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/

Sip Expertly-Crafted Libations at Anvil Bar and Refuge

Anvil Bar and Refuge in Montrose is a popular cocktail bar housed in an old tire shop from the 1950s. Everything about Anvil screams vintage, from the exposed brick walls and ductwork to the antique drinkware and stylish reclaimed wood lamps.

The cocktail menu changes frequently, but always features bitters made in house, crafty infusions, and a special emphasis on local ingredients. Crowd favorites include the Long Point Sour (gin with key lime, cardamom, and kaffir leaf) and the Grass Roots (amaro, rum, coconut, raspberry, lime, almond, and grass jelly).

The menu is divvied up by what flavor you're looking for, but don't be overwhelmed if you're not sure what you want. The staff is highly trained and has no qualms explaining the drink selection or even selecting a cocktail on your behalf. Anvil Bar and Refuge is a great choice for a night out trying something new.

Anvil Bar and Refuge
1424 Westheimer Road
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 523-1622
http://www.anvilhouston.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/anvil-bar-and-refuge-houston

Underbelly: Fine Dining in Houston

With soaring ceilings, handcrafted walnut tables and an open kitchen that lets you watch the chefs work their magic, Underbelly might just be the perfect spot for a unique dining experience. The frequently changing menu takes advantage of what’s seasonal and fresh from local purveyors. Stop by for lunch to feast on Grilled Shrimp Salad with buttermilk dressing, Butter Biscuits & Chicken Gravy, or a Roast Beef Sandwich with Korean red chile mayo. The dinner menu features a tasty array of entrees like Seared Snapper with tomato confit, Korean Braised Goat with dumplings, Wagyu Satay with cold soba salad and Crispy Local Vegetables with caramelized fish sauce. Save room for dessert, as diners praise the Fried Strawberry Pie with toasted rice ice cream. Underbelly is open Mondays through Saturdays.

Underbelly
1100 Westheimer Road
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 528-9800
http://www.yelp.com/biz/underbelly-houston

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

Ruggles Green: Good Food, Good For You

Ruggles Green is a casual place where you can always find good food that's good for you. Come in and take a seat – there’s no ceremony here. You’re not going to find any waiters – just step up to the counter. The menu items use local organic ingredients from 17 different area farms, so you know it’s fresh. All the meats are hormone and steroid free, and all of the desserts use natural, organic sweeteners. Also, those eating gluten free will find lots of great options. There’s even a selection of organic wines! 

Ruggles Green
2311 W Alabama St
Houston, TX 77098
(713) 533-0777
http://www.yelp.com/biz/ruggles-green-houston

Public Domain/Public Domain

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

Have You Tried the Hummingbird Cupcake at Crave Cupcakes?

The next time you have a cupcake craving, don't settle for store-bought varieties when you can get gourmet at Crave Cupcakes in Uptown. Only superior ingredients make their way into Crave's decadent cupcakes, like seasonal fruit, local Texas dairy, and European chocolate.

Come in and select from rotating daily flavors, like macadamia nut, red velvet, key lime, and carrot, or choose a more mysterious flavor, like hummingbird or candy bar. Your favorite flavors can be pre-ordered to ensure you get exactly what you want before they run out. You can also request a customized decoration for these special orders.

Crave bakes cupcakes frequently throughout the day to ensure freshness. These bite sized cakes are a great choice for weddings, birthdays, and other special moments.

Crave Cupcakes
1151-06 Uptown Park Boulevard
Houston, TX 77056
(713) 622-7283
https://www.cravecupcakes.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/crave-cupcakes-houston

Melange Creperie: Parisian Bliss in Montrose

Melange Creperie is a Parisian-style crepe truck parked smack-dab in the heart of the Montrose neighborhood. It’s won over a bevy of fans who think their crepes are tres magnifique! They feature a rotating weekly menu of sweet and savory options, plus classic crepes that are always available, such as ham, egg & cheese, and banana & Nutella. Don’t like what you see? Come up with your own crepe combo filling. Order a crepe filled with either a ‘mélange a deux’ – two fillings, or ‘mélange a trios’ – three fillings. Sweet and savory crepe fillings means you can have one for dessert or one for lunch – or both. They’re served in a cone, so they’re perfect for taking away.

Open Monday through Sunday.

Melange Creperie
403 Westheimer Road
Houston, TX 77006
(832) 724-9464
http://www.yelp.com/biz/melange-creperie-houston

Provisions: Stock Up in Houston

Provisions has won over diners with their fresh, flavorful menu, an open kitchen dining area and spacious terrace. Get your party started with a refreshing cocktail like the Highland with green chartreuse, tequila, sugar cane & lime. Add on a Bread & Cheese Plate or a wood-fired pizza with mozzarella, basil & tomato. Some yummy pasta dishes adorn the menu, as do meat entrees like Hanger Steak with spring onions, Suckling Pig Porchetta for Two and Ham’O’Day with mustard rye. Fish entrees include Curried Mussels with cauliflower, Shrimp Salad with celery-apple remoulade, and Big Eye Tuna with fennel. Save a spot in your tummy for a tantalizing dessert like Neapolitan Chocolate Mousse Cake.

Minutes from Residences at Gramercy, Provisions is open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner.

Provisions
807 Taft Street
Houston, TX 77019
(713) 628-9020
http://www.yelp.com/biz/provisions-houston

Ambrosia: Sweet Eats in Houston

Ready to try a unique melding of Asian recipes and Texas-style ingredients? Head to Ambrosia, a cozy little bar and restaurant where a distinctive culinary experience awaits you with tasty tapas menu. Get the party started with a refreshing White Coconut Sangria or a Shere Khan cocktail with tequila, ginger beer & blood orange juice. Follow it up with some yummy Curry Wedges with potatoes, curry & cheese. Other options include Vegetarian Samosas with apple cilantro chutney, or fresh Ceviche with tostada chips. Gangnam Style Ribs is another tasty dish, as are crisp Flatbread with mushrooms cooked in Marsala wine & topped with melted mozzarella cheese, and Green Curried Chicken.

Moments from Residences at Gramercy, it's open Tuesday through Saturday for dinner.

Ambrosia
2006 Lexington Street
Houston, TX 77098
(832) 649-4636
http://www.yelp.com/biz/ambrosia-houston

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