Star Pizza: A Houston Must for More Than Just Great Pizza

Just thinking about Star Pizza starts the mouth watering. A Houston fixture since 1976, Star Pizza’s two establishments offer lunch and dinner menus seven days a week, as well as delivery of its quality fare. Allow time for seriously prepared fresh, made-to-order dishes—the only problem you’ll have is deciding between deep dish crust or thin, whole wheat or merely unbleached, and toppings galore. And which salad. And if someone in your group is craving one of the pasta dishes or sandwiches so everyone can share a taste of those too. One solution might be the lunch buffet, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The Joe is is among the most popular pizza combinations, with sautéed spinach and fresh garlic. Another favorite, the Starburst, melds most meatlovers’ basics with onions, mushrooms and green peppers.  You can’t go wrong with the Chicken Alfredo and Margarita pizzas.  Or, of course, you can build your own pizzas. Do branch out, however, because pizza’s not the only great eating at Star Pizza.

Star Pizza
www.starpizza.net

2111 Norfolk Street
Houston, TX 77098
(713) 523-0800

77 Harvard Street
Houston, TX 77007
(713) 869-1241

Jonathan’s The Rub: Burger Paradise

It’s a little hard to find, and the décor isn’t much to speak of, but Jonathan’s The Rub consistently sweeps the best burger category in local polls year after year. The massive burgers, seasoned with a top secret spice rub and served on an ever so slightly sweet sourdough bun, are only on the lunch menu; if you ask nicely you might be able to get one for dinner. But really, you can save the burgers for lunch; Jonathan’s dinner menu has many tempting options including a lobster slider starter (Maine lobster salad served open-faced on sweet Hawaiian buns), Italian pastas, and an assortment of juicy steaks. Jonathan’s is small and does not take reservations but you can call half an hour or so before your arrival to make sure there is seating available.

Jonathan’s The Rub
9061 Gaylord Street
Houston, TX 77024
(713) 465-8200

Lucio’s: Quaint BYOB Dining

Located in Midtown, Lucio’s is the place to go for an intimate dinner with somebody special. But do yourself a favor and call ahead for reservations – the place is cozy and fills up fast. Whether you come for lunch or dinner, you’ll find a nice selection of appetizers and entrees that are made with fresh, local ingredients. Regulars recommend the Beef Carpaccio and the crab cakes as a starter, and main dishes like the crusted Ahi tuna and rib eye steak are also good. Don't forget to bring your wine — but if you do, Lucio's has a nice selection. Lucio’s is open Monday through Friday for lunch, and Monday through Saturday for dinner.

Lucio’s
905 Taft St
Houston, TX 77019
(713) 523-9958
http://www.yelp.com/biz/lucios-byob-and-grill-houston

Vinoteca Poscol: Good Wine, Good Food

Vinoteca Poscol is the place to go for classic Italian food, complemented by a great selection of wines. Located near Cherryhurst Park, Vinoteca Poscol is actually named after the chef’s hometown street. When you come in, you’ll like the subdued décor and quiet ambiance. Folks rave about the service, too. The chef makes all of his “small plates” with specific wines in mind, so ask your server for recommendations. There’s a great selection of cheese and meat trays, finger sandwiches, flatbreads, pastas and risottos to enjoy and share. What a great place to go for happy hour, dinner or a late night bite!

Vinoteca Poscol is open Tuesday through Sunday.

Vinoteca Poscol
1609 Westheimer
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 529-2797
http://www.yelp.com/biz/vinoteca-poscol-houston-2

Uchi: Creative Sushi

If you're getting bored with regular sushi offerings head over to Uchi for a unique twist on your favorite rolls. This Houston restaurant tries to use locally sourced ingredients whenever possible and provide only the freshest pieces of fish. Start with the tomato katsu, panko fried green tomatoes and sesame. The tomatoes come out hot and tender. Customers say these are some of the best fried green tomatoes. The brussel sprouts will make you love brussel sprouts. The yokai berry is a refreshing dish with salmon, kale, and Asian pears. Regulars enjoy the creative rolls like the Ham & Eggs with katsu pork belly, yolk custard, and espellette, the Bond with avocado, sun-dries tomato, gobo, and soy paper, the Pitchfork with wagyu beef, leek crisp, avocado, and yuzu kosho, and the Shag tempura roll with salmon, avocado, and sun-dried tomato. A meal at Uchi is expensive but if you come during Happy Hour you can enjoy great bargains on regular menu dishes. 

Uchi
904 Westheimer Road
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 522-4808
http://www.yelp.com/biz/uchi-houston

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

Hearsay Gastro Lounge: Food, Drinks, Friends

The Hearsay Gastro Lounge is a great place to see to meet up with friends for lunch, happy hour, dinner or late night. Located downtown in the historic W.L. Foley Building, you’ll like coming into the Hearsay to see how beautiful the place is, with its high ceilings, chandeliers and casual décor. Come for happy hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., and enjoy terrific deals on beers on tap and by the bottle, wine and cocktails. Wednesdays are also a good time to come for Ladies’ Night! The bar also has a good selection of bourbons and whiskeys. The lunch and dinner menus features tasty apps, soups, salads, sandwiches and small plates, with something for everyone. And the kitchen is always open late until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays!

Hearsay Gastro Lounge
218 Travis St
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 225-8079
http://www.yelp.com/biz/hearsay-gastro-lounge-houston

Taco Keto: Houston’s Best Tacos on Four Wheels

There are plenty of taco trucks to choose from in Houston, but Taco Keto is among the best. This unassuming bright red truck doesn’t offer any frills – “dining in” consists of sitting at a large communal table outside and taking in a telenovela with your meal – but in exchange you get fresh, delicious tacos at rock bottom prices. Served on seasoned corn tortillas with potatoes, cilantro, cheese, and your choice of two salsas, these greasy little bites really hit the spot for lunch or as a late night snack. And at these prices, you can get three or four for the price of a sandwich elsewhere. Diners who frequent the truck rave about the tacos al pastor, made with shredded pork. If you’re not in the mood for tacos, Taco Keto also serves up tortas, burritos, and Mexican sodas.

Taco Keto
1401 Cullen Boulevard
Houston, TX 77023
(713) 224-1898

Zelko Bistro: Pair Great Food & Wine

At Zelko Bistro, the food, wine, service and atmosphere combine to create a classic yet casual dining experience. Located in Houston Heights, the chef/owner of Zelko Bistro first creates the experience by using the freshest local and sustainable ingredients. Then, the right wines are chosen to pair with each dish. And there are so many good wines here that the Houston Press awarded Zelko Bistro as the place with the best restaurant wine list! The selection of apps, salads, sandwiches and entrees will satisfy any diner for lunch or dinner. And try something from the dessert list like the Texas Strawberry Shortcake! Zelko Bistro is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Zelko Bistro
705 E 11th St
Houston, TX 77008
(713) 880-8691
http://www.yelp.com/biz/zelko-bistro-houston-2

Supreme Sushi at Kubo’s Sushi Bar & Grill

Praise for Kubo’s Sushi Bar & Grill comes from many directions, including Zagat. This fresh sushi center, a decade old, keeps raising the standard of Japanese cuisine in the Houston area. Set on the second floor of the Rice Village Arcade, Kubo’s also offers an inviting atmosphere.  Lunch and dinner service seven days a week makes this a dependable friend to your cravings.  Happy Hour—also seven days a week—makes Kubo’s irresistible to your social life as well.

Kubo’s menu continually undergoes scrumptious innovation, with the addition of upscale Kaiseki and Shokado Bento, so diners can count on old favorites without worry of ever becoming bored. Sushi, sashimi and roll selections are extensive and magnificent; salads, soups and entrees appeal to all tastes, with plenty of vegetarian options. Don’t miss exciting and yummy special events, such as Sake 101!

Kubo’s Sushi Bar & Grill
2414 University Boulevard #200
Houston TX, 77005
(713) 528-7878
www.kubos-sushi.com

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