Pho Binh: Bowl of Joy

Pho is a daily staple of Vietnamese cuisine – eaten for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this soup of beef broth redolent with star anise, cinnamon, and caramelized onions and served with noodles, fresh vegetables, and meats is a culinary delight. Pho Binh’s original location, Pho Binh Trailer, is an unpretentious, gritty little spot to try pho in a wide range of varieties, with meats that range from familiar to Western diners to downright odd. If you are an adventurous sort, you’ll find brand new textures and flavors to try in every bowl. Pho Binh also has several other locations that offer equally delicious food in a more polished atmosphere, but Pho Binh Trailer is a place you have to experience at least once.

Pho Bihn

Pho Binh Trailer
10930 Beamer Road
Houston, TX 77089
(281) 484-3963

Pho Binh Bellaire
10827 Bellaire Road
Houston, TX 77072
(281) 568-7333

Pho Binh By Night
12148 Bellaire Boulevard
Houston, TX 77072
(832) 351-2464

Pho Binh Westheimer
5901 Westheimer Road
Houston, TX 77057
(713) 781-8881

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 Tuesdays through Sundays.

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

Boheme: International Flavor

Boheme is a café and wine bar that brings international flavor to Midtown. Housed in a classic old building, Boheme is surrounded by a garden adorned with artifacts from the owner’s travels around the world. There are also nice touches like a wine bottle chandelier and interesting art on the walls. Happy hour starts at noon and runs until 7 p.m. during the week and 2 a.m. on the weekends. You’ll find lots of nice snacks and pizzas to share and burgers to dig into. All that and a full bar makes the Boheme a great place to meet up with friends!

Boheme
307 Fairview St
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 529-1099
http://www.yelp.com/biz/bar-boheme-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

Gatlin’s BBQ: Worth the Wait

Some call it the best barbecue in Texas; this tiny place is certainly popular, doling out Texas-style dry rub barbecue meats to crowds every day of the week. Regulars agree that the brisket is out of this world; salty, smoky, and melt in your mouth tender. Lean, chewy ribs are a popular choice as well. The sauce, served on the side, strikes the perfect balance between sweet and spicy. Homemade sausages come smoked or in spicy links. Sides and desserts are of the humble home style variety; beans, coleslaw, green beans, and a bread pudding your mama might have made. Be forewarned, this kind of slow cooking can take a while, and Gatlin’s sometimes closes when they run out of meat; it’s best to call in your order ahead of time.

Gatlin’s BBQ
1221 1/2 West 19th Street
Houston, TX 77008
(713) 869-4227

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