From Bananas Foster and turtle soup to chicken fried steak and soul food, check out these classic restaurants in Houston.
Whether a café , fully flesh out bistro , or afood - truckconcept , it ’s always a big deal when a new restaurant launches in Houston . We ’re often left to marvel how it ’ll intermingle in with the metropolis ’s remarkable culinary scene . Plus , we want to see if their menus , top - ledge libations , and consistent finesse are contenders as a newgo - to brunchorlunch spot . It ’s frankly a whole mental process — a delicious one at that . However , with every new place comes that reminder that older ok dining paved the way for these new smasher to flourish , and that ’s where a freshly - find appreciation comes rushing in . To see that many of these insane asylum are still flourish and standing tall enough to give the city ’s downtown skyscrapers a discharge for their money is one thing . But once you tot up in the pandemic ’s discomforting sovereignty , which continue toheavily plague how restaurants operate , their continue presence is even more veneration - inducement . From no - frills shacks fake unforgettable comfort food classics to swanky palaces nurture their culinary missions with modern savour and tuck , here are 12 old - school day restaurants in Houston sure to give you a timeless experience .
Flying Saucer Pie Shop
Northside / Garden OaksWhether you ’re looking to hit some tangy pies tocelebrate pi(e ) dayor just to blow out a random weekday craving , Flying Saucer is always the solution . Serving as the oldest operate bakery in the urban center , this family - own shop afford in 1967 with one goal — to bring out out - of - this - macrocosm PIE for Houstonians . Their object extend to be met with absorbing praise , and those infamously farsighted stemma that tend to surmount around the construction during the holidays is evidence of a delegacy reach . Pop by and choose from their farsighted roll of pies ( which can be bribe in cut or a full cooking pan ) , such as their Dutch Apple , Pecan , Cherry , Banana Cream , and Key Lime flavors . How to reserve : check by for first seed , first served pickup or get manner of speaking viaUberEats .
Birraporetti’s
Downtown Houston and FriendswoodConsistently whipping up silky spaghetti and cheesy pies since the 1980s , Birraporetti ’s is a suave example thatHouston ’s Italian eating house scenehas long been bursting with relish . Their menu also skylark a festive Irish twist , so as you ’re winding down your repast with a chocolatey cheesecake , try some of their Four Star Irish Coffee for estimable measure . This casual blending mocks up an inventive neb of transportation that ’ll beguile you to try everything — which will keep lunchtime interesting . Other highlights let in buttery veau cloaked in a snowy wine puree , crab cake upgrade with their signature Tortellini Alfredo , Lobster or Cheese Ravioli , and dateless basketball hoop of garlic dough to sop up that remnant sauce . How to book : Reserve viaOpenTable , for Downtown orFriendswoodlocation , Holy Order takeout , or get delivery throughDoordash , Postmates , andUberEats .
The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation
East End and UptownAnother delicious keystone that ’s still thriving in Houston is Ninfa ’s . open in 1973 , the belated Ninfa Laurenzo , also know as Mama Ninfa , blew the metropolis out the weewee with her sizzling fajitas and tacos al carbon . Some say her craftsmanship launched the interior craze for these chargrilled beauties , and with one bite , you ’ll by all odds concord . After her passing , Legacy Restaurantsbought the concept and the company ’s executive chef Alex Padilla ( whose culinary chops are also present inpo’boy favoriteAntone ’s ) commence retrofitting the menu with new stunner . With their recent hop over to Uptown , it ’s now easier than ever to gorge on those popular fajitas , plus other treasures like their braised wimp or porc Tamale , table salsas , zesty stuff shrimp , and cheese enchilada . How to book : Reserve viaOpenTable , order take - out online , or get legal transfer throughDoordash , Postmates , andUberEats .
This Is It Soul Food
Third WardFried siluriform fish , poor ribs with creamy potatoes and candied yams , pork chop platter , red-hot gumbo — this eating house is truly it when it come to soul food . Situated in the heart of Third Ward , this Southern gem has been living up to its motto ( “ where every meal gives you a Sunday flavour ” ) since it debuted in 1959 . The cafeteria - style construct was originally founded by the late Frank and Mattie Jones , who want to create a dependable and delicious harbour for old - fashioned soulfulness food to boom . This missionary work stayed within the family , and it was n’t long until their grandson and his wife , Craig and Georgette Joseph , take in ownership and further roused the area with their new daily special . When visit , load up on everything from their vibrant daiquiris and smothered chicken dinners ( which is on peculiar for $ 10 on Thursdays ) to an oxtail plate , which features three side of your choice and two cornbread muffins . How to book : Stop by for first seed , first assist seating , fiat take - outonline , or get pitch throughDoordash , Grubhub , andUberEats .
Someburger
Heights and BaytownNo matter the toppings and creative frills , the city hasalways appreciated a juicy burger — especially a Texas - sized one . earlier craft by two University of Texas graduate in the mid-1940s , this charming shack keeps all their burgers raging , well - flavour , and simple . The restaurant opened in Austin before spreading to Houston and other cities in Texas . Currently , the city only has two locations , but that ’s more than enough when the mood strike for lineament smashed patty . Pull up to this walk of life - up shack and render their double and three-fold decker burgers , or keep it simple with their individual - layered patty thawing and jalapeño poppers . How to book : Stop by for first seed , first do seating , order take - out viaToast , or get delivery throughDoordash .
Lankford’s Grocery & Market
MontroseWhen it fare to this quaint , XL style marketplace , they surely recognise how to woolgather up a classic American meal . Since they opened their doors in 1937 , they ’ve been churning out perfect burgers , traditional dessert , and Tex - Mex sink in breakfast platters with ease . Even their creamy milk shake , which pair nicely with their Peach Cobbler , will knock you back in your bottom — but keep you witting enough to add another to your tab . How to book : Stop by for first come , first served seating , fiat take - outonline , or get rescue viaDoordash , Postmates , andUberEats .
Three Brothers Bakery
Washington , Memorial and BraeswoodThis awarding - gain bakery continues to position the standard on what a delicious challah and pie patty should taste like . The company ’s lineage trace back to Poland in the mid 1820s , where it was originally describe Morris Jucker ’s Bakery . Two of the Jucker children , couple Sol and Sigmund , begin work out at the workshop at the ripe geezerhood of 10 , finally becoming the bread and butter of the shop . However , after the horror of WWII , the twins alongside their younger crony , Max , take flight to Houston and restarted their bakery campaign in 1949 . Since then , they ’ve opened three locations , pass around their rich fare of three - tier up bar , Salted Caramel Pecan and Bourbon Chocolate Chip Proto-Indo European , danishes , button cup biscuit , and more across Houston . Recently , the quaint dessert shop lionise their 73rd day of remembrance with 73 - cent cooky , so be certain to keep an eye out for their 74th . But you ’ll probably want to visit throughout the year , of course . How to book : bar by for first come , first served seating area , order take - outonline , or get delivery viaGrubhub .
Annie Café & Bar
Galleria / UptownMere minute off from the sprawling 610 Loop , this smart mainstay serve up the gross FOMO for Instagram reels . Seriously , one snapshot of their nifty Whatamelon Margarita ( a Tequila - based cocktail engross with lime , mint , and a watermelon garnish on the rim ) and their vivacious brunch spread , and you might get bombarded with substance to drop details on the restaurant . Annie , which originally opened in 1980 , has go through a number of contemporaneous renovations , but that eclectic allure that ’s facilitate progress their core customer base has never waver . Their most late redesign stretch back to 2019 , when eating house aficionado Ben Benjamin teamed up with James Beard acknowledge chef Robert Del Grande — who began working at the coffeehouse a twelvemonth after its first appearance — to vamp their carte du jour . Some of the standouts are their peewee cocktail process with a light chile sauce , salmon set atop a bed of shiitake mushrooms , ribeyes , and doll steaks . How to book : Reserve viaOpenTable , order take - outonline , or get delivery throughGrubhubandUberEats .
Brennan’s of Houston
MidtownWell have a go at it for their quondam - timey Interior Department and dainty , rum - flambéed Bananas Foster , this hot spot has been dominating Houston since 1967 . Brennan ’s really come off the heel of their honest-to-god , and just as popular , sister eatery Commander ’s Palace , which is stationed in New Orleans . They both embody a menu that ’s rooted in Gulf Coast classic , but their Midtown localisation fully embraces a modern Texas signature . Their crawfish - brimmed enchilada and Redfish have undergone a mesquit - grill makeover . However , there are plenitude of other dishes that are worth checking out . Customers can slurp on fresh oyster by the Irish pound , warm up up with their Snapping Turtle Soup , or keep it light with their monumental crab cake bed with an herbaceous plant salad . How to book : substitute viaOpenTableor by calling 713 - 522 - 9711 , or get legal transfer throughPostmatesandUberEats .
West Alabama Ice House
MontroseHouston ’s culinary landscape boasts flock of old - shoal eateries and thenightlife sceneis justly up there in years with corking vintage bars . Operating since the late 1920s , this neighborhood resort once was a shoes where local anesthetic could purchase ice . Several mushy picnic table later and the ice-skating rink house transformed into an undefended - patio beer castle . When chitchat , slide in the nearest hot seat ( if not whole filled ) and cozy up with some slow - cooked barbacoa tacos from the neighboringTacos Tierra Calientefood hand truck . How to book : block up by for first come , first served seating .
Tony’s
Greenway / Upper KirbyLuxurious private dining space , lobsters , and Luxardo Cherry tip gelato — public lecture about a triple threat . " Inspired by Naples , influenced by Milan , and care for in Houston , ” Tony ’s has been serving splendid menu for over 56 years . The previous Tony Vallone spearheaded the lavish concept , which has hosted legion celebrity ( including Mick Jagger and Andrea Bocelli ) and received admirable praise throughout the metropolis ’s social scene . Once inside , customer are immediately met with an redolent blending of well - prepared seafood and warm spices . And , if dining in private , forward-looking art , crystal chandelier , and — depend on the room — table immense enough to fit 100 people . For luncheon , steady your appetite with savory gazpacho and Ahi Tuna - dot toast before diving into hearty steak salad and truffled Filet Mignon . For dinner party , dig into classical fettuccini swim in vodka sauce , jumbo glob crab , lemony Dover Sole , and all the silken potatoes you’re able to possibly rust . How to book : Reserve and ordertake - outviaOpenTable , or get saving throughGrubhubandPostmates .
Pizzitola’s Bar-B-Cue
Washington Ave / Memorial ParkWould Houston truly be what it is withoutslabs of BBQ ? The city is full of mickle ofunderrated and well - live chemical chain , but we have to tip our hats to one of the OG chophouse , Pizzitola ’s . In 1934 , couplet John and Lela Davis opened this weed shack , to begin with named Shepherd Drive Barbecue Stand , in the now diminished West End neighborhood . Being that this was during the Jim Crow earned run average , many job across the urban center engaged in segregation . However , the restaurant ( which was Black - own at the time ) approached the racial divide differently , allow their Black customers to dine - in while the White customers were served in the back . After John Davis passed , long - clock time client Jerry Pizzitola bribe the BBQ joint and the residue is history . Their menu is heavy on classics , so expect juicy brisket , ribs guaranteed to fall off the bone , smoked chicken , pulled pork , and sausage balloon links by the British pound sterling . How to reserve : block up by for first come , first serve well seating , order take - outonline , or get delivery viaFavor .
The Annie Café & Bar
Birraporetti’s
The Original Ninfa’s
Lankford Grocery & Market
The Annie Café & Bar
Brennan’s of Houston
Tony’s
