restaurant reviews
I've eaten out a lot in and around Houston. Here are some reviews of my favorite restaurants.
Arby’s
Arby’s is now making its presence within the Houston area including new locations in Sugarland, Missouri City and Richmond! They have everything from roast beef sandwiches to shakes and deserts. This is a family friendly environment that even offers a kids menu so everyone can find something to eat at a fairly inexpensive price! To find an Arby’s near you, visit them on the web at www.Arbys.com.
New York Pizzeria
Phone: 281-208-8600
Address: 5320 Highway 6, 100
(@ Riverstone Blvd.) Missouri City, TX 77459
The New York Pizzeria has opened its doors in Missouri City! The newest location of the pizzeria features the same cooked-to-order pastas, salads, and New York style pizza as the existing locations throughout Houston. The Missouri City location not only serves lunch and dinner, but also offers delivery and home-catering services. Their newest restaurant chain is located at 5320 Highway 6 in the Riverstone Shopping Center.
Ruby Tuesday
Phone: 281-313-7800
Address: 16549 Southwest Freeway
Sugar Land, TX 77478
When you're ready for a really great hamburger, make your way out to Ruby Tuesday. The same quality, passion and pride that goes into every Handcrafted Burger goes into their entire menu. From the tenderness of their Premium Baby Back Ribs to their fresh, Jumbo Lump Crab Cake, to the overall quality of their signature entrées, every choice you make their is bound to be the right one. This restaurant is pricey, but well worth the money! The best time to come is in the late afternoon to avoid the hectic dinner crowd.
The Cheesecake Factory
Phone: 281- 313-9500
Address: 16535 S.W. Freeway
Sugar Land, TX 77479
From pizza to seafood, The Cheesecake Factory is your one stop dining place! The staff really strives to bring you the best possible food and service available. They are committed to quality, value and satisfaction! This restaurant is a little pricey, but worth every penny! If you get a chance to make it down to The Cheesecake Factory, you must try one of their delicious deserts! The carrot cake is one of my personal favorites. The wait can be long on weekends, so it's best to dine there during a weekday.
Arturo's Uptown Italiano
1180-1 Uptown Park
Houston, TX 77056
Arturo's Uptown Italiano will charm you with its Tuscan gold hues interspersed with limestone walls, a whimsical mural, soaring ceilings, soft lighting, romantic music and rosewood floors. Expect elegant European styling and redefined Italian favorites at this Uptown Park eatery. This place is a little pricey but well worth it! For more information, you can give them a buzz at 713-621-1180.
Taiko Japanese Grill & Sushi Bar
5857 Westheimer Rd (Cross Street: Fountain View Drive)
Houston, TX 77057
(713) 266-5888
Taiko's cosmopolitan décor and exciting, hibachi-style cooking, provides for a unique dining experience absent from many of the area's other establishments. No matter what your appetite demands, you will be well satisfied. The professional staff at Taiko Japanese Grill and Sushi Bar offers excellent customer service and satisfaction. The Chef's Signature rolls are a must have! To inquire more information, call 713-266-5888.
Italiano's
217 FM 1960 Bypass E (Cross Street: Eastex Freeway)
Humble, TX 77338
(281) 446-6111
Italiano's restaurant combines the flavor of New York with the friendly hospitality of Texas. As you open the door, you are greeted with smiles and excellent customer service. Once you take a bite of the complimentary homemade garlic rolls, your taste buds will come alive! This place is great for the entire family and is often packed with customers so come early to avoid the long wait. For more information, you can contact them at 281-446-6111.
Schlotzskys
Looking to eat healthy this New Year? Then head to Schlotzsky's Deli and pick yourself up a fresh classic sub! They have everything from soup to salads, and everything in between. To find a Schlotzsky's near you, visit them on the web at www.Schlotzskys.com.
Fuddruckers
The grille is fired up at Fuddruckers! They have everything from delicious hamburgers to golden crisp French fries! Customers seem to love the "Rock n Roll" theme and the overall environment. This is a great place for the entire family! To locate a Fuddruckers near you, go online and visit them at www.fuddruckers.com.
Earl of Sandwich
Subway watch out! There is a new sandwich shop in town. New to Houston, Earl of Sandwich brings a wide variety or gourmet sandwiches you can't resist! This place is a little expensive, but well worth the money! Earl of Sandwich is located right off Hwy 6 and the Southwest Frwy right across from the Sugar land Town Center.
Pepperoni's
Classic New York pizza is back! If you are looking for a great pizza restaurant with the taste of New York, Pepperoni's is your one stop shop! They offer everything from pizza to salads, to subs and chips! With 7 different locations distributed throughout the Sugar land and Missouri City area, you are sure to find a location not far from home! For more information or to find a store location nearest to you, log onto www.pepperonis.net.
Grand Lux Cafe
Grand Lux Cafe's eclectic menu offers extraordinary variety and selection, with flavor profiles ranging from Thai, Malaysian and Caribbean, to classic American and European specialties. With every item prepared fresh to order in our exhibition-style kitchen, the focus remains on providing guests with the finest, freshest foods available. This restaurant is a little expensive but is well worth the money! The Grand Lux Cafe is located in the Centre at Post Oak off Westheimer Blvd. For more information, give them a buzz at 713-626-1700.
Perry's Steakhouse & Grille
Perry's award-winning Steakhouse & Grille is a premier dining venue that offers an exceptional menu with an atmosphere of taste, featuring live jazz (every Wednesday through Saturday evenings), climate-controlled wine vaults and exclusive wine lists, as well as tableside chateaubriand, Perry's signature pork chop and flaming desserts. This restaurant is I little on the high end, but is worth every dollar! Perry's Steakhouse has several locations including branches in Clear Lake and Sugar land. To find a Perry's Steakhouse and Grille nearest to you, visit them on the web at www.perrysrestaurants.com.
Red Lobster
Phone: 281-313-2525
Address: 2323 Highway 6
Sugar Land, TX 77478
Whatever day it is, it's always a great day to celebrate with a trip to Red Lobster. My mom loves this place! Go ahead and indulge in all your seafood favorites, expertly prepared. After all, you deserve it. Whatever you choose, you can be sure they will deliver their love of the ocean-and fresh seafood-to you. Whether it be a live main lobster fresh out of the tank or that tasty grilled trout, Red Lobster serves the most outstanding seafood in town. The prices are high, but it's well worth the money!
Bravos Mexican Restaurant
Phone: 281-494-3340
Address: 4514 Highway 6
Sugar Land, TX 77478
Bravos serves great Mexican food at affordable prices. If your looking for a Mexican restaurant to take the family to that has both good food and service, I recommend Bravos. The food is always hot and fresh and the service is outstanding. On weekends, they do get a little busy so I suggest you come during the lunch or dinner hours during the week to avoid the wait. I love the cheese enchiladas and the chips and salsa is enticing.
King Bo Restaurant
Phone: 281-403-2222
Address: 4707 Highway 6
Missouri City, TX 77459
Do you have a craving for Chinese food? Why not drop by King Bo during the day and order one of twenty different scrumptious lunch specials? They serve everything from teriyaki chicken to sweet and sour pork. I tend to order something different every time and so far I haven't found a single item to complain about. Lunch specials start at just $2.99 so you definitely get your money's worth! Not to mention, the service is fast!
PF Changs
Location: Sugar land Town Square
Address: 2120 Lone Star Dr.
Sugar Land, TX 77479
PF Changs in Sugar land Town Square is an upscale Chinese Bistro that serves the most delicious Chinese food on Earth! They serve everything from special combo Lo Mein combo dishes to that sweet chocolate truffle cake! I personally recommend the Mongolian Beef. PF Changs in Sugar land has a friendly waiting staff and a luxurious dining room. You can either dine on the patio, at the bar, or in the main dining area. Also, for your convenience, they have valet parking and a free parking garage across the street. PF Changs is located at 2120 Lone Star Drive in Sugar land Town Square.
Perry's Italian Kitchen
Clear Lake
My husband and I love Italian food. We don't like complicated or confusing food we like just good ole' Italian down home food. One of the places we frequent often is Perry's Italian Kitchen in Clear Lake. We've never had a bad meal there. The bread is amazing. Even though you can make a meal off it you can't because there are just too many good thing on the menu. Beginning with the house salad, if you like salad get the house dressing it's so good that Perry's even offers it in a bottle to buy. Aashish and I especially like the pizzas. There are a variety of pizzas t choose from and they all are made with thin crust! I really like the Margarita pizza with fresh tomatoes and herbs. When it comes to pasta they have several from the spicy to the mild and Perry's even has low carb pasta for all of you watching your weight. Save room for dessert! The cheese cake is to die for but the house specialty dessert the Nutty DeAngelo is out of this world! Trust me you'll love it. If you don't live in the Clear Lake area you can also check out the Perry's Italian Kitchen in Sugar Land. To find out more on online at www.perrysrestaurants.com.
Zula
705 Main Street
(On the corner of Main and Capital)
True romantics have always recognized the passion between food and love. For sweeties on Valentine's Day Zula's Chef Lance Fegen has added a few specials to the menu that will set the stage for a romantic and tasty evening. For this special evening, Zula has added the following dishes to its already fabulous menu. On the menu, Hawaiian Baked Oysters, Nantucket Bay Scallop Chowder, Hapau'upu' n Sea Bass with stir-fried lobster rice and "Bone-In" Tenderloin. The special Valentine's Dessert is Roasted Banana Taco. For wine lovers, Zula stocks an impressive list of wines and champagnes by the glass or by the bottle. After dinner, continue the evening with live entertainment at The Mercury Room and dance at downtown's hottest new nightspot Boaka Bar. Cover is complimentary for Zula dinner guests. If you can't make it for Valentine's Day this is one restaurant definitely worth checking out anytime. For reservations call 713-227-7052 or log on to www.zulahouston.com
Ming's Cafe
2703 Montrose (at Westheimer)
713-528-7888
Great chicken fried rice. Plus, definitely try the General Joe's chicken. It's a small restaurant but the food is great and it's cheap!
Perry's Grill & Steakhouse
(two locations)
487 Bay Area Blvd. (Hwy 31) 281-286-8800
614 S. Friendswood Drive (The Woodlands) 281-482-2842
This is a terrific steak place. I personally love the Steak Diane with mushrooms. The mash potatoes are a must! The restaurant doesn't take reservations though. So, be prepared to wait at least a half-an-hour to an hour, especially on Friday and Saturday nights.
Red Cat Jazz Cafe
924 Congress
Monday-Friday 6:30am-4:30am
Saturday 5pm-4am
Sunday 10am-4:30am
The Red Cat Jazz Cafe is definitely hot, hip and happening. From it's "jazzy" decor to its cajun cooking! This new downtown hot spot offers off-hours dining and great music. From the moment you walk in the door you feel like you're in New Orleans. Black and red tiles, chrome trim, touches of red neon surround the place. The menu offers Tex-Mex, Creole, Cajun, Southern cooking, with a little italian, Greek, Asian-roots foods mixed in. You may want to try a "Wake Up Call" ($4-95-$9.95)..from classic egg dishes with roasted breakfast potatos and white toast to much much more. On Sundays from 10:30am-4pm Red Cat offers its "Gospel Brunch". Enjoy your meal with the sounds of great tunes. At other times, a player baby grand piano by the bar is hooked up to the sound system to keep the beat. **By the way, Red Cat is always looking for bartenders, who are music students, who can take breaks from serving to serve up hot licks at the piano.
La Vista
Fountainview between San Felipe and Westheimer
As the weather begins to cool down (hopefully it will soon), this is the perfect place to sit outside and enjoy a nice bottle of wine. The popularity of the little café admist specialty stores in a shopping center is growing by word of mouth. The evidence is in the line snaking through the parking lot as people wait for one of a dozen tables that spill into the black-topped lot. The food is delicious with everything from Panini sandwiches, pastas, big fat chicken and steaks. You'll never go unsatisfied, especially with the price. And better yet, you don't have to rely on a wine list that might not have your favorite. You must bring your own wine to sip on, but don't worry, if you forgot, they're located next door to a liquor store. For a fee of $2, they'll uncork your bottle and let you enjoy the good food, good wine and good times. And don't forget to save room for dessert - the brownie is the best. Take my word for it.
Empire Café
1732 Westheimer
Reservations not needed
This little outdoor café is a nice place to relax, gab with friends and eat delectable dishes that aren't pricey. The portion sizes are enough to fill any hungry eater, and the mushroom pizza and pasta dishes are delicious. The Panini sandwiches and roasted chicken with potatoes and vegetables are also a good bet. But definitely save room for the desserts. Huge portions are the norm for the to-die-for cakes, such as German chocolate cake and Black Forest cake (this goes fast so order it early). With the weather cooling down, take time to enjoy this outdoor café with friends, family and the Montrose surroundings.
Bucca di Beppo
Buffalo Speedway at Highway 59 in the Kroger shopping center
This chain restaurant is anything but that. Offering up family-style meals in a virtual true Italian setting, Bucca di Beppo -- which opened a few short weeks ago -- is fun and inviting for the whole family. Meals are large enough to share with a large table, but make sure you go with a group that will get what you like because there's way too much to choose from. The chicken with lemon dish is stupendous. The breasts of chicken (4 large pieces) were so tender that we didn't even need to use a fork to cut the pieces. The garlic mashed potatoes can't be missed. Smooth, creamy and delectable, you'll certainly be missing out if you don't order them. We were lucky enough to go on a night when their special dessert was cream puffs filled with chocolate whipped cream and drizzled with chocolate. Mmmmm Mmmmm good! The dress is casual and the atmosphere is loud, but it's a great place to go and take your time, talk with old friends and simply enjoy all the food you'll get.
Cafe Express
Fast food but it doesn't come in a paper bag. Whether you're in the mood for a sandwich, a low-fat salad, soup or pasta and you want it fast this is the place for you. I always get the pesto pasta salad and ice tea. If you like sweets the cookies are tasty.
California Pizza Kitchen
1705 Post Oak Blvd.
(713) 963-9262
Although it's a chain and from California, they do pizza right. There's a little something for everyone. Whether you like thai chicken or mexican burrito, like me, you'll find a pizza to tempt your taste buds. The pastas are pretty good too. It's a casual place perfect for a lunch date with friends or dinner before a movie.
Canyon Cafe
Centre @ Post Oak
5000 Westheimer
(713) 629-5585
From the outside you can tell this place is cool. Great porch for dining outside, when it's not to hot that is...It's a southwestern restaurant with a huge menu. I personal go for the fried tuna. It's awesome. I also like the nachos. For dessert try the chocolate tamale..sounds strange but it's mighty tasty!
Nit Noi
(2462 Bolsover)
$$$Moderate
One of my favorite restaurants in Rice Viliage. It's known for it's Soft Spring Rolls with shrimp appetizer. Another favorite is the Putt-Thai Korat, that's stir-fried rice noodles with meat, egg assorted vegetables and spices. You can order it with beef, chicken or pork. Great place for a casual "get-together" or maybe a date.
Maggie Moo's
$$$Moderate
Ice Cream and Treatery offers more than 40 different ice creams made fresh daily. Plus, it offers fudge, smoothies and ice cream cakes. I personally like the pecan or "utterly" vanilla with peanut butter cup topping. The waffle cones are amazing... chocolate, vanilla and sprinkles just to name a few.
Travis Cafe
(208 Travis)
$$$Moderate
It's a small, hip, trendy lunch and dinner spot downtown offering everything from sandwiches to pasta and desserts. Also, check out the Sunday Brunch, I highly recommend it!
59 Diner
(two locations Shepherd and I-10)
$$$Cheap!
Great burgers and the best chili cheese fries in town. I just love the butterscotch shakes. Although, I don't recommend eatting the chili cheese fries and drinking the butterscotch shake for a meal. Trust me your tummy will hate you!
Mo Mong
1201 Westheimer
(1 block west of Montrose)
(713) 524-5664
I discovered this restaurant thanks to my good friend Jeannie Ohm, who used to work at KPRC Channel 2 and now works for Fox 5 News in Washington, D.C. This Vietnamese restaurant some of the best spring rolls I have ever tried. I also like the spicey chicken. The menu gives you so many options you can't help but to keep trying it over and over again. The decor is contemporary yet chic. I enjoy dining on the porch. Perfect place for a date or a gathering with old friends. Every time Jeannie comes back in town we're there.
The Palm
Briar Grove Ctr.
6100 Westheimer
(713) 977-2544
If you like steak or lobster this restaurant is for you. It's a little fancy. Perfect for any special occasion or that special date. The decor is unique. Familar Houston faces have been handpainted on the walls and ceiling. I won't tell you who's on graces the walls and ceiling because it will spoil the surprise. Maybe one of these days I'll get my mug will make it on the wall.
Ruggles Grill
(903 Westheimer)
$$$Moderate-Expensive
Quantity and quality wrapped up into one. Heaping piles of food await such as rotisserie chicken and the grilled vegetable plate. Just when you think you can't eat any more, the server brings out the dessert tray. If you're a big chocolate lover you'll be in heaven.
PF Chang's
(4094 Westheimer)
$$$Moderate-Expensive
Everything on the menu is tasty. Definitely order the lettuce wraps, either the chicken or the vegetable for an appetizer. They're awesome. Then, make sure your server mixes up the sauce to go with the wraps. Don't get carried away when you order the portions are rather large. But you can always have the leftovers for lunch or dinner the next day.
Looking for a place for Sunday Brunch? Here are some awesome options...
Rio Ranch
Westchase Hilton
9999 Westheimer @ Briarpark
(713) 952-5000
This is my favorite Sunday Brunch places. I've been going to Rio Ranch for about five years now. It has the best buffet, complete with make-your-own omlettes, pancakes, eggs, potatos, biscuits and gravy, fresh fruit and yummy cinnamon rollsl. The list goes on and on. The brunch is $11.95 and includes your drink. Now, if you're not a big breakfast eatter but everyone else your with is..I'd highly recommend the fried chicken with mashed potatos.
Mesa
River Oaks Shopping Center
1971 West Gray
(713) 520-8900
If you enjoy southwestern cuisine this is a great hot spot for Sunday Brunch. Anything and everything you can possibly imagine is on not one but two buffets. From rice and beans to make-your-own tacos. Plus, eggs and pancakes. The brunch is $15.95 a person. If you're really, really hungry go for it!
