You are here: Home / Archives for Houston Metro Dining

Texas Roadhouse: Enjoy a Hearty Meal at a Reasonable Price

November 27, 2013 by

Texas Roadhouse may seem like a humble local eatery, but it's actually a nation-wide chain of restaurants with nearly 360 locations. Don't let the vastness of the business discourage you, though—the widespread popularity is just a testament to Texas Roadhouse's legendary food and good service. With hand-cut steaks, award-winning ribs, and delectable sides that promise homemade quality, this is a great place for hungry eaters in search of classic dishes and delicious comfort.

Texas Roadhouse
www.texasroadhouse.com

3033 E. Sam Houston Parkway
Pasadena, TX 77503
(281) 998-0779

18194 Gulf Freeway
Friendswood, TX 77546
(281) 461-3800

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: , , ,

Little Tokyo Sushi: Your New Favorite Sushi Spot

September 12, 2013 by

Recently given a warmly atmospheric facelift, the surroundings at Little Tokyo now match the richness and zest of the food. The rolls reinvent expectations, combining your favorite ingredients in bright new ways. After trying the wonderful, almost overwhelming Ceviche Roll (cilantro, jalapeno, marinated octopus, lemon juice and roe) you'll be captivated—and after the Houston Roll (salmon, yellowtail, eel, avocado, green onion, fish eggs, teriyaki sauce) and the Pasadena Roll (raw rib-eye with white radish and shrimp, green onion, black pepper, cucumber, and pon zu sauce, without rice or soy paper) you'll be hooked. This is fresh, surprising stuff, presented creatively, served quickly, and worth a trip from anywhere in the area. Call ahead because it fills up fast. Beer and wine are available.

Little Tokyo Sushi
8201 Broadway Dr. Suite 101
Pearland, TX 77581
(281) 485-0297
www.littletokyosushi.net

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: , , ,

Brady’s Landing: Livin’ It Up Down by the Water

September 3, 2013 by

From its perch on an island in the Port of Houston, Brady’s bewitching water views are especially dramatic at night.  The vibe here is muted elegance; all dark wood, creamy linens, and heavy drapes—a rustic Victorian feel. There’s nothing to distract from the amazing display outside, and unfortunately that extends to much of the menu. It’s big on seafood, with a few meat standards like New York Steak and Chicken New Orleans. Brady’s real draw, however, is the all-you-can-eat Sunday Champagne Brunch.  It crams over 100 items into two rooms of food, from fluffy made-to-order omelets, to grit cakes and fajitas, to pasta, to scrumptious cinnamon rolls.  It’s not cheap ($29.95 per adult; $11.95 kids, plus tax and tip), but with complimentary champagne and mimosas, your out-of-town guests will see that Houstonians know how to party.

Brady’s Landing
8505 Cypress Street
Houston, TX 77012
(713) 928-9921
www.bradyslandingrestaurant.com

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: , , ,

La Brisa Mexican Bar & Grill: The Real Deal

August 20, 2013 by

Yes, there’s a giant neon sign out front, and their website features a bouncing cartoon frog.  But La Brisa isn’t just another highway Tex Mex joint. The huge, beautifully tiled interior contains a more authentic experience, with out-of-this world enchiladas that can convince the toughest crowd of all. The combination platters, like Los Compadres (hand-breaded jalapenos stuffed with cheese and jumbo shrimp, topped in creamy cilantro sauce along with chicken/beef fajitas) are enormous, cheap, and lovingly spiced. This chef takes pride in his craft; there’s not a hint of grease anywhere. The atmosphere is buzzing but never too loud, and during football season you can kick back with cervezas and watch the game on the patio. Service is good-natured and quick, and the size of the restaurant means there’s almost never a wait.

La Brisa Mexican Bar & Grill
501 North Wesley Drive
League City, TX 77573
(281) 554-4000
www.labrisa.net

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: , , ,

Relaxing Eats on the Patio at Marina’s Mexican Restaurant

August 14, 2013 by

Simple, delicious Tex-Mex, served with astonishing generosity—that's what you'll find at Marina's Mexican Restaurant. The fish tacos are among the best around; soft and buttery, with sweet field greens and homemade chipotle ranch. Sizzling fajitas are lean, tender, and mountainous—the half-pound size, which serves one, is $10.95; one pound is $20.95. Tortillas are fresh and inventively spiced. Strong, bottomless margaritas and $2 Tecates every day should be enough to convince everyone, but sit on Marina’s stunning galleried patio and you could easily be in one of those little hill towns near Puerto Vallarta, enjoying a long siesta after a swim. Come back more than once and the friendly staff will know you by name.   

Marina’s Mexican Restaurant & Bar
3500 West Main Street
League City, TX 77573
(281) 338-1888
www.marinasmexicanrestaurant.com

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: , , ,

Valdo’s Seafood House: Fresh from the Gulf

June 12, 2013 by

Cruise the Bay, drop anchor at Valdo’s pier, and hop off to enjoy fresh, succulent Gulf seafood with a Mexican/Creole accent. Prices are similar to chains like Pappadeaux, but the comparison ends there; the big guys don’t offer you gigantic mountain shrimp over thick, tart remoulade, or spicy Pontchartrain fish with an elegant New Orleans wine cream sauce.  Valdo’s chilled-out decor might not recall Mexico, but entrees like the huge shrimp Enchiladas are the equal of any self-consciously “authentic” restaurant in town. Gulf oysters are back in abundance, so why not crack open a few, sip a strong, colorful cocktail, and watch the water dance. Check out Valdo’s website for coupons.

Valdo’s Seafood House
4106 Nasa Parkway
El Lago, TX 77586
(281) 326-3866
www.valdosseafoodhouse.com

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: , , ,

Cullen’s Upscale American Grille: Downtown South

May 28, 2013 by

Truly upscale dining can hard to find in the Bay Area, so Cullen’s is a welcome addition to the scene. A place like this, with its striking modern turrets, low lights, dramatic swooping partitions, and plush chocolate-colored banquettes, is more natural in River Oaks, not straddling the culinary wilds of Pasadena. Let’s hope it’s the beginning of a trend. Still a relative newcomer, Chef Paul Lewis’s operation seems to be finding its feet; the prime rib, served with onions, mushrooms, and sweet potato, is a tender, juicy delight. The equally excellent meat in the short rib ravioli reveals itself through the fresh semolina casing in a slow, complex surprise. Some diners have found the Chicken Fried Ribeye to be a bit salty, but that might be a matter of taste. And if you enjoy having a drink to complement your meal, Cullen's has you in mind—drinks are half price 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. every day, except Thursdays—when the deal lasts until 11 p.m.!  You’ll never drink so cheaply in a place like this. Cullen's is closed on Mondays.

Cullen’s Upscale American Grille
11500 Space Center Boulevard
Houston, TX 77059
(281) 991-2000
www.cullenshouston.com

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: , , ,

Signature Bistro: A Class Act

April 29, 2013 by

Recently taken over by a two sisters, this old house, converted into a chic New American eatery, is a hidden gem of the Bay dining scene. The atmosphere inside—black linens, simple art on the warm-colored walls, good tableware—is just enough to announce you’re in a place with ambition. And the food lives up to it. 

At lunch there's the Texas Kobe Burger, made of thickly marbled prime Japanese beef, grilled to perfection and served with succulent mushrooms. For dinner, the Lobster Ravioli is a delicate balance of sweetness, richness, and texture, while the Texas Striped Bass, sauteed in sauvignon blanc sauce, is a light, savory masterpiece. Cornish Hen dazzles with tenderness, and the apple brie salad features strong but nuanced cheese. Everything is locally sourced so it’s at the peak of freshness. Delicious tapas are served in the bar from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. every day except Sunday, when brunch is a creative success. Signature Bistro boasts an extensive wine list, and there’s engaging piano music in the evenings. 

Signature Bistro
1918 Nasa Parkway
Seabrook, TX 77586
(281) 474-4455
www.signaturebistro.com

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: , , ,

Pin It on Pinterest