Houston Restaurants

[Ebby Calvin]

My parents are taking the wife and I out for a special occasion tomorrow night and I'm in charge of picking the restaurant.  I've lived in Houston for the majority of my life, but my knowledge of "fine dining" spots in town is a bit limited.
Any recommendations for a good sit-down restaurant would be appreciated.  We're all inside the loop but willing to drive if it's worth it.  I'm not big on seafood in restaurants, but nobody else has a problem with it.
I'm kinda leaning toward Backstreet Cafe right now, but I've already been there and would like to try something new.  Thanks in advance.

[BizidyDizidy]

My parents are taking the wife and I out for a special occasion tomorrow night and I'm in charge of picking the restaurant.  I've lived in Houston for the majority of my life, but my knowledge of "fine dining" spots in town is a bit limited.
Any recommendations for a good sit-down restaurant would be appreciated.  We're all inside the loop but willing to drive if it's worth it.  I'm not big on seafood in restaurants, but nobody else has a problem with it.
I'm kinda leaning toward Backstreet Cafe right now, but I've already been there and would like to try something new.  Thanks in advance.

How nice a place do you want? If it was me and you wanted not super fancy, but nice sit-down and excellent food I'd take them to Catalan on Washington.

[Ebby Calvin]

How nice a place do you want? If it was me and you wanted not super fancy, but nice sit-down and excellent food I'd take them to Catalan on Washington.

Thanks, I should've specified that.  Not super fancy, not super pricey.  I mainly want the food to be good and for someone to serve it to me.  But then again, I'm not paying for it....

[Bench]

Catalan's good.  I would highly recommend Mockingbird Bistro on Welch up the street from Backstreet Cafe.

[Matt]

How about Timmy Chan's?

[Andyzipp]

Can you give me a price range?

I'd recommend Bedford, but it may be more than you want to spend.  It definitely qualifies as fine dining, however.

[Ebby Calvin]

Can you give me a price range?

I'd say roughly $20-30/entree.

[sporadic]

http://www.fogodechao.com/

Out of that price range, but well worth the extra scratch.  Meat.  On Sticks.  As much as you want.  It's what I like to think heaven is like at meal times.  Only drawback is the unavoidable meat sweats that will strike you at some point during the meal.

[Andyzipp]

Look at t'afia on Travis (www.tafia.com) Rainbow Lodge (www.rainbow-lodge.com), or Bedford on Studewood (www.bedfordrestaurant.com).

If you are looking slightly more expensive, Mark's or Textile are both excellent.

[Andyzipp]

http://www.fogodechao.com/

Out of that price range, but well worth the extra scratch.  Meat.  On Sticks.  As much as you want.  It's what I like to think heaven is like at meal times.  Only drawback is the unavoidable meat sweats that will strike you at some point during the meal.

Gonna be a girl here, but Fogo, while a fun time for the carnivores, and excellent for the carb-conscious, is far from fine dining.

[Limey]

I love Antica Osteria, which is about as close as you get to a proper Italian restaurant in Houston.

[Duke]

Gonna be a girl here, but Fogo, while a fun time for the carnivores, and excellent for the carb-conscious, is far from fine dining.

Don't tell Mack Brown.  Saw MB, Muschamp and his wife, Mad Dog and a pod of recuits at the Fogo in Austin.  Looked like they were getting their money's worth.

[Andyzipp]

I love Antica Osteria, which is about as close as you get to a proper Italian restaurant in Houston.

They gots spaghetti and meatballs?

[HudsonHawk]

I love Antica Osteria, which is about as close as you get to a proper Italian restaurant in Houston.

The best Italian restaurant in Harris County is Via Emelia on FM 1960 on the north side.  It's worth the drive, it's worth the price.  It's not really fancy, but it's nice and the food is out of this world.  The black pasta is fabulous and the grilled gorgonzola pear is the single best food product I've ever tasted in my life.

[Andyzipp]

Don't tell Mack Brown.  Saw MB, Muschamp and his wife, Mad Dog and a pod of recuits at the Fogo in Austin.  Looked like they were getting their money's worth.

As great a town as it is, and saying this as gently as I can, Austin isn't known for fine dining.

[NeilT]

Catalan's good.  I would highly recommend Mockingbird Bistro on Welch up the street from Backstreet Cafe.

I like Catalan, but it's very crowded and a wee bit noisy for us old folks.  I was at Mockingbird a few weeks ago, and was surprised at how expensive it was.  We ate at Bistro Des Amis at the corner of Mockingbird and University a couple of weeks ago.  It was not inexpensive, but was BYOB which saved some money.  It was fun, too.  There's a short blurb in Texas Monthly.  I also like Brasserie Max & Julie on Montrose and The Grove downtown for the rooms.  Both are in the pretty expensive range, but not in the hideously expensive range.

[juliogotay]

As great a town as it is, and saying this as gently as I can, Austin isn't known for fine dining.

And high school football players from poor, households aren't going to be so impressed with white tablecloth fine-dining. I'm sure Mack and the boys know what they are doing and Fogo is a hell-of-a-deal to them.

[Limey]

Gonna be a girl here, but Fogo, while a fun time for the carnivores, and excellent for the carb-conscious, is far from fine dining.

I agree.  But it is the only place I've found that does a proper Caipirinha.

[Bench]

I like Catalan, but it's very crowded and a wee bit noisy for us old folks.  I was at Mockingbird a few weeks ago, and was surprised at how expensive it was.  We ate at Bistro Des Amis at the corner of Mockingbird and University a couple of weeks ago.  It was not inexpensive, but was BYOB which saved some money.  It was fun, too.  There's a short blurb in Texas Monthly.  I also like Brasserie Max & Julie on Montrose and The Grove downtown for the rooms.  Both are in the pretty expensive range, but not in the hideously expensive range.

I've been meaning to try Max & Julie for some time now, but have never had the right opportunity.  For that matter, the same goes for Feast.  I actually did have reservations for Feast one night, but figured the gentlemanly thing to do was to email my date the menu the day before.  She vetoed it.

[Limey]

I've been meaning to try Max & Julie for some time now, but have never had the right opportunity.  For that matter, the same goes for Feast.  I actually did have reservations for Feast one night, but figured the gentlemanly thing to do was to email my date the menu the day before.  She vetoed it.

I am planning to check out Feast at some point (du-uh).  It reminds me of something akin to Rules, which was an occasional treat - not least because I was a south London boy with cash in my pocket taking a table away from some hooray Henry/Henrietta.

[NeilT]

Max & Julie's takes no reservations.  It's very comforting bourgeoisie French, and has great freedom fries.

[Andyzipp]

And high school football players from poor, households aren't going to be so impressed with white tablecloth fine-dining. I'm sure Mack and the boys know what they are doing and Fogo is a hell-of-a-deal to them.

Absolutely.  Of course I like the Hula Hut when I was there, so what do I know...

[Duke]

Absolutely.  Of course I like the Hula Hut when I was there, so what do I know...

Ah the Butt Hutt.  Now there is fine dining.

[VirtualBob]

Ah the Butt Hutt.  Now there is fine dining.

And I think they have food there, now, too.

[JimR]

As great a town as it is, and saying this as gently as I can, Austin isn't known for fine dining.

oh, please. is your pinky up as you type?

[Andyzipp]

oh, please. is your pinky up as you type?

Fine dining isn't a judgement, it's a classification of establishment.  Austin doesn't have very much, if any of it.  Jeffrey's qualifies, and maybe the Driskill Grill. 

[BizidyDizidy]

I am planning to check out Feast at some point (du-uh).  It reminds me of something akin to Rules, which was an occasional treat - not least because I was a south London boy with cash in my pocket taking a table away from some hooray Henry/Henrietta.

I've only made it to Feast once, but thought it was great. Would definitely recommend.

[Duke]

Fine dining isn't a judgement, it's a classification of establishment.  Austin doesn't have very much, if any of it.  Jeffrey's qualifies, and maybe the Driskill Grill. 

Louie's 106?  Joe Dimaggio's?

[BudGirl]

Louie's 106?  Joe Dimaggio's?

Louie's is good.

[Andyzipp]

Louie's 106?  Joe Dimaggio's?

Dimaggio's is a chain steakhouse/italian restaurant.  While you'll pay too much, it's not considered Fine Dining.

Louie's probably qualifies, and we can go restaurant by restaurant if you want.  Austin is a great town, and it's known for a lot of things, but fine dining, the kind you find in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, New Orleans and even stupid ol Houston isn't a strong suit in the state capital.

[NeilT]

Dimaggio's is a chain steakhouse/italian restaurant.  While you'll pay too much, it's not considered Fine Dining.

Louie's probably qualifies, and we can go restaurant by restaurant if you want.  Austin is a great town, and it's known for a lot of things, but fine dining, the kind you find in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, New Orleans and even stupid ol Houston isn't a strong suit in the state capital.

The best restaurant in Austin, and the only one that I know of that outshines its equivalents in other cities, is Fonda San Miguel.  I like Jeffrey's, and have eaten at some other pretty good places, but nothing is better than elsewhere.  But Fonda San Miguel is unique.  Plus they gave me a free marguerita the evening Texas won its last baseball national championship. 

[hostros7]

Catalan is good and innovative, but the atmosphere/location don't really say "special occasion" to me.  You can't go wrong with BM&J, Mark's, Mockingbird Bistro, etc.  I'd also include Glass Wall and Shade on the list as well if you're thinking about making a trip over to the Heights.  For the food/ambience/price, Backstreet is one of my favorites.  Brunch there is great.

[NeilT]

The best restaurant in Austin, and the only one that I know of that outshines its equivalents in other cities, is Fonda San Miguel.  I like Jeffrey's, and have eaten at some other pretty good places, but nothing is better than elsewhere.  But Fonda San Miguel is unique.  Plus they gave me a free marguerita the evening Texas won its last baseball national championship. 

Actually, to contradict myself, the last time I was in Austin, I went to the same place twice because I thought it was so great.  Can't remember the name of it, but it was across the street from Jeffrey's, and had counter service.  The food was outstanding--I remember having duck breast--and when I ordered a 1/2 bottle of wine, they opened up a bottle and sloshed 1/2 the bottle into a carafe.  Everything was available by the 1/2 carafe.  There was a cop sitting at the counter.  The cooks are basically behind the counter, and we had a long conversation about how the duck was cooked while I was eating.  What a great place.  They were out of the duck confit though.

[Ron Brand]

You could always check out Chowhound, it's a good resource.

[Taras Bulba]

The best restaurant in Austin, and the only one that I know of that outshines its equivalents in other cities, is Fonda San Miguel.  I like Jeffrey's, and have eaten at some other pretty good places, but nothing is better than elsewhere.  But Fonda San Miguel is unique.  Plus they gave me a free marguerita the evening Texas won its last baseball national championship. 

I wouldn't call it fine dining because they'll take you wearing a suit or shorts and the service is very good but not stellar, but Hudson's is pretty good--the last two times I have been there, the food was highly memorable.  Also, Jeffrey's just changed chefs and the feedback so far is mixed.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

Ditto Max & Julie's...perfect French comfort food.  I've yet to have a bad experience at Shade in the Heights.

One that hasn't been mentioned yet (I think) is Reef.  Great daily specials, and the honest-to-gawd best pork chop I've had in town.  At a seafood restaurant, no less.

[BudGirl]

I really like Daily Review.  Benjy's was nice also.

[Ron Brand]

Catalan used to have very good prices on wine and featured some great ones that were difficult to find. Is that still the case?

[BizidyDizidy]

Catalan used to have very good prices on wine and featured some great ones that were difficult to find. Is that still the case?

I think it's by far the best wine list in houston (for price/quality ratio).

[Ebby Calvin]

I think it's by far the best wine list in houston (for price/quality ratio).

Houston Press certainly agrees with you.

[BizidyDizidy]

Houston Press certainly agrees with you.

If you go, make sure you talk to the Sommelier; he's great. The chef is also a lot of fun if he comes out.

[MusicMan]

Look at t'afia on Travis (www.tafia.com)

I'll give T'afia the benefit of the doubt, as my one meal there was a group (50+) meal; but that meal was deplorable.

[BizidyDizidy]

I'll give T'afia the benefit of the doubt, as my one meal there was a group (50+) meal; but that meal was deplorable.

I have found it hit or miss.

[Bench]

I have found it hit or miss.

Me too.  Both in terms of food and service.  Though the happy hour is still one of the better deals in town.

[Andyzipp]

I have found it hit or miss.

That's suprising, as I've been a dozen times, and have always been very happy.  Of course, I know Monica, so that may have something to do with it.

[BizidyDizidy]

That's suprising, as I've been a dozen times, and have always been very happy.  Of course, I know Monica, so that may have something to do with it.

I actually prefer another of her restaurants, Beavers - although it is not the same style of food whatsoever. (Preferred it more before the amazing bar staff left to set up their own bar, Anvil, which just opened on Westheimer).

[matadorph]

The best restaurant in Austin, and the only one that I know of that outshines its equivalents in other cities, is Fonda San Miguel.  I like Jeffrey's, and have eaten at some other pretty good places, but nothing is better than elsewhere.  But Fonda San Miguel is unique.  Plus they gave me a free marguerita the evening Texas won its last baseball national championship. 

I love Fonda San Miguel, but it is nowhere close to the best restaurant in Austin. The two best meals I've had in Austin were at Uchi and The Driskill, and both were extravagantly expensive. David Bull was the chef at the Driskill at that time but he's since moved on to bigger things elsewhere, so I have to give the honor to Tyson Cole's Uchi.

Btw I recommend Olivia on South Lamar and Oltorf. I ate a fantastic brunch there yesterday.

[Bench]

I actually prefer another of her restaurants, Beavers - although it is not the same style of food whatsoever. (Preferred it more before the amazing bar staff left to set up their own bar, Anvil, which just opened on Westheimer).

Beavers is great, but I go there for the cocktails moreso than the food.  I didn't realize that Anvil was former Pope people.  I just moved right down the street from there.  I like how the name is "Anvil Bar & Refuge."

[Duke]

Louie's probably qualifies, and we can go restaurant by restaurant if you want.  Austin is a great town, and it's known for a lot of things, but fine dining, the kind you find in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, New Orleans and even stupid ol Houston isn't a strong suit in the state capital.

This is a little different than saying Austin has little if any fine dining.  It does and it is getting better although it may not be known for it.

[BizidyDizidy]

Beavers is great, but I go there for the cocktails moreso than the food.  I didn't realize that Anvil was former Pope people.  I just moved right down the street from there.  I like how the name is "Anvil Bar & Refuge."

Bobby Heugel and Kevin (trying to remember - Malone?) were the former barstaff (the Anvil people); they came up with pretty much all the cocktails worth drinking on the current menu. I haven't been particularly impressed with how the bar has gone since they left.

I haven't been able to make it to Anvil yet (due to the unfortunate fact that I more or less live in Dallas now), but I'm hoping to check it out this weekend.

I've only eaten there once since the the former head chef left (Dax McAnear, who left to go to Textile) and thought it was ok. The new chef, Jonathan Jones, is very well regarded, but I didn't think he had made that much of an impact on the menu yet (supposedly the specials are the best route, but there were none yet the night I ate there early before a Rockets game).

[Andyzipp]

This is a little different than saying Austin has little if any fine dining.  It does and it is getting better although it may not be known for it.

We will agree to disagree. 

[Ron Brand]

It was better in Austin when we had a James Coney Island.

[Bench]

Bobby Heugel and Kevin (trying to remember - Malone?) were the former barstaff (the Anvil people); they came up with pretty much all the cocktails worth drinking on the current menu. I haven't been particularly impressed with how the bar has gone since they left.

I haven't been able to make it to Anvil yet (due to the unfortunate fact that I more or less live in Dallas now), but I'm hoping to check it out this weekend.

I've only eaten there once since the the former head chef left (Dax McAnear, who left to go to Textile) and thought it was ok. The new chef, Jonathan Jones, is very well regarded, but I didn't think he had made that much of an impact on the menu yet (supposedly the specials are the best route, but there were none yet the night I ate there early before a Rockets game).

I didn't even realize Anvil was open.  I'll head over there for a cocktail after work tonight. Last time I went to Beaver's they served me some kind of bourbon, two different kinds of bitters, whipped egg, rosemary drink that was one of the best things I've ever tasted.  It will be good to have a place like that only a few blocks away from my house.  Being able to walk means I get to experiment with a lot more different drinks.

ETA:  I forgot the egg fizz in the cocktail.

[BizidyDizidy]

I didn't even realize Anvil was open.  I'll head over there for a cocktail after work tonight. Last time I went to Beaver's they served me some kind of bourbon, two different kinds of bitters, rosemary drink that was one of the best things I've ever tasted.  It will be good to have a place like that only a few blocks away from my house.  Being able to walk means I get to experiment with a lot more different drinks.

Forgot to mention - those guys have a blog too: http://drinkdogma.com/

[matadorph]

We will agree to disagree. 

You never ate at Emilia's then. Too bad the place that replaced it (Moonshine) sucks balls.

[Bench]

Forgot to mention - those guys have a blog too: http://drinkdogma.com/

I guess it opened up last week.  Here's the Houston Press write-up from today.

"Anvil's focus lies almost exclusively in Prohibition-era cocktails made from scratch with homemade infusions; freshy-squeezed juices; fruits, vegetables and herbs from local farmers' markets; and hundreds of different liquors, some of which have never been available in Houston before.

Anvil also offers a compact selection of beers (primarily Belgians and microbrews) and limited-production wines.  Their kitchen, whose menu is being created by Dax McAnear (also formerly of Beaver's and currently at Textile), will feature cheeses from the Houston Dairymaids, house-cured meats and an array of other fresh savories."

[Arky Vaughan]

My parents are taking the wife and I out for a special occasion tomorrow night and I'm in charge of picking the restaurant.  I've lived in Houston for the majority of my life, but my knowledge of "fine dining" spots in town is a bit limited.
Any recommendations for a good sit-down restaurant would be appreciated.  We're all inside the loop but willing to drive if it's worth it.  I'm not big on seafood in restaurants, but nobody else has a problem with it.
I'm kinda leaning toward Backstreet Cafe right now, but I've already been there and would like to try something new.  Thanks in advance.

I highly recommend Hugo's. However, I think Hugo's and most of the places above may be beyond the price range you quoted.

One place that has some of the best value for money in town is Gravitas. I haven't had a bad meal there and you can get out for less than most of the other restaurants mentioned in this thread.

[BizidyDizidy]

I guess it opened up last week.  Here's the Houston Press write-up from today.

"Anvil's focus lies almost exclusively in Prohibition-era cocktails made from scratch with homemade infusions; freshy-squeezed juices; fruits, vegetables and herbs from local farmers' markets; and hundreds of different liquors, some of which have never been available in Houston before.

Anvil also offers a compact selection of beers (primarily Belgians and microbrews) and limited-production wines.  Their kitchen, whose menu is being created by Dax McAnear (also formerly of Beaver's and currently at Textile), will feature cheeses from the Houston Dairymaids, house-cured meats and an array of other fresh savories."

Kevin Floyd, that's it - Kevin Malone is the dimwit accountant from the office.

[BatGirl]

I really like Daily Review.  Benjy's was nice also.

i agree with budgirl
and the new benjy's on washington is fabulous

[JimR]

You never ate at Emilia's then. Too bad the place that replaced it (Moonshine) sucks balls.

you're kidding. must be.

[chuck]

I highly recommend Hugo's. However, I think Hugo's and most of the places above may be beyond the price range you quoted.

I love Hugo's, too, and honestly I don't find it all that expensive, certainly not for what you get in terms of quality of food and overall experience.

[UpTooLate]

If not previously mentioned then Houstons is always a good reliable choice.  Good service, good food, nice atmosphere.  Hard to go wrong with it and they have a decent selection on their menu.  Price range also fits your preference.  Kirby and 59.

[BudGirl]

i agree with budgirl
and the new benjy's on washington is fabulous

that is a fun place.  i'm suppose to try ruggles green tonight.

[BizidyDizidy]

that is a fun place.  i'm suppose to try ruggles green tonight.

Hippie.

[BudGirl]

Hippie.

well, that's it.  I'm not going now.

[BizidyDizidy]

well, that's it.  I'm not going now.

It looks good - if you go report back. I'm curious how it compares to Ruggles Cafe, which appears to have almost the same (albeit de-hippiefied) menu.

[Noe]

As great a town as it is, and saying this as gently as I can, Austin isn't known for fine dining.

You speak truth my friend.  It's all about the Bar-b-que and Tex-Mex here.

[hostros7]

that is a fun place.  i'm suppose to try ruggles green tonight.

I go there quite a bit because it's walking distance, and I've had the following:

Chicken Curry Salad
Chef Bruce's chicken sandwich
ham and cheese panini
spicy southwest smoked chicken pasta

All were pretty good.  Heard the empanadas were good as well but haven't sampled those yet.  It's always crowded in my experience.

[BudGirl]

hmm, i might try the curry.  i don't usually like curry.

thanks for the recommendations.  should be fun, a large bunch of ladies.

[hostros7]

hmm, i might try the curry.  i don't usually like curry.

thanks for the recommendations.  should be fun, a large bunch of ladies.

That salad was solid.  I'm not sure it's very "curry" though, so you might be safe.  The dressing is light, citrussy, and refreshing

[Arky Vaughan]

I love Hugo's, too, and honestly I don't find it all that expensive, certainly not for what you get in terms of quality of food and overall experience.

Looking at the menu and prices just now, I stand corrected.

[Arky Vaughan]

You speak truth my friend.  It's all about the Bar-b-que and Tex-Mex here.

Of course, I'd often rather have those than any fine dining.

[BudGirl]

That salad was solid.  I'm not sure it's very "curry" though, so you might be safe.  The dressing is light, citrussy, and refreshing

I went with the spinach salad w/salmon.  Very good.  I liked the place.  Not as much as I like Empire Cafe, but still good.

[chuck]

Looking at the menu and prices just now, I stand corrected.

It's what I don't understand about the mobs of idiots who go to Pappasito's and eat the garbage there. It's just not that much more expensive (if at all) to go to Hugo's and get something edible.

[HudsonHawk]

It's what I don't understand about the mobs of idiots who go to Pappasito's and eat the garbage there. It's just not that much more expensive (if at all) to go to Hugo's and get something edible.

Pappasito's isn't *that* bad.  Their burritos aren't terrible.

[BizidyDizidy]

It's what I don't understand about the mobs of idiots who go to Pappasito's and eat the garbage there. It's just not that much more expensive (if at all) to go to Hugo's and get something edible.

Sometimes I want Hugo's, sometimes I want Pappasitos. I know I've caught shit for it before, but I like pappasitos. I've eaten in some of the best restaurants in the world (I consider myself a pretty hopeless foodie), but every once in a while I get a craving for pappasitos. Maybe it's just a what you grow up with thing.

[BizidyDizidy]

By the way, if you haven't done Sunday brunch at Hugo's, I highly recommend it; great buffet.

[Limey]

If not previously mentioned then Houstons is always a good reliable choice.  Good service, good food, nice atmosphere.  Hard to go wrong with it and they have a decent selection on their menu.  Price range also fits your preference.  Kirby and 59.

A buddy of mine was recently refused drink service at Houston's because he'd had a drink elsewhere.  Emphasis on the "a".  New management edict, apparently, not to serve alcohol to people who have previously had a drink.  Or they didn't like the look of his face.

Either way, I'm not going to risk it in the future.  Houston's is off limits.

[Limey]

Sometimes I want Hugo's, sometimes I want Pappasitos. I know I've caught shit for it before, but I like pappasitos. I've eaten in some of the best restaurants in the world (I consider myself a pretty hopeless foodie), but every once in a while I get a craving for pappasitos. Maybe it's just a what you grow up with thing.

Pappasito's is ok depending on the circumstances.  What I don't like is how the menus of the Pappas restaurants seem to bleed over into each other.  Typically any special offered at Pappasito's could quite easily have been on the menu of the Pappadeaux next door.

[BudGirl]

Cafe Annie is a nice choice also.  We liked it.

[roadrunner]

Reef and Hugo's are my two favorites, with Americas slightly below.

[Limey]

Cafe Grannie is a nice choice also.  We liked it.

FIFY

[Ebby Calvin]

Thanks for all of the suggestions!  After much deliberation we're headed to Hugo's tonight.  I rarely pass up good Mexican food, and I can't believe I've never been there or even heard of it.
Do they have any signature drinks there?

[roadrunner]

Thanks for all of the suggestions!  After much deliberation we're headed to Hugo's tonight.  I rarely pass up good Mexican food, and I can't believe I've never been there or even heard of it.
Do they have any signature drinks there?

Tons of different Tequila flights and margaritas.  I forgot what I had last time, but it was fantastic.

[JimR]

Tons of different Tequila flights and margaritas.  I forgot what I had last time, but it was fantastic.

fantastic tequila=i forgot

[hostros7]

A buddy of mine was recently refused drink service at Houston's because he'd had a drink elsewhere.  Emphasis on the "a".  New management edict, apparently, not to serve alcohol to people who have previously had a drink.  Or they didn't like the look of his face.

Either way, I'm not going to risk it in the future.  Houston's is off limits.

I've saddled up to that bar after a day at the icehouse and ordered more than one grey goose on the rocks with no problems.  That policy doesn't seem far fetched though.  I'm surprised by how unevenly some of those rules are applied.  For example, two visits to Yia Yia Mary's (a Pappas establishment) they cut me off after 2 beers (citing policy), and I hadn't had a drop before.  However, at Pappadeux, Pappasitos, etc, they seem to push the drinks on you. 

[Bench]

For example, two visits to Yia Yia Mary's (a Pappas establishment) they cut me off after 2 beers (citing policy), and I hadn't had a drop before. 

Not many restaurants have a pro-bankruptcy policy.

[Arky Vaughan]

It's what I don't understand about the mobs of idiots who go to Pappasito's and eat the garbage there. It's just not that much more expensive (if at all) to go to Hugo's and get something edible.

If I were craving Tex-Mex, I wouldn't go to Hugo's, because that's not what it is, but then Pappasito's wouldn't be my first choice either.

I'm sure it will provoke consternation to suggest that my favorite place for fajitas is Lupe Tortilla.

If I'm just looking for a carne asada taco, you can't beat the quesadillas at 100% Taquito.

[roadrunner]

If I were craving Tex-Mex, I wouldn't go to Hugo's, because that's not what it is, but then Pappasito's wouldn't be my first choice either.

I'm sure it will provoke consternation to suggest that my favorite place for fajitas is Lupe Tortilla.

If I'm just looking for a carne asada taco, you can't beat the quesadillas at 100% Taquito.

Yes.  Lupe is easily the best Tex-Mex.  El Tiempo is the closest thing I can think of to fine dining Tex-Mex, but even then I prefer Lupe.  El Tiempo is just more expensive.

[Bench]

If I were craving Tex-Mex, I wouldn't go to Hugo's, because that's not what it is, but then Pappasito's wouldn't be my first choice either.

I'm sure it will provoke consternation to suggest that my favorite place for fajitas is Lupe Tortilla.

If I'm just looking for a carne asada taco, you can't beat the quesadillas at 100% Taquito.

Lupe sucks.  There.

[Ebby Calvin]

If I want fajitas, I head to Goode Co. Taqueria.  I grew up on it, but I crave those beef fajitas like no other.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

If I were craving Tex-Mex, I wouldn't go to Hugo's, because that's not what it is, but then Pappasito's wouldn't be my first choice either.

I'm sure it will provoke consternation to suggest that my favorite place for fajitas is Lupe Tortilla.

If I'm just looking for a carne asada taco, you can't beat the quesadillas at 100% Taquito.

I'm a fan of Lupe Tortilla.  When we visit my family, I try to take the wife to eat there.  Living in Pflugerville, I have to say, has led me to experience some of the worst Tex Mex I've ever had.  We've found a couple places we like but there are some plain awful chains that seem to drive steady business.  Pappasito's is awesome in comparison to some of the places.  

[Andyzipp]

Lupe sucks.  There.

Ah, the interwebs.  Possibly the only place in the world where proclaiming underwhelming like for a restaurant, television show, band, woman will generate definitive statements of either the suckiness of that restaurant, television show, band, woman, the realtive stupidity of the individual making the original statement or, usually both.

I like Pappasito's, The (US) Office, Journey and Flo from the Progressive Insurance commercials.  Evidently, I'm also crazy from the syphillis.

[Andyzipp]

I'm a fan of Lupe Tortilla.  When we visit my family, I try to take the wife to eat there.  Living in Pflugerville, I have to say, has led me to experience some of the worst Tex Mex I've ever had.  We've found a couple places we like but there are some plain awful chains that seem to drive steady business.  Pappasito's is awesome in comparison to some of the places.  

Is Garcia's still open?  I liked that place.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

Is Garcia's still open?  I liked that place.

Off Pecan?  Yeah, we've been a few times.  They are not bad.  But we found a place in Hutto that's pretty good.  I believe it's called Rio Grande's.  Mesa Rosa, in Round Rock, also suits our preferences.

[sporadic]

Ah, the interwebs.  Possibly the only place in the world where proclaiming underwhelming like for a restaurant, television show, band, woman will generate definitive statements of either the suckiness of that restaurant, television show, band, woman, the realtive stupidity of the individual making the original statement or, usually both.

Flo from the Progressive Insurance commercials.  Evidently, I'm also crazy from the syphillis.

I guess now I have an explanation for my wierd infatuation with that lady.  Everytime I tell Mrs. Sporadic that for some strange reason I find her attractive (the Progressive insurace chick) she looks at me like I am a lunatic.  She could be on to something.

[BizidyDizidy]

I think Lupe is terrible - to each their own.

Has anyone tried Sylvias enchilada kitchen - it hought it was great, maybe best tex-mex in houston. I think dallas has even better places for tex-mex.

[NeilT]

I had a pretty good taco plate at an Arandas last week, still appreciate the soup at Spanish Flower, and like the Cuban menu at the place in Rice Village, but never can remember its name.  I also like the Cuban and the the lemonade at any of the El Reys.  I like the Mexican fish places on airline--just pick one.  BudGirl, what's the name of that place you go to on the East Side?  I thought that was great TexMex.

[Arky Vaughan]

I think Lupe is terrible - to each their own.

You and Bench are not alone in your negative assessments, but I really, really like the beef fajitas, and the chicken fajitas are good too. I've never ordered anything else there, other than queso.

[Arky Vaughan]

I had a pretty good taco plate at an Arandas last week, still appreciate the soup at Spanish Flower, and like the Cuban menu at the place in Rice Village, but never can remember its name.  I also like the Cuban and the the lemonade at any of the El Reys.  I like the Mexican fish places on airline--just pick one.  BudGirl, what's the name of that place you go to on the East Side?  I thought that was great TexMex.

I keep trying to make El Rey work, since the guys at work love going there, but I've been disappointed time after time. I'd go to 100%, Berryhill, Tacos A-Go-Go or even Chipotle before El Rey.

[BudGirl]

I guess now I have an explanation for my wierd infatuation with that lady.  Everytime I tell Mrs. Sporadic that for some strange reason I find her attractive (the Progressive insurace chick) she looks at me like I am a lunatic.  She could be on to something.

Mrs. Sporadic is pretty sharp and I agree with her about that.

[BatGirl]

not to derail the texmex express or anything
but has anyone been to the house of blues sunday gospel brunch?

[BizidyDizidy]

I keep trying to make El Rey work, since the guys at work love going there, but I've been disappointed time after time. I'd go to 100%, Berryhill, Tacos A-Go-Go or even Chipotle before El Rey.

Have you tried the cuban taco or the shrimp tempura taco? Also, their breakfast tacos are pretty tasty (saturday morning staple for us).

[BudGirl]

I had a pretty good taco plate at an Arandas last week, still appreciate the soup at Spanish Flower, and like the Cuban menu at the place in Rice Village, but never can remember its name.  I also like the Cuban and the the lemonade at any of the El Reys.  I like the Mexican fish places on airline--just pick one.  BudGirl, what's the name of that place you go to on the East Side?  I thought that was great TexMex.

Ostioneria Puerto Vallarta off of Griggs.

Then again, I prefer hole-in-the-wall mexican places. 

[JaneDoe]

Then again, I prefer hole-in-the-wall mexican places. 

Me too.  Where Abuelita is sitting in the corner rolling out the tortillas.

Where did we go before the Cubs game last year? (I think it was the one with the chick Cubfan in the white skirt that peeved us to no end)

[Holly]

not to derail the texmex express or anything
but has anyone been to the house of blues sunday gospel brunch?

Not I, but to further derail... my brother's band is playing there on Thursday (Band name => Southern Backtones)

[BudGirl]

Me too.  Where Abuelita is sitting in the corner rolling out the tortillas.

Where did we go before the Cubs game last year? (I think it was the one with the chick Cubfan in the white skirt that peeved us to no end)

El Pueblito on Richmond.  That one really isn't what I would consider a hole-in-the-wall though.  I like their breakfast though.  In fact, I've only been there for breakfast/brunch.

I forgot about that chicka.  Thanks for the memory.

[BudGirl]

not to derail the texmex express or anything
but has anyone been to the house of blues sunday gospel brunch?

I haven't yet, but we are probably planning to go towards the end of may.  Let me know what you think if you go before then.

[JaneDoe]

El Pueblito on Richmond.  That one really isn't what I would consider a hole-in-the-wall though.  I like their breakfast though.  In fact, I've only been there for breakfast/brunch.

I forgot about that chicka.  Thanks for the memory.

I did not mean to infer it was a hole in the wall.  I just wanted to know the name of it.


That chicka was god-awful.

[NeilT]

I keep trying to make El Rey work, since the guys at work love going there, but I've been disappointed time after time. I'd go to 100%, Berryhill, Tacos A-Go-Go or even Chipotle before El Rey.

I'll go to El Rey just for the lemonade, and for a long time I tended to agree with you about the food.  It's not bad, exactly, just a lot of it is kinda boring.  Now I usually get the ropa viejo sandwich, which I like.  The tortilla soup is outstanding, though not something I'd usually think about ordering at a fast food place.  I've always liked the roasted chicken, but that's more of a buy it and take it home sort of thing.

[NeilT]

Ostioneria Puerto Vallarta off of Griggs.

Then again, I prefer hole-in-the-wall mexican places. 

It was actually a pretty nice place in my book, and the TexMex was great.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

You and Bench are not alone in your negative assessments, but I really, really like the beef fajitas, and the chicken fajitas are good too. I've never ordered anything else there, other than queso.

Ditto, we only order the fajita. 

[chuck]

I like Pappasito's, The (US) Office, Journey and Flo from the Progressive Insurance commercials.  Evidently, I'm also crazy from the syphillis.

Jesus. You do like beer and baseball, yes? Because otherwise you, good sir, are in a hopeless situation.

For lazy Tex-Mex I might go to Maria Selma on Richmond. As far as taqueria chains go I am solidly pro-Ruchis and anti-Arandas.

[Bench]

Jesus. You do like beer and baseball, yes? Because otherwise you, good sir, are in a hopeless situation.

For lazy Tex-Mex I might go to Maria Selma on Richmond. As far as taqueria chains go I am solidly pro-Ruchis and anti-Arandas.

Maria Selma has the best chips in town.

I have nothing against Lupe, their fajitas are fine, as long as you have enough margaritas while you wait.  I just wanted to start the piling on.

The ropa viejo sandwich and cuban tacos at El Rey kick ass.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

The ropa viejo sandwich and cuban tacos at El Rey kick ass.

Amen again.  The Cuban tacos are like crack to me.  And their horchata is just right, too: not too sweet, just the right amount of cinnamon.

The main thing that Lupe has going for them is their tortillas, everything else is decidedly meh.  The fajitas are too greasy for my taste, but my in-laws love it, so I end up eating there almost monthly.

[BizidyDizidy]

Amen again.  The Cuban tacos are like crack to me.  And their horchata is just right, too: not too sweet, just the right amount of cinnamon.

The main thing that Lupe has going for them is their tortillas, everything else is decidedly meh.  The fajitas are too greasy for my taste, but my in-laws love it, so I end up eating there almost monthly.

]

I am a huge fan of their canteloupe agua fresca.

[JaneDoe]

Amen again.  The Cuban tacos are like crack to me.  And their horchata is just right, too: not too sweet, just the right amount of cinnamon.

The main thing that Lupe has going for them is their tortillas, everything else is decidedly meh.  The fajitas are too greasy for my taste, but my in-laws love it, so I end up eating there almost monthly.

You are a fast learner.  Congrats on the new Mrs. GBB.

[HudsonHawk]

Yes.  Lupe is easily the best Tex-Mex.  El Tiempo is the closest thing I can think of to fine dining Tex-Mex, but even then I prefer Lupe.  El Tiempo is just more expensive.

Lupe Tortillas is the best Tex-Mex named Lupe Tortillas.  Compared to much else, however, it blows chunks.

[HudsonHawk]

Amen again.  The Cuban tacos are like crack to me. 

As a Cuban food afficianado, the idea of "Cuban tacos" is really bizarre to me.

[BizidyDizidy]

As a Cuban food afficianado, the idea of "Cuban tacos" is really bizarre to me.

What about the idea of plantains in your taco?

[HudsonHawk]

What about the idea of plantains in your taco?

Anything Cuban in the form of a taco is bizarre.

[Limey]

What about the idea of plantains in your taco?

You'd have to buy me dinner first.  Or at least a few drinks.

[chuck]

You'd have to buy me dinner first.  Or at least a few drinks.

Wow, that was so obvious I'm ashamed I missed it.

[JaneDoe]

Wow, that was so obvious I'm ashamed I missed it.

Well this:

Anything Cuban in the form of a taco is bizarre.

just gave me flashbacks of Clinton and Lewinsky.

[chandler44]

I'm a fan of Lupe Tortilla.  When we visit my family, I try to take the wife to eat there.  Living in Pflugerville, I have to say, has led me to experience some of the worst Tex Mex I've ever had.  We've found a couple places we like but there are some plain awful chains that seem to drive steady business.  Pappasito's is awesome in comparison to some of the places.  

Speaking of Pflugerville, I've eaten at the European Bistro once and I quite enjoyed it.

[Arky Vaughan]

Lupe Tortillas is the best Tex-Mex named Lupe Tortillas.  Compared to much else, however, it blows chunks.

Well, then I guess I like blown chunks for fajitas. What less-blown-chunky alternative would you recommend?

[HudsonHawk]

Well, then I guess I like blown chunks for fajitas. What less-blown-chunky alternative would you recommend?

You want a comprehensive list of every restaurant in Houston that serves fajitas?

The best fajitas in the whole wide world are at Eva's on Kuykendahl, just north of FM1960.  Short of that, there is, at a minimum, three Tex-Mex restaurants within a penis length of each Lupe Tortillas.  Hell, Taco Cabana would be better.  The ritas at LT's are not terrible, I'll give them that.  But the food is.  In my humble opinion (which has never been wrong), of course.

[gleach]

Hudson, let me take you to a place over here by my office.  It's called Old Mexico.  It is just a converted house with about 10 tables.  Best fajitas I have ever had.

[HudsonHawk]

Hudson, let me take you to a place over here by my office.  It's called Old Mexico.  It is just a converted house with about 10 tables.  Best fajitas I have ever had.

I thought you were gonna say "and I'll show you my etchings...."

I'm there dude.  I'm always on the lookout for great fajitas.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

I thought you were gonna say "and I'll show you my etchings...."

I'm there dude.  I'm always on the lookout for great fajitas.

Okay, I'm going to need you to define "great fajitas" from your perspective.

[AtascAstro]

Well, then I guess I like blown chunks for fajitas. What less-blown-chunky alternative would you recommend?

I'm with Arky.  I've known some people to prefer other fajitas but nobody that likened them to vomit and put them beneath "every other mexican restaurant in Houston".  Of course I shouldn't be surprised considering the source, there is no middle ground with HH.

[HudsonHawk]

Okay, I'm going to need you to define "great fajitas" from your perspective.

Tastes great, less filling.

[HudsonHawk]

Of course I shouldn't be surprised considering the source, there is no middle ground with HH.

You're right.  You're either with me, or you're wrong.

[gleach]

I thought you were gonna say "and I'll show you my etchings...."

I'm there dude.  I'm always on the lookout for great fajitas.

Let me know when you're in town.  I eat there so much they give me a discount.  I'll buy.

[Arky Vaughan]

You're right.  You're either with me, or you're wrong.

And I know better than to mess with a man whose penis length stretches from Lupe Tortilla on 59 to the Taco Cabana on Kirby.

I'm going to give Eva's a try.

[HudsonHawk]

And I know better than to mess with a man whose penis length stretches from Lupe Tortilla on 59 to the Taco Cabana on Kirby.

But if it stretches that long for more than 4 hours, I have to seek immediate medical attention.

[MusicMan]

And I know better than to mess with a man whose penis length stretches from Lupe Tortilla on 59 to the Taco Cabana on Kirby.

It actually reached House of Pies before his bar mitzvah.

[Holly]

It actually reached House of Pies before his bar mitzvah.

House of Pies? I heard Chuy's.

[BudGirl]

Why not just stretch it all the way to Spanish Flowers?

[HudsonHawk]

Why not just stretch it all the way to Spanish Flowers?

Well now you're just being silly.

[Bench]

And I know better than to mess with a man whose penis length stretches from Lupe Tortilla on 59 to the Taco Cabana on Kirby.

I'm going to give Eva's a try.

You give him too much credit.  There's a TC right next door to Lupe's on Kirby and 59.

[austro]

You give him too much credit.  There's a TC right next door to Lupe's on Kirby and 59.

And all this time I thought I was driving over a traffic counter.

[Ebby Calvin]

It actually reached House of Guys before his bar mitzvah.

NTTAWWT.

[austro]

Just wanted to give a hearty thank you to all who mentioned Hugo's. I took the extended family there for a graduation celebration on Saturday, and the food was wonderful.

[chuck]

Just wanted to give a hearty thank you to all who mentioned Hugo's. I took the extended family there for a graduation celebration on Saturday, and the food was wonderful.

I'm glad. Just the other day I was thinking about how much I like that place. I haven't necessarily visited the majority of comparable restaurants in Houston, but among those that I do know Hugo's is the clear winner in terms of food, service, ambiance and value.

[matadorph]

I've only made it to Feast once, but thought it was great. Would definitely recommend.

As would the editors of Bon Appetit magazine, who just named Feast one of the ten best new restaurants in the US.