Houston restaurant recs??

drssouth

Stephen South
We're going this weekend and were looking for a Sat night eating place..no real limitations, can be $$ if it is worth it
 
Steve, Your options are many. Having said that, Saturday nights tend to be rather hectic.

I have strong favorites, including Mark's for progressive American, Restaurant RDG for a bias toward southwestern cuisine, DaMarco for topnotch Italian, Tony's for polished mostly oriented toward Italian, and so on.

What are your culinary objectives if you want more specific suggestions? And where will you be based in Houston?

. . . . . . . Pete
 
While I haven't been a local since most of these places have been open, I have enjoyed the food and wine at Catalan more than Mark's or Restaurant RDG (nee Cafe Annie). Catalan is more casual and less expensive than either but, I thought, more interesting or at least more my speed.

Though as Pete says, it depends on your culinary objectives. Catalan is not going to satisfy, say, an itch for a classic steakhouse or a starred Michelin place.
 
drssouth,

If you're accustom to NY, SF, and the like, you may find it challenging to find a good meal in Houston. I occasionally visit for work. Except as otherwise noted, I've only been to these places once, so I don't claim a well informed opinion.

The best place to eat in Houston is Irma's (the original at 22 N. Chenevert- the Southwest Grill is a different animal). I go every time I'm in town. Lunch only, however. You will probably drink Pacifico, but I wouldn't be surprised if they would let you carry in wine.

If you want fine dining, I would go with Mark's. Good food, a wine list that should hold your attention, and a cool setting. I don't recall being wowed, but happy nonetheless.

For wine alone, go to Catalan. I was really impressed with the list. When I was there they had Joly BTG, and I ordered a bottle of Jaugaret. Sadly, the food was mediocre, and I understand from others that that's a common refrain. But the wine was so exciting that it almost made up for it.

The food at Da Marco was fine, maybe even pretty good, but the place left a bad taste in my mouth. My complaints about the wine list and service are too numerous to detail. Overall, the place can be summed up like this: if you forget to drive your Bentley, you will be treated like a second class citizen.

I haven't been to Tony's, but a trusted source told me that it's much the same scene as Da Marco.

I had a decent meal at Reef. Wine list is nothing to excite this crowd.

Good luck.
 
originally posted by drssouth:
Houston restaurant recs??We're going this weekend and were looking for a Sat night eating place..no real limitations, can be $$ if it is worth it

probably going to try Chez Nous in Humble since we are staying at the Sheraton near the airport...looked OK on their website
 
As posted in your other thread...

Steve, I am out of touch with Chez Nous these days. It has changed ownership, I believe, since my last venture there.

I can't think of many (any?) alternatives out that way.

Houston has lots of terrific dining establishments.

Here's hoping that Chez Nous measures up for you.

Please report back!

. . . . . . Pete/Houston
 
originally posted by drssouth:
originally posted by drssouth:
Houston restaurant recs??We're going this weekend and were looking for a Sat night eating place..no real limitations, can be $$ if it is worth it

probably going to try Chez Nous in Humble since we are staying at the Sheraton near the airport...looked OK on their website

Had a wonderful tasting menu experience at Chez Nous...delicate seafoood chowder, Veal/Lamb terrine and Seared lamb among other items...interesting set of matched wines (most I didn't know) including a white Bandol...classy

(we also ate at Papacitos the day before...excellent Tex-Mex)
 
Steve, Houston is receiving wider nation-wide recognition for what its restaurants have to offer in the way of hugely varied cuisine at high quality levels.

Some recent ratings have cited Houston as being among the top 4 or top 10 in the U.S. in quality of restaurant offerings.

Glad your culinary ventures in Houston went well!

. . . . . . Pete
 
Back
Top