New Houston Restaurant Recommendations

[royiv 9177]

4 minutes ago, ERhine said:

 

I don’t know why I try with bill, but this is false. It may not be much of a dress code but there is one.

 

I know for a fact that they don’t allow shorts because I was turned away after an Astros game last season.

[deadshank 24651]

13 minutes ago, royiv said:

I know for a fact that they don’t allow shorts because I was turned away after an Astros game last season.

That’s because you have ugly, hairy, bowed legs. 

Edited April 10 by deadshank

[tx 3 putt 76560]

20 minutes ago, ERhine said:

 

I don’t know why I try with bill, but this is false. It may not be much of a dress code but there is one.

 

there’s a dress code

[tx 3 putt 76560]

19 minutes ago, royiv said:

I know for a fact that they don’t allow shorts because I was turned away after an Astros game last season.

they didn’t let you into the bar ?

[royiv 9177]

12 minutes ago, tx 3 putt said:

they didn’t let you into the bar ?

Bar was packed and we were with another couple so we wanted to sit. Ended up at the bar at Potente, which worked out better since it’s one of my favorite places in Houston. After hundreds of expense account steakhouse dinners in Houston I’m kind of over the generic copy/paste steakhouse experience. 

[billfromlaketravis 11376]

2 hours ago, ERhine said:

 

I don’t know why I try with bill, but this is false. It may not be much of a dress code but there is one.

 

I guess they selectively enforce it then. 

[Fud 9547]

Going to Jonathan's The Rub (I-10) tonight for a combo of my wife's bday and her parents' anniversary very early dinner. Very early because I'll have my 1 and 3 year olds in tow. 

Is anything a must-get, or is it generic high end steakhouse fare? 

[SydneyCarton 47936]

1 hour ago, Fud said:

Going to Jonathan's The Rub (I-10) tonight for a combo of my wife's bday and her parents' anniversary very early dinner. Very early because I'll have my 1 and 3 year olds in tow. 

Is anything a must-get, or is it generic high end steakhouse fare? 

I haven't been enough times to know what is a must get, but everything we've had has been good. I definitely wouldn't consider it high end steakhouse, because the menu is so fucking massive. 

It's like if the Cheesecake Factory churned out high end cuisine. 

Edited April 22 by SydneyCarton

[closetojumping 62268]

1 hour ago, Fud said:

Going to Jonathan's The Rub (I-10) tonight for a combo of my wife's bday and her parents' anniversary very early dinner. Very early because I'll have my 1 and 3 year olds in tow. 

Is anything a must-get, or is it generic high end steakhouse fare? 

If you can get the chicken-fried veal that is then covered in a brown mushroom gravy, do it. I don't even know if it is on the menu anymore but it used to be ridiculous. Also, they have a jalapeño cream soup sometimes and that thing is really good and not something you see on many menus.

[billfromlaketravis 11376]

2 hours ago, Fud said:

Going to Jonathan's The Rub (I-10) tonight for a combo of my wife's bday and her parents' anniversary very early dinner. Very early because I'll have my 1 and 3 year olds in tow. 

Is anything a must-get, or is it generic high end steakhouse fare? 

Veal Marsala. Their Italian section is quite good. The original location was mostly Italian. The menu has changed quite a bit after looking at it just now. 

[Js1 85161]

It’s not new new but Magnol is fantastic. High quality baked goods and bread. The most random location ever though; must be cheap ass rent 

[Macanudo 12945]

On 4/5/2024 at 10:34 AM, billfromlaketravis said:

It’s worth the risk to me. They do a lot of catering and weekend brunch business. They’ll be fine. 

Ues, because all of the Houstonians on here are going to drive to wherever for lunch regularly and swamp them!

[Foosters 17768]

Anyone ever been to Mian?

Not new, I guess, but I just learned that they have a Houston location. Is one of my favorite noodle/szechuan shops in all of LA.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/mian-houston

Quote

The flavors are bright and clean, informed as much by the tart funkiness of Sichuan pickles as by pure chile heat; the noodles (handmade, although not necessarily in-house) have an integrity and chew you might associate with good Italian pasta...

Hot-sour noodles, a popular Chengdu specialty, are softer and thinner than the Chongqing noodles, serving almost to thicken the tangy broth. Beef pickle noodles are garnished with sliced meat and submerged in a tingly, green Sichuan pepper-rich broth that may remind you of the green pepper water-boiled fish at Chengdu Taste across town. The noodles are in a mild chile sauce that's spiked with soft, barely gamy bits of chicken gizzard and comes across almost as a Sichuan take on Thanksgiving giblet gravy: both novel and familiar as a folk song...

But you're probably here for the zhajiangmian, a bowl whose surface is paved with ground pork and scallions, and whose noodles have a distinct chewy pull. These are noodles with a mean streak, a potent lashing of hot chile and oil, laced with just enough Sichuan peppercorn to numb your palate, to make the next bite not just tolerable but actually kind of great.

 

[Hornbeliever 712]

Anyone been to Squable in the Heights?  Worth it?

[GreenspointTexas 9568]

21 minutes ago, Hornbeliever said:

Anyone been to Squable in the Heights?  Worth it?

Yes and no

[royiv 9177]

On 5/27/2024 at 8:28 PM, Hornbeliever said:

Anyone been to Squable in the Heights?  Worth it?

Yes, it was in heavy rotation for us during COVID because they had a great outdoor setup. Hadn’t been in quite some time, so suggested it for a business dinner last fall. Everything was shitty. The steak dish was borderline inedible. Made me sad.

[billfromlaketravis 11376]

I’ve eaten my last meal at Picos on Kirby.

I went in today for my usual lunch, and I was told they no longer have a lunch menu. Carne asada and a cheese enchilada was a shade under $18 prior to Covid. The same entree is now $32.

No happy hour menu. Just a few bucks off drinks. The food is good, but this place needs to adapt or die. 

[Js1 85161]

I’m going to end up a regular at the new Tacos Dona Lena on 18th.

Like, a lot. 

[tx 3 putt 76560]

33 minutes ago, Js1 said:

I’m going to end up a regular at the new Tacos Dona Lena on 18th.

Like, a lot. 

that place is great 

I’m walking distance to villa arcos, highly recommend. Use the app to order

[Mack Tripper 696]

On 4/29/2024 at 2:35 PM, Foosters said:

Anyone ever been to Mian?

Not new, I guess, but I just learned that they have a Houston location. Is one of my favorite noodle/szechuan shops in all of LA.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/mian-houston

 

This is like the McDowell's of the place you want:

 

https://www.yelp.com/biz/mein-restaurant-houston

[Da Fino 2744]

On 6/27/2024 at 6:38 PM, billfromlaketravis said:

I’ve eaten my last meal at Picos on Kirby.

I went in today for my usual lunch, and I was told they no longer have a lunch menu. Carne asada and a cheese enchilada was a shade under $18 prior to Covid. The same entree is now $32.

No happy hour menu. Just a few bucks off drinks. The food is good, but this place needs to adapt or die. 

Pre-covid was 4 years ago. The prices for every restaurant in that area have gone up.  An appetizer salad at hillstone is something like 18 bucks. What do you expect a steak at a pico’s to do?

[billfromlaketravis 11376]

Another classic, Hillstone on Kirby. The old Houston’s location. 

Nice and dark with leather booths, and a proper bar. Very old school.

I went yesterday for lunch. The French dip was terrific. A regular seared next to me ordered the pork chop. It looked amazing. I’ll definitely be back. 

[closetojumping 62268]

19 minutes ago, billfromlaketravis said:

Another classic, Hillstone on Kirby. The old Houston’s location. 

Nice and dark with leather booths, and a proper bar. Very old school.

I went yesterday for lunch. The French dip was terrific. A regular seared next to me ordered the pork chop. It looked amazing. I’ll definitely be back. 

Oh, bill. 

Hillstone is Houston’s. Never looked up the corporate story, but it’s the same place run by the same people and part of the same chain. Maybe there was an ownership fork at some point prompting the name change, but that was it. I also think the same is true of J Alexander’s. 

 

[billfromlaketravis 11376]

Just now, closetojumping said:

Oh, bill. 

Hillstone is Houston’s. Never looked up the corporate story, but it’s the same place run by the same people and part of the same chain. Maybe there was an ownership fork at some point prompting the name change, but that was it. I also think the same is true of J Alexander’s. 

 

I know they changed the name. I’m just letting people know where it is. 

[Da Fino 2744]

28 minutes ago, closetojumping said:

Oh, bill. 

Hillstone is Houston’s. Never looked up the corporate story, but it’s the same place run by the same people and part of the same chain. Maybe there was an ownership fork at some point prompting the name change, but that was it. I also think the same is true of J Alexander’s. 

 

It's also how they get away with not making calorie counts available. 

[Lazarus Bocanegra 303]

On 7/19/2024 at 9:36 AM, closetojumping said:

Oh, bill. 

Hillstone is Houston’s. Never looked up the corporate story, but it’s the same place run by the same people and part of the same chain. Maybe there was an ownership fork at some point prompting the name change, but that was it. I also think the same is true of J Alexander’s. 

 

On a similar note, Western Addition, which owns Il Bracco and Balboa on Post Oak, was started by a group of former Hillstone's group people.  A buddy I went to high school with is part of the team.  We went to the soft opening for Balboa and enjoyed it.  Il Bracco has become a regular spot for us.  

[royiv 9177]

1 hour ago, Lazarus Bocanegra said:

On a similar note, Western Addition, which owns Il Bracco and Balboa on Post Oak, was started by a group of former Hillstone's group people.  A buddy I went to high school with is part of the team.  We went to the soft opening for Balboa and enjoyed it.  Il Bracco has become a regular spot for us.  

The wife and I go to either Balboa or Il Bracco once a week. Like Hillstone, they put out consistent, high quality food and have great service. It’s not groundbreaking or particularly adventurous, but you’d know what you’re going to get every time you walk in the door and you know you’re going to leave happy.

[royiv 9177]

On 7/19/2024 at 10:05 AM, Da Fino said:

It's also how they get away with not making calorie counts available. 

This. They keep the number of units for each of their concepts under the number that requires they publish nutritional info. They rebranded enough Houston’s to Hillstone to get under that cap.
 

J. Alexander’s is not a Hillstone concept. It is owned by the same company that owns Logan’s Roadhouse, Old Chicago, Krystal, Gordon Biersch and a few other concepts.

[tokamak 6353]

Maximo, the new Mexican place in West U. Love the concept, love the vibe, food was just ok though. Killer tequila list. I’d be open to trying it again but they really need to come correct the 2nd time. My wife said she thought it’s the Local Foods people. 

[tx 3 putt 76560]

On 7/19/2024 at 9:15 AM, billfromlaketravis said:

Another classic, Hillstone on Kirby. The old Houston’s location. 

Nice and dark with leather booths, and a proper bar. Very old school.

I went yesterday for lunch. The French dip was terrific. A regular seared next to me ordered the pork chop. It looked amazing. I’ll definitely be back. 

smoked salmon app (I’ve been known to just eat this, add a salad)

Hawaiian rib eye 

French dip 

Asian noodle salad

ribs 

Burger

chicken sandwich

soup of the day

 

ive been once or twice 

[tx 3 putt 76560]

5 hours ago, tokamak said:

Maximo, the new Mexican place in West U. Love the concept, love the vibe, food was just ok though. Killer tequila list. I’d be open to trying it again but they really need to come correct the 2nd time. My wife said she thought it’s the Local Foods people. 

Just not a huge fan of local foods, mid

now dish society, yes. Delicious 

[Da Fino 2744]

11 hours ago, tokamak said:

Maximo, the new Mexican place in West U. Love the concept, love the vibe, food was just ok though. Killer tequila list. I’d be open to trying it again but they really need to come correct the 2nd time. My wife said she thought it’s the Local Foods people. 

I think it's them plus Seth Siegel-Gardner who used to have the Pass and Provisions. 

[Lazarus Bocanegra 303]

8 hours ago, Da Fino said:

I think it's them plus Seth Siegel-Gardner who used to have the Pass and Provisions. 

SSG recently opened Elro iirc

I believe Maximo is one of Benjy's now after they acquired El Topo

[royiv 9177]

28 minutes ago, Lazarus Bocanegra said:

SSG recently opened Elro iirc

I believe Maximo is one of Benjy's now after they acquired El Topo

Correct. SSG has Elro and Maximo is a partnership with the Local Foods people and Benjy Levitt.

[royiv 9177]

14 hours ago, tx 3 putt said:

smoked salmon app (I’ve been known to just eat this, add a salad)

Hawaiian rib eye 

French dip 

Asian noodle salad

ribs 

Burger

chicken sandwich

soup of the day

 

ive been once or twice 

Good list, but I no longer get the Asian noodle salad since they stopped making it with steak. 

If you’re a Hillstone fan like me, and it sounds like you are, you might be interested to know that the Houston location is adding sushi to the menu around the end of the year/beginning of next year. 

[tx 3 putt 76560]

19 minutes ago, royiv said:

Good list, but I no longer get the Asian noodle salad since they stopped making it with steak. 

If you’re a Hillstone fan like me, and it sounds like you are, you might be interested to know that the Houston location is adding sushi to the menu around the end of the year/beginning of next year. 

the steak Asian salad was the goto, damn good 

[billfromlaketravis 11376]

18 hours ago, tx 3 putt said:

smoked salmon app (I’ve been known to just eat this, add a salad)

Hawaiian rib eye 

French dip 

Asian noodle salad

ribs 

Burger

chicken sandwich

soup of the day

 

ive been once or twice 

How’s the burger? It looks huge. 

[tx 3 putt 76560]

1 minute ago, billfromlaketravis said:

How’s the burger? It looks huge. 

It’s good, can hold it’s own

[elfenix 34204]

grilled artichoke at hillstone made me wonder why i'd never had one before.

[PenelopeWitherspoon 19096]

The Hillstone here in NYC is one of the hardest reservations to get. It used to be in the Citibank building at 53rd and 3rd (Houstons, then changed to Hillstone in 2009 when the rest did). It now resides at 27th and Madison. The French dip is legit. 

[Da Fino 2744]

2 hours ago, tx 3 putt said:

It’s good, can hold it’s own

It’s too sweet. Chicken sandwich is the play. Especially if you tell them not to cut it in thirds. 

[tx 3 putt 76560]

2 minutes ago, Da Fino said:

Especially if you tell them not to cut it in thirds. 

[Da Fino 2744]

5 hours ago, royiv said:

Correct. SSG has Elro and Maximo is a partnership with the Local Foods people and Benjy Levitt.

Isn’t Seth working with the local foods people?

[Da Fino 2744]

5 minutes ago, tx 3 putt said:

It’s true. Cut the tomatoes too. 

[Da Fino 2744]

20 hours ago, tx 3 putt said:

smoked salmon app (I’ve been known to just eat this, add a salad)

Hawaiian rib eye 

French dip 

Asian noodle salad

ribs 

Burger

chicken sandwich

soup of the day

 

ive been once or twice 

Ranked. 
 

1.  French Dip

2. Smoked salmon

3. The new redfish plate

4. Hawaiian ribeye. 

5. Chicken sandwich cut in half

6. (discontinued) club sandwich. This should be number 1. But it’s gone. 

7. Pork chop or beef filet. 

8. chicken and kale salad. 

9. Cabbage side or beans side. 

10. Artichoke. Peppers and feta. Tomato and basil. These are only last because they are seasonal. 

[TonyTexas 10486]

Alison Cook is leaving the Chronicle. I’ve always enjoyed her reviews and felt we had similar tastes and opinions when it came to the Houston restaurant scene. 

[billfromlaketravis 11376]

On 7/23/2024 at 11:35 PM, Da Fino said:

Ranked. 
 

1.  French Dip

2. Smoked salmon

3. The new redfish plate

4. Hawaiian ribeye. 

5. Chicken sandwich cut in half

6. (discontinued) club sandwich. This should be number 1. But it’s gone. 

7. Pork chop or beef filet. 

8. chicken and kale salad. 

9. Cabbage side or beans side. 

10. Artichoke. Peppers and feta. Tomato and basil. These are only last because they are seasonal. 

I would certainly rank the French Dip behind the double pork chop. They did everything right on the pork chop, it’s a just very lean cut. Still good, but I like more marbling.