July 16, 2015
Agency
The Hottest Restaurants in Houston Right Now
1. B & B Butchers
Benjamin Berg’s anticipated dual-concept butcher and upscale steakhouse, B&B Butchers and Restaurant, opened late May in the historic Dittman Bakery (circa 1924) on Washington Avenue. The two-story brick structure merges the design of part old New York steakhouse, part modernist hangout: all dark wood, plush chairs, exposed brick and period lighting. Upstairs you’ll find a white table cloth dining area — complete with an expansive downtown view — and a huge rooftop patio.
[Photo: Lee Bond]
1814 Washington Avenue
Houston, TX 77007
(713) 862-1814
Steakhouse
2. Bollo Woodfired Pizza
In case you’ve been living under a woodfired oven, Houston is in the midst of a pizza boom. Bollo stands out from the pack thanks to its commitment to sourcing, quality control, and an imported Neapolitan oven, which lends the perfect crispy chew to its crust. Add in a freshly stirred Negroni from the bar and you’ve got a home run.
2202 West Alabama Street
Houston, TX 77098
713-677-0391
3. Bramble
Though not officially open until sometime next week, (rumored soft opening July 7 at 4 p.m. according to Bramble’s Facebook) Bramble’s “Soundcheck” dinner series was a mere taste of the impressive genius behind chef Randy Rucker’s latest Southern and New American concept. The daily-changing menu features Third Coast produce and cuisine, balanced with Southern classics with modern techniques inspired by nearby surroundings and foraged ingredients by the chef each day. The restaurant’s design reflects the conscious and sustainable efforts of the menu, with pieces of salvaged raw materials from each of the partner’s barns, plantations, ranches and farms intermixed into the warm space.
2231 S Voss Rd
Houston, TX 77057
Southern / Soul Food Restaurant
4. Brandani’s Restaurant & Wine Bar
The former Coco Pazzo by Aura in Missouri City has been transformed into this charming bistro and wine bar inside Township Square. Touting a menu of eclectic fare, standout dishes to order include fried quail and rosemary corn cakes, orecchiette wild boar ragoût and porcini crusted pork chops. Reasonably priced wines by the glass and bottles make for a perfect accompaniment to the meal. When weather allows, dine al fresco on the sidewalk patio lined with plants and shrubbery.
[Photo: Brandani’s Restaurant & Wine Bar/Facebook]
3340 FM 1092 Rd Ste 160
Missouri City, TX 77459
(832) 987-1313
New American Restaurant
5. Cureight by Hubbell & Hudson Bistro
Texas-born and Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef Austin Simmons launched his latest culinary concept Cureight by Hubbell and Hudson this past mid-June. The Woodlands space is set in an intimate venue only open Thursday to Saturday, and as the name suggests features eight course meals, along with wine pairings. The concept feels hidden behind the Bistro lounge, like a secret dinner party/cooking school with only 25 seats and an interactive chef’s table.
24 Waterway Ave
The Woodlands, TX 77380
(281) 203-5641
American Restaurant
6. Dish Society
Gaining a cult following after opening in the Galleria-area last year, this casual eatery is now serving its farm-to-table fare in Katy. With a strong emphasis on locally sourced ingredients, the menu offers chef-inspired dishes — think smoked gouda bacon grits, deconstructed chicken pot pie, and coffee crusted pork tenderloin in a port cherry reduction. An added bonus is the inclusion of cocktails in addition to craft beers and wines.
[Photo: Dish Society Cinco Ranch/Facebook]
23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd Ste D100
Katy, TX 77494
(281) 394-7555
Café
7. Grafitti’s at Union St.
Burgers receive top billing at this classic American diner in the Sixth Ward, where everything is made from scratch, including buns and condiments. The build out begins with a blend of chuck, short rib, and brisket, followed by a generous helping of toppings. Conquer the Densenberg (chicken fried burger steak topped with fried pickles and onions, blue cheese, greens, tomatoes and spicy mayo) or if you’re brave enough, try your hand at the beastly Imperial (burger topped with sweet brisket, mac and cheese, onion strings, roasted poblano, fried pickles and bacon jam). There are also solid options of chops, wings and steaks for the non-burger obsessed. For the complete burger joint experience, treat yourself to a banana pudding or key lime pie milkshake.
[Photo: Grafitti’s at Union St.]
2003 Union St
Houston, TX 77007
(713) 869-7000
Burger Joint
8. Jackson Street BBQ
Three of Houston’s hottest restauranteurs have teamed up for this brand spanking new downtown smokehouse. Renowned chef Bryan Caswell and Bill Floyd (Reef, Little Bigs, El Real Tex-Mex) along with pitmaster Greg Gatlin (Gatlin’s Barbecue) are serving East Texas-style ‘cue with a side of Gulf Coast seafood (rolling out in the coming months). The industrial-meets-down home style restaurant officially opens later this month but diners can receive a sneak peak April 6. Highlights from the limited menu includes smoked brisket, ribs, sausage and chicken plus sandwiches and a roster of Southern sides.
[Photo: Jakeisha Wilmore]
209 Jackson St
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 224-2400
BBQ Joint
9. JINYA Ramen Bar
Doubling down with its second Houston-area outpost, this L.A.-based ramen chain is drawing crowds to Midtown. Unlike most dedicated ramen houses in Houston, the choices are limitless at this chic and modern Japanese-inspired eatery. Noodle lovers will appreciate the customizable bowls with choice of broth, thick or thin noodles, and a laundry list of add-ons creating a unique meal with each visit. Rounding out the menu are pork buns, takoyaki (deep fried octopus dumplings), dumplings, salads, curry and rice bowls.
[Photo: JINYA Ramen Bar Houston/Facebook]
3201 Louisiana St Ste 105
Houston, TX 77002
(832) 925-8595
Ramen / Noodle House
10. La Grange
The coastal Mexican bar and restaurant, opened late May, is the latest concept from Houston bar heavyhitters Harres Exezidis and Rob and Sara Cromie (Liberty Station and Cottonwood partners), plus Jake Rainey (Flying Saucer). They transformed the former EJ’s Bar into a Mexican food haven highlighting coastal-Mexican fare with a dash of Tex-Mex. The expansive 7,000 sq.-ft. space offers three bars and a dining area. The first-floor patio holds a bar area nicknamed after a former dancer and bartender at EJ’s, Red’s Bar, while the upstairs patio and bar space overlook trendy Montrose.
[Photo: La Grange/Facebook]
2517 Ralph St
Houston, TX 77006
(832) 962-4745
Cocktail Bar
Restaurants provided by Houstoneater.com
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