Steamboat House: A Houston Steakhouse

Steamboat House is much more than a Houston steakhouse; it's an homage to Houston's history. Owner Charlie Fogarty personally leads tours of the steakhouse during its off hours, explaining the premise behind Steamboat House. The name is actually borrowed from the home of legendary Texan Sam Houston, which still exists today in a state park. Steamboat House was inspired by the hero's home, as evidenced by the statue of Sam Houston out front. Inside, you'll find paintings of Sam Houston and George Washington, both nearing 100 years old, as well as murals of Texan battles and a collection of vintage Texan flags. Owner Charlie shows fourth-graders and senior citizens around during the tours, and ends them with a serving of chicken fingers.

However, chicken fingers are hardly representative of the entire menu at the hybrid museum-steakhouse. When the doors open for lunch or dinner, guests can order USDA prime steaks with popular sides such as fried green tomatoes or mashed potatoes. Even the menu pays homage to Houston's history with steaks named for Texan figures.

Steamboat House
8045 N. Sam Houston Parkway
Houston, TX 77064
(832) 912-1845
www.steamboathousetx.com

www.yelp.com/biz/steamboat-house-houston

Fill Up On Flavorful Meats at Chama Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse

At Chama Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse in Houston, you’re in for a truly satisfying meal of perfectly grilled, expertly marinated meats prepared just like they are in Brazil. From the tender lamb chops to the juicy bottom sirloin and the signature garlic beef, there’s something for everyone who appreciates a premium cut of meat.

Best of all, Chama Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse serves everything in the form of an all-you-can-eat buffet right at your table. Your meal begins with a serving of cheese, olives and prosciutto, a wide selection of salads and multiple soups, and that’s even before the meat course is served. To add even more to your delicious dinner, Chama Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse offers a full bar serving wines, spirits, and beers and even decadent desserts — if you have room after dinner, that is.

Because it gets very busy at peak hours, Chama Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse recommends making reservations before visiting.

Chama Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse
5865 Westheimer Road
Houston, TX 77057
(832) 844-5174
www.chamagaucha.com

Gumbo Jeaux’s: A Hidden Gem Serving Cajun Fare in Houston

Some restaurants need a little flash, while others—like Houston’s Gumbo Jeaux’s—just need good food and good reviews. This Cajun fare restaurant has received a bounty of favorable reviews from guests, many of whom credit the restaurant’s friendly staff, decent prices, and tasty Creole dishes for its success.

Despite its popularity, Gumbo Jeaux’s remains humble. Many of the dishes, including sandwiches and fried pieces, come served on checkered paper in plastic baskets or on plastic plates. Similarly, the restaurant's location is unassuming; it occupies a no-frills space in a small shopping center. Still, the food is well worth the trip, regulars say. Popular dishes on the menu here include shrimp po’boys, crawfish etouffe, chicken and waffles, and the gumbo.

Be sure to get your fill of this eatery's fare during the week, because the chefs take a break on the weekend! Gumbo Jeaux's is open 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.

Gumbo Jeaux’s
15655 John F. Kennedy Boulevard
Houston, TX 77032
(281) 227-7138

www.facebook.com/pages/Gumbo-Jeauxs/195005957186514
www.yelp.com/biz/gumbo-jeauxs-houston

Call Out Your Order at Captain Tom Seafood & Oyster Bar

Dining at Captain Tom Seafood & Oyster Bar is a unique experience that you won't want to miss. This Houston restaurant is arranged like a ship, with seats surrounding a central kitchen and wall-mounted tables around the room’s edge. When you arrive, don't look for a hostess to seat you; just take your place in line and wait for a seat to open up. (Regular customers say you should be prepared to wait for a few minutes; this place is popular and it's rare that there's no line at all.) Once you're seated, don't wait for a server to take your order, either. Instead, just call it out yourself to the guys in the open kitchen.

Make no mistake, however: Despite the restaurant's quirky vibe, the staff at Captain Tom Seafood & Oyster Bar is very serious about serving only fresh, high quality seafood. The gumbo is a customer favorite, with its hearty, flavorful base, as is the breaded and fried catfish, served with crispy fries and hush puppies.

Captain Tom Seafood & Oyster Bar
9651 FM 1960 Road West
Houston, TX 77070
(281) 890-8334

www.captaintomsseafood.com
www.yelp.com/biz/captain-tom-seafood-and-oyster-bar-houston

Oxheart: Try a Foodie Twist on Texan Cuisine

Oxheart may consider itself a Texan restaurant, but it’s a world away from the local barbecue spot. Upscale and stylish yet still comfortable and welcoming, this often-buzzed-about eatery serves some of the most creative takes on Texas cuisine in all of Houston.

The menu is split into two distinct six-course menus: the vegetarian Garden Menu and the omnivorous Tasting Menu. The dishes always change to accommodate which ingredients are currently in season, but past menu items include a stew of preserved alliums and Indica rice, lightly smoked wild boar with pork Thailande, and Japanese roots and a sofrito of dried shellfish. Drink pairings can be added to either of the menus for an additional cost, and each libation is carefully chosen to perfectly complement the rest of your dining experience.

Reservations are recommended at Oxheart, and they can be made via the restaurant’s convenient website.

Oxheart
1302 Nance St
Houston, TX 77002
(832) 830-8592
www.oxhearthouston.com

Cyclone Anaya’s Mexican Kitchen: A Whirlwind of Food and Fun in Houston

Whether you’re looking for a place to find great Mexican food or for refreshing drinks with your friends, Cyclone Anaya’s Mexican Kitchen is a great spot for both. This swanky cantina serves modern takes on classic Mexican cuisine in a stylish, see-and-be-seen atmosphere, complete with a grand entryway, stylish bar, and warm tables large enough for your entire group.

The menu features taco salads and seafood ceviche for lunch, and the build-your-own lunch plates are economical options for your midday break. For dinner, Cyclone Anaya’s offers Tex-Mex combos, enchiladas, and grilled fajitas, and there are vegetarian and gluten-free options. Tequila flights, mojitos, and flavored margaritas are some of the most popular beverages at Cyclone Anaya’s, but there are also a number of imported Mexican cervezas for those who prefer beer.

The weekend brunch is also one of the most popular in town, making this an exciting eatery at any time of day.

Cyclone Anaya’s Mexican Kitchen
309 Gray Street
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 520-6969
www.cycloneanaya.com

Grab a Chopped Steak Burger at Carriage House Cafe

You will take a step back in time when you cross the threshold of Carriage House Cafe in Houston. The restaurant is adorned with worn and weathered wooden beams, subtle brass lighting, and interesting antiques from the 1800s. Classic Western music (think Hank Williams) complements the ambiance of the large, family-friendly eatery.

Begin your meal with a trip to the large salad bar, then order one of the 1/2-pound or 1-pound chopped steak burgers loaded with toppings such as bacon, cheese, jalepenos, and house-made barbecue sauce. Specialty dishes include honey rum grilled chicken, chicken fried steaks, barbecue brisket and house-made slow-smoked country sausage. The "little buckaroo and buckarettes" menu will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters and entree specials are offered daily.

Carriage House Cafe
7955 Fallbrook Drive
Houston, TX 77064
(281) 469-2002
www.thecarriagehousecafe.com
www.yelp.com/biz/carriage-house-caf%C3%A9-houston-2

Happy Hour Deals Meet Delicious Seafood at Reef in Houston

There’s a reason why Houston’s Reef is consistently voted one of the best seafood restaurants in the country: with its James Beard award-nominated chef, its inventive menu of creative seafood dishes, and its fresh, high quality list of ingredients, the utmost attention is paid to every detail at this popular eatery.

Reef’s menu includes a fish selection that changes daily to include only the freshest options on the market, but you’ll always find staple menu items like the jumbo crab cakes, 3RD Bar Plateau raw plate and red fish on the half-shell. Crunchy calamari and seafood gumbo make delicious appetizers, while fresh fish platters served with seasonal vegetables and homemade sauces are perfect for lunch or dinner. There is an extensive dessert menu and a large wine list to go along with any meal, as well as a happy hour menu that offers big savings on cocktails and small plates from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. every weekday.

Reef
2600 Travis at McGowen
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 526-8282
www.reefhouston.com

Holley’s: Sea(food) and Be Seen in Houston

Holley’s Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar is a Houston favorite that offers a delicious selection of seafood prepared by some of the most renowned chefs in town. The resulting menu is fresh, modern, and creative, making this a standout eatery that locals adore. Holley’s menu features seafood dishes inspired not only by classic Texan cooking, but also by cuisines found throughout New Orleans, Kentucky Bourbon country, and along the eastern shoreline. A well-curated wine list rounds out the offerings here.

If you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a place for a great dinner in town, Holley’s stylish ambiance and urban feel is sure to fit the bill. There is a business casual dress code throughout the elegant dining room, but if you’re looking for something a bit more laid-back, the attached oyster bar has a casual ambiance that still feels really special.

Holley’s
3201 Louisiana Street
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 491-2222
www.holleyshouston.com

Spaghetti Warehouse: Twirl a Fork Into Tonight’s Dinner

There’s nothing more comforting than a big bowl of pasta, unless it’s enjoyed in the company of family and friends, of course! At Spaghetti Warehouse you can do just that, as this popular chain eatery specializes in hearty Italian fare served in a warm, welcoming ambiance that’s perfect for large parties.

No matter if you’re celebrating a birthday or just the end of the work week, Spaghetti Warehouse always offers a table large enough for a group and a menu of pastas, homemade meatballs, seafood dishes, and the famous 15-layer lasagna. There are affordable wine options to pair with your meal, as well as beers and cocktails and a long list of Italian desserts. With reasonable prices on very large portions and a fun, lively atmosphere, Spaghetti Warehouse is always a reliable dinner choice.

To make a reservation at Spaghetti Warehouse, visit the restaurant’s website.

Spaghetti Warehouse
901 Commerce Street
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 229-9715
www.meatballs.com/?page_id=29&st=TX&locid=13

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