2022 New & Notable

This upscale local chain has earned an enduring reputation for turning out delicious, made-to-order burgers. Thick, juicy and cooked-to-order, burgers are the main attraction, but the plump specialty hot dogs and grilled chicken sandwiches are equally impressive. If you really…

Located in the heart of Houston's uptown Galleria area, the 284-suite Chifley Houston offers guests comfortable and convenient accommodations, just two blocks from The Galleria. Conveniently located next to shopping, dining, and fun that only the Galleria District can offer, The…

Maybe you thought just Gulf Coast residents ate spicy, peel-and-eat crawfish. But boy were you mistaken. Check out this spot's second location on Airline Drive for mouth-burning boiled crawfish and all the fixings. Crawfish & Noodles is exactly what it sounds like―a great…

Frenchy's Chicken is a walk-up eatery serving highly coveted fried chicken and Cajun sides. Frenchy Creuzot's unassuming walk-up operation located a couple blocks away from the University of Houston's main campus has been a culinary institution since the late 1960s. UH students…

The Lymbar, a neighborhood craft cocktail bar and restaurant, offers Latin and Mediterranean flavors in Houston’s Midtown. The restaurant is housed in the building’s street level “jewel-box” corner suite and contains approximately 120 seats with more than 4,000 square feet of…

Influenced by their combined experiences as first- and second-gen Asian Americans and their appreciation for Japanese culinary technique and artistry, Money Cat serves as a relaxed backdrop for innovative new Japanese cuisine complemented by an adventurous beverage program and…

Sushi by Hidden in Rice Village features a 30-minute timed omakase experience for Houston and visiting sushi lovers. Similar to Hidden Omakase’s concept, the space seats 10 guests at a time with 12 sushi pieces chosen by the chef. The chef-driven experience is led by Chef Jimmy…

Burger Bodega started off as a smash burger pop-up serving high-quality smash burgers to Houston, and upgraded to a brick and mortar storefront in the Heights in late 2022. Offering a simple menu that has taken Houston by storm, Burger Bodega dishes out burgers by the single…

Houstonians dining out in the Heights neighborhood are in for a very Goode experience! The Goode Company family of restaurants, full of Houston staples, opened their second Goode Co. Kitchen & Cantina in the Heights, serving delicious Tex-Mex cuisine. Anyone familiar with…

Get a truly unique Korean steakhouse experience at Karne in the Heights. Tableside chefs grill Wagyu beef right at your table alongside bespoke cocktails. Using fresh ingredients, Karne chefs serve prime beef, American and Japanese Wagyu, and meats dry-aged in-house, cooked to…

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served hot at LuLoo's Day & Night all day eatery in the Heights. Start the day with a cinnamon roll or a sausage roll. Lunch features a variety of sandwiches, and dinner serves up some of the favorites from Blood Bros BBQ, one of the owner's…

Navy Blue – a modern American seafood concept by chef/owner Aaron Bludorn – made its home in the heart of Rice Village. The restaurant name is not only a nod to the ocean but also a homage to Bludorn’s naval aviator father, whose call sign was “Blue.” The…

For nearly 200 years the Jucker family has been in the baking biz. The tradition started in Poland in the 1820s, stopped when the family was sent to Nazi concentration camps in 1941 and revived on Houston’s Holman Street in May 1949. Ever since, the Jucker family has been busy…

Is it possible for a restaurant to mix wellbeing and pleasure? At Vibrant, they're doing just that. Vibrant creates foods that are gluten free, dairy free, refined sugar free and non-GMO. Sourced locally and ethically, Vibrant ensures quality throughout their entire menu. Healthy…

Chicken in all sorts of ways lives on the menu of Daddy's Chicken Shack. Head to the Heights to take your pick from a chicken sandwich, chicken salad, chicken tenders or even vegan nuggets. Pair with french fries (of course), and call it a meal! This joyful spot is complete with…

A transformed closet in The Annie Café & Bar near the Galleria became Emilia's Havana in fall of 2022. A mystery to everyone who hasn't been there yet, this speakeasy gives diners a true eating, drinking, and outing experience. Menu items include cavier, A5 wagyu tartare…

EZ's Liquor Lounge opened in the Heights in the fall of 2022 but somehow gives patrons the experience of being in a neighborhood bar that's been around forever. Complete with charm, dim lighting and reasonably priced drinks, this cozy spot boasts being the "friendliest place in…

Ramen is one of those foods that somehow always sounds like a good idea, and now Houstonians and visitors can indulge in one of the best bowls of it at Killer Noodle in the Heights. Killer Noodle offers a handful of ramen options, with or without soup. One bowl, advertised as…

Riverhouse Houston gives off major neighborhood restaurant vibes along Buffalo Bayou in Houston’s East End. Take in the live music on an expansive outdoor terrace with a kid’s playscape, outdoor games, patio bar and fire pits. Eat, drink and golf (or don't) at this family…

As children of the founders of Skeeter’s Mesquite Grill and Los Tios Mexican Restaurants, siblings Nick Adair and Katie Adair Barnhart have long dreamt of the day they would open their own restaurant concept and in September 2012, their vision came to fruition with Adair Kitchen…

Nestled Downtown, an assortment of cozy corners complete with dining spaces awaits guests with a variety of tastes. Bungalow offers a vibrant bar, opulent dining room and plenty of private dining options. The upscale restaurant is also complete with a rooftop patio showcasing…

Late-night noshers purr over this all-hours eatery with a city-slick atmosphere. Crave blintzes at midnight or corned beef and cabbage at sunrise? Katz's is your place. Cops from next door rub shoulders with families, politicos and all walks of the Galleria good life at this…

Owner Cory Xiong strived to develop a Chinese restaurant in Houston that would set her apart from the rest, and she has done just that with Mala Sichuan Bistro. This Heights location in M-K-T is the third location. Mala Sichuan Bistro has made a name for itself with a few of its…

The Barking Pig is a family-friendly neighborhood patio offering themed weekly specials and an extensive local draft beer selection. Chef and Sommelier Kristen Powell hopes the local hangout becomes as successful as her last venture, the former Simone on Sunset, which was known…

Eat sushi and sip on delightful cocktails amidst cherry blossoms at Ten Sushi + Cocktail Bar in River Oaks. This upscale sushi bar offers sushi, sashimi, appetizers and rolls as well as desserts and happy hour. Based out of California, this River Oaks location is the first…

The Upside Pub in the Heights, features 1,500 square feet plus 300 square feet of an all-weather accessible patio space. The founders and owners of The Upside Pub are Paige and Andy Lujan, who moved to Houston in 2021 to start a business based on a love of community. This…

Wild in Montrose, created by the founders of the original CBD coffee shop in Houston, Grinder’s Coffee Bar and The CBD Apothecary, and Wild in the Heights, is a continued evolution of the coffee shop, dispensary, and cocktail bar with an added element of high-end plates and…

There are never enough family-friendly, neighborhood eateries, and CounterCommon Beerworks & Kitchen in Bellaire is an excellent addition to that category. In-house brewed beers are served to 80+ indoor seats, a bar, and a small outdoor seating area in addition to Asian and…

Fusion 59 invites guests to stop in to indulge in cocktails and their dynamite menu while enjoying their killer vibe. The menu offers plenty for guests to delight in — chicken sliders, gourmet pizzas, rainbow trout, a ribeye steak, salads and wings. Pair any with a French 59…

Kindness and coffee can be found in one place in Montrose — La La Land Kind Cafe. With a variety of lattes and delectable toasts, the menu at this darling spot is just a small part of what the shop has to offer. Their mission is to spread kindness, and all employees are equipped…

Fresh seafood and that feeling of being oceanfront await in Spring Branch at Low Tide Kitchen & Bar. Start with oyster nachos, crawfish dip and chips or a surfside lump crab cake. Then dive into an oyster burger, chicken sandwich or the land or sea tacos. Save room for…

A unique fusion of Peruvian and Japanese cuisine is deliciously displayed at Pacha Nikkei in West Houston. "Nikkei," a Japanese word used in Peru to represent the combination of the two cultures and is in the name to demonstrate the uniqueness of the restaurant's menu. Sushi…

Taste the gulf classics and comforts at Gatlin's Fins & Feathers in the Heights. Serving fresh oysters, fried chicken, gumbo and Gulf Seafood, Gatlin's Fins & Feather marries the classic diner and coastal theme in their aesthetic. Guests will find comfort not only in the…

A California concept, Rooster & Rice, started serving various Thai chicken and rice dishes in the Houston Heights in 2022. Guests can choose a variety of chicken or organic tofu served over brown rice, jasmine rice or no rice. This fast-casual concept serves healthy…

Scenesters flock to Montrose’s South Beach club for wild, dance-filled nights and potent drinks. The 10,000-square-foot spot—owned by veteran developer Charles Armstong—is known for its sexy staff, state-of-the-art laser light system, high-energy music and…

Pizza with weird, or maybe just inspired, toppings is hot and readily available at Zalat Pizza in Uptown. Of course diners can get cheese pizza here, but why would they when they can get crunchy pickles slathered with sweet and spicy Nashville hot sauce, SriRANCHA, chicken, and…

Indulge in fresh sushi and other creative Japanese dishes at Aiko near Memorial Park. The omakase restaurant offers hand rolls, nigiri and crudo alongside beer, wine and sushi. Chefs Patrick Pham and David Lee have has culinary careers in Houston for many years, and Aiko is their…

El Venado, a modern cantina in the Heights offers a variety of tequilas and mezcals, craft cocktails, along with street-style tacos, nachos, and more. The indoor-outdoor bar features a mixture of modern and traditional elements with an inviting atmosphere. Stepping through El…

Fresh, hot cookies delivered to wherever you may be at whatever time of day? Wish granted with Insomnia Cookies. Delivering hot cookies between 10 a.m. and 3 a.m., Insomnia Cookies offers a variety of flavors and even cookie cakes.

Handmade noodles in broth that's been simmering for 20 hours will have Ramen Moto's guests' mouths watering as they walk in the door. Located in Post HTX. Ramen Moto serves a variety of flavorful ramen.

Tequila and mezcal galore await guests at Todos Santos in Rice Military. The perfect stop for margarita seekers perhaps also interested in getting a gram-worthy photo for the night, Todos Santos is decorated with catchy phrases decked out in neon. In addition to a variety of…

Take your dining experience to the next level at The Warwick. Nestled in the Galleria area, this charming restaurant and lounge offers a uniquely diverse menu coupled with handcrafted cocktails. Korean cauliflower, lobster tails, charboiled oysters, and an ahi stack are just some…

Uchiko, a sister restaurant of the Austin-based successful Uchi, arrived in the Galleria area of Houston during the summer of 2022. Uchiko, meaning "child of Uchi," gives guests a similar experience to Uchi with their modern approach to Japanese dishes, but this restaurant…

Open all day, Cafe Louie is actually so much more than a cafe. Serving up, of course, locally roasted coffee, the all-day bistro also offers wine, beer, lunch and dinner in addition to pastries pairable with coffee. Specialty coffee drinks like rosemary lattes and golden milk…

Hamsa, a modern Middle Eastern concept, made its debut in Rice Village in 2022. Hamsa is the first of its kind offering guests a unique culinary experience with an upbeat and sophisticated vibe. Guests should expect dishes rich with vegetables, spices and one-of-a-kind flavor…

Heights & Co., aptly named since it's in the Heights, offers some of Houston's favorite things: cocktails and a patio. Wrap your hand around a cold cocktail on their stunning patio. Some of their delightful cocktails include the salted watermelon: rum, salted watermelon, coconut…

Looking for something delicious, quick, and authentic? La Calle Tacos & Torta dishes up Mexico City-style street food in the Heights. Their motto, "vamos a comer a la calle" says it all, meaning let’s go grab some street food. Mexico City native Ramon Soriano Tomka takes the…

In Northwest Houston, locals and visitors can gather at Passerella in a celebration of Italian cuisine with handmade pizzas and pastas, house specialties, world-class wines and cocktails. The darling, modern restaurant serves all the classics plus some twists and all can be…

Chocolate bars, truffles, gelato and bombolescas line the glass-top counters at Rocambolesc, a funky little treat shop in Uptown Park. The gelato and popsicles offered here are truly works of art and made with high-quality ingredients. Stop in for a true treat you can't get on…

Sourdough bread is one of the finer things in life, and the staff at World of Sourdough agrees. A cute stop in the Heights, World of Sourdough offers sandwiches (on sourdough, of course), soups and salads galore. This shop shouts the benefits of sourdough from the rooftops and…

Cracker Barrel fans, rejoice! There is a new one to get tasty, Southern favorite fare. Chicken n' Biscuits via Door Dash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub delivers comfort food right to your door. Available via delivery from certain radiuses around these locations: Cypress: 27040 NW…

True Texas fare comes out hot at Hull & Oak nestled in The Laura Hotel in Downtown Houston. Deviled eggs, cast iron meatballs, crispy cheddar grits, a burger, a pork chop, a smoked half chicken -- need we say more? Bacon-braised collard greens, sauteed garlic green beans and…

A slice of California arrived in Texas in 2019 when Mendocino Farms opened in Rice Village. The sandwich shop first opened in downtown Los Angeles and, after expanding to several other California cities, made its way to Texas with Houston first one the list. This Downtown…

An ambiance including a live baby grand piano played nightly by various artists and a menu featuring fresh hand-rolled pastas, house-made charcuterie, and hand-cut prime steaks intertwine for a delightful experience at Marmo in Montrose. Unique finds like asparagus soup, lobster…

A repeat performance for State Fare Kitchen & Bar, this time in Sugar Land Town Square. The restaurant known for its Southern comfort food in its second location will offer what it calls “upbeat Southern cuisine.” From H-Town fried chicken to Haring’s fried catfish, this is the…

Four hospitality veterans have combined their talents to stir up a cafe and bakery concept that is sure to please Houston foodies. Guests can spend the entire day at White Elm Brasserie, from waking up in the morning to oven fresh baked breads and pastries to having lunch or…

An Australian lifestyle cafe chain made its way to the Houston Heights in 2022. Hot coffee, cold coffee, smoothies, juices, breakfast dishes, sandwiches, salads, wine, beer, cocktails — what more could a local or visitor ask for? There are so many beverage options on the menu…

Drip'd Donuts in the Heights offers a different breed of donuts in all sorts of wild flavors and includes vegan options. Their exotically designed space features a mural of their mascot, a bull with a donut nose ring as well as many other colorful walls, perfect for Instagrammng.

Steak, potatoes and Southern fare are served with an elegant twist at Rare Restaurant & Lounge in the Heights. Complete with space for live entertainment, Rare creates a vibe for a true dining experience. Pairable with a craft cocktail, Rare's menu items also include Chilean…

A Vietnamese, family-owned in Memorial, Saigon Alley specializes in phở, bò né and cafe. In an effort to make every dish taste like a home-cooked meal, the staff at Saigon Alley infuse their menu items with flavor and freshness that make it a hot spot for dine in, take out or…

Nashville-style hot chicken has made it to Houston thanks to Dave's Hot Chicken in west Houston. The menu is, at a glance, seemingly small, just offering sliders and tenders, but guests can choose from seven different spice levels (including no spice for novice hot chicken…

Austin-based restaurants perform well in H-town, and Loro in the Heights is no exception. Tyson Cole of Uchi and Aaron Franklin of Franklin Barbeque came together to unite Asian and Texas dishes into an unmatched fusion of flavors. Made with ingredients you've probably heard of…

On a mission to serve healthy food quickly, Saigon Hustle whips up banh mis, egg rolls and tasty salads in the Heights. Start with crispy chicken wings or ABC beef soup before customizing a banh mi sandwich or noodle bowl with an array of protein options and extras. The meal…

Tall Texan II, a neighborhood bar in the Heights, gives neighbors and visitors alike a cozy spot to watch a game and throw back a beer. Offering Lone Star and Shiner Bock on tap, Tall Texan II also hosts food trucks daily. Liquor, beer and wine are all available.

Burgers are the heart of Texas, and Burger Chan live in the heart of Houston near the Galleria. The word "chan" in the name is related to the Japanese word for "cute." The customizable burgers offered here have earned a stellar reputation from their previous location in the…

A Heights Mexican-American eatery aspiring to be the G.O.A.T is aptly named Chivos, "goat" in Spanish. Guests absolutely must get their hands on the handmade tortillas served with truffle butter and salmon roe. Ceviche and pozole dumplings will also hit the spot. The restaurant…

Enjoy Houston's diverse restaurant scene with a takeaway — and not just a box a leftovers. The Cookery offers international, regional and seasonal cuisine classes for those looking to hone the craft of cooking. The three-hour classes are held just outside of Downtown Houston and…

There are several top-notch culinary experiences to experience in Houston, and Kinokawa in the Heights is no exception. Diners should brace themselves for a table-tasting menu showcasing ingredients flown in from Japan. Reservations are required to dine here directly at the…

Handcrafted burgers made with locally sourced beef from both RC Ranch & 44 Farms are served alongside sidewinder fries at Underbelly Burger in the Heights. If someone in the group isn't feeling a burger, the menu also offers hot dogs, seasonal sandwiches, housemade milkshakes…