Restaurants

A Moveable Feast

9341 Katy Frwy, I-10 West @ Echo Ln, Houston, TX 77024 713-365-0368

Description: KATY. Originally a health food and vitamin store, this restaurant developed from the owners' desire to share the belief that healthy eating tastes great. All dishes are made fresh in-house and never have anything artificial added to them. Special diet? No problem ­ they "specialize in special requests." The menu offers soups, sandwiches, desserts, breakfast items, and tasty entrées that will surely have you coming back to try what you didn't get to order the first time. A limited selection of beer and wine is available, or you can bring your own.
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Avalon Diner

2417 Westheimer, Houston, TX 77027 713-527-8900

Description: RIVER OAKS. It's all casual at this appealing diner, which sits adjacent to a local drug store. Red-and-black checkered floors, vinyl-covered booths, counter seating, ceiling fans, and warm-hearted servers give it charm, and regulars can't get enough of the delicious food. Farm-fresh breakfasts and hot plate lunches have kept Avalon humming along since 1938, and there's no signs of its stopping. Cheeseburgers, milkshakes, and homemade lemonade are sublime, as are crisp-edged waffles, omelets, French toast, migas, huevos rancheros, and chicken-fried steak and eggs. Expect a crowd.
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Berryhill Baja Grill

2639 Revere St, Houston, TX 77098 713-526-8080

Description: RIVER OAKS. Named for Walter Berryhill, who made and hawked tamales locally during the early part of the century, this Houston-based chain capitalizes on his delicious recipes. The quaint restaurant is usually busy on weekends, but don't be put off by its numerous patrons. It's worth the wait! The signature tempura-fried fish taco is a menu favorite, and mouthwatering breakfast tacos get a flavor punch with pico de gallo, chorizo, and rice and beans. Weather permitting, you can also sit on the deck and people-watch with your breakfast.
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Bistro Lancaster

701 Texas Ave, Lancaster Houston Hotel, Houston, TX 77002 713-228-9500

Description: DOWNTOWN. Noted for its terrific service and great bar, Bistro Lancaster is a tried-and-true favorite. Its New American fare is reason in itself to show up, and the menu invites you to whet your palate with poached mussels or wild mushroom risotto. From there, it's hard to choose among dishes like Madras curried duck, seared blue crab cakes, and slow-braised osso buco. Nevertheless, anything you choose, and any time you opt to stop in for a meal, you're certain to be pleased.
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Brasil

2604 Dunlavy St, Houston, TX 77006 713-528-1993

Description: MONTROSE. Coffeehouse culture runs strong at Brasil, which mixes artsy and hip sensibilities with aplomb. Original works enliven the walls, and live music and poetry readings are frequent occurrences, drawing out university folks and others with an affinity for words and rhythms. Along with coffee and tea drinks, wine and beer are served, not to mention sandwiches, pizzas, and quiche. If you're able, claim a spot on the front or back patios ­ favorite haunts when the weather's mild.
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Eleventh Street Cafe

748 E 11th St, Houston, TX 77008 713-862-2514

Description: THE HEIGHTS. An uncomplicated neighborhood place, this cafe is a top choice for eating simply and without fuss. Lots of locals make their way here for omelets, pancakes, biscuits and gravy, and all the tried-and-true morning dishes. At lunch, burgers and sandwiches are popular, and their pizzas (available after 5pm) also have loyal fans. On weekends, the people-watching is almost as good as the breakfasts. Good, downhome cooking.
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Fountain View Cafe

1842 Fountain View Dr, Houston, TX 77057 713-785-9060

Description: TANGLEWOOD. Need something hearty and filling when the sun rises? Fountain View stands poised to help out, thanks to breakfast plates that are available from open till close. If you crave fruit pancakes, cheese grits, omelets, or even a classic ham and eggs dish, you'll find it here. The parking lot reveals folks from all walks of life inside, and as mid-day rolls around, you can sample deli-style sandwiches and juicy, old-fashioned burgers, with a milkshake, of course!
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Gorditas Aguascalientes

6102 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX 77081 713-541-4560

Description: WEST UNIVERSITY. Bored with the same old breakfast options? Shake up your routine at this fantastic eatery, whose selection of central Mexican dishes is sure to provide culinary relief. The quaint place serves delicious breakfast tacos, fashioned of homemade tortillas and stuffed with chorizo, eggs, and potatoes. Classic huevos rancheros are also a treat, and even more unusual (to the uninitiated) offerings like tacos made with roasted beef head demand attention too. If you have any command of Spanish, it's a help; if not, you'll still be able to eat well, so don't worry. Fresh juices and smoothies are added perks.
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Harry's Restaurant

318 Tuam, at Bagby, Houston, TX 77006 713-528-0198

Description: MONTROSE. You can't go wrong with a morning meal at bright, sun-filled Harry's. Frequented by a host of locals, the cafeteria-like restaurant knows how to do down-home food well, and the busy place shows it. At the break of day, you'll find biscuits, Greek omelets, pancakes, bacon and eggs, and French toast. Lunchtime brings out burgers and tasty fare like meatloaf, baked chicken, fried fish, and more, served with delicious vegetable sides. You may even catch up on the latest soccer stats and political goings-on while you dine, courtesy of regulars and downtown business types.
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House of Pies

3112 Kirby, Houston, TX 77098 713-528-3816

Description: RIVER OAKS. For decades now, this diner has been bringing together young and old, traditional and alternative, uniting them all with the allure of homemade pies and short-order fare. Don't come if you're on a diet, but do show up if you're in the mood to indulge your sweet tooth. Chocolate cream, Dutch apple, coconut cream, and strawberry rhubarb pies are all delicious, but regulars especially adore the Bayou Goo, which features cream cheese, vanilla custard, chocolate chunks, and whipped cream on a pecan crust ­ oh, yeah! Other sugar fixes are available, and delicious breakfast dishes are served all hours of the day. Burgers, sandwiches, soups, and salads also satisfy.
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Monarch Restaurant & Lounge

5701 Main St, Hotel ZaZa, Houston, TX 77005 713-527-1800

Description: MUSEUM DISTRICT. A richly adorned dining room, replete with dark paneling, patterned carpets, and exuberantly dressed chairs, sets the scene for accomplished, eminently satisfying cuisine. The menu takes Continental dishes and kicks up their treatment, resulting in olive oil-braised prawns, domestic lamb with shiraz sauce, wild mushroom-crusted halibut, and a 20-oz. prime bone-in rib-eye. Add a side of white cheddar truffle mac & cheese or potato, bacon, and brie gratin, and you're set for a sumptuous meal. And that's even before warm Valrhona chocolate cake with champagne ice cream! Great bar scene, too. Business dress at dinner.
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Onion Creek Coffee House, Bar & Lounge

3106 White Oak Blvd, Houston, TX 77007 713-880-0706

Description: THE HEIGHTS. Although the evocative name seems at odds with fresh, fragrant coffees, there's really no disconnect. "The OC," as they like to refer to themselves, is a fabulous place for scoring a terrific cup of java or for treating yourself to a sandwich or a sweet treat. Come evening, lots of people gather for beer, wine, and munchies, just relaxing inside or on the front porch. Things are laid-back, though, so don't come expecting to grab and dash. From time to time, DJs spin and games are played, but conversation is always tops.
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Pico's

5941 Bellaire Blvd, Houston, TX 77081 713-662-8383

Description: WEST HOUSTON. Within its unassuming environs, Pico's delights patrons with authentic regional Mexican cuisine, which it dubs "Mex-Mex" (in contrast to the less inventive "Tex-Mex"). You can, of course, order customary enchiladas and tacos, but why would you want to when fresh ceviches, achiote-marinated chicken, and red snapper Veracruz are available? Broiled steaks, chicken with Oaxacan black mole, and roasted, pork-stuffed poblano peppers with walnut sauce are also fantastic. Outdoor dining and terrific tequilas serve as added perks.
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Quattro

1300 Lamar St, Four Seasons Hotel Houston, Houston, TX 77010 713-276-4700

Description: DOWNTOWN. Stylish and elegant with a contemporary edge, Quattro couples spectacular Italian cuisine with unpretentious surroundings and service. Famous for its antipasti bar, fantastic wines, and sumptuous seafood tower, Quattro lays out quite a feast. Savory pastas and risottos get a punch from truffles and parmesan cheese while grilled meats and vegetables boast a smoky, earthy flavor. Other menu considerations: free-range duckling, veal chop, red snapper with preserved lemons and capers, and a wonderful cioppino Genovese. Quattro also features a busy bar.
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Strack Farms Restaurant

5707 Louetta, Spring, TX 77379 281-376-0901

Description: SPRING. A multi-generational family enterprise, Strack Farms offers delicious food all day long. The friendly waitstaff and a farm-like setting set the scene for relaxed dining, and the whole family is easily accommodated. Generous portions of steak, chicken, ribs, and other home-style entrees figure prominently on the menu, not to mention burgers and grilled fish. If you've got a hankering, the onion rings are great, and the BBQ baked potato is almost a meal in itself.
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The Remington

1919 Briar Oaks Ln, St. Regis Hotel, Houston, TX 77027 713-403-2631

Description: GALLERIA. Elegantly appointed with French doors, richly patterned carpets, and potted plants, this hotel dining room gets a visual punch from vibrant red walls. Such meshing of tradition and the unexpected is also reflected in the menu, which seeks to capitalize on Texas culinary heritage. For proof, look to pistachio-dusted duck breast, mesquite-baked salmon with fennel citrus slaw, or lamb osso bucco. Texas steaks are also featured. Outdoor dining, Californian wines, an upscale bar, and scrumptious desserts ­ anyone for warm chocolate lava cake? ­ provide further reason for delight.
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The Remington Restaurant

1919 Briar Oaks Ln, St. Regis Hotel, Houston, TX 77027 713-403-2631

Description: GALLERIA/UPTOWN. The Remington offers upscale dining for folks in the market for fabulous Regional American seafood. The interior, highlighted by an impressive collection of contemporary art, prefaces a classy experience, making it ideal for either an important business meeting or an intimate dinner. Select a bottle from the international wine list, and as the caviar trolley makes its way about, peruse the menu's vaunted main courses ­ smoked carpaccio, baked shellfish, fresh Maine lobster, and even fine dry-aged beef and duck. Save room for dessert ­ it's rumored that The Remington's pastry chef is unparalleled.
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VOICE

220 Main St, Hotel ICON, Houston, TX 77002 832-667-4470

Description: DOWNTOWN. A gorgeous former bank lobby rife with architectural character, soaring ceilings, and ornate molding gives initial indication of the refined feast that VOICE has in store for guests. The menu scoops into its delicious sensibility a variety of New American influences and gives them new culinary life, courtesy of executive chef Michael Kramer. Keep an eye out for Kurobuta pork with sweet potato and Gulf red snapper with truffle emulsion. An expensive but dazzling experience.
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