Peli Peli Kitchen: Try the Signature Rotisserie Chicken

Houston's Peli Peli Kitchen takes the term "fusion fare" to the extreme. Its menu combines elements of English, French, Dutch, Indian, and American cuisine. The result? An entirely new type of fare that, according to the people of Houston, is well worth a try.

The signature dish is the Peli, the eatery's take on South African peri-peri rotisserie chicken. Glazed with a sauce that emits both heat and subtle sweetness, the Peli chicken comes as wings or a half- or whole rotisserie chicken, and you can add sides to create a full meal. Pair your Peli with grilled cauliflower, truffle fries, and candied sweet potatoes to create a feast. You can also opt for one of the naan tacos (perhaps the smoked salmon or curried chicken) or dig into a classic banh mi sandwich stuffed with roast beef or pork belly. The options are eclectic and many at Peli Peli Kitchen in Houston, so you may want to return time and time again to try something new.

Urban Eats Is a Go-To Spot for Sophisticated Comfort Food Near You

The next time you’re craving some sophisticated comfort food, make plans to visit Urban Eats on Washington Avenue. The menu is full of crave-worthy American fare that is familiar to any frequent bar-goer but elevated by the chefs here. All items on the menu are either made in-house or by one of Houston’s popular bakeries. Popular items on the menu include the macaroni and cheese, the glazed Brussels sprouts, and the different slider and fry combinations that are available.

In addition to food, guests can order drinks from a full bar. Urban Eats serves brunch, lunch, and dinner and is open every day of the week for your dining needs. Note that the restaurant is only a half-mile from Siena at Memorial Heights. Will you be visiting this popular eatery soon?

Dine in Style at The Pass

As the vision of two chefs who were charged with running Gordon Ramsay's restaurant, The Maze, the best way to describe The Pass is unique. After you are escorted through a secret door and are seated, you have a choice between several menus, including vegetarian options. After that, the wait staff will bring you between five and eight courses throughout the evening. Come hungry and ready for a culinary adventure because none of what you will be served is traditional fare but rather a conglomeration of regional and international cuisine—the vision of the restaurant's owners.

The Pass is open Tuesday through Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m. and is located in the same space with Provisions. Reservations are suggested, so be sure to claim your table today!

Catalina Coffee: High-Quality Coffee in a Welcoming Setting

Catalina Coffee, a locally owned coffee shop, is an ideal place to meet friends and enjoy a good cup of java. It offers a variety of gourmet, seasonal coffees that are freshly roasted and sure to satisfy. In addition to coffeehouse favorites, there are loose leaf teas and tasty baked goods delivered fresh daily here, so pair your drink with something sweet. There’s some shared seating as well as individual tables at this cozy spot, with a few tables outside as well.

Note that there is no Wi-Fi—Catalina Coffee encourages patrons to enjoy the sense of community here. A cool spot to hang out, Catalina Coffee is about a mile away from Siena at Memorial Heights, so be sure to check it out!

Beet Box Blend Bar: Nourishing Drinks with a Taste You’ll Crave

Delivering the freshest juice available to a cool spot near you, Beet Box Blend Bar is a must-visit for first-time juicers, the juice-obsessed, and anyone looking for a tasty but healthy snack. Beet Box Blend Bar is a local business filled with staff who are passionate about their products. Beet Box offer loads of samples to customers, but watch out—you’ll be hooked after just one taste. The top picks are the Thin Elvis (with spinach, grapes, banana, almonds, and unsweetened almond milk) and the Green Ya Colada, which includes a spinach, kale, and coconut flavor.

Beet Box Blend Bar uses only whole fruits too, so you can be sure you're only indulging in the healthiest ingredients here. The staff is phenomenal, and everyone goes the extra mile to put a smile on your face. Beet Box Blend Bar is just a mile and a half away from Siena at Memorial Heights, so be sure to check it out!

House of Blues Houston: Grab a Bite and Enjoy a Show

If you’re the kind of person who enjoys dinner and a show, be sure to check out the House of Blues Houston. The famous eatery’s Houston location features live performances and a full menu, conveniently located just two miles from Siena at Memorial Heights.

House of Blues Houston has live shows almost every night. Inside, there are multiple rooms decked out with various textures and stunning decor. One large room with stadium seating features big acts, and smaller theater rooms host more intimate shows. If you want to unwind with a drink, the full service bar has everything from craft beer to handcrafted cocktails. Happy hour starts every day at 4:00 p.m. and includes a handful of appetizers on special, so be sure to check it out.

MAX’s Wine Dive: Enjoy Fine Wines Paired with Homestyle Fare

MAX's Wine Dive isn't your typical wine bar. Instead of cheese plates and tapas, this wine bar invites you to pair your merlot or pinot with Southern fried chicken, shrimp and grits, or a juicy brisket-short rib burger. Champagne and fried chicken make a natural pair at MAX's—just try the fried chicken salad with champagne dressing for proof.

Somehow, the mix of homestyle fare and fine wines works perfectly at MAX's Wine Dive. Perhaps that's because the classic Southern fried chicken takes a while to deep-fry, allowing you plenty of time to enjoy a glass or two of wine before it's ready. The chicken marinates in jalapeño-infused buttermilk before chefs deep-fry it "low and slow" in order to retain as much juiciness as possible. Then the kitchen team serves it alongside mashed potatoes, collard greens, and Texas toast smothered in a slightly spicy chipotle honey butter.

Savor a Glass of Wine and a Small Plate at Sambuca

Friends, family, and fun are the cornerstones of life according to the people behind Sambuca, which is why all three are welcome at their downtown Houston eatery. Tucked away on Texas Street, this upscale restaurant offers live music and gourmet American fare every night of the week.

Whether you're looking for a simple glass of wine or a full meal, you'll be able to find it at Sambuca. Patrons praise the hickory-smoked prime pork chop, served with charred tomato sauce, prosciutto, and mac and cheese on the side. You can also opt for something from the sea, such as shrimp and crab scampi, or dig into a meat-free dish such as the Mediterranean veggie lasagna. Pizzas and small plates are available here too, if you just want something light to enjoy while you sip.

Don’t Miss the Roast Beef Sandwich at Revival Market

With the state of Texas so rich in agriculture, there's really no need to go beyond its borders for fresh food. So the chefs at Revival Market don't. They source everything from veggies to charcuterie meats from farms and purveyors right in Texas, and not just any supplier will do. Revival Market's team is discerning when it comes to each purveyor's practices, opting for sustainably, ethically raised food over cheap stuff.

That must be what makes the roast beef sandwich such a hit. Its challah bun is loaded up with grass-fed roast beef, cheddar cheese, arugula, pickled onions, and brown butter aioli. The sammy serves as one of the most popular lunch entrees, along with other sandwiches, quiche, and corned beef hash. After lunch, peruse the shelves in this market for specialty items like sweets from Fluff Bake Bar. You can also step up to the butcher's counter and procure some fresh meats or have your own game processed here.

Beer Market Co.: More Than 365 Brews and 30 Flat-Screens

Judging solely by the numbers, Beer Market Co. has other bars in Houston beat by a long shot. Its collection of beers contains more than 365 brews from all across the globe, and there are 30 flat-screen TVs scattered throughout its dining room and patio areas. Together, the numbers add up to a fun game day with friends.

It'll probably take you some time to pore over the beer list, but don't forget to check out the food menu too. Each dish was carefully designed to pair well with suds. Just try the brew pretzels; the warm pretzels come with a gooey cheese dip infused with Hans Pils beer and roasted garlic. If you want a lighter meal, opt for the Veggie Workout Burger. Its patty showcases a blend of garbanzo and black beans, and it's topped with mixed greens, tomato, and onion. The entire creation comes on a multigrain bun and even includes a side salad.

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