Hubcap Grill: Burgers, Fries and Bottles of Root Beer

Affectionately referred to as a "hole in the wall," the Hubcap Grill in downtown Houston is a bar and grill that wins hearts through the all-American combo of juicy burgers and crispy fries.

Don’t let the plastic patio furniture or tiny dining area fool you; Hubcap is an elitist when it comes to grilling a patty. Ordering it rare or well-done is serious business, whether you ask for the Guacamole Swiss Burger or the Triple Meat Cheeseburger. If beef isn’t your thing, try the Muffaletta Grilled Chicken Sandwich for a taste of what’s good in life, and be sure to wash it down with a bottle of icy cold root beer.

Open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, Hubcap Grill's downtown Houston location is cash-only, so come prepared to slap down a few bills to get what you deserve: a thick, delicious burger and fries served with a smile from one of the best grills in the city.

Hubcap Grill
1111 Prairie Street
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 223-5885
www.hubcapgrill.com
www.yelp.com/biz/hubcap-grill-houston

Bite Into a Tasty Taco at Torchy’s Tacos

Torchy's Tacos originated in Austin, but the tales of these tacos have traveled across the state to Houston, where the franchise has debuted several locations. What started off as a somewhat far-fetched dream of chef Michael Rypka ended up becoming a wildly successful business.

Taco selections include the shrimp with coleslaw, jalapenos, and queso: the beef barbacoa with avocado, and cilantro; and fried mushroom with refried black beans, corn, and carrots. The meat is tender and juicy, the vegetables are fresh and well-seasoned, and there are plenty of vegetarian options.

Be sure to try Torchy's breakfasts, which feature crisp potatoes, scrambled eggs, tomatillo sauce, and expertly cooked bacon. Torchy's is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. during the week and opens at 8 a.m. on the weekends.

Torchy's Tacos
2411 South Shepherd Drive
Houston, TX 77019
(713) 595-8226
http://www.torchystacos.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/torchys-tacos-houston

Enjoy a Smoothie in Houston at Smoothie King

Smoothie King, now an international franchise, grew from humble roots. Back in the 1960s, founder Steve Kuhnau ​set out to mix up a smoothie that would ease his allergies and low blood sugar. Equipped with just some fresh fruit, other nutrients and proteins, and his home blender, Steve eventually found the perfect balance. His health started improving, and in 1973 he decided to share his discovery with the masses at his first nutritional smoothie shop.

The lone shop evolved into more than 650 Smoothie King locations that, today, serve the same nutritional smoothies to customers in the continental U.S., Korea, Singapore, and the Cayman Islands. That includes a location on West Holcombe, where customers note that the staff is especially friendly and the owner often personally oversees operations.

Many of the smoothies can replace an entire meal, with anywhere from 7 to 45 grams of protein in each serving of 20 ounces. Try a Lean1 chocolate smoothie with bananas and almond. It packs 27 vitamins and minerals and 22 grams of protein into a mere 293 calories, staving off later cravings and helping your body burn fat. Or nourish your body with a fruity snack in between normal meals, such as the apple kiwi kale smoothie—it's full of illness-fighting vitamin C and antioxidants.

Smoothie King
2617 W. Holcombe Boulevard
Houston, TX 77025
(713) 661-1663
www.smoothieking.com/stores/store.php/134

www.yelp.com/biz/smoothie-king-houston-15

Sip a Texas Beer, Dig Into a Shrimp Po’Boy at Beaver’s

Beaver’s in Houston is located in a building that was once a traditional Texas icehouse, where communities would go to pick up ice and converse with neighbors over a beer. Working off of that history, Beaver’s is still a great place to meet with friends for a brew and now a meal created with ingredients found from the third coast.

Enjoy seafood dishes like the crawfish and crab cakes or a shrimp po-boy fried in cornmeal batter and topped with slaw and tartar sauce. Other crowd favorites include the nut burger made with brown rice, cashews, and walnuts; the beef brisket served with Texas toast; and the variety of macaroni and cheese dishes.

Beaver’s boasts a plentiful selection of Texas beers on draft, along with some creative cocktails and even delicious non-alcoholic “mock-tails” for those abstaining. Beaver's is open until 10 p.m. on Sundays through Thursdays and midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

Beaver's
2310 Decatur Street
Houston, TX 77007
(713) 864-2328
beavershouston.com
www.yelp.com/biz/beavers-houston

Bite a Biscuit, Go For a Growler at BRC Gastropub

Eaters experience bacon a little differently at BRC Gastropub. For example, eatery's signature cheddar biscuits come slathered in bacon jam, instead of crowned with crispy strips. You can order one for yourself or an entire box of them to-go—along with a growler of beer. Because in addition to creating reimagined versions of comfort food, BRC's staff also pours rare craft beers, more than 28 at a time (plus 25 bottled varieties).

Both local microbrews and nationally applauded craft suds come from the taps at BRC. The drafts rotate all the time, but you'll often find everything from a Sierra Nevada IPA to Karbach Weisse Versa Wheat, brewed right in Houston. BRC also keeps some brews in the cellar, debuting them in limited batches. You can always expect a new trending brew to accompany your cheddar biscuits, which you can order with fried chicken. Or pair your pint with a pub burger, vegan falafel burger, or starter like fried Gulf oysters.

BRC Gastropub
519 Shepherd Drive
Houston, TX 77007
(713) 861-2233
www.brcgastropub.com/index.php
www.yelp.com/biz/brc-gastropub-houston

Local Pour: Fine Food and Fine Beer in Houston, Texas

Houston's Local Pour is a primo spot for enjoying a fine beer while you catch the big game on the big screen. It’s also a great place to get down with some live music.

Go there to enjoy one of their huge roster of draft and bottled beers. Local Pour's weekend brunch is a great time to stop in for Eggs Benedict Florentine, St. Arnold Belgian Waffle, Mushroom & Arugula Quiche, Shrimp & Grits, or Breakfast Tacos with charred corn salsa.

Tasty sandwiches are also on the menu. Choose from Chicken & Avocado, and Bavarian Black Forest Ham, among other options. Local Pour's entrée menu features taste pleasers like Sirloin Beef Kabobs, Grilled Scallops & Roasted Leeks, Wild Mushroom & Shrimp Risotto, and Herb Roasted Grilled Chicken.

Local Pour
1952 West Gray
Houston, TX 77019
(713) 521-1881
http://www.localpourhouston.com/

Treebeards: Your Lunch Spot

Looking for a real southern lunch? Come to Treebeards. Located right in the heart of the downtown, Treebeards brings the tastes of the south to your table. Check out the appetizers and soups, which features Cajun favorites like red beans and rice, shrimp etouffee and three different styles of gumbo: duck, chicken and seafood. The daily specials have down home favorites like meatloaf, catfish and pork chops. Fried chicken with gravy is a special every day! Make sure that you try the jalapeno cornbread, and save room for some classic desserts. Treebeards is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., a perfect place for a relaxing lunch. Catering is also available.

Treebeards
315 Travis St
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 228-2622
http://www.yelp.com/biz/treebeards-houston

Get Your Fill of Breakfast Favorites at Baby Barnaby’s Cafe

Baby Barnaby's Cafe is a favorite spot for breakfast and lunch in the Montrose area. The space is intimate, warm, and decorated with posters. During peak hours there can be a bit of wait and parking is a bit scarce, so be prepared if you have plans after your meal. Luckily, customers can enjoy coffee while they wait for seats.

The menu has a large variety to choose from, so don't worry about pleasing picky eaters. Popular among morning diners is the healthy breakfast plate which features egg whites, wheat toast, fruit, and apple sausage and the fruity pancakes that rotate depending on the season. (Make a point to try out the potatoes, which are brown and crispy on the outside while staying tender and soft inside!)

For lunch and dinner, choose from entrees like baby back ribs with apples, chicken tostadas with corn salsa, a range of meat and vegetarian burgers, and deli sandwiches. The wide reaching selection will leave your whole group satisfied.

Baby Barnaby's Cafe
602 Fairview Street
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 522-4229
http://www.barnabyscafe.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/baby-barnabys-caf%C3%A9-houston-2

Enjoy Eggplant Parm and People-Watching at Empire Cafe

Located on busy Westheimer Road is Empire Cafe, a romantic little spot to grab your morning coffee or brunch with a couple of your best friends. The decor is distinctly European, while the friendly, laid-back service leaves you feeling right at home.

Pick from coffee served with a variety of syrups (or perhaps a splash of Bailey's Irish Cream and Kahlua), or select from teas like blackberry sage and cinnamon plum. The breakfast menu boasts a number of delicious egg dishes, while lunch offers eggplant parmigiana, goat cheese and mushroom ravioli, and a delicious variety of pizzas big enough to share with a friend or take home for later.

The patio at Empire Cafe is a must when the weather is nice and makes a great spot for people watching. Empire Cafe is open Sundays through Thursdays, 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Empire Cafe
1732 Westheimer Road
Houston, TX 77098
(713) 528-5282
http://empirecafe.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/empire-cafe-houston

Public Domain/Public Domain

Goode Barbeque Company: The Real Thing

Goode Company serves up tasty, no-nonsense Texas BBQ. Order your meat by the pound and some sides to take home, or get yourself a plate to eat there. Sandwiches and entrée plates come with your choice of beef brisket, pulled pork, Czech sausage, honey smoked ham, turkey breast, chicken, duck, jalapeno sausage, pork ribs and turkey sausage. Jalapeno corn bread comes with your entrée and sides include baked potato, Austin baked beans, jalapeno pinto beans, coleslaw and jambalaya Texana. Beer and wine are served — but save room for pecan pie!

Open Monday through Sunday from 11a.m. until 10p.m.

Goode Barbeque Company
5109 Kirby Drive
Houston, TX 77098
(713) 522-2530
http://www.yelp.com/biz/goode-company-barbeque-houston

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