frills place to get a bite to eat if you’re on a budget. They also have an on-site restaurant called MKT Bar, which does great brunch offerings, including fried chicken and waffles ($20-$30). I highly recommend this place if you’re looking to eat downtown on a budget.
Pappasito’s Cantina – One of Houston’s classic Tex-mex restaurants. Excellent fajitas and enchiladas. I used to work here and can attest to the quality of their ingredients! $30 - $40
La Fishería – Mexican Seafood. Very flavorful in an out-of-the-way restaurant in the corner of downtown. It’s easy to overlook this restaurant, but it’s probably the best Mexican in the city (if you’re looking for seafood). Very authentic Mexican flavors and a haute-cuisine take on Mexican seafood. Prices and high, but the quality is undeniable. I had the seafood tamale and it was delicious. $50 - $70
Pappadeaux – Cajun/Southern. Rich, flavorful cajun cuisine. This restaurant is part of a chain, but it’s undeniably one of the most delicious meals you can get in the city. $40 - $60
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Paulie’s – A longstanding counter service Italian restaurant with a pleasant, low-key ambience. Simple and delicious. $20 - $30.
The Pit Room – About as typical a place as you can get for Texas barbecue. $30 - $40
Hugo’s – A chef-centered Mexican restaurant that constantly ranks on best-of foodie lists. $40 - $60.
Traveler’s Table – An Instagram ready spot that’s an ideal spot for brunch. $30 - $40
Gypsy Poet – Rustic Italian style pizza in Midtown. $30 - $40
Kata Robata – My favorite spot for sushi in Houston. $40 - $60
Grace’s – Houston’s premier spot for southern comfort food. $40 - $60
Barcelona Wine Bar – One of my favorite restaurants in Houston. A rotating menu of tapas small plates. Lots of creative dishes with great flavors. $40-$60.
The top three places to get Texas Barbecue are:
Truth BBQ - 110 S Heights Blvd, Houston, TX 77007
Pinkerton’s - 1504 Airline Dr, Houston, TX 77009
The Pit Room - 1201 Richmond Ave., Houston, TX 77006
Opinions will vary but these are considered to be the best places to get fajitas in the city
Pappasito’s - Probably the priciest option, but my favorite tex-mex restaurant in Houston. I worked here as a waiter when I was in high school, and I can attest to the quality of their ingredients!
Teotihuacan - This up-and-coming restaurant is getting rave reviews. Note that this is more of a “Mexican style” Tex-Mex.
Montrose is a vibrant, hip area to the southwest of downtown. Originally Houston’s LGBT neighborhood, the area has become one of Houston’s most attractive and walkable areas.
Agora – A tightly packed Greek-themed café. You’ll find graduate students here studying for their exams, young professionals catching up on work, and friends gathering. If you want, you can sneak next door to Common Bond, a delicious bakery, and Jeni’s Ice Cream for something sweet.
Menil Collection – An expansive and beautifully curated art gallery with great modernist art. Entrance is free! The Rothko Chapel is not to be missed, and the neighboring Cy Twombly gallery is also a unique Houston attraction.