Houston is experiencing what we would call a culinary renaissance of intergalactic dimension . While we love us somebrand - spank - new eatery , we never want to forget about places that are less talked about , but have been tirelessly serving this city for years . So consider this hype for the spots that have n’t experienced as much bombination , including topographic point that are literally tucked forth in back corner and strip malls . These deserve haunt are deserving a visit , or like five visits , because they arethatgood .
El Hidalguense
You ’ve plausibly been to more birthday dinners at Tex - Mex haunts like El Tiempo than you may count – those jumbo value-added tax of queso wo n’t eat themselves , after all – but you ’re missing out if you do n’t study abroad at some of the more authentic Mexican holes - in - the - rampart that sprinkle the city . This Long Point strip center spot is one of those places . Its mole warm up the psyche , while the heaping piles of its barbacoa de borrego ( lamb ) with handmade tortillas could feed a lowly U. S. Army . Though it may not look like it from the outside , inside is a bunch of loyal follower ; follow their lead .
Kris Bistro
The city ’s best - kept unavowed sits gather out inside the Culinary Institute LeNôtre . That ’d be Kris Bistro , the talented student - run kitchen that dishes out some downright impressive Gallic bistro fare . Not only will you be treated to classic like foie gras torchon and herb - encrusted wrack of lamb , you ’ll also get a first look at the earth ’s culinary hereafter . Oh , and there ’s chocolate mousse patty ( that always sells us ) .
Charivari Restaurant
Why is it that no one really talks about this place ? Maybe because it ’s a blank - linen paper fine - dining restaurant in Midtown , a land oftaco spliff , BBQ spotsandbad determination bars . Regardless , the good part about this emerald is that ’s it ’s hidden in plain raft . The modest , almost hard quiet patch has been undecided since 2000 , with Transylvanian - born chef Johan Schuster using his root word to bring in the sometimes - mucky Bayou City a candy kiss of European class . French for “ beautiful good mix , ” Charivari pumps out a moderately beautiful good mixing of trans - European specialties , from Berkshire pork Wiener schnitzel and foie gras done “ Budapest style ” to lobster poach in Champagne butter .
Kuma Burgers
Unless you work in Greenway Plaza , we ’re willing to bet you have n’t been to this retiring Warren Earl Burger stand inside a corporate office food court . Evenweoverlooked this noteworthy Warren Earl Burger topographic point in our quest to compose the city’sgreatest burger pail list . The magic trick begin with never - freeze down 80/20 patties that get wrinkle and burst with umami flavour thanks to a slather of especial soy & shiitake sauce . Then thing get serious when customizables like house sambal mayo , Texas chili , and sweet bread or Sir Tim Rice buns are thrown into the mixing . It may be under - the - radio detection and ranging for now , but it wo n’t remain that means for much longer – especially since its hot - off - the - presstwo - wiz ratingfrom Houston ’s longtime eatery critic , Alison Cook .
Lucio’s BYOB & Grill
Much like the forgotten - about middle child , this unassuming steakhouse and Italian grill gets lost in the Montrose shuffle of heavy hitters like neighboringPass & Provisionsor the mass of eateries along lower Westheimer . But thousand shalt not forget about the second carry , as Cory Matthews has no doubt turn up inBoy Meets World(just pull the leg of , we completely forget about him ) . You wo n’t want to miss this speckle , both because of its classic fare – from ancho - crust pork chop to smoked duck breast – and more significantly , because of its BYOB policy . On another note , raw dancing delirium named the Montrose Shuffle ? countenance ’s do it .
The ToreOre
It ’s really not that surprising that some of the best fry chicken in town can be found off Blalock inside the badass Asian - inspired supermarketH Mart . Nor is it surprising that the mucilaginous - fresh “ red-hot and spicy ” version of the Korean - mode fried birds have been be intimate to burn the rank hell out of heat - illiberal mouths . Unlike that plastic feeding bottle of Russian vodka your friend stole from his dad that you took twist slog and affect to savor back in the sidereal day , we promise this is worth the suntan .
Roostar
direct a little further down Long Point and you ’ll find what looks like the Subway of banh mi shops . Do n’t be fooled by its boxlike , corporate show , because instead of questionable - looking chicken and depressingly sad lettuce , you ’ll be treat to top - quality stuff in the mannequin of charwoman - grill pork barrel , overbold garlic aioli , and carrot pickle in - house . ramp up your own sandwich , then tack on some lemon - pepper - and - garlic - butter wing to go , because you do n’t want to drive back to Spring Branch when you ’re thirsty for them later .
Nara Thai Express
Do yourself a favor and go into that Thai restaurant by the Greyhound post that seems like it is funnily inside a Texaco place ( it ’s actually connect next door ) . Once inside , you ’ll be hit with whiff of lemongrass oil , quick spices , and curries , and you ’ll know you made a near choice . Your Thai favorites will make out out seriously nimble , punk , and zest to your preferable heat levels if you expect nicely .
Bismillah Restaurant & Cafe
You should really pass more time in Houston ’s Mahatma Gandhi District . That ’s where you ’ll obtain this no - frills strip center haunt , just off Hillcroft & 69 . On the chaat house side of the military operation , traditional samosa and aloo chana sit alongside more Americanized figure . go are the daylight when you conceive five spices were enough ; the slow burn from the banger 10 - spice Pakistani sauce that coats everything from chicken wings to tater tot at the daily side of this restaurant and coffee shop will testify that presently enough . For intensely flavored beef nihari , a easy - cooked kick stew with bone marrow and copious curry sauce , and sizzling exclusive tandoori , head two door down to the twofold concept ’s home - expressive style eatery .
El Gallo de Jalisco
You ’ve in all likelihood walk decently past this adamant in the rough on the way to a stripe - hopping session on White Oak or a nice dinner party atColtivare . We ’re not kidding when we say “ in the pugnacious , ” because the edifice kind of look like a tiny prison , with barred doors and cinderblock wall . It also has utterly zero web mien , which actually makes the authentic Mexican kitchen that much more legit . It ’s only open ' til 3 postmortem examination Mon - Thurs and ' til 5 pm on weekends , so discontinue by early to feast on breakfast tacos and one of the best chicken bulwark plate around .
Roostar Vietnamese Grill
El Hidalguense
Charivari Restaurant
Lucio’s BYOB & Grill
Roostar Vietnamese Grill
Bismillah Restaurant & Cafe
