New Houston Restaurant Recommendations

[Sal 1108]

I’ve always liked Guadalajara Hacienda too. Any of the places with good tortillas and the garlic butter are just nostalgic and hard to find outside of Houston 

[tx 3 putt 78706]

Does anyone else ask for the hottest hot sauce they have, every time ?

[GreenspointTexas 9978]

1 minute ago, Sal said:

I’ve always liked Guadalajara Hacienda too. Any of the places with good tortillas and the garlic butter are just nostalgic and hard to find outside of Houston 

Yeah, I need to eat at Guad more often

[tx 3 putt 78706]

The Cadente talk here is truth. Very good spot / food

[billfromlaketravis 11824]

15 minutes ago, GreenspointTexas said:

Los Tios is fine. Its very “small town tex mex spot” feel and quality.

 

Lupe is the best texmex chain for the price. Fite me. Pappasitos is the best overall chain, but a tad more expensive than Lupe. Chuys used to be good but the last two times ive been to the one on Westheimer, it was meh. All the places in the heights are similar quality, minus Superica
 

Ninfas on navigation is still the best TexMex joint in the state

The original Lupe’s on 6 is probably my favorite Tex Mex spot in the city. I’d eat there a couple times a week if I worked at BP. Quality and prices are better than any other location. 
 

My second favorite place I’ll keep to myself. It’s in a very busy part of town, but it’s abandoned at lunch during the week. I’d like to keep it that way. 

[billfromlaketravis 11824]

I’ll give Urbe some love on here. Best guacamole I’ve ever eaten. It has some very niche menu items, but they also knock the classics out of the park. 
 

An additional shout out to Guadalajara. It is what is there, but their bacon wrapped quail is the best. 
 

I mentioned Mi Somberero in the Tex Mex thread. The Tommy Tacos are a 10. 

[SydneyCarton 49509]

11 minutes ago, billfromlaketravis said:

The original Lupe’s on 6 is probably my favorite Tex Mex spot in the city. I’d eat there a couple times a week if I worked at BP. Quality and prices are better than any other location. 
 

My second favorite place I’ll keep to myself. It’s in a very busy part of town, but it’s abandoned at lunch during the week. I’d like to keep it that way. 

That's a great idea for a lunch spot that you love, make sure they don't improve their revenue so they'll go out of business!

[billfromlaketravis 11824]

4 minutes ago, SydneyCarton said:

That's a great idea for a lunch spot that you love, make sure they don't improve their revenue so they'll go out of business!

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

[mycox 587]

TexMex talk is this way > https://www.surlyhorns.com/board/topic/2954-texmex/page/11/

 

 

[billfromlaketravis 11824]

22 minutes ago, mycox said:

TexMex talk is this way > https://www.surlyhorns.com/board/topic/2954-texmex/page/11/

 

 

[royiv 9797]

2 hours ago, Da Fino said:

Candente fajitas are the best available right now. Queso, salsa and chips as well are better than the usual spots. How was Bar Bludorn @Fud?

Candente ribeye fajitas are fucking delicious. 

[royiv 9797]

1 hour ago, GreenspointTexas said:

Le Jardinier blows March out of the water and is like half the price

Le Jardinier is the best fine dining in Houston, IMO. It hits all the notes and the attention to detail is unmatched in the city. Even the olive oil they serve with the bread is amazing. I love taking out of towners there for dinner. 

[royiv 9797]

1 hour ago, billfromlaketravis said:

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

Unless your lunch secret is a corporate chain, you have to admit it’s kind of a dick move to a small business owner working on extremely thin margins.

[NeverMarryAStripper 22307]

13 hours ago, billfromlaketravis said:

I think we’d all be wise to stop ordering fajitas and go back to the old school combo plates at little neighborhood places. 

I've been going to the same family-owned neighborhood Tex-Mex place since I was in high school.  It's now my daughter's favorite Tex-Mex place.

[tx 3 putt 78706]

25 minutes ago, NeverMarryAStripper said:

I've been going to the same family-owned neighborhood Tex-Mex place since I was in high school.  It's now my daughter's favorite Tex-Mex place.

you’re raising her right !

[billfromlaketravis 11824]

41 minutes ago, royiv said:

Unless your lunch secret is a corporate chain, you have to admit it’s kind of a dick move to a small business owner working on extremely thin margins.

The owner owns a bunch of restaurants + a catering business. He’s  doing fine. 

[Da Fino 2820]

46 minutes ago, royiv said:

Unless your lunch secret is a corporate chain, you have to admit it’s kind of a dick move to a small business owner working on extremely thin margins.

It’s imbecilic. It’s not as though posting on surly is going to blow up his spot. 

[royiv 9797]

20 minutes ago, billfromlaketravis said:

The owner owns a bunch of restaurants + a catering business. He’s  doing fine. 

Since you know him, let him know you’re actively discouraging people from patronizing one of his establishments the next time you see him. Report back on his reaction.

[mycox 587]

Sounds like he's talking about Cuchara

[closetojumping 65446]

5 minutes ago, mycox said:

Sounds like he's talking about Cuchara

It sounds like he’s just being billfromlaketravis. Also, Cuchara isn’t texmex, is it? We used to work within walking distance of that place in Midtown right after it opened and before we sold our business. We excitedly went in for lunch at the new place after it opened a few times. I remember thinking “there’s no way this place makes it” because no one besides us was ever in there. 

[Lazarus Bocanegra 312]

Beef fajita party pack for one, mixed torts, refried beans, extra guac instead of rice.  Monday night staple from Mr. Tiempo for ~$30 easily feeds 2.  At 290 location they often give you the big queso...

Edited April 5 by Lazarus Bocanegra

[mycox 587]

1 minute ago, closetojumping said:

It sounds like he’s just being billfromlaketravis. Also, Cuchara isn’t texmex, is it? We used to work within walking distance of that place in Midtown right after it opened and before we sold our business. We excitedly went in for lunch at the new place after it opened a few times. I remember thinking “there’s no way this place makes it” because no one besides us was ever in there. 

Not TexMex. I enjoy their brunch and it's always packed. Dinner is average, but still a good crowd.

[Js1 87190]

Cuchara is always fucking packed at dinner / weekend brunch.  And it's not Tex-Mex.

[Fud 9724]

Cuchara is straight up mexico city fair

[Mez2 4048]

10 hours ago, billfromlaketravis said:

I’ll give Urbe some love on here. Best guacamole I’ve ever eaten. It has some very niche menu items, but they also knock the classics out of the park. 
 

An additional shout out to Guadalajara. It is what is there, but their bacon wrapped quail is the best. 
 

I mentioned Mi Somberero in the Tex Mex thread. The Tommy Tacos are a 10. 

Tommy tacos are the absolute truth. First place we went to when we moved to GOOF 12+ years ago. Don't go as much cause Alma but those tacos are legit. 10/10

[billfromlaketravis 11824]

3 minutes ago, Mez2 said:

Tommy tacos are the absolute truth. First place we went to when we moved to GOOF 12+ years ago. Don't go as much cause Alma but those tacos are legit. 10/10

Legitimate salsa as well. I hate driving to my tailor over there after moving to Memorial, but Mi Somberero is a nice treat when I’m over there.  

[elfenix 34753]

11 hours ago, GreenspointTexas said:

What the hell is chicken fajitas? And people actually order that?

[Da Fino 2820]

Bar Bludorn was really good in my opinion. If I lived in the area it would be a regular.  Highlights were a hummus made of peas, ham beignets, and filet. Salad was bad. Wanted hanger steak, but was overruled.  Great meal, especially this soon. That place has service figured out. 
 

 

[UTPhil2006 3930]

18 hours ago, Mez2 said:

Tommy tacos are the absolute truth. First place we went to when we moved to GOOF 12+ years ago. Don't go as much cause Alma but those tacos are legit. 10/10

12 years? Jesus I’ve known you too long 

[Dutchrudder 11244]

Any of y'all have thoughts on Ume on White Oak? My son's friend's dad is a chef there, but I haven't tried it yet. He told me to let him know when we make it out there, so he can get us some extra goodies. 

[Hornbeliever 741]

I found Hudson house very average.   But I also wasn't that impressed by BNC so my taste buds must suck

[GreenspointTexas 9978]

19 hours ago, Dutchrudder said:

Any of y'all have thoughts on Ume on White Oak? My son's friend's dad is a chef there, but I haven't tried it yet. He told me to let him know when we make it out there, so he can get us some extra goodies. 

Was there for the second time with some friends 3 weeks ago. Definitely awesome. Love that its < 3 blocks from my house

[Dutchrudder 11244]

On 4/7/2024 at 3:17 PM, GreenspointTexas said:

Was there for the second time with some friends 3 weeks ago. Definitely awesome. Love that its < 3 blocks from my house

Glad to hear it! I may take my wife next Saturday for a night out, as we always enjoy good sushi restaurants.  Any specific menu items worth trying?

[GreenspointTexas 9978]

13 hours ago, Dutchrudder said:

Glad to hear it! I may take my wife next Saturday for a night out, as we always enjoy good sushi restaurants.  Any specific menu items worth trying?

Yellowtail cheek and box roll iirc

[txduck87 1021]

Where is the best place to eat downtown before an Astros game? Firm I invest some dough with is taking me and have asked my preference.

$$$ isn’t an object. They from Chicago so don’t know the town and I’m a suburbs idiot now.

Is Irma’s southwest still a thing? Vic and Anthony’s ? Those used to be my go to when I still worked but it’s been a decade. Anything hip and trendy? I’ll be with some 20 something dudes so I’m sure they’d appreciate a little Houston eye candy. Thanks .

[Rip76 5022]

11 minutes ago, txduck87 said:

Vic and Anthony’s 

This has been our spot for the last few, and it's been on point.

[Tylerocks 2603]

19 minutes ago, txduck87 said:

Where is the best place to eat downtown before an Astros game? Firm I invest some dough with is taking me and have asked my preference.

$$$ isn’t an object. They from Chicago so don’t know the town and I’m a suburbs idiot now.

Is Irma’s southwest still a thing? Vic and Anthony’s ? Those used to be my go to when I still worked but it’s been a decade. Anything hip and trendy? I’ll be with some 20 something dudes so I’m sure they’d appreciate a little Houston eye candy. Thanks .

Can't go wrong with V & A

Not sure what the scene is like pre-Astros game, but Xochi is there in the Marriott Marquis.  It's great for interior Mexican (not tex mex)

 

 

[tx 3 putt 78706]

16 minutes ago, Rip76 said:

This has been our spot for the last few, and it's been on point.

this. Get there early, the bar fills up 

the bar serves a great burger 

[tx 3 putt 78706]

3 minutes ago, Tylerocks said:

Can't go wrong with V & A

Not sure what the scene is like pre-Astros game, but Xochi is there in the Marriott Marquis.  It's great for interior Mexican (not tex mex)

 

 

xochi is great, but it’s not for everyone 

[Tylerocks 2603]

2 hours ago, tx 3 putt said:

xochi is great, but it’s not for everyone 

Very true...and probably not a great idea before pounding a shitload of beer at the park

Disregard @txduck87

[tx 3 putt 78706]

2 hours ago, Tylerocks said:

Can't go wrong with V & A

Not sure what the scene is like pre-Astros game, but Xochi is there in the Marriott Marquis.  It's great for interior Mexican (not tex mex)

 

 

potente bar and food is great excellent 

osso and krissella, also has a good pizza but can have long wait times / spotty service 

[billfromlaketravis 11824]

3 hours ago, txduck87 said:

Where is the best place to eat downtown before an Astros game? Firm I invest some dough with is taking me and have asked my preference.

$$$ isn’t an object. They from Chicago so don’t know the town and I’m a suburbs idiot now.

Is Irma’s southwest still a thing? Vic and Anthony’s ? Those used to be my go to when I still worked but it’s been a decade. Anything hip and trendy? I’ll be with some 20 something dudes so I’m sure they’d appreciate a little Houston eye candy. Thanks .

No eye candy downtown. Maybe the tunnel during lunch. Need to go to River Oaks for all that.

Vic & Anthony’s is terrific, but you can’t hear shit in there. I’d conclude all business before dinner. 

[royiv 9797]

4 hours ago, txduck87 said:

Where is the best place to eat downtown before an Astros game? Firm I invest some dough with is taking me and have asked my preference.

$$$ isn’t an object. They from Chicago so don’t know the town and I’m a suburbs idiot now.

Is Irma’s southwest still a thing? Vic and Anthony’s ? Those used to be my go to when I still worked but it’s been a decade. Anything hip and trendy? I’ll be with some 20 something dudes so I’m sure they’d appreciate a little Houston eye candy. Thanks .

I would do a bar table at Potente. Bonus points if you get a table by a window facing the sidewalk for people watching. V&A is just another generic Tillman steakhouse in my opinion.

[txduck87 1021]

No eye candy downtown. Maybe the tunnel during lunch. Need to go to River Oaks for all that.
Vic & Anthony’s is terrific, but you can’t hear shit in there. I’d conclude all business before dinner. 

Business has been conducted. They’ve already got my $$$ Table booked for 5:00pm. Assuming no early bird special like the woodlands restaurants? Will be nice to be on the other side of the check than when I was kissing ass to clients. “Bring us another bottle of caymus and silver oak please! and of course I’ll have some baileys with my tiramisu. “

[billfromlaketravis 11824]

12 minutes ago, txduck87 said:

Business has been conducted. They’ve already got my $$$ Table booked for 5:00pm. Assuming no early bird special like the woodlands restaurants?

I’d ask them to seat you in the back. The middle is loud AF. Order the seafood tower. It’s very impressive. They also serve magnums of Silver Oak. Also impressive.

Y’all might not care because you’re going to a ballgame, but I’ll warn you, there’s no dress code and many Houstonians dress like shit. Even during the big convention weeks, you’ll see assholes in there wearing tank tops and flip flops. 

Edited April 10 by billfromlaketravis

[Smax 3800]

7 hours ago, tx 3 putt said:

potente bar and food is great excellent 

 

Dont live in Houston any more but this was my favorite place downtown, right across the street from juicebox too

[tx 3 putt 78706]

1 hour ago, txduck87 said:

Business has been conducted. They’ve already got my $$$ Table booked for 5:00pm. Assuming no early bird special like the woodlands restaurants? Will be nice to be on the other side of the check than when I was kissing ass to clients. “Bring us another bottle of caymus and silver oak please! and of course I’ll have some baileys with my tiramisu. “

bar opens at 4

[deadshank 24654]

On 4/5/2024 at 10:17 AM, billfromlaketravis said:

The original Lupe’s on 6 is probably my favorite Tex Mex spot in the city. I’d eat there a couple times a week if I worked at BP. Quality and prices are better than any other location. 
 

My second favorite place I’ll keep to myself. It’s in a very busy part of town, but it’s abandoned at lunch during the week. I’d like to keep it that way. 

You’re such an insider.  

[SydneyCarton 49509]

11 hours ago, billfromlaketravis said:

I’d ask them to seat you in the back. The middle is loud AF. Order the seafood tower. It’s very impressive. They also serve magnums of Silver Oak. Also impressive.

Y’all might not care because you’re going to a ballgame, but I’ll warn you, there’s no dress code and many Houstonians dress like shit. Even during the big convention weeks, you’ll see assholes in there wearing tank tops and flip flops. 

The people who go to nice steakhouses in flip flops and shitty clothes are usually the richest of the bunch, becuase vast wealth often makes folks eccentric. They don't give a fuck becuase they've never had to give a fuck. Or they're just your average surly poster. No in between. 

[ERhine 1938]

but I’ll warn you, there’s no dress code

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.