Mouthwatering New American in Houston

Bosscat Kitchen & Libations

★★★★☆ 4.3 (2797) • $$

"Sparce parking but if you dine at the restaurant it's free, well at lunch anyway. The atmosphere is super casual and whimsical. I love the bar and the staff are all friendly! We were there for brunch and was not disappointed. Well I was disappointed that it was too early for my type of drink but there were mimosas flowing here and they looked refreshing. I want to head back for dinner and drinks when I am back in town!"

Hearsay Market Square

★★★★☆ 3.9 (2098) • $$

"It's been years since I've eaten at Hearsay Market Square. My friend and I were on the hunt for dinner and realized we were close to Hearsay. One thing I remembered from previous visits was that the tables fill up fast. I wasn't sure what to expect on a Sunday, but we arrived around 5:30 pm and they only had bar seats available. Not long after we sat down, the bar seats were full. Make a reservation or get there early.Frances was our bartender/server and she was really sweet. She made us a gin cocktail that she created and is not on the menu. She doesn't have a name for it, but she was adamant that we would like it and she was right! I really enjoyed it! It had a citrus profile. For my second drink, I had the El Pepino. I subbed vodka in place of the tequila and it was quite good. As I browsed the menu, I realized that they no longer have the beer battered asparagus on the menu. That appetizer was so yummy, but I appreciate the fact that they update the menu. I spotted deviled eggs and immediately ordered them. Unfortunately, these fell a little flat for me. They weren't bad, but they didn't wow me. For my entrée, I ordered the beef short rib. It came with cheddar grits and bacon Brussels sprouts. This dish was fantastic! The beef was tender, and the sides were so flavorful! I loved it. The portion was a great size and I ate all of my food. Needless to say, I left full and satisfied."

Lucille's

★★★★☆ 3.9 (1827) • $$

"Idk how I've gone this long without leaving Lucille's some love. I've patronized this business for atleast 3 years, and if it speaks to their consistency, I've yet to have a poor experience. I've enjoyed a few of their pop up events on the patio, the Prince patio take over being my favorite. From the cocktail to the fried green tomatoes, to the chicken and waffles, I've yet to experience an unsatisfying meal here. Things to know: *You have two parking options: street parking as available and valet *Casual dress is usually the vibe *If you arrive during peak hours expect a wait. Their waiting area is on the exterior patio.*Given the nature of the place, and true to its vibe, a few tables feel a bit cozy.This restaurant is a tribute to culinary legacy. Expect fine southern food (comforting and homey but take it up a notch), leave happy!"

Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar

★★★★☆ 4.4 (1408) • $$

"I came here for the first time on a Sunday. Our group sat on the patio. It was perfect weather for it, finally patio season since it cooled down.The patio was massive and had a fire pit, plus tvs with the games on. I didn't know anything about this place, so my friends filled me in. The restaurant started in Colorado and has expanded. There are several locations now in Houston. The owner based the restaurant off of his own home in Colorado. Including his wrap around porch that he decided to include with the restaurant. It's nice because dogs and humans are welcome here.Service - Our server, Regan, was friendly and chatty and offered suggestions.Drinks - I ordered the Mango Chili Rita, which had Repasado TQ, yum. My friends enjoyed their drinks as well, the NY Sour and Cucumber Mint. Food - I'm in love with cheese, so I ordered the grilled 5 cheese. And it was yummy. They even put shreaded melted cheese on the outside of the bread this was a nice touch. The sandwich had great texture with a nice crunch. Inside of the bread was loaded with multi cheeses, and it was the gooey consistency that I want. The spread also came with this aoli sauce, which I liked. I also ordered the onion rings instead of fries, and these were great. Would recommend this meal for the cheese lovers."

The Rustic

★★★★☆ 3.9 (1427) • $$

"I attended a private event at The Rustic over the weekend. This was my first time going to The Rustic (I tried to go a few years ago after a show at Toyota Center but they had already stopped serving food). The marquee at the entrance was funny and gave me El Arroyo vibes (IYKYK). The restaurant is much larger than I was expecting and they have a nice sized stage for live music on the patio area.The entire outdoor area was reserved for us. It was a little warm, but nice to sit under the trees while listening to the music. Since we had so many people in our group, they provided a brunch buffet for us. We also had a private bar which was nice. The buffet offered all of the options on the Jam and Toast Brunch menu. I had the Country Baked Eggs, Bacon, Green Salad, and Baby Fried Toast (i.e. French Toast). I really enjoyed the meal, especially the salad and bacon. I didn't try the Texas Hot Chicken, Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage, or the Cheese and Potato Hash, but my friends that did try these items enjoyed them.The staff was very friendly and accommodating. When the musicians took a break, they were respectful of our group as we shared memories of our friend who's life we were celebrating. The musicians waited for us to finish sharing stories of our friend before restarting the music which was extremely thoughtful. Parking downtown can be a pain, but they do offer valet for $10. You can also park in the Avenida Central Garage underneath Discovery Green and get your ticket validated as long as you do not exceed 3 hours. I parked on the street near Toyota Center and didn't have any trouble as it was early in the day before the Rockets game. The Rustic is a great place to go before/after a show at Toyota Center or for brunch with friends and family."

Masraff's

★★★★☆ 4.4 (1045) • $$$$

"I always make sure to reserve here for Houston Restaurant Weeks but all of their food no matter what time of the year is always great. The ambience and service are wonderful and I always feel welcome and unrushed. I always get the foie gras appetizer and the garlic seared calamari. The parmesan crusted rosemary bread they bring to the table is amazing as well.Parking is available as valet, in the garage, or right in front of the restaurant.If you're searching for a nice dinner, come here!"

State of Grace

★★★★☆ 4.4 (988) • $$$

Dish Society

★★★★☆ 3.9 (1213) • $$

"This was a great spot for a family bunch. There was something that everyone loved from the adults to the kiddos. I had the Southwestern bowl which had a lot of flavor. Whether you like French toast, eggs or avocado toast, you're bound to find something on the menu that you like. Order at the counter and then find your seat. There is seating available both inside and outside. If you want to sit outside, they have TVs if you're interested in sports. If you want to sit outside, it's adjacent to a lovely greenspace where the kiddos can run around."

Liberty Kitchen & Oysterette

★★★★☆ 3.9 (1115) • $$$

Brenner's on the Bayou

★★★★☆ 3.8 (1070) • $$$

Fielding's Wood Grill

★★★★☆ 3.9 (1014) • $$$

"Service and food still top notch. We always bring our out of town friends here for brunch. Our only complaint is each time we come we consistently have an issue using one particular credit card of ours. Managers have tried to get to the bottom of the issue, but it remains a mystery despite the card being fine on our side. Keep an eye out on their specials and drink concoctions. They are always worthwhile."

Adair Kitchen

★★★★☆ 3.8 (1045) • $$

"I met some friends for a late lunch. Water is served in a carafe along with small glasses. I ordered a lemon artichoke soup. It's delicious. I also ordered a black bean quinoa burger. The patty is huge. It comes with a pesto mayo on the side. I could only eat half since I had had a cup of soup. Desiree is a genuine wonderful waitress. She saw that the water on the carafe was almost empty and offered to bring more. We were there a long time and she didn't get annoyed at all. She told us breakfast is really good. The only issue I had was with the loud music and salty black bean patty."

Hungry's - Rice Village

★★★★☆ 3.7 (1066) • $$

"Brunch on the weekends is always delicious! I had the egg and prosciutto skillet and it was yummy!!! I also indulged in the strawberry mimosas. Their carafes are reasonably priced $22/carafe, and you can get about 5-6 glasses per carafe. Self parking is very limited to a few spaces and Valet parking is available as well. I went around Noon this past Sunday and did not have to wait for a table. The manager greeted us and took our drink orders while we waited for our waiter to check in with us."

Mezza Grille

★★★★☆ 4.4 (717) • $$

"My tastebuds had a party from the beginning to the end! I started with the Seafood Campechana as the appetizer; and it comes with Tortilla chips. I say appetizer, but this dish is huge. I taste every ounce of flavor! It was like a party in my mouth with the combination of lime, jalapeno, pineapple, and small chunks of avocado, and to top it off, the shrimp and crab had their own flavors and spices fused together! Did you all see how big the shrimp were? After the appetizer, I knew I couldn't go wrong with the Pecan-Crusted Salmon, which has a nice favorable crust. Also, the sides are a mushroom risotto with grilled vegetables, making for a great dish with many flavors. For the second dish, my niece went for the Mango Stuffed Chicken, and of course, we shared our plates with each other. It had a very nice crust covering the outside, and it came with a mango buttery sauce to pour on top or inside; we did both. I don't know how they got all the stuffing inside, but I will be getting that next time. We also added two servings of fish tacos, and I must say they were good, too. But let's brag about the service; my nephew is seven, and he's very picky. He eats only eggs and pepperoni pizza! Well, that didn't have either! So the waiter and Chef made a pizza just for him with cheese and grilled shrimp on the side. One more thing: I'm surprised this place isn't charging more for their dishes. They put so much love into each dish, and the service is exceptional."

Local Table

★★★★☆ 4.4 (717) • $$

"Everything you eat here is like touching gold. I have not had a bad dish in the last eight times. I have eaten here. In my opinion! The falafel is to die for. Mike is such a nice manager. He always takes care of us. Jack is the best bartender on the planet and makes the best old-fashioned you'll ever have.The mimosas are outstanding. As are the cucumber martinis. So refreshing on a very hot day. Go try it. You will not be remiss. So let's get this straight. Great location? Great service? Great food? Always a fun time? Rock solid five out of five!"

Weights + Measures

★★★★☆ 3.7 (946) • $$

"Wow! What a delightful surprise! I stumbled upon Weights and Measures with no expectations, but I walked out surprised (and full) in the best way. From the moment I stepped in, I was greeted with impeccable service and a warm atmosphere. The freshness and quality of the food were simply outstanding, leaving me wondering why I hadn't discovered this gem sooner. Without a doubt, I'll be returning to indulge in more of their delicious offerings. Weights and Measures has definitely won me over as a loyal customer!"

Ruggles Black

★★★★☆ 3.9 (824) • $$

"What a treat! I'be had this spot bookmarked for a while now, and passed on another occasion due to the valet line being so long. This time, we made a reservation, valet was accessible, things flowed smoothly, and we made the most of our first visit.The flavors are spot on, and RB is a top tier Houston dining experience. Everything is delicious. The fried chicken was moist and the accompanying sauces were perfect. The seafood ramen was delicious also. The empanadas and the butternut squash soup hit the spot as well. All in all-- Ruffles Black was fire and I can wait to return! Note: $5 valet required. Cheers!"

The General Public

★★★★☆ 4 (779) • $$

"Rolled up here early September on a Wednesday afternoon to meet with a fellow friend/YELPER for happy hour. We immediately went to the bar area to hang which had an easy-going crowd so ambiance was pleasant and chill although it was a bit noisy due to the tv's and music. Bartender got us some drinks and explained happy hour price variances. Drink prices are cheaper the earlier you arrive and then increase in $1 increments at the top of every hour (i.e. $3/drink at 3PM, then $4/drink at 4PM, etc.). Their cocktails are quite tasty such as their Lynchburg Sour and Spicy Goldrush (both are happy hour specials). The spicy goldrush is probably my favorite one with the bourbon and hint of sweetness & sourness. As for food, we went with the sliders, buffalo chicken meatballs, and the charcuterie board. I decided to try their Lynchburg Sour which was really good. Good enough that I stuck with that drink the entire time. For food I started with the slider duo, which is two mini sized burgers. Sliders were a good size with cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and pickles on the side; probably my favorite appetizer. The buffalo chicken meatballs have 5 per order and served in this ranch/buttermilk dressing with carrots and celery; pretty tasty. The charcuterie board has an asssortment of meats and cheeses along with a sliced baguette, giardiniera, and some roasted pistachios. I decided on ordering a glass of merlot with it since wine pairs well with charcuterie. Good overall.It was a pleasant experience; I'm sure I'll be back for another happy hour or even to have a proper meal here sometime!"

Rainbow Lodge

★★★★☆ 3.9 (802) • $$$

"This place is outrageously delicious! Holy shit. The antelope was by far my favourite! We shared a whole bunch of different things and everything was cooked to perfection, including the veggies. I would've liked the venison to be less "dressed up" with the chili rub but it was still good. The elk was a runner up favourite- so much flavour in it! What an adventure to take your tastebuds on. The hibiscus margarita is delectable and you can't beat half price wine on Sundays. You don't wanna miss that bread pudding either. The service and atmosphere of the place matches the food... warm and cozy, wonderful and unique. Looking forward to brunch once it's warmer so we can eat outside!"

Field & Tides

★★★★☆ 4.2 (636) • $$$

"There's absolutely not a bad thing I can say about F&T. Service is amazing - they tackle things as a team, so you've always got exactly what you need. I went years ago on a whim, pre-pandemic. And I'm. So glad they've lasted and grown!Last night we had the crab tostada and tuna poke to start. Both delicious, but if you're like me and have the busted cilantro taste bud, the tuna is safer - cilantro big enough to remove. I had the shrimp (pictured) based on the recommendation of one of the staff - I was not steered wrong. Dad had the scallops on my recollection of them from years ago. He thoroughly enjoyed it. For dessert I had the Caribbean Coffee, which is basically their take on an affogato. Dark Illy coffee with 12 yr Caribbean rum and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. PERFECT way to finish the night. Huge shout out to Keri, Sydni, and Drew for taking such good care of us. Dad and I are already planning our next visit!"

Local Table

★★★★☆ 4.1 (643) • $$

"Large, clean space with a private room available for large parties. Service was solid. My salmon avocado toast had cucumbers on it, a very chubby slice of toast under it, some sort of spread resembling pemento cheese and legit guacamole. Not mashed avocado, guacamole. With capers and onions on it. So all in all, I'd say it was a little odd but not bad and it came with a side of potatoes and a nice cucumber salad. It was only 2 bucks to add eggs so I ordered them scrambled and the portion was pretty big!"

Jus' Mac

★★★★☆ 3.5 (857)

"I dined in with some friends on my first visit here and loved the experience. Service was great, everything was fresh, and you could tell how good the quality of the food was. The thing is though, you gotta be careful with your choices. I got the PITMASTER, and as a bbq lover, it was better than anything I expected out of this place. It was delicious, flavorful and a great combination! I was so happy with my experience! However, my friend got the RUSTIC and said it bored her lol you really have to be careful because this place is kinda hit or miss with the mac and cheese flavors. Also, I would recommend getting the 1/2lb serving, unless you're a mac and cheese fanatic. I could only eat half of the 1lb serving and had to take the rest home. A friend got the boneless wings and made me jealous I didn't get some for myself. It had a great, crunchy breading despite being covered in sauce. They were also LARGE! Bigger than any boneless wings I've seen anywhere! Definitely worth trying if you dine in. I came back to try the regular wings since the boneless were so good. Unfortunately, I got the wings to-go on my next visit and they were very disappointing. They packed them in an aluminum container, so I think they kept cooking during my 20 minute drive home. By the time I got to eat them, they were over cooked and dry. I don't even remember what they tasted like because I forced myself to finish them. I really don't know why they would use aluminum packaging for wings, but I'm convinced that's the only reason my wings were bad. I'm willing to give them another shot dining in since the fresh boneless wings were fantastic! But be warned if you get the wings to go."

Squable

★★★★☆ 4.3 (557) • $$$

"After all these years, Squable still never fails me, whether I'm entertaining out-of-town guests or enjoying a cozy date night. Across double-digit visits, however, I have come to harbor certain opinions about their highly technical, chef-driven menu: 1) the meat dishes are solid, but the seafood and vegetarian-forward offerings are even better, 2) they operate on the saltier end of the spectrum (a waitress told me last time that "Chef Mark loves salt"), which suits my palate just fine but may rub more sodium-sensitive folk the wrong way, and 3) what some plates lack in size, they make up for via richness and diversity of flavor/texture, so don't be afraid to go for some of the more diminutive options. The front patio is quite nice and fully enclosed with heat lamps on standby, so fair game regardless of weather. The cocktails are pricey ($15 each) but well-crafted and unique. I particularly like the Elbow Room, a fantastically balanced spirit-forward concoction containing calvados, genepy, and yuzu. They recently revamped the menu, so this review reflects their new fare:Chicken Liver Pate - Excellent starter to kick things off. The potent spread was sweet, creamy, and funky, offset by a sweet jam. Raw Bluefin Tuna - nice refreshing summer bite between the crisp raw fish and pops of orange with lemon zest. Great deal given the fat pieces of tuna. Fried Shrimp Cocktail - I underestimated this one and boy was it delicious. So simple and classic yet prepared with impeccable technique. The tempura-battered exterior was super crunchy, the flesh inside was soft and meaty. The texture contrast was incredible. Buttered Charleston Gold Rice - elevated comfort food in the form of a creamy and decadent risotto topped with a savory oxtail stew and charred green onion stalks. Strong dish. Marinated Mussels on Grilled Bread - this is a staple and something we never skip because it's just that good. The fragrant mussels are steamed in white wine and herbs and somehow are a match made in heaven for these thick garlicky beans. The whole thing is served cold with a sprinkle of parsley and dill. Guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Corned Duck Breast - not the most creative dish, but well executed as per usual. The sweet bird was delightfully juicy, and the accompaniments - parsnip puree and a carrot mustard - brought some pungent and buttery flavors to the table. Poached Leeks - the flavors here were phenomenal, between the funky and cheesy buttermilk sauce, dill, croutons, and black pepper, but I wish the leeks were a little more tender rather than crunchy. Tater Tots - decided to splurge for this insanely luxurious side, which comes topped with a cognac hollandaise, smoked trout roe, and chives. The square tots, cooked in bacon fat, were crispy as all get-out and predictably mind-blowing. Are they worth $50? That's for you to judge - I was certainly not disappointed. Local Mushrooms - extra hearty vegetarian main plate that is an umami explosion. Healthy char on the shrooms and a variety of textures make this dish come to life. Seared Ora King Salmon - Really tasty with a classic beurre blanc, but ultimately not as interesting to me as some of the other dishes on the menu. Mafaldine pasta - Rich, hearty, and sizeable pasta with a funky and earthy meat sauce. No complaints. Get the Pain de Mie dessert and thank me later."

Bludorn

★★★★☆ 4.3 (557) • $$$$

MKT Bar

★★★★☆ 3.9 (664) • $$

"We were a big group who were headed to see Christmas lights around Downtown. Live music was playing during brunch. It's too loud and you can't have a conversation. I wish they had more items on the breakfast menu. I approached the grocery store side but they weren't serving breakfast any more in the cafeteria-type setting. So I opted for an egg white spinach fritatta in the Mkt Bar. It's a big serving and I don't like to waste. But I could only eat half. So I recommend diners share the fritatta. The waiter brought Tabasco and Cholula sauces. I added a bit of cholula to give it more flavor. The egg dish doesn't have much flavor. While the ambiance is lively, I wouldn't go back since I can't have a conversation due to the loud live music played during brunch."

Perry's Steakhouse & Grille - Memorial City

★★★★☆ 3.8 (682) • $$$

Daily Gather

★★★★☆ 4.3 (496) • $$

"I came here for brunch with a friend on a Saturday and it was really good!There are a lot of garages with free parking on the weekends nearby so that was a plus.We walked in and the place was packed! Luckily we had a reservation which I highly recommend.I had the Mimosa with lime and cranberry and it was delish! For my entree I had the Ranch Style Eggs (house smoked brisket with 2 sunny side-up eggs on crispy corn tostadas topped with refried black beans, tomatillo salsa, cotija, cilantro, & green onion) with avocado. It was sooo good but I wish it had been a larger portion!The only reason I am giving this place four and not five stars is because service was a bit slow. It took a while before our server came to take our order.I will definitely be back!"

Ouisie's Table

★★★★☆ 3.6 (695) • $$

"Romantic vibe for sure, they have jazz night & specials too! They have a wine special for $35 for 5 glasses. That's a stinkin good deal, make sure you call and ask when those specials are or check the website. Freddie was our server and super sweet! He stayed on top of service through the evening. Calamari - it's not fried, it's also not Olive Garden. Hehe. Flavorful and tasty Scallops - 10/10 would order again Valencia paella; not my vibe but feel free to order and share around the table, I would recommend to order for 1Desert, we skipped because we had so much wine!"

Eloise Nichols Grill And Liquors

★★★★☆ 4 (524) • $$

"Sunday brunching!Made reservations ahead of time and got sat right away. Started with a iced vanilla latte (pretty standard) and a iced americano. For food, got the chorizo omelette (the green salsa on top was tasty and lots of veggies, avocado and chorizo inside), the mushroom omelette (good amount of mushroom stuffed inside as well) and the horchata toast (couldn't really taste the horchata or cinnamon in it, but the bread was fluffy and fruits were fresh). Hash browns on the side were crispy and delish! Plenty of seating indoor and outdoor seating as well. Parking - in the plaza or garage (free)"

The Toasted Coconut

★★★★☆ 4.3 (440) • $$

"This place has a great Happy Hour and great burgers!!Went here on a Friday evening to celebrate my son's Bday. Had some HH drinks before dinner. Then time for the great burgers and fries. Thrilled to be treated with a free dessert for Don on his Birthday!!This place is small and does get crowded so we made reservations a week before."

Harold's

★★★★☆ 3.7 (590) • $$

"My friends and I stopped in here during a pub crawl mainly to get some food in our bellies as well as have a drink. They are located in the Heights and street parking was available. We walked into the bar area which was narrow and made our way upstairs to a patio. The place has an older feel to it, but it's only been around for about 10 or so years. There looked to be alot of regulars as the wait staff seemed to focus more on them. Our service upstairs was slow, but good company and great weather made it ok. I was in the mood for something fruity and refreshing so I ordered a 19th Street Cosmo. It came served in a Deep Eddy Vodka cup, looked good and tasted fine. We also ordered an order of the crawfish fondue. This was really tasty and served with crostini. I'm sure we could have asked for more, but the amount of dip to bread was way off. We waited so long for drinks and food that we didn't want to get a second round of drinks or entrees.Overall, this was an ok spot. They had a crowd that night and we expected service to be slow. I would consider coming again."

Black Walnut Café

★★★★☆ 3.6 (623) • $$

"Black Walnut Cafe is an excellent dining spot that I have been frequenting for quite some time now. One of the standout features of this place is their impeccable customer service. The staff is always welcoming and friendly, making you feel right at home. They go above and beyond to ensure that your dining experience is nothing short of exceptional.Now, let's talk about the food. I must say that I am a huge fan of the tomato basil soup. It is simply outstanding! The soup is creamy, flavorful, and has the perfect balance of spices. It's my go-to dish every time I visit Black Walnut Cafe. However, it's not just the soup that's great - every dish on the menu is top-notch. Whether you're in the mood for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you'll find something delicious to suit your taste buds.In conclusion, Black Walnut Cafe is a fantastic spot to enjoy a satisfying meal. The customer service is top-notch, and the food is simply delicious. If you haven't yet visited this restaurant, I highly recommend it - and don't forget to try the tomato basil soup!"

Cowboys & Indians Cuisine & Cocktails

★★★★☆ 3.8 (556) • $$

"Ok, I've visited enough times to say that Cowboys and Indians is good. Really good! Their menu is eclectic (Tex-Mex, Indian, and more) but you can definitely order the old faithfuls if you ask nicely. The butter chicken is great and tender. The short rib is epic in both flavor and tenderness. Everything I've tried is yummy. Ordering via phone is a bit of a struggle but they get the job done. Parking is easy which means a lot to me. It's tasty and convenient which makes me a repeat patron.Cheers!"

bellagreen

★★★★☆ 3.9 (521) • $$

"Food portions are plentiful Service was good. The burger was cool as I asked, the buns are soft and buttery. Sweet potato fries had good flavor but a tad over cookedChicken curry salad was very good but tasted nothing like chicken curry...a little miss leading. Very health food options"

Perry's Steakhouse & Grille - Champions

★★★★☆ 4 (494) • $$$