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It might be no real surprise that Houston is renowned for serving up the best steaks within the country-bigger, better, and knowning that Texas touch that makes to find the best tasting beef; be it seared or flame-grilled, a tender filet or an epic T-bone, H-town understands how to bring the taste from the Lone Star state right to your plate.
But Houston's cuisine scene isn't just about a vintage steak dinner with the trimmings; the city's restaurants are as diverse because the multicultural city itself, having a plethora of amazing dining options that make for the most memorable meals. The fourth-largest city in the country, Houston is a true melting pot-and this rich cultural diversity shines through beautifully in certain of the very most exciting restaurants in the great state of Texas.
Take The Savory Using the Sweet
A bustling, modern just right Houston's east side and a local fave since its opening over two years ago, Nancy's Hustle is a sophisticated take on the traditional bistro fare. Serving up deliciously inventive dishes that pair well using their amazing cocktails and extensive wine list, Nancy's is really a fun neighborhood spot packed with shareable bites ideal for a night by helping cover their friends.
- Address: 2704 Polk Street
- Contact: (346) 571-7931
- Hours: Tuesday through Sunday 5 PM-11 PM
- Reservations: Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are suggested and can be made via Resy, or by phone after 2 PM Tuesday through Sunday
- Price: $$-$$$
- What To Try: Nancy Cakes; Pickle Party (Add Hand Cut Fries for added YUM); Ricotta Gnocchi; Lamb Tartare
Fresh And Tropical Tulum Cuisine
A taste of Tulum, Mexico within the Houston's Heights neighborhood, Casa Nomad is a new and exciting restaurant that evokes a seaside feel and tropical vibes of one of the most exciting cities south from the border. Fresh, inventive, and oh-so-delicious, Casa Nomad is really a cozy and intimate spot whose menu is only outdone by its extensive tequila and mezcal list.
- Address: 600 N Shepherd Suite 499
- Contact: (832)-538-1056
- Hours: Wednesday through Saturday 5 PM-12 AM
- Reservations: Yes, via Resy
- Price: $$$-$$$$
- What To Try: Tropical Fusion (small plate); Fried Camote; Four Flats (tamales); Jungle Disco cocktail
The very best BBQ In Texas?
If steak is Houston's signature dish, BBQ is not that far behind-and Truth BBQ really knows how to roast smoke, and backyard barbecue the dickens out of everything from tender, juicy brisket to world-class ribs. Consistently lauded among the top BBQ joints within the entire state, Truth BBQ is really popular that it is menu often sells out-and closes up shop for your day when it does.
- Address: 110 S Heights Blvd
- Contact: (832) 835-0001
- Hours: Tuesday through Sunday 11 AM to sellout
- Reservations: N/A
- Price: $$-$$$$
- What To test: Pork Ribs; Brisket; Bootlegger Baked Beans; Corn Pudding
An Oyster Bar And thus Much More
Known among the city's very best oyster bars, State of Grace serves up a veritable parade of fresh bivalves from the Oyster Room-but there's more to this eclectic menu than what's served on the half shell. Although the menu is ever-changing, diners can invariably expect the best in fresh, creative cuisine from brunch through dinner in an atmosphere that's elegant, cozy, and fun-all rolled into one.
- Address: 3258 Westheimer Road
- Contact: (832)-942-5080
- Hours: Brunch served Sundays 11 AM-3 PM; Lunch served Fridays 11 AM-3 PM; Dinner served Sunday through Thursday 4:30 PM-9 PM, Friday & Saturday 4:30 PM-10 PM
- Reservations: N/A
- Price: $$$-$$$$$
- What To test: Anything from the Oyster Room; Hearth Roasted Octopus; Raviolini; Redfish “on the half shell”
Globally Inspired Gulf Coast Goodies
Gulf coast cuisine having a global mien is around the menu in the popular Riel. Local flavors and seasonal ingredients are taken to a higher level by executive chef (and Manitoba native) Ryan Lachaine's Ukrainian heritage and French-Canadian roots. Eclectic and original, Riel's menu is fueled by inventive takes and deliciously elevated comfort food.
- Address: 1927 Fairview Street
- Contact: (832)831-9109
- Hours: Monday through Thursday 5 PM-10 PM; Friday & Saturday 5 PM-11 PM
- Reservations: Highly recommended and can be made via Resy
- Price: $$-$$$$
- What To Try: Pelmeni (pork dumplings); Kimchi Carbonara; Caviar Tots; Cabbage Rolls
A Neighborhood Vietnamese Spot
Described as “a contemporary undertake Vietnamese cuisine,” Xin Chao uses Texas and Gulf Coast faves like a palette to celebrate Vietnamese favorites with a regional flair. Creative, fresh, and mouthwateringly delicious, Xin Chao's is really a homage to heritage and a love letter to local things that creates a memorable meal.
- Address: 2310 Decatur St
- Contact: (832)740-4888
- Hours: Monday through Thursday 5PM-10PM; Friday and Saturday 11AM-2PM (lunch); 2:30PM-5PM (Happy Hour); 5PM-11PM (dinner); Sundays 5PM-9PM
- Reservations: Yes, via Resy
- Price: $$-$$$$
- What To Try: Smoked Beef Cheek Dumplings; Not Our Ma's Egg Rolls; Texas BBQ Fried Rice; Braised Pork and Crispy Rice
Outstanding Oaxaca-Inspired Flavor
Downtown Houston eatery Xochi is less a restaurant and much more of the cultural experience; an exploratory mission mining the depths of Oaxaca's rich culinary heritage to produce probably the most distinctive Mexican fares within the city. Diners can get house-made masa and moles alongside with traditional Oaxacan fare that pairs well using the extensive tequila and Mexican craft beer selection.
- Address: 1777 Walker Street, Suite A (1st Floor from the Marriott Marquis Houston)
- Contact: (713) 400-3330
- Hours: Tuesday through Thursday 4 PM-9 PM; Friday & Saturday 11:30 AM-10 PM; Sunday 10 AM-3 PM
- Reservations: Yes, can be made on their website
- Price: $$$-$$$$
- What To test: Memela (toasted masa pancake); Pulpo (wood-roasted octopus); Barbacoa de Res de Zaachilla; Camarones en Mole Verde
Beautiful Burgers For that Win
There are numerous great spots to grab fun on a bun in Houston-but Underbelly Burger is the newest kid on the block serving in the juicy handheld goods at its Farmers' Market location. Having a casual, fun diner vibe filled with milkshakes (!), recption menus at Underbelly may be small, but the burgers (and the flavors) are Texas-style BIG.
- Address: The Houston Farmers' Market 2250 Airline Dr, Building B, Suite B-215
- Contact: (832) 582-5642
- Hours: Tuesday through Sunday 11 AM-6 PM
- Reservations: N/A
- Price: $-$$
- What To test: ranch Wagyu Burger with fries; Bacon Sausage Waitress or; Chocolate Milkshake; Veggie Burger
Visitors to Houston can expect a veritable smorgasbord of delicious menu offerings throughout the city that goes way beyond an incredible steak dinner. Globally inspired cuisine dominates an inventive food scene; building on local flavor and flair to produce delish dining options galore for just about any aspiring foodie and visitor to H-town.
