Lucio’s: Quaint BYOB Dining in Houston

Located in Midtown Houston, 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 Street
Houston, TX 77019
(713) 523-9958
http://www.yelp.com/biz/lucios-byob-and-grill-houston

Reef: One of Houston’s Top Restaurants

If you’re looking for expertly-prepared seafood in the Houston area, look no further than Reef. Chef Bryan Caswell is one of the city’s leading culinary lights, growing up in Houston and then traveling the world polishing his skills at top-tier restaurants in New York, Barcelona, Thailand, and more. After returning home, he opened Reef in 2009 to rave reviews, and it’s been smooth sailing since then—he was a James Beard Award Nominee in 2010, and was named a Top 10 Best New Chef by Food & Wine Magazine in 2009. Regulars go crazy over the incredible variety of seafood dishes from all over the world. When you get to your table, you’ll be brought house rolls with tart, spicy jalapeno jam. Standout appetizers include the 3rd Bar Plateau, an amazing tower of raw and salted seafood meant to be shared around the table, as well as the great calamari. As for entrees, pretty much everything on the menu is on the good side of spectacular, with special attention given to the great redfish on the half shell and chorizo stuffed scallops.

Reef
2600 Travis
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 526-8282
www.reefhouston.com

What to Eat at Minute Maid Park

Seeing a game of baseball at Minute Maid Park is a whole different experience than watching the Astros play on TV. One of the best parts of going to the park is getting to try all the different food. If you get hungry while watching the game, Minute Maid Park has a lot to choose from. Taste gourmet American classics at Little Bigs with homemade burgers and pork sliders. Delicious Tex-Mex favorites are being served at El Real. Astros Sizzling Grille and Dining Car Grille are serving favorites like hot dogs, burgers, and chili cheese fries. If you're looking for a healthy meal head over to Green Fork for a salad. Of course ice cream stands, cotton candy stands, and beverage stands are located throughout the park as well.

Minute Maid Park
501 Crawford
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 259-8000
http://www.yelp.com/biz/minute-maid-park-houston

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

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

Enchanted Dining at Baba Yega

How can a restaurant named after a witch be so divine?  In its 35th year, Baba Yega continues to entice and delight diners. Charm begins even before you taste your first bite.  A converted home, this place offers cozy rooms and compelling verandas, gardens, a koi pond, and a waterfall.  Baba Yega serves lunch and dinner seven days a week, and is an absolute Sunday brunch fantasy.

Vegetarians, behold! The Black Bean Burger, Vegetarian Meatloaf, and Sunshine Basil Sandwich are created in your image—and there are many more choices for contemplation. For others, the Smoked Turkey and Brie sandwich is extraordinarily popular. Folks rave about the club sandwich and Chicken & Basil Pasta Salad.  Good luck choosing between the fries and the potato salad; both are signature quality. The artichoke/spinach dip and the fresh fruit are marvelous touches. Enjoy your Sunday morning mimosas.

Baba Yega Restaurant
2607 Grant Street
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 522-0042
www.babayega.com

Just Dinner: Casual & Classy

From small beginnings, Just Dinner has grown into a great local BYOB dining experience. Located in the Mogan House in the neighborhood of Montrose, Just Dinner is just that – a delicious dinner option. While this is a casual restaurant, the décor is decidedly upscale, but also quiet and comfortable. Get an appetizer like country pate or warm brie to share, and move on to tasty American and Italian entrée options that will satisfy any diner. Everything made is fresh because all of the ingredients are either harvested in the restaurant’s garden, or bought that day. What a great way to have a tasty rendezvous with somebody special! Just Dinner is open Tuesday through Saturday for – what else – just dinner! Reservations are accepted.

Just Dinner
1915 Dunlavy St
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 807-0077
http://www.yelp.com/biz/just-dinner-houston-2

Tiny Boxwood’s: Classy & Casual Dining

At Tiny Boxwood’s restaurant, it’s about the whole package: the food, the ambiance and the service. Together, they make the whole dining experience memorable. Located in Highland Village, you’ll find cuisine with a French flair, any time of the day. You’ll like the clean, classic dining room, or dine on the patio. Come for breakfast or brunch and try the grilled bread plate with homemade jam, eggs, quiche or morning cheese. The lunch menu includes tasty soups, salads and sandwiches, and check out the chef’s seafood special or any other dinner course, and you’ll be satisfied. Mid-afternoon, come in for a nice respite with cheese and wine! Tiny Boxwood’s is open Tuesday through Sunday.

Tiny Boxwood’s
3614 W Alabama St
Houston, TX 77027
(713) 622-4224
http://www.yelp.com/biz/tiny-boxwoods-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

Luigi’s Pizzeria: A Slice of Naples in Houston

Luigi’s Pizzeria is known as one of the best places to get thin crust pizza in Houston. Some would say the best place; it’s certainly a contender. Many people call Luigi’s pizza New York style because of its thin crust, but the rustic oblong pies belong to the Neopolitan tradition more than anything. A popular choice at Luigi’s is the Caprese pizza, appropriately Italian in its simplicity. Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil are all you need to complement the chewy crust. The Supreme, with pepperoni, sausage, and veggies is also a favorite. The star here is the pizza but Luigi’s also offers a wide range of salads, sandwiches, pasta, and calzones. Be sure to end your meal with a refreshing gelato in a rotating variety of flavors.

Luigi’s Pizzeria
3700 Almeda Road
Houston TX 77004
(281) 793-3333

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