The Houston Restaurants Staying With To-Go & Delivery Only, At Least For Now — Updated 5/12

Backstreet Cafe brunch

Updated, May 12, 2020

On Monday, April 27, Texas governor Greg Abbott announced he’s letting the statewide stay-at-home order expire as planned at midnight on April 30. On May 1, restaurants across the state were allowed to reopen but only at 25-percent customer capacity. To facilitate a safe reopening, the state also issued an extensive list of rules that restaurants and customers most follow to help ensure sanitary conditions.

According to statistics published by the Texas Medical Center, as of May 12 the curve of new coronavirus cases in Harris and surrounding counties has still not consistently gone down. Instead of the downward curve that’s sought as an ultimate sign of success, it’s more of a wiggly plateau. On Friday, May 9, the Texas Medical Center logged 303 new cases — the most since April 15, when 340 new cases were recorded.

In light of this, the messages of local government and medical professionals has remained clear: while the governor’s orders supersedes local ones, COVID-19 is still present in Houston. For that reason, and many others — including the difficulty of making a profit or even breaking even with 75-percent fewer seated customers — the owners of the restaurants listed below are waiting for better odds.

Bellaire/Meyerland

New York Deli & Coffee Shop/The Bagel Shop Bakery, 9720 Hillcroft, (713) 723-5879: This Meyerland-area institution has decided that it is best for customers and themselves to continue with their “current pickup and delivery options.” So from 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., it is delivering New York-style bagels and deli meals to the immediate area for no extra charge. Customers outside of a five mile radius need only pay a delivery fee. Delivery is also available via DoorDash, or customers can choose takeout and call upon arrival for curbside service. New York Deli & Coffee Shop is also serving the community by inviting customers to visit its catering site and donate a meal to a family in need. 

Chinatown/Asiatown

Mala Sichuan Bistro, 9348 Bellaire, (713) 995-1889: One of Houston’s most acclaimed restaurants is taking a wait-and-see approach and will not be opening its dining room on May 1. Instead it will continue to offer takeout and delivery for dishes such as Dan Dan Noodles, Mapo Tofu and Northern Boiling FishView the menu online, then call for details. Update, 5/13/2020, 9:24 a.m.: dining rooms reopened at all locations.

Cypress

fajitas at Galiana's
A big mixed fajita platter from the brand-new Galiana’s Tex Mex and Agave Bar in Cypress. Photo by Rebecca Wright Photography.

Galiana’s Tex Mex and Agave Bar, 24110 Northwest Freeway, (832) 653-6853: This restaurant from Grupo Herrera, which also owns Alicia’s Mexican Grill, Dario’s Steakhouse & Seafood and Marvino’s Italian kitchen, is a brand new restaurant concept. (It’s in what was formerly Galiana’s Bakery & Cafe.) It just opened on April 29 and is starting out by offering lunch and dinner for takeout, curbside, delivery and drive-through service. (Yes, there is actually a handy drive-through.) Expect versions of Tex-Mex fare heavily influenced by certain regions of Mexico, as well as classic street food, such as gorditas, sopes, elote and even a Sonoran-style hot dog. There’s a new twist on fajitas, too, made with certified Angus beef marinated in orange and papaya juices with a signature spice blend. On the drink side, expect a cocktail program that features quality tequila and mezcal. The current hours are 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily, and the plan is to open the dining room during “phase two” of the governor’s plan, which should be around May 18. Update, 5/13/2020, 9:25 a.m.: dining room is now open. 

Downtown

Brasserie du Parc, 1440 Lamar, (832) 879-2802: From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, chef Philippe Verpiand’s downtown restaurant is offering a limited to-go menu via pickup at curbside or delivery within a five-mile radius by their employees. The selections include French onion soupboeuf Bologneselemon solebraised short ribssalads and desserts. While you’re at it, don’t pass up the current special of 50% off bottled wine. Deliveries are available within five miles and made by restaurant employees, so there is a 15-percent delivery charge to help support them. Verpiand and his staff are already planning ahead to offer a special prix fixe feast for Mother’s Day consisting of a fresh herb egg mimosa (deviled egg), roasted organic chicken with sides and carrot cake for $38.

Brennan’s of Houston, 3300 Smith, (713) 522-9711: One of Houston’s oldest and most venerable restaurants has decided to play it safe and reopen around May 18. But you can still get its Texas creole classics such as turtle soup, red beans and rice and Pecan-Crusted Gulf Fish for curbside pickup from 3 to 7 p.m. daily. You can also find a few of Brennan’s dishes in the prepared meal section of select H-E-B’s.

EaDo/East of Downtown

You’ve never had anything like this beef phở kolache at Koffeteria. Courtesy photo.

Koffeteria, 1110 Hutchins: The EaDo home of beautiful croissants, inventive kolaches and frothy coffee beverages is proceeding with caution and not opening just yet. “During the next few weeks, we will continue to focus on to-go orders and curbside pickup. We will limit the number of people in the store and require all customers to wear masks, as per Harris County ordinance. Let’s work together with patience and understanding to get through this, and we promise delicious pastries in return.” The current hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays, and online ordering is available for takeout, delivery, and curbside service. Update, 5/13/2020, 9:26 a.m.: patio is now open for socially distanced seating. 

Galleria

Christie’s Seafood & Steaks, 6029 Westheimer, (713) 978-6563: Open since 1917, Houston’s oldest restaurant knows a thing or two about weathering ever-changing business environments. During this current crisis, they have switched to curbside pickup and will continue that in the near future. In a statement on Facebook, they said, “We here at Christie’s want to be certain that your safety and ours is handled properly. We will not be re-opening our dining room in the first phase of back to business. We are carefully strategizing the manner in which we can secure a safe dining experience.” In the meantime, you can still order the famous fried shrimp, plus other favorites and cocktail kits online, then swing by and get your order. They even have a convenient drive-through. Delivery available via DoorDash.

chicken tacos at The Original Ninfa's
Get a complete to-go Tex-Mex meal from The Original Ninfa’s in Uptown Park. Photo by Cooper + Ricca.

The Original Ninfa’s Uptown, 1700 Post Oak, (346) 335-2404: For now, the Uptown outpost of this Houston classic is continuing to offer its full menu for takeout and curbside pickup. Call to place an order of fajitastacos al carbon, margarita kits and many other Tex-Mex classics. Added 4/29/20, 9:45 a.m.

Sushi at Kata Robata. Courtesy photo.

Greenway/Upper Kirby

Dessert Gallery, 3600 Kirby, (713) 522-9999: This long-running, classic dessert shop is continuing to put the health and safety of their loyal customers first and had has decided to not open its dining room. However, it will continue its takeout and delivery program. From 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., call and pay ahead, and your order will be brought to you curbside. In addition to sweet tooth-satisfying cupcakes, cookies and cake slices, there are boxed lunches of sandwiches, salads and wraps for the more savory needs. Delivery up to 30 miles is available via Favor, DoorDash, GrubHub, Postmates and UberEats and Dessert Gallery also has catering and VIP Concierge Delivery services. On Facebook they add, “If you come to pick up a to-go order at our café, we kindly ask that you wear a mask out of respect for our customers and our employees. We take as many precautions as we can to keep our DG community sweet AND safe. If you do not have a mask, we will be happy to serve you curbside or through delivery.”

Kata Robata3600 Kirby, (713) 526-8858: The acclaimed Japanese restaurant helmed by multiple-time James Beard Award semifinalist chef Manabu “Hori” Horiuchi is continuing with curbside pickup for a time. According to an email from parent company Azuma Group, “We are taking some time to evaluate the situation and determine the best way for us to move forward. We hope to open our doors in the next few weeks — safely, responsibly and compassionately.” The to-go menu, which has been expanded as well as adjusted for faster service, includes kobe beef skewers, vegan goyza, Miso Lobster Macaroni & Cheese, an array of sushi and sashimi and signature rolls such as the Rising Sun. Orders can be placed online and the hours are from 4 to 8:30 p.m. daily. Added 4/29/2020, 1:19 p.m.

Sonoma Wine Bar, 2720 Richmond, (713) 526-9463: This wine bar (as well as the other location in the Heights) is continuing to offer pickup and delivery rather than reopening the dining room. A message on Facebook says, “For the safety of our employees and customers we have decided not to reopen for dine-in service this Friday, May 1st. We will continue with our curbside pickup and free delivery within a 3-mile radius. We are excited to see everyone. We miss you more than words can express.” Ordering is available online. Use discount code SHOPSMALL for 10% off your order. 

Heights and Timbergrove

Antidote Coffee, 729 Studewood, (713) 861-7400: Open 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., this neighborhood coffee shop has decided to continue offering Antidote is offering take-out coffee, beer, wine, and tasty treats. In addition, it is selling locally grown produce from Finca Tres Robles, milk from area dairy Mill-King, several nondairy milks, flour, sugar, bags of coffee and other groceries. In statement on Facebook, they say, “We have decided, for the safety of our staff and guests, to remain to-go only for the time being. We will reassess in a week and every week for the foreseeable future. This is not an easy decision as, financially, we could use all the help we can get right now. But it is the right decision for us.”

Cane Rosso, 1835 North Shepherd, (713) 868-0071: This home of Neapolitan pizza, pasta dishes and more isn’t flinging open the front door yet. “Opening our dining rooms, even at just 25% occupancy, is a big task that involves an innumerable amount of updated procedures, increased safety precautions, and as many of you are hearing today, financial considerations,” read a statement on its Facebook page. It may open as early as this week, or it might be around May 18 when 50% occupancy is allowed. For now, the pickup and delivery specials continue, such as half-off bottles of wine and six-packs of craft beer for $12.

Cantina Barba’s Cheese Burger. Photo by David Leftwich.

Cantina Barba, 3701 North Main, (832) 910-8226: Wedged into oddly shaped lot within earshot of I-45, this taqueria has been offering a limited menu for takeout and they will continue to do so until they think it’s safe to reopen. So order online and then swing by an pick up tacos, quesadillas, cocktail kits and one of Houston’s best flat-griddled cheeseburgers.

Dak & Bop, 1805 West 18th, (832) 516-9316: Craving some spicy, twice-fried chicken? Though the restaurant’s owners have decided to keep the dining room closed for now, you can still get the Korean Fried Chicken along with Kimchi Fries, Bulgogi Mac ‘N Cheese and more between 11:30 a.m. and 10 p.m. Just visit Dak & Bop’s website and order. Then swing by and pick it up. Delivery is available via UberEats, Postmates, GrubHub and Favor. In a statement on Facebook the owners shared their thoughts, “First and foremost, we would like to express that we respect every individual business owner’s decision on how they want to operate. With that said, and keeping in mind that here at Dak & Bop we want to do everything we can to #KeepHoustonSafe, with no hesitation or second thought, both our locations will continue with the #Togo#carryout, and #delivery service system. It is what we feel most comfortable with for our employee’s safety and for our guests.”

Down House, 1801 Yale, (713) 864-3696: This restaurant, which has been temporarily closed for the last few weeks, posted to Facebook a note to customers, “Right now, we don’t think it is either financially feasible or in the best interest of our staff or guests to reopen. We hope that things will change soon and look forward to serving you whenever things are safer!” 

ribs at Elliot's Table
Elliot’s Table is still offering to-go and delivery service, so maybe take home a plate of ribs. Courtesy photo.

Elliot’s Table, 465 T C Jester, (713) 485-0340: Owner Elliot Roddy says this neighborhood favorite for comfort food is currently still only serving to go, curbside and select delivery orders. “This is our number one above-and-beyond safety practice: continuing service on a takeout-only basis. Our staff is 100% trained on how the virus can be spread and what are the highest risk areas we must focus on. All staff at Elliot’s Table has been provided proper personal protection equipment [e.g. masks, gloves, etc.] for during the shift and for daily use outside the restaurant. Everyone’s life is important and we will do everything possible to keep Houston safe.” Updated 5/12/2020, 3:05 p.m. 

Fluff Bake Bar, 1701 West 15th, (713) 522-1900: Although the pastry shop recently moved from midtown to a bigger and better Heights location, owner Rebecca Masson is, for now, not swinging open the doors for anything other than pickup and shipping. “I’m just going to maintain what I’ve been doing. What’s 25% of 10 seats? Two people? That’s not going to work. I haven’t gotten any loans yet, but I’ve got one part-time and one full-time person, and I’m able to pay them. I can pay my light bill and I can buy more butter. So, I’m just going to keep doing what I’m doing.” So, call and arrange to pick up delectable cookies, such as Masson’s popular inventions, the Couch Potato and the Unicorn Bait, and both full-size and single-size cakes. The Veruca Salt chocolate cake is an enduring favorite. 

Golden Bagels & Coffee, 3119 White Oak, (346) 240-3780: While this popular bagel joint hasn’t set a date for when it will open dine-in service, one thing is certain — it’s not going to be May 1. In the meantime, its offerings are available via online ordering and the abbreviated hours are from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

Ninja Ramen, 4219 Washington Ave, (281) 888-5873: One of Houston’s ramen pioneers is taking a wait-and-see approach and will remain closed for now.

rainbow lodge front door
The front door of Rainbow Lodge hasn’t swung open yet, but it will soon enough. Photo by Phaedra Cook.

Rainbow Lodge, 2011 Ella, (713) 861-8666: Like many others, owner Donnette Hansen isn’t quite ready to swing open the doors. For weeks, the restaurant has provided curbside pickup for dinner and just expanded hours to begin offering lunch. The restaurant’s team has also developed some creative to-go programs that often see sommelier and beverage director Marc Borel teaming up with executive chef Mark Schmidt. Borel has created detailed cocktail kits and the duo have teamed up on a to-go version of Rainbow Lodge’s walk-around wine tastings: a virtual wine tasting class complete with a take-and-bake Wild Game Hunter’s Pie. Hansen says she’s tentatively reopening on May 18 — but it may be earlier.

Spicy shoyu tonkotsu ramen at Samurai Noodle
Spicy shoyu tonkotsu ramen at Samurai Noodle. Photo by Phaedra Cook

Samurai Noodle, 1801 Durham, (832) 879-2982: Owner Thomas Tang is waiting to reopen his dining room for a couple of reasons. He hasn’t received funds from either the Paycheck Protection Program or Economic Disaster Injury Loan and he’s concerned about the intricacies of day-to-day operations under the current guidelines. Tang says the average customer check at his ramen restaurants is $11 — so there’s not a lot of leeway to cover the extra costs that reopening right now will incur. Those include designated staff members to man the front door and focus strictly on cleaning and sanitizing. “There’s too many moving parts, and most importantly, I need those loans to fund the staff,” he said. Not to worry: Samurai Noodle’s well-made, authentic ramens are available via takeout and most third-party delivery services. The Kinoko (Mushroom) Shouyu and Spicy Shoyu Tonkotsu are only two examples from the extensive menu. The Houston location is open daily. 

Sonoma Wine Bar, 801 Studewood, (713) 864-9463: This wine bar (as well as the Upper Kirby location) is continuing to offer pickup and delivery rather than reopening the dining room. A message on Facebook says, “For the safety of our employees and customers we have decided not to reopen for dine-in service this Friday, May 1st. We will continue with our curbside pickup and free delivery within a 3-mile radius. We are excited to see everyone. We miss you more than words can express.” Ordering is available online. Use discount code SHOPSMALL for 10% off your order. 

Squable, 632 W 19th, (832) 834-7362: Named the best new restaurant of 2019 by Houston Food Finder, this Justin Yu-Bobby Heugel joint has been serving up chef Mark Clayton’s and baker Drew Gimma’s creative fare for over a year.  They have been focused on a limited to-go menu that includes the already-famous burger smothered in raclette as well as half off Justin Vann‘s wine list. And that’s what they will continue to do in the near future. A comment on restaurant’s Instagram says, “We have not decided when to reopen our dining room at this time, but we will continue to monitor COVID-19’s impact on this process.” But don’t fret because it also says, “Our takeout menu is transitioning back to its @squabletime dine-in self.” In addition to menu items such as leg of lamb steak with chickpea frites and summer squash with scarlet runner beans and tomato fonduta, Squable is also selling some basic pantry items such as European-style butter, country sourdough, olive oil and yeast. To order food to be ready between 5 and 10 p.m., call or visit the website. (Note, wine must be ordered online.)

Sticky’s Chicken, 2311 Edwards, (713) 703-5230: The new joint specializing in chicken wings and a variety of sandwiches has decided to remain open for take out and only. From noon to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday and from 2 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, call for curbside pickup.

Katy

Red Oil Dumplings at Mala Sichuan is one of the most popular dishes. Photo by Phaedra Cook.

Mala Sichuan Bistro, 923119 Colonial Parkway, (281) 665-3300: One of Houston’s most acclaimed restaurants is taking a wait-and-see approach and will not be opening its dining room on May 1. Instead it will continue to offer takeout and delivery for dishes such as Dan Dan Noodles, Mapo Tofu and Northern Boiling FishView the menu online, then call for details. Update, 5/13/2020, 9:24 a.m.: dining rooms reopened at all locations.

Samurai Noodle, 24025 Katy Freeway, Katy, (281) 394-7303: Samurai Noodle’s well-made, authentic ramens are available via takeout and most third-party delivery services. The Kinoko (Mushroom) Shouyu and Spicy Shoyu Tonkotsu are only two examples from the extensive menu. The Katy location is only open Fridays and Saturdays for now. 

Montrose/Museum District

 

Black Hole Coffee House, 4504 Graustark, (713) 528-0653: Open 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., this neighborhood coffee shop has decided to continue offering offering take-out coffee, beer, wine, lunch and tasty treats. In addition, it is selling locally grown produce from Finca Tres Robles, milk from area dairy Mill-King, several nondairy milks, flour, sugar, bags of coffee and other groceries. In a statement on Facebook, they say, “We have decided, for the safety of our staff and guests, to remain to-go only for the time being. We will reassess in a week and every week for the foreseeable future. This is not an easy decision as, financially, we could use all the help we can get right now. But it is the right decision for us.”

Dak & Bop, 1801 Binz, (713) 528-0280: Craving some spicy, twice-fried chicken? Though the restaurant’s owners have decided to keep the dining room closed for now, you can still get the Korean Fried Chicken along with Kimchi Fries, Bulgogi Mac ‘N Cheese and more between 11:30 a.m. and 10 p.m. Just visit Dak & Bop’s website and order. Then swing by and pick it up. Delivery is available via UberEats, Postmates, GrubHub and Favor. In a statement on Facebook the owners shared their thoughts, “First and foremost, we would like to express that we respect every individual business owner’s decision on how they want to operate. With that said, and keeping in mind that here at Dak & Bop we want to do everything we can to #KeepHoustonSafe, with no hesitation or second thought, both our locations will continue with the #Togo#carryout, and #delivery service system. It is what we feel most comfortable with for our employee’s safety and for our guests.”

Hay Merchant spicy chicken sandwich
The Hay Merchant is currently offering its spicy chicken sandwich for pickup with tater tots rather than chips. Photo by Julie Soefer.

The Hay Merchant/Georgia James, 1100 Westheimer, (713) 528-9805: James Beard Award-winning chef Chris Shepherd is holding off on opening the dining rooms of any of restaurants. Instead, fresh new menu items are being added for pick up with expanded hours of 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Online ordering is available. The new menu items include Cha Ca-Style Redfish, smoked wings with all sauce options and a spicy chicken sandwich with tots. An excerpt from the official company statement reads: “We will continue to build our menu in the coming weeks and hope to open the kitchen of One Fifth soon as well. We’re gradually moving toward opening, as thoughtfully and as responsibly as we can.” Added 4/29/2020, 10:43 a.m.

Hugo’s, 1600 Westheimer, (713) 524-7744: Like its sister restaurant Backstreet Cafe (noted near the beginning of this list), this award-winning Mexican establishment is slated for a “phase two” opening, which could be around May 18. That will allow for 50% customer occupancy rather than 25%. Sister restaurants Xochi and Caracol remain closed for the time being.

Mala Sichuan Bistro, 1201 Westheimer, (832) 767-0911: One of Houston’s most acclaimed restaurants is taking a wait-and-see approach and will not be opening its dining room on May 1. Instead it will continue to offer takeout and delivery for dishes such as Dan Dan Noodles, Mapo Tofu and Northern Boiling FishView the menu online, then call for details. Update, 5/13/2020, 9:24 a.m.: dining rooms reopened at all locations.

Ramen Tatsu-Ya1722 California, (346) 226-3253: For now, the popular Montrose ramen joint is sticking with takeout and curbside pickup. Snag a bowl of Mi-So-Hot or Shoyu Ramen to comfort you during these troubling times, while you’re at it grab some Black Hole Cold Brew for the next morning. Call or order online. Added 4/29/2020, 11:58 a.m.

Riel, 1927 Fairview, (832) 831-9109: Open Monday through Saturday from 1 to 8 p.m., Ryan Lachaine’s Montrose restaurant has decided remain open for takeout and delivery only. So if you need a batch of comforting pierogies, a tasty Butter Burger or a hangar steak order online or call. Delivery is available via DoorDash. In addition, hospitality employees can come by between 4 and 7 p.m. daily for a free meal provided by the Restaurant Workers Relief Program.

Roost, 1972 Fairview, (713) 523-7667: Owner Kevin Naderi wrote that his cozy Montrose restaurant isn’t ideal for social distancing. “Roost will continue to ONLY do takeout and curbside for several more weeks,” he wrote on Facebook. “We are a small establishment and it makes no sense for us to try and social-distance such a small space. We have incredible guests as it is and we are happy keeping operations the way they have been going until there is true clarity in two or three more weeks.” In the meantime, Roost continues to be open daily from 4 to 9 p.m. for takeout, delivery, and curbside pickup.

Woodfired Pizza at Rosie Cannonball. Photo by Julie Soefer.

Rosie Cannonball, 1620 Westheimer, (832) 380-2471: Named one of Houston Food Finder’s best new restaurants of 2019, this Montrose eatery announced on Instragram. “While we would love nothing more than to fill our home with familiar faces on May 1st, we feel it is not the right time  to reopen our dining room.” But if you’re missing Felipe Riccio’s thoughtful and well-executed dishes, don’t fret. Rosie Cannonball is resuming takeout and delivery on May 5. Hours will be Tuesday through Saturday, 5 to 9 p.m. Order one of its already famous Focaccia Di Recco and maybe add a Lira Rossa Three Cheese pizza online and then swing by to pick up your order.

North Houston

Lasagna House, 217D Cypress Creek Parkway, (281) 580-7797: Owner Matt Vernon says that he’s going to hold off on opening until Mother’s Day, which is on May 10 and historically one of the restaurant’s busiest days. “My wife and my young son have asthma. This is a very bad and highly contagious virus, and we still don’t know exactly how it spreads. There is absolutely no amount of money in the world that is worth me taking a risk with my family’s health. Of course, as a business owner I want to operate. Seeing my dining room like this has been disheartening, but it’s not worth any possible risks of reopening and having even one of our guests or valued staff members get sick. We hope our community and staff will support our decision.” In the interim, curbside pickup of lasagna, many other pasta dishes and a great hot Italian beef sandwich is still offered, and delivery is available through a multitude of third-party services. 

Rice Village/West University

Fajitas A Go Go, 5404 Kirby, (713) 661-0501: Taco A Go Go’s little brother has decided to stick with its popular to-go program, for now. Order its classic Tex-Mex fare online and then head over to pick it up.

Helen Greek Food and Wine, 2429 Rice, (832) 831-7133: In a statement provide by the restaurant, the management says: “As always, the safety and well-being of our guests, employees, and community are our top priority. We at Helen Greek Food & Wine want to proceed with caution and measure response going forward. In light of this reasoning, our Management has decided to continue our curbside and To-Go operations
for now, and not open the restaurant for Dine-In business on May 1st.” To enjoy their acclaimed takes on Greek fare call between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m., Sunday and Tuesday through Thursday and between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m on Friday and Saturday and then swing by and pick up favorites such as Greens and Cheese Pie and Spiced Meatballs. Free bottles of wine for orders of $100 or more and delivery is available within a three-mile radius.

curbside pickup at Kenny & Ziggy's
A happy curbside customer at Kenny & Ziggy’s. Courtesy photo.

Kenny & Ziggy’s, 2327 Post Oak, (713) 871-8883 and 5172 Buffalo Speedway, (832) 767-1136: Get a much needed deli fix and bowl of chicken soup with Kenny & Ziggy’s curbside service. Delivery is also available through both the restaurant’s own team and several home independent delivery services. Visit the online ordering page to get started. Check out the national service Goldbelly to have meals and dishes shipped. Special for Mother’s Day are four, family-size, takeout brunch options ranging in price from $85 to $135. The choices are the Salad Sampler Brunch, Smoked Fish Brunch, New York Brunch and the Delicatessen Lunch. Each comes with multiple dishes and beverages.

River Oaks

Backstreet Cafe, 1103 South Shepherd, (713) 521-2239: For now, restaurateur Tracy Vaught and James Beard Award-winning chef Hugo Ortega are opting for patience rather than speed. Backstreet Café is opening for phase two of the governor’s plan, which allows for 50% occupancy. In the meantime, this venerable restaurant with an outstanding wine selection is planning for special Mother’s Day brunch packs and is continuing to offer curbside pickup and delivery from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Hugo’s in Montrose is on the same plan, but Vaught and Ortega’s other restaurants, Xochi and Caracol, remain closed for the time being.

The Woodlands

Pallotta’s Italian Grill, 27606 I-45, Oak Ridge North, (281) 364-9555: Owner Phil Nicosia says he’s planning to wait at least a week and possibly until “phase two,” which allows for 50% occupancy instead of a mere 25%. “I want to take staff and guests safety into consideration,” he said. In the meantime, curbside pickup and delivery via DoorDash of Italian-style family meals continues to be available.

Multiple Locations

Tacos A Go Go, multiple locations: The owner of this classic Houston taqueria mini-chain says, “People have really responded favorably to our curbside and to-go offerings. We are keeping in mind the health of our staff and our guests and just being cautious in our approach to re-opening.” So for now, you can continue to order online a full array of tacos from breakfast tacos to pork guisada for takeout and curbside pickup. It is also offering family packs that feed four, cocktail kits and the opportunity to Buy Tacos for Heros. Make a $5 donation to help provide meals to doctors, nurses and first responders. Call or order online. Delivery available from UberEats, DoorDash and Favor.

Editor’s note — Headline revised, list organized by neighborhood and limited to only restaurants not allowing dine-in on 4/29/2020. 

Comments (10)

Leave a Reply to Phaedra CookCancel reply

  • May 8, 2020 at 11:13 amCindy Featherston

    Looks like Down House will be open for dine-in based on recent fb post: “Hey y’all! This Mother’s Day we are prepared and ready to safely serve you in house! We suggest reservations on OpenTable.com (from 9-3 this Sunday!), and we will be taking walk-ins for parties 6 and under.”

    Reply
  • May 3, 2020 at 4:43 amDebra

    The dining room at Tacodeli on Washington Avenue remains closed. The patio will open with limited seating 5/5, however all orders will continue to be call in or online only. Masks are required. Contactless Curbside take away service will continue. http://Www.tacodeli.com

    Reply
  • May 1, 2020 at 8:16 pmErin Seaman

    Romero’s Las Brazas on the NW side is another restaurant isn’t opening & should be on your list. They won’t be opening until Phase 2, at the earliest.

    Reply
    • May 2, 2020 at 1:58 pmPhaedra Cook

      The best way for restaurants to submit this information is to email us at [email protected]. Please pass it on if you know someone there; otherwise, we’ll see if we can get in touch on Monday.

      Reply
  • May 1, 2020 at 2:09 pmOG

    Sugar Land?

    Reply
  • April 30, 2020 at 2:46 pmAbhi Sreerama

    How may I add my restaurant to this list?

    Reply
    • May 2, 2020 at 1:59 pmPhaedra Cook

      Hi Abhi! Best thing to do is to email us and please also include any to-go/delivery specials that you’re running. Email [email protected] (or my direct email if you still have it).

      Reply
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