Chefs From Some of the Best Texas Restaurants Are Giving You Great Reasons for a Road Trip
Groundbreaking Houston Restaurant Lands Coveted Spot on Worldwide Must-Visit List
New Houston Food Hall Coming to Rice Village Showcases Coffee, Pop-Up & Food Truck Stars
Bun B & Other Houston Celebrities Team Up With “Best Sandwich” Shop for Charity — Updated
Understory Might be the Most Well-Designed Food Hall in Downtown Houston
Fire Threatens Beloved River Oaks Restaurant — Updated
Chefs From Some of the Best Texas Restaurants Are Giving You Great Reasons for a Road Trip
Founded in 2016 by public relations consultant Jonathan Beitler, Rockin’ Star Ranch’s Elaine Dillard and chef Jason Kerr, The Butcher’s Ball has become a premiere showcase for Texas’s top chefs and pitmasters. Each year, the event, which now attracts crowds of avid diners to Rockin’ Star Ranch’s pastoral setting in Brenham, has grown. This year is […]
Groundbreaking Houston Restaurant Lands Coveted Spot on Worldwide Must-Visit List
Indigo, the neo-soul food restaurant featuring tasting menus by chef-owner Jonathan “Jonny” Rhodes, has another accolade to add to its growing list. Earlier this year, Rhodes was a James Beard Award semifinalist for Rising Star Chef of the Year and, in July, Indigo landed on Food & Wine’s Best New Restaurants list. Now, it’s been […]
New Houston Food Hall Coming to Rice Village Showcases Coffee, Pop-Up & Food Truck Stars
Politan Row Houston, described as “a mid-century inspired global food hall,” is taking shape at 2445 Times at the intersection of Kelvin in Rice Village. The first four food and drink stands are now revealed and some of the operators are going to be familiar to Houston diners. Ultimately, Politan Row is set to open […]
Bun B & Other Houston Celebrities Team Up With “Best Sandwich” Shop for Charity — Updated
Whether or not you agree that its Tex-Mex Cheesesteak is the best-in-category in America, it’s undeniable that Antone’s Famous Po’ Boys — and its most popular sandwich first created by Jalal Antone 57 years ago — is a staple of Houston’s dining landscape. The company, which Legacy Restaurants has owned and operated for quite some […]
Understory Might be the Most Well-Designed Food Hall in Downtown Houston
Understory, a contemporary food hall and gathering space at the base of Bank of America Tower at 700 Louisiana in downtown Houston, officially opened on August 18. The massive commerce station developed by Stockholm-based Skanska, which also own the 35-story tower it’s seated under, has seen consistent crowds during its first week of business. Currently, […]
Fire Threatens Beloved River Oaks Restaurant — Updated
Updated August 16, 2019 at 6:54 p.m. Tragedy was averted this morning after a small fire threatened Backstreet Cafe at 1103 S Shepherd in River Oaks. The neighborhood restaurant is owned by Tracy Vaught and Hugo Ortega and has been a local staple since Vaught opened it in the 1980s. According to the Houston Chronicle, […]
The Hit List: New Houston Restaurants to Visit in August 2019
August is here, which means a new crop of hot new Houston restaurant openings is upon us (and even hotter temperatures, to be frank). Ready for exploring are two new downtown food halls, yet another venture from the Bobby Heugel/Justin Yu crew and a sandwich shop transplanted from Southern California. Here’s the lowdown on what’s […]
Try This Sneak-Preview Recipe From An Award-Winning Houston Chef’s Cookbook
Houston celebrity chef Chris Shepherd seems to be everywhere these days: television, charity events and opening restaurants like he’s playing Monopoly. The Underbelly Hospitality founder will soon add “author” to his list of career achievements. His new cookbook, Cook Like a Local, is being released on September 3, 2019. Written with former Food & Wine […]
Inaugural Brunch Festival Left Many Attendees Feeling Ripped Off
The first Houston Brunch Fest (sometimes also styled “HTX Brunch Fest”) was held on July 20 in downtown at Isles Eatery & Rhum Bar at 1515 Pease. The event organizers, which included consultant and entrepreneur Bruce Bray, advertised that the festival would include over “20 restaurants and chefs” but the event dramatically under-delivered, generating a […]
Food Hall Showcasing Local Chefs & Bartenders Now Open in Downtown Houston
Eating in downtown Houston just got a lot more interesting. Bravery Chef Hall, located in Aris Market Square at 409 Travis, is a hybrid, high-end food court in a luxury high-rise tower. A year and a half in the making it is now open for dinner and is adding lunch service on July 30. On […]
Chefs From Some of the Best Texas Restaurants Are Giving You Great Reasons for a Road Trip
Founded in 2016 by public relations consultant Jonathan Beitler, Rockin’ Star Ranch’s Elaine Dillard and chef Jason Kerr, The Butcher’s Ball has become a premiere showcase for Texas’s top chefs and pitmasters. Each year, the event, which now attracts crowds of avid diners to Rockin’ Star Ranch’s pastoral setting in Brenham, has grown. This year is […]
Groundbreaking Houston Restaurant Lands Coveted Spot on Worldwide Must-Visit List
Indigo, the neo-soul food restaurant featuring tasting menus by chef-owner Jonathan “Jonny” Rhodes, has another accolade to add to its growing list. Earlier this year, Rhodes was a James Beard Award semifinalist for Rising Star Chef of the Year and, in July, Indigo landed on Food & Wine’s Best New Restaurants list. Now, it’s been […]
New Houston Food Hall Coming to Rice Village Showcases Coffee, Pop-Up & Food Truck Stars
Politan Row Houston, described as “a mid-century inspired global food hall,” is taking shape at 2445 Times at the intersection of Kelvin in Rice Village. The first four food and drink stands are now revealed and some of the operators are going to be familiar to Houston diners. Ultimately, Politan Row is set to open […]
Bun B & Other Houston Celebrities Team Up With “Best Sandwich” Shop for Charity — Updated
Whether or not you agree that its Tex-Mex Cheesesteak is the best-in-category in America, it’s undeniable that Antone’s Famous Po’ Boys — and its most popular sandwich first created by Jalal Antone 57 years ago — is a staple of Houston’s dining landscape. The company, which Legacy Restaurants has owned and operated for quite some […]
Understory Might be the Most Well-Designed Food Hall in Downtown Houston
Understory, a contemporary food hall and gathering space at the base of Bank of America Tower at 700 Louisiana in downtown Houston, officially opened on August 18. The massive commerce station developed by Stockholm-based Skanska, which also own the 35-story tower it’s seated under, has seen consistent crowds during its first week of business. Currently, […]
Fire Threatens Beloved River Oaks Restaurant — Updated
Updated August 16, 2019 at 6:54 p.m. Tragedy was averted this morning after a small fire threatened Backstreet Cafe at 1103 S Shepherd in River Oaks. The neighborhood restaurant is owned by Tracy Vaught and Hugo Ortega and has been a local staple since Vaught opened it in the 1980s. According to the Houston Chronicle, […]
The Hit List: New Houston Restaurants to Visit in August 2019
August is here, which means a new crop of hot new Houston restaurant openings is upon us (and even hotter temperatures, to be frank). Ready for exploring are two new downtown food halls, yet another venture from the Bobby Heugel/Justin Yu crew and a sandwich shop transplanted from Southern California. Here’s the lowdown on what’s […]
Try This Sneak-Preview Recipe From An Award-Winning Houston Chef’s Cookbook
Houston celebrity chef Chris Shepherd seems to be everywhere these days: television, charity events and opening restaurants like he’s playing Monopoly. The Underbelly Hospitality founder will soon add “author” to his list of career achievements. His new cookbook, Cook Like a Local, is being released on September 3, 2019. Written with former Food & Wine […]
Inaugural Brunch Festival Left Many Attendees Feeling Ripped Off
The first Houston Brunch Fest (sometimes also styled “HTX Brunch Fest”) was held on July 20 in downtown at Isles Eatery & Rhum Bar at 1515 Pease. The event organizers, which included consultant and entrepreneur Bruce Bray, advertised that the festival would include over “20 restaurants and chefs” but the event dramatically under-delivered, generating a […]
Food Hall Showcasing Local Chefs & Bartenders Now Open in Downtown Houston
Eating in downtown Houston just got a lot more interesting. Bravery Chef Hall, located in Aris Market Square at 409 Travis, is a hybrid, high-end food court in a luxury high-rise tower. A year and a half in the making it is now open for dinner and is adding lunch service on July 30. On […]
The Hit List: New Houston Restaurants to Visit in August 2019
August is here, which means a new crop of hot new Houston restaurant openings is upon us (and even hotter temperatures, to be frank). Ready for exploring are two new downtown food halls, yet another venture from the Bobby Heugel/Justin Yu crew and a sandwich shop transplanted from Southern California. Here’s the lowdown on what’s […]
9 Best Restaurants for Creative Houston Barbecue
In recent years, Houston has become a hotbed for some of the best barbecue in Texas, with several outposts gaining the respect once reserved for only famous Hill Country joints. Houston-style barbecue has also found a unique regional identity thanks to its practitioners mixing Central Texas, Gulf Coast, African-American, Mexican and Asian influences. While we […]
Modern Classics Meet Elegant Charm at Ouisie’s Table During Houston Restaurant Weeks
Sponsored Houston Restaurant Weeks 2019 is in full swing from now until September 2! It’s the perfect time to revisit long-time participant Ouisie’s Table at 3939 San Felipe in River Oaks, known for having elegant charm unlike anywhere else in town. Legendary restaurateur Eloise Adams Jones opened it in 1973 to serve her elevated Southern and Gulf […]
Feast On Unlimited Sausages from Around the World at These South Texas Beer Gardens
Through August 2019, Houston diners can sate even great hungers with unlimited sausages ranging from traditional to exotic for a great price. King’s Biergarten in Pearland and King’s BierHaus in the Heights and League City are offering Sausage Fest, an impressive all-you-can-eat deal for just $9.95 for traditional sausages or $12.95 for specialty game and […]
Hot August News: Phat Eatery in Katy is Now Part of Houston Restaurant Weeks
Sponsored August in Houston brings the heat in more ways than one — it’s a prime time to indulge at local restaurants for a great cause. Houston Restaurant Weeks runs August 1 through September 2 and this is the first year that Katy Malaysian restaurant Phat Eatery at 23119 Colonial Parkway is participating. The special […]
The Longest-Participating Restaurants of Houston Restaurant Weeks
One of the most fun aspects of Houston Restaurant Weeks — the annual fundraiser for the Houston Food Bank founded by radio and television show host Cleverley Stone — is that it’s a great time to try newly opened eateries. The reasonably priced prix fixe menus act like a guided tour through the offerings, from […]
Taste the Wild at Rainbow Lodge During Houston Restaurant Weeks!
Sponsored Houston Restaurant Weeks (HRW) is one of the biggest events in the city that offers diners a chance to eat terrific cuisine while raising money for a good cause. The extravagant, weeks-long affair runs from August 1 through September 2 and raises money for the Houston Food Bank. Participating local restaurants offer multi-course meals […]
Dark, Milk, White and — Ruby? Naturally Pink Chocolate is Here to Tingle Your Tastebuds
For years, there have been three basic types of chocolate: dark, milk and white. For dark and milk, the origin determines particular flavors, such as fruity notes, which sugar content can either negate or showcase bitterness. There’s a longstanding argument about whether white chocolate is really even chocolate at all due to its lack of […]
22 New Restaurants Are Participating In Houston Restaurant Weeks 2019 — Updated
Houston Restaurant Weeks (HRW) is one of the premier annual fundraisers for the Houston Food Bank, which is the largest food bank in the United States. From August 1 to September 2, this month-long event gives diners the opportunity to try many of the Houston area’s best restaurants at wallet-friendly prices. A portion of the […]
Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Houston
At times, being a parent is so exhausting you’re simply too tired to cook. Other times, you find yourself driving from school to music practice with a carload of hungry children. Then there are times when it’s just nice to go out and enjoy a meal together for fun, convenience, celebration or simply to expand […]
The Hit List: New Houston Restaurants to Visit in August 2019
August is here, which means a new crop of hot new Houston restaurant openings is upon us (and even hotter temperatures, to be frank). Ready for exploring are two new downtown food halls, yet another venture from the Bobby Heugel/Justin Yu crew and a sandwich shop transplanted from Southern California. Here’s the lowdown on what’s […]
9 Best Restaurants for Creative Houston Barbecue
In recent years, Houston has become a hotbed for some of the best barbecue in Texas, with several outposts gaining the respect once reserved for only famous Hill Country joints. Houston-style barbecue has also found a unique regional identity thanks to its practitioners mixing Central Texas, Gulf Coast, African-American, Mexican and Asian influences. While we […]
Modern Classics Meet Elegant Charm at Ouisie’s Table During Houston Restaurant Weeks
Sponsored Houston Restaurant Weeks 2019 is in full swing from now until September 2! It’s the perfect time to revisit long-time participant Ouisie’s Table at 3939 San Felipe in River Oaks, known for having elegant charm unlike anywhere else in town. Legendary restaurateur Eloise Adams Jones opened it in 1973 to serve her elevated Southern and Gulf […]
Feast On Unlimited Sausages from Around the World at These South Texas Beer Gardens
Through August 2019, Houston diners can sate even great hungers with unlimited sausages ranging from traditional to exotic for a great price. King’s Biergarten in Pearland and King’s BierHaus in the Heights and League City are offering Sausage Fest, an impressive all-you-can-eat deal for just $9.95 for traditional sausages or $12.95 for specialty game and […]
Hot August News: Phat Eatery in Katy is Now Part of Houston Restaurant Weeks
Sponsored August in Houston brings the heat in more ways than one — it’s a prime time to indulge at local restaurants for a great cause. Houston Restaurant Weeks runs August 1 through September 2 and this is the first year that Katy Malaysian restaurant Phat Eatery at 23119 Colonial Parkway is participating. The special […]
The Longest-Participating Restaurants of Houston Restaurant Weeks
One of the most fun aspects of Houston Restaurant Weeks — the annual fundraiser for the Houston Food Bank founded by radio and television show host Cleverley Stone — is that it’s a great time to try newly opened eateries. The reasonably priced prix fixe menus act like a guided tour through the offerings, from […]
Taste the Wild at Rainbow Lodge During Houston Restaurant Weeks!
Sponsored Houston Restaurant Weeks (HRW) is one of the biggest events in the city that offers diners a chance to eat terrific cuisine while raising money for a good cause. The extravagant, weeks-long affair runs from August 1 through September 2 and raises money for the Houston Food Bank. Participating local restaurants offer multi-course meals […]
Dark, Milk, White and — Ruby? Naturally Pink Chocolate is Here to Tingle Your Tastebuds
For years, there have been three basic types of chocolate: dark, milk and white. For dark and milk, the origin determines particular flavors, such as fruity notes, which sugar content can either negate or showcase bitterness. There’s a longstanding argument about whether white chocolate is really even chocolate at all due to its lack of […]
22 New Restaurants Are Participating In Houston Restaurant Weeks 2019 — Updated
Houston Restaurant Weeks (HRW) is one of the premier annual fundraisers for the Houston Food Bank, which is the largest food bank in the United States. From August 1 to September 2, this month-long event gives diners the opportunity to try many of the Houston area’s best restaurants at wallet-friendly prices. A portion of the […]
Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Houston
At times, being a parent is so exhausting you’re simply too tired to cook. Other times, you find yourself driving from school to music practice with a carload of hungry children. Then there are times when it’s just nice to go out and enjoy a meal together for fun, convenience, celebration or simply to expand […]
Former Dynamo Player Plans Fall Opening of New Bar East of Downtown Houston
Former Houston Dynamo forward and current restaurateur Brian Ching has impacted Houston over the years both on and off the soccer field. From scoring goals to creating a welcoming space with the bar Pitch 25 in 2018, his reach is broad. Ching’s next project, East End Backyard, is set to open this October at 1105 […]
Best Bang-For-the-Buck Wines in Houston Restaurants & Bars
Everyone loves a good value, but when it comes to wine it’s not always a great idea to aim for the cheapest glass or bottle on the list. However, sometimes it’s fine! Sommeliers at Houston’s finest restaurants and wine bars all have favorite under-appreciated and under-valued regions they enjoy putting onto their lists. We talked […]
Move Over, White Claw: This Austin Company Has Made “Skinny” Spritzers Since 2016
The retail alcoholic drink trend of the summer of 2019 is low-calorie, easily portable, light cocktails. White Claw, a “hard seltzer” from Chicago-based Mark Anthony Brands, the same company that makes Mike’s Hard Lemonade, has received a lot of attention from the media lately, but there’s some competition from Texas to consider. Mighty Swell is […]
The Balvenie Launches Three New Whiskies That Tell Stories
Speyside distillery The Balvenie just launched three new whiskies quite different from the rest of its portfolio. The distillery is known for its 12 Year Old Double Wood and 14 Year Caribbean Cask whiskies — both of which have permanent spots in professional and home bars. Together, the three new spirits make up The Balvenie […]
Houston Distillery Pledges to Donate a Month of Sales to PTSD Assistance Organization
On this past Memorial Day, many Americans reflected on the sacrifices of those who fought for our freedom. Travis Whitmeyer, co-founder and head distiller of Whitmeyer’s Distilling Co. at 16711 Hollister did more than reflect — he jumped into action. Whitmeyer is a veteran who co-founded the distillery with his brother, Chris — who is also […]
15 Wine Tools Recommended by a Master Sommelier
From 2005 until 2016, Guy Stout was the only Master Sommelier in Houston and one of the first to ever pass in Texas. The Court of Master Sommeliers administers the exams, which are so famously difficult that movies have been made about the experience. Lately, Stout has had the number 15 on his mind. That’s […]
New Orleans-Based Brewery Opening Second Location in Houston
Urban South Brewery is bringing its award-winning line-up of hazy IPA’s, robust stouts and barrel-aged sours to Houston this fall. It’s the New-Orleans based brewery’s first foray outside of Louisiana. The new site includes a 14,000-square-foot, 10-barrel brewing facility and is at 1200 Oliver Street in Sawyer Yards. The satellite facility features a canning line […]
Yia Yia Mary’s in the Houston Galleria Area Now Has Happy Hour
Greek restaurant Yia Yia Mary’s from the Pappas Restaurant group has served Houstonians for years at its prime Galleria spot, located at 4747 San Felipe with easy access from 610. It recently added a new happy hour to its features, complete with refreshing cocktails, half-priced small plates and an expanded Greek wine and beer list. Happy […]
Riel Rolls Out New Happy Hour Menu and Expanded Hours in Montrose
Ryan Lachaine, chef-owner of Riel and Houston’s resident Canadian hip-hop enthusiast (he recently collaborated on a cocktail with Houston rap legend Willie D, of Geto Boys and personal advice column fame) just rolled out a new menu of happy-hour bites. Along with that comes with an extended happy hour on Mondays from 5 p.m. to 10 […]
Acclaimed Washington Avenue Bar in Houston Rolls Out Chef-Driven Summertime Menu
Alba Huerta, owner of Julep at 1919 Washington, just revealed new signature cocktails and a menu of light bites and small plates developed in conjunction with consulting chef and former MasterChef competitor Alvin Schultz. The ornate, Gatsby-style bar is an ode to the South’s opulent cocktail culture that was recognized by Esquire in 2017 as one […]
Former Dynamo Player Plans Fall Opening of New Bar East of Downtown Houston
Former Houston Dynamo forward and current restaurateur Brian Ching has impacted Houston over the years both on and off the soccer field. From scoring goals to creating a welcoming space with the bar Pitch 25 in 2018, his reach is broad. Ching’s next project, East End Backyard, is set to open this October at 1105 […]
Best Bang-For-the-Buck Wines in Houston Restaurants & Bars
Everyone loves a good value, but when it comes to wine it’s not always a great idea to aim for the cheapest glass or bottle on the list. However, sometimes it’s fine! Sommeliers at Houston’s finest restaurants and wine bars all have favorite under-appreciated and under-valued regions they enjoy putting onto their lists. We talked […]
Move Over, White Claw: This Austin Company Has Made “Skinny” Spritzers Since 2016
The retail alcoholic drink trend of the summer of 2019 is low-calorie, easily portable, light cocktails. White Claw, a “hard seltzer” from Chicago-based Mark Anthony Brands, the same company that makes Mike’s Hard Lemonade, has received a lot of attention from the media lately, but there’s some competition from Texas to consider. Mighty Swell is […]
The Balvenie Launches Three New Whiskies That Tell Stories
Speyside distillery The Balvenie just launched three new whiskies quite different from the rest of its portfolio. The distillery is known for its 12 Year Old Double Wood and 14 Year Caribbean Cask whiskies — both of which have permanent spots in professional and home bars. Together, the three new spirits make up The Balvenie […]
Houston Distillery Pledges to Donate a Month of Sales to PTSD Assistance Organization
On this past Memorial Day, many Americans reflected on the sacrifices of those who fought for our freedom. Travis Whitmeyer, co-founder and head distiller of Whitmeyer’s Distilling Co. at 16711 Hollister did more than reflect — he jumped into action. Whitmeyer is a veteran who co-founded the distillery with his brother, Chris — who is also […]
15 Wine Tools Recommended by a Master Sommelier
From 2005 until 2016, Guy Stout was the only Master Sommelier in Houston and one of the first to ever pass in Texas. The Court of Master Sommeliers administers the exams, which are so famously difficult that movies have been made about the experience. Lately, Stout has had the number 15 on his mind. That’s […]
New Orleans-Based Brewery Opening Second Location in Houston
Urban South Brewery is bringing its award-winning line-up of hazy IPA’s, robust stouts and barrel-aged sours to Houston this fall. It’s the New-Orleans based brewery’s first foray outside of Louisiana. The new site includes a 14,000-square-foot, 10-barrel brewing facility and is at 1200 Oliver Street in Sawyer Yards. The satellite facility features a canning line […]
Yia Yia Mary’s in the Houston Galleria Area Now Has Happy Hour
Greek restaurant Yia Yia Mary’s from the Pappas Restaurant group has served Houstonians for years at its prime Galleria spot, located at 4747 San Felipe with easy access from 610. It recently added a new happy hour to its features, complete with refreshing cocktails, half-priced small plates and an expanded Greek wine and beer list. Happy […]
Riel Rolls Out New Happy Hour Menu and Expanded Hours in Montrose
Ryan Lachaine, chef-owner of Riel and Houston’s resident Canadian hip-hop enthusiast (he recently collaborated on a cocktail with Houston rap legend Willie D, of Geto Boys and personal advice column fame) just rolled out a new menu of happy-hour bites. Along with that comes with an extended happy hour on Mondays from 5 p.m. to 10 […]
Acclaimed Washington Avenue Bar in Houston Rolls Out Chef-Driven Summertime Menu
Alba Huerta, owner of Julep at 1919 Washington, just revealed new signature cocktails and a menu of light bites and small plates developed in conjunction with consulting chef and former MasterChef competitor Alvin Schultz. The ornate, Gatsby-style bar is an ode to the South’s opulent cocktail culture that was recognized by Esquire in 2017 as one […]
Connie on Northwest Houston Mexican Restaurant is Opening a Second Location in Cypress
August 19, 2019 at 12:39 pmAlex on Henderson & Kane Celebrates One Year Anniversary
July 10, 2019 at 12:57 pmPhaedra Cook on Best Restaurants for Lunch in the Heights — by a Longtime Resident
July 3, 2019 at 8:32 amMaureen Demar Hall on Best Restaurants for Lunch in the Heights — by a Longtime Resident
June 28, 2019 at 12:15 pmJay Francis on If You Can’t Get to a Tex-Mex Restaurant, Ford Fry’s Cookbook is the Next Best Thing
June 27, 2019 at 9:33 amJosh Armendariz on Rice Village Italian Restaurant Owner Steps Forward to Support Local Publication — Updated
June 12, 2019 at 1:01 pm