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Houston is home to several amazing restaurants. There are restaurants helmed by James Breadwinner chefs, and some have stood the test of time serving amazing platters for decades. There is no shortage of flavours and one thing that ties them together is the essence of tradition and culture.
Through these acclaimed eateries, Houston has earned its newfound reputation among the best foodie cities in the nation. Apart from steaks and BBQ, you will find wonderful treats and impeccable services that make every experience a joyful memory.
There are several restaurants helmed by James Beard Award-Winning chefs and many of them have either won the award or earned the nomination as finalists. From breakfast to lunch and dinner, these places promise a wholesome treat and also help you taste a part of their rich history. Explore these famous restaurants in Houston and amaze yourself with delectable treats.
7 Famous Houston Restaurants To Explore
1) Hugo's
Image Credit: Hugo's
Hugo's has been a revered spot on the food trail of the city for almost 20 years now and is surprisingly always fresh and new. This beloved restaurant, helmed by the celebrated chef Hugo Ortega draws inspiration from his Mexican roots in creating the best tex-mex recipes that became a huge highlight of the city. Dishes like crispy duck in mole poblano and succulent carnitas are extremely popular. While there are tons of things to try on the menu, you should definitely not miss the ostiones asados or roasted oysters, slow-roasted lamb meat and stuffed churros. There is also an impeccable wine list to complement your feast.
Location: 1600 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77006
Timings: Tue-Wed: 3-9 p.m.; Thu: 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri: 11:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Sat: 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Sun: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Must Try: Crispy Duck In Mole Poblano, Succulent Carnitas, Ostiones Asados Or Roasted Oysters
Price for 2: $100 approx.
2) The Breakfast Klub
Image Credit: The Breakfast Klub
The Breakfast Klub is known for its all-day breakfast feast and beautiful interior perfect for gatherings. This restaurant has also been serving delectable breakfast dishes for 20 years which feels like a morning celebration. Dishes like crispy chicken wings and fluffy Belgian waffles hit the right notes with their sweet and savoury kicks. While the wings and waffles are famous, savoury catfish and grits are also worth trying. If you want something extravagant, try the sandwich piled high with bacon, ham, turkey, egg, tomato, and cheese.
Location: 3711 Travis St, Houston, TX 77002
Timings: Sun: 8 a.m.-2 p.m.; Mon-Fri: 7 a.m.-2 p.m.; Sat: 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Must Try: Sandwich, Chicken Wings And Fluffy Belgian Waffles
Price for 2: $40 approx.
3) The Original Ninfa's on Navigation
Image Credit: The Original Ninfa's on Navigation
For almost 50 years now, The Original Ninfa's on Navigation has been shown their Tex-mex culinary magic while creating history. Mama Ninfa's genius gave birth to Tacos al carbon, now a Houston icon. Sink your teeth into warm tortillas stuffed with juicy fajita meat, paired perfectly with pico de gallo, guacamole, and queso. Don't miss their legendary queso flameado or sizzling meat fajitas. Try to delve into the food while enjoying the history of this restaurant told by the locals.
Location: 2704 Navigation Blvd, Houston, TX 77003
Timings: Sun: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Mon-Thu: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Must Try: Tacos Al Carbon, Queso Flameado, Fajitas With Skirt Steak
Price for 2: $40 approx.
4) Lucille’s
Image Credit: Lucille’s
Lucille’s is where Southern Hospitality can be experienced at its peak. Situated in Houston’s Museum District, this restaurant has been serving a contemporary flair since 2012. Brothers Chris and Ben Williams established this restaurant in honour of their great-grandmother, Lucille B. On the menu, you will find classics like fried green tomatoes and oxtail tamales along with Southern favourites like yardbird and shrimp and grits. Their craft cocktails make the dining experience more enjoyable.
Location: 5512 La Branch St., Houston, TX 77004
Timings: Mon: Closed; Tue-Thu: 11 am–3 pm, 4–9 pm; Fri: 11 am–3 pm, 5–10 pm; Sat: 10 am–3 pm, 5–10 pm; Sun: 10 am–3 pm
Must Try: Fried Green Tomatoes, Oxtail Tamales, Yardbird And Shrimp And Grits
Price For 2: $40 approx.
5) Crawfish & Noodles
Image Credit: Crawfish & Noodles
Gaining features on prestigious platforms like Food Network and Netflix's "Ugly Delicious," Crawfish & Noodles is the perfect spot to grab the spiciest treats in Houston. Being a shining star in Houston's vibrant Asiatown, this James Beard Award-nominated restaurant promises a flavourful journey through its recipes. Viet-Cajun crawfish bursting with spicy, buttery goodness, and loaded noodle bowls like pho and mi, with house-made savoury broth gives an adventurous feast. From basil fried rice to salt-pepper crab, each dish is worth trying here.
Location: 11360 Bellaire Blvd #990, Houston, TX 77072
Timings: Mon: 5-10 p.m.; Wed-Thu: 5-10 p.m.; Fri: 5-11 p.m.; Sat: 12 pm-11 p.m.; Sun: 12 pm-10 p.m.
Must Try: Viet-Cajun Crawfish, Muc Chien Gion, Crabs
Price for 2: $50 approx.
6) Backstreet Cafe
Image Credit: Backstreet Cafe
Backstreet Cafe, led by James Beard Award-winning chef Hugo Ortega, takes you back to the old times of the 1930s. For nearly forty years, this place has been a destination for people looking for elevated American cuisine. Favourites like shrimp and stone ground grits and jalapeño fettuccine are a must-try here. Also, ever-changing delights like goat cheese salad and hearty meatloaf tower will give you a satisfactory experience. For a sweet finale, try the apple tart crowned with house-made vanilla-bean ice cream.
Location: 1103 S Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77019
Timings: Mon: Closed; Tue-Thu: 11:30 am–9 pm; Fri: 11:30 am–10 pm; Sat: 10 am–10 pm; Sun: 10 am–3 pm
Must Try: Goat Cheese Salad, Meatloaf Tower, Stone Ground Grits, Shrimp, Jalapeño Fettuccine
Price For 2: $50 approx.
7) Pappas Bros. Steakhouse
Image Credit: Pappas Bros. Steakhouse
Pappas Bros. Steakhouse is the first choice for Houstonians for the ultimate steakhouse experience. The interior gives an old-world charm, giving everyone a memorable dining experience. Their signature dry-aged meat featuring succulent cuts like the 22-ounce bone-in rib-eye and the 16-ounce New York strip is known for its amusing flavour. Along with that, there are lots of stock options to check out on the menu. On every dish, you will notice a touch of tradition and excellent meat quality, that makes every dining experience a cherished memory.
Location: 5839 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77057
Timings: Tue-Thu: 5-9 p.m.; Fri-Sat: 5-10 p.m.; Mon: 5-9 p.m.
Must Try: 22-ounce bone-in rib-eye and the 16-ounce New York strip
Price for 2: $70 approx.
Savour Houston’s classics at these acclaimed restaurants and experience the amazing flavours that became the city’s icon. From Hugo’s to Pappas Bros Steakhouse, each of these restaurants serves amazing platters that define the tradition and culture of the city at its best.
