25 Essential Houston Institutions
From neighborhood classics to high-wire tasting rooms, these are the places shaping the modern dining identity of Houston.
White Spot Cafe
Alaska
Classic diner for American grub plus Alaskan specialties like reindeer sausage & fried halibut.
Kriner's Diner
Alaska
Modest, photo-lined family eatery serving eggs, burgers, sandwiches & other classic American fare.
Sullivan's Steakhouse
Alaska
Steakhouse chain serving beef, seafood & cocktails in swanky surrounds with live music.
Jens' Restaurant
Houston, Alaska
Inventive Continental cooking served in an art-filled dining room & wine bar inside a strip mall.
Pho Gia Đình Vietnamese Restaurant
Houston, Alaska
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible entrance, Wheelchair accessible parking lot, Wheelchair accessible restroom, Wheelchair accessible seating.
Siam Cuisine
Houston, Alaska
Unfussy, family-run joint with a wide selection of Thai classics, plus lunch specials & takeout.
Lucky Wishbone
Houston, Alaska
Venerable spot specializing in fried chicken that also offers burgers & old-school milkshakes.
Sami's City Diner
Houston, Alaska
Diners travel back to the '50s at this retro lunch counter dishing out classic American food.
Rustic Goat
Houston, Alaska
Warm, industrial-chic spot offering an elevated take on American comfort food & craft brews.
Moose's Tooth Pub & Pizzeria
Houston, Alaska
Inventive pizzas & house-brewed beer served in a bustling, colorful hangout with psychedelic art.
Namaste Shangri-La
Houston, Alaska
Bright, cheery eatery specializing in Himalayan recipes & eclectic southeast Asian fusion fare.
Fletcher's
Houston, Alaska
Eclectic fare, including pizza, pasta & seafood, served in a cozy, pub-like space in a hotel.
Tommy's Burger Stop-Spenard
Houston, Alaska
Gourmet hamburgers, onion rings & seasoned fries in a brightly-colored house with a casual vibe.
Gumbo House
Houston, Alaska
Relaxed Cajun restaurant with patio lawn seating, serving up gumbo for eat-in or take-out.
Suite 100 Restaurant Bar & Lounge
Houston, Alaska
An eclectic menu featuring pasta, steak & seafood, plus extensive wine & draft beer selections.
Organic Oasis | Restaurant & Juice Bar
Houston, Alaska
Tranquil cafe turning out health-focused fare in an airy setting with occasional live music.
Heidi’s Family Restaurant
Houston, Alaska
Service options: Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Great coffee, Great dessert, Serves local specialty. Popular for: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Ronnie Sushi
Houston, Alaska
Traditional and modern Japanese cuisine presented in a warm, colorful space with booths & sushi bar.
Sara's Sandwiches
Houston, Alaska
Bright counter-serve outfit dispensing straightforward deli sandwiches, plus subs & salads.
El Rodeo Mexican Restaurant and Bar
Houston, Alaska
Service options: No-contact delivery, Delivery, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great beer selection, Great cocktails. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner.
Pita Pit
Houston, Alaska
Diners create their own sandwiches at this health-oriented counter-serve chain.
Charlie's Bakery & Chinese Restaurant
Houston, Alaska
A unique combination of popular Chinese food & baked goods in an unpretentious spot.
Hula Hands Restaurant
Houston, Alaska
Hawaiian dishes such as kalua pig & lomi salmon, plus beer & wine, served up in a casual setting.
Pita Pit
Houston, Alaska
Diners create their own sandwiches at this health-oriented counter-serve chain.
F Street Station
Houston, Alaska
Low-key bar serving up seafood & draft beer, plus a weekend brunch with a popular eggs Benedict.