Last Concert Cafe: Keep Your Eyes Peeled for This Hidden Gem

The Last Concert Cafe is a popular Mexican restaurant located right in central Houston inside of a nondescript stucco building with a mysterious red door. Although there is no sign and the front door always remains locked, this well-kept secret is among the most popular restaurants in the area for Mexican food lovers. The menu includes classic Tex-Mex favorite like loaded nachos, various styles of tacos, and black bean tostadas, and the wide selection of Mexican beers may appeal to every beer aficionado.

There is live music almost every night of the week inside of the dim, mural-covered dining room, which creates a lively atmosphere and the feeling of an underground jazz club. On the weekends, Last Concert Cafe hosts one of the most unique brunches in town, complete with hearty Mexican fare dishes, breakfast cocktails and, of course, live music all day long.

Last Concert Cafe closes between lunch and dinner, so be sure to check the hours before visiting.

Last Concert Cafe
1403 Nance Street
Houston, TX. 77002
(713) 226-8563
www.lastconcert.com
www.yelp.com/biz/last-concert-caf%C3%A9-houston-3

Delight Your Taste Buds at Aladdin Mediterranean Cuisine

"If you're coming to Aladdin's bring your appetite," says one Yelp reviewer. And he's not alone: Aladdin Mediterranean Cuisine is known as one of Houston's go-to spots for hearty, filling, and healthy meals. The garlicky hummus is made in-house and brightened with a quick squeeze of lemon, while the deep, smoky flavor of the roasted baba ghanoush provides a pleasing contrast to the hummus. Get an order of each accompanied by some warm, fresh pita bread for dipping.

Main dishes include spiced lamb gyros with grilled peppers, feta, and tzatziki as well as the restaurant's famous grilled kabobs in sirloin, chicken, lamb, and veggie varieties. Mix and match with one of the kabob combination platters, which also include dips and sides of your choice. This place is BYOB, so be sure to grab a bottle of your favorite wine to pair with your dinner.

Aladdin Mediterranean Cuisine
912 Westheimer Road
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 942-2321
www.aladdinshouston.com
www.yelp.com/biz/aladdin-mediterranean-cuisine-houston

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

Luigi’s Pizzeria: Hand-Tossed Dough and Freshly Made Gelato

If you’re looking for an authentic taste of Italy without leaving Houston, regulars say you’ll find it at Luigi’s Pizzeria. This charming eatery is decorated in Italy’s colors both inside and out, and the spacious outdoor patio offers the best seats in the house.

The menu lists made-from-scratch pizzas that rely on hand-tossed dough and a wide selection of fresh toppings, including traditional Caprese and margherita pies. In addition to pizza, the eatery offers spicy hot wings, fresh salads, and authentic Italian gelato made fresh on-site. Luigi’s Pizzeria is BYOB, so you can bring your favorite wine or beer to enjoy while you eat, and there is also free delivery with a $20 minimum purchase if you prefer to enjoy your pie at home.

Luigi’s Pizzeria is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and noon to 8 p.m. Sundays.

Luigi’s Pizzeria
3700 Almeda Road
Houston, TX 77004
(281) 793-3333
www.luigipizzamidtown.com
www.yelp.com/biz/luigis-pizzeria-houston

Bubba’s Texas Burger Shack: Unique Houston Burgers

Bubba’s Texas Burger Shack prides itself on its Buffalo Burger. What’s so great about buffalo? For one thing, it’s leaner than beef, which means it’s lower in cholesterol and calories. It’s also higher in protein, is grass fed, and is free of hormones, antibiotics and other additives.

You can have either buffalo or beef in your burger, your choice, they’re both well-regarded by regular diners. They come with the usual add-ons, including cheese, bacon, chili, mushrooms, and salsa. Veggie Burgers, Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Hot Dogs, and a BLT are also on the menu. Sides include Baked Potato, Garden Salad, Buffalo Chili, Frito Pie, Jalapeno Potato Salad and Chips. You can also stop by from 2 until 7 on weekdays for Happy Hour specials.

Visit Bubba's website to learn more about this Houston burger spot!

Bubba's Texas Burger Shack
5350 Westheimer Road
Houston, TX 77056
(713) 783-7270
www.bubbastexasburgershack.com
www.yelp.com/biz/bubbas-texas-burger-shack-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
www.torchystacos.com
www.yelp.com/biz/torchys-tacos-houston

The Breakfast Klub: Houston’s Most Cinematic Breakfast

The Breakfast Klub is not only one of the most popular breakfast spots in Houston, it’s also one of the most buzzed-about breakfast eateries in the nation. Wooden tables and modern artwork fill the spacious, light-filled dining area, and it’s always filled with a diverse mix of customers, from lawyers to hip college students. Although you’re almost guaranteed to wait in line, regular diners insist The Breakfast Klub is worth it for both the delicious morning fare and the homegrown, nationally known experience.

The Katfish & Grits and Wings & Waffle are two of the most popular breakfast dishes (and yes, you’ll notice the “K” theme throughout the entire menu). Bottomless koffee and kafe au laits perfectly accompany any breakfast dish, and the eatery also serves specialty espresso beverages. Contrary to its quirky name, The Breakfast Klub also serves a full lunch menu of sandwiches, salads, and other midday favorites.

The Breakfast Klub
3711 Travis at Alabama
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 528-8561
www.thebreakfastklub.com
www.yelp.com/biz/the-breakfast-klub-houston-2

Benjy’s Restaurant: Lounge Around at This New American Eatery

Benjy’s is an American restaurant done in the style of a 1920s lounge bar, complete with round leather booths, orb-shaped chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, and a handsome wooden bar well-suited to enjoying an evening cocktail. While its ambiance is retro, Benjy’s remains one of the hippest spots in all of central Houston.

Here, the focus is on farm-to-table fare. Customers enjoy artfully plated dishes like crispy chicken, ricotta gnocchi, and sake kasu salmon. Wood oven pizzas and entree salads are ideal for lunch, while the brunch menu features a selection of omelets, biscuit sandwiches, and Fresh toast entrees that will cap a weekend off the right way. Although Benjy’s is known for its food, its cocktails, locally brewed craft beer, and an impressive wine list are just as important to the dining experience!

Benjy’s Restaurant
2424 Dunstan Street
Houston, TX 77005
(713) 522-7602
www.benjys.com
www.yelp.com/biz/benjys-houston-3

Baby Barnaby’s Cafe: Tasty Breakfast That’s Not Just for Kids

If you’re looking for a great breakfast spot in Houston, locals will likely point you in the direction of Baby Barnaby’s Cafe. This stylish eatery features a ceiling painted with rainbow stripes, local artwork hanging on the walls, and leather booths that provide a cozy place to enjoy a hot breakfast and a strong cup of coffee. There’s even a covered outdoor patio that makes an enjoyable place for breakfast or brunch on cooler Texas days.

Baby Barnaby’s is a sister restaurant to the small Barnaby’s chain, and it serves many of the same unique breakfast dishes. The green eggs, buttermilk waffles, and Bob’s Healthy Plate are some of the most popular items, and the restaurant even serves freshly squeezed juices straight from the juicer. In addition to breakfast, Baby Barnaby’s Cafe offers a classic American menu of high-end diner food and Tex-Mex favorites, as well as a small wine list for adult guests.

Baby Barnaby’s Cafe
602 Fairview Street
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 522-4229
www.barnabyscafe.com
www.yelp.com/biz/baby-barnabys-café-houston-2

Taste Why Pretzel Buns and Homemade Chips Make Local Foods Stand Apart From the Rest

Local Foods is Houston’s modern take on the sandwich shop, complete with concept lighting and local beers. Customers order food at the counter and seat themselves to await their order.

Menu items feature produce and meats sourced locally when possible, from the olive oil to the cheese to the eggs. Here, you can anticipate a variety of options to please everyone, including sandwich options like the duck with cranberries and brie, a traditional Vietnamese banh mi with tofu, and roast beef with cheddar and curried cauliflower. Regulars are a big fan of the pretzel bun that comes with select menu items, and the homemade chips and vegan chili make savory sides.

Pair your meal with your choice of Texas beers, like Rahr & Sons and Southern Star, or enjoy a Mexican Coke or the hibiscus-pear kombucha.

Local Foods
2424 Dunstan Road
Houston, TX 77005
(713) 521-7800
http://www.houstonlocalfoods.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/local-foods-houston

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