Though dining in Houston is more expensive than ever, especially inside the Loop where rents and taxes have increased along with the increased population and business density in recent year, there a still some very good dining values. The best dining values do not mean the cheapest joints, but are those that provide the best food for its price, while sometimes cheap is just cheap. To note, inside the Loop for the purpose of this piece refers to the area running west of downtown to the 610 Loop; which is what most locals think about when they hear the phrase.
Aladdin – Picking up a tray and gazing across the partition into an expanse of enticing, mostly vegetarian preparations – roughly 30 items most lunchtimes well beyond the two types of creamy and delectable hummus and baba ganoush – is just a preface to an enjoyable and very affordable meal, as the dishes often taste even better than they look. A well-cooked meat like chicken shawarma, lamb gyro or one of the day’s stews, comes with three sides on filling platter for just $12.99 and usually a dollar cheaper during lunch. Not only the best value Middle Eastern restaurant, Aladdin is one of the best in Houston. 912 Westheimer (at Montrose), 77006, (713) 942-2321
Giacomo’s – This comfortable and eminently enjoyable River Oaks spot is a casual Italian restaurant done right, or an appealing neighborhood restaurant of any stripe done right. The well-executed fare is vibrant, light on its feet, and properly evoking Italy, often with dishes inspired from proprietor Lynette Hawkins’s days growing up in Rome and Tuscany. Almost nothing is over $20 and there are plenty of items that are meant to share. And, its list of nearly all-Italian wines – interesting, well-selected and very affordable – is the best value wine list in the city, and one of the best places in which to indulge. It’s tough to leave here without a smile on your face. 3215 Westheimer (at Bammel Lane), 77098, (713) 522-1934
Istanbul Grill – Essentially next door to The Ginger Man, this is yet another reason to brave the traffic and parking travails in the Village with its interesting, well-prepared Turkish food in a pleasant, informal setting, often lively atmosphere, and noticeably friendly and eager service. Many of their traditional Turkish items are baked in a traditional brick oven that is evident in the somewhat open kitchen, including the distinctive Turkish pizzas that can provide a filling meal for $10-$12. The kabob platters are a great value here, easily worth the $12 tariff for the beef and lamb doner kabob and $14 for the lash shish kabob. The portions are generous and served with a large amount of moist rice and grilled tomatoes and bell peppers. Warm, house-made thin pide bread nicely complements every table. 5613 Morningside (just north of University), 77005, (713) 526-2800
La Guadalupana – Though not much to look at, and really not much at all in terms of size, La Guadalupana Bakery & Café on Dunlavy is nonetheless an excellent neighborhood place for a pleasing Mexican meal, or to grab some attractive and scrumptious Mexican pastries and coffee. The dumpy little dining room has become increasingly more crowded in the past year as more have discovered the considerable charms of the inexpensive breakfast and lunch spot. For just $10.99, you can get lighter-than-typical enchiladas verdes or poblano enchiladas – with a proprietor from Puebla, the mole poblano are worth ordering – or, for about the same price, the terrific stewed pork slathered in a verdant spicy salsa, asado de puerco. For the mornings or weekends, their breakfast tacos are among the best in the area. 2100 Dunlavy (between Fairview and West Gray) 77019, (713) 522-2301
Laredo Taqueria – The lines running out the door of this air conditioned taco stand from about 11AM to 1PM and often beyond, are a testament to its popularity which derives in large part because of healthy-sized tacos on fresh flour tortillas that are just $2.50 after another price increase. Three is enough for most, and four most for a gluttonous meal. Never mind the occasional piece of cartilage or gristle, as these are never enough to ruin a taco. The locations on the near north side are more consistent, especially the one on Patton, but this location is far more convenient for most. 915 Snover (on Washington east of Shepherd), 77007, (713) 861-7279
Les Ba’get – If you blink while driving north on Montrose towards W. Gray, you’ll miss the little house that Les Ba’get occupies, but savvy diners quickly flocked to the place, which features a second- (or third-) generation iteration of the casual Vietnamese sandwich shop that Houstonians have grown to love. It’s more than that, actually, with some cool beers, fairly attractive presentations, excellent banh mi featuring a baguette-style roll made to their specifications by Parisian Bakery on Bellaire and meats that include a non-traditional succulent 24-hour pork belly done sous vide, a little less enjoyable sandwiches on croissants, very commendable pho and rice plates, spring rolls and their brethren, and even some funky breakfast dishes served all day. Hip and inviting, this would stand out in Chinatown, managing to appeal to a non-Vietnamese clientele, but without shying away from its roots and gutsier sensibilities – tendon and tripe are pho staples – but a lot of Houstonians of every stripe have come to like much of Vietnamese cuisine. Accessible, but excellent…except for the parking situation. 1717 Montrose (between W. Gray and Fairview), 77006, (832) 548-1080
Little Bigs – From the folks at Reef, this casual spot now in the Museum District serves up tasty little sliders in the forms of hamburger, hot dog, Buffalo chicken, fried shrimp and pit-smoked shredded pork, all on excellent, fresh brioche buns that really help make a difference. The all-beef hot dogs might be the best choice, and among the most laudable dogs in the city. A choice of three sill cost $6.69 and paired with a side of top-notch, crispy fries, you have a meal for $11. Good beer and wine are available, too, for very fair prices. Though it won’t stop an avid fan, disconcertingly, you might want to avoid the fountain drinks as water from it often tastes odd – moldy or mildewy during a number of visits – and the restrooms aren’t the cleanest. The food still tastes great, though. 4621 Montrose (just south of the Southwest Freeway), 77006, (713) 521-2447
Market Square Bar & Grill – Attractively located in an old building on Market Square downtown, this is a friendly, quiet place consisting of a narrow interior with a long wood bar, across from which are several tables and booths against the exposed brick wall that leads out to a small New Orleans-style courtyard in back. The menu items are somewhat expected, but more refined pub fare: finger foods for appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, other grilled items, salads, and even hummus. The difference is that everything here is made to order, and much more attention is paid to detail here. All of the burgers begin with a patty of seven ounces of high quality ground chuck, properly cooked and with enough fat content to ensure juicy goodness helping ensure a fine finish. There are also very enjoyable hot sandwiches like the Pete’s Philly with blue cheese and jalapeños, and even fairly enticing salads that are well-suited for the lunch crowd. Most of the menu is still under double digits. 311 Travis (across from the Market Square Park) 77002, (713) 224-6133
Thien An – The familiar local Vietnamese menu including spring and fried egg rolls, banh mi, rice plates, vermicelli bowls, and pho is provided here. It’s just done noticeably better than most other places, and not just budget options. The banh mi are one highlight, especially for the local favorite, the char-grilled pork (all the way to $3.75 now), since the restaurant is more generous than most with the pork, which is nicely cooked, tender and richly flavorful, nestled along with the expected fresh, texture-providing accompaniments in a local-standard short Vietnamese baguette that is properly crusty and airy. The no-nonsense setting provides an appropriate place for a tasty and cheap meal. 2611 San Jacinto (just south of McGowen), 77004, (713) 522-7007
Uberrito – The former Mission Burritos is down to just one location inside the loop, but their build-it-yourself burritos on giant 13” tortillas featuring a choice among now eight proteins or vegetables as a centerpiece are also much tastier than the similar competitors as are the newish “Ten Tasty Tacos” are quite tasty, too. A bit of their fiery green salsa seems to help with most burritos and tacos (as long as you don’t apply it too exuberantly). The burritos are still large, though maybe not as protein-packed as the in past, which is probably a good thing for most. These are still cheap, too, starting at under $7, and even cheaper on Mondays when the chicken and veggie burritos are just $5. 1609 Durham (just south of I-10), 77007, (713) 426-6634 (plus three locations outside the Loop)
A series of small plates at Giacomo's:
Aladdin – Picking up a tray and gazing across the partition into an expanse of enticing, mostly vegetarian preparations – roughly 30 items most lunchtimes well beyond the two types of creamy and delectable hummus and baba ganoush – is just a preface to an enjoyable and very affordable meal, as the dishes often taste even better than they look. A well-cooked meat like chicken shawarma, lamb gyro or one of the day’s stews, comes with three sides on filling platter for just $12.99 and usually a dollar cheaper during lunch. Not only the best value Middle Eastern restaurant, Aladdin is one of the best in Houston. 912 Westheimer (at Montrose), 77006, (713) 942-2321
Giacomo’s – This comfortable and eminently enjoyable River Oaks spot is a casual Italian restaurant done right, or an appealing neighborhood restaurant of any stripe done right. The well-executed fare is vibrant, light on its feet, and properly evoking Italy, often with dishes inspired from proprietor Lynette Hawkins’s days growing up in Rome and Tuscany. Almost nothing is over $20 and there are plenty of items that are meant to share. And, its list of nearly all-Italian wines – interesting, well-selected and very affordable – is the best value wine list in the city, and one of the best places in which to indulge. It’s tough to leave here without a smile on your face. 3215 Westheimer (at Bammel Lane), 77098, (713) 522-1934
Istanbul Grill – Essentially next door to The Ginger Man, this is yet another reason to brave the traffic and parking travails in the Village with its interesting, well-prepared Turkish food in a pleasant, informal setting, often lively atmosphere, and noticeably friendly and eager service. Many of their traditional Turkish items are baked in a traditional brick oven that is evident in the somewhat open kitchen, including the distinctive Turkish pizzas that can provide a filling meal for $10-$12. The kabob platters are a great value here, easily worth the $12 tariff for the beef and lamb doner kabob and $14 for the lash shish kabob. The portions are generous and served with a large amount of moist rice and grilled tomatoes and bell peppers. Warm, house-made thin pide bread nicely complements every table. 5613 Morningside (just north of University), 77005, (713) 526-2800
La Guadalupana – Though not much to look at, and really not much at all in terms of size, La Guadalupana Bakery & Café on Dunlavy is nonetheless an excellent neighborhood place for a pleasing Mexican meal, or to grab some attractive and scrumptious Mexican pastries and coffee. The dumpy little dining room has become increasingly more crowded in the past year as more have discovered the considerable charms of the inexpensive breakfast and lunch spot. For just $10.99, you can get lighter-than-typical enchiladas verdes or poblano enchiladas – with a proprietor from Puebla, the mole poblano are worth ordering – or, for about the same price, the terrific stewed pork slathered in a verdant spicy salsa, asado de puerco. For the mornings or weekends, their breakfast tacos are among the best in the area. 2100 Dunlavy (between Fairview and West Gray) 77019, (713) 522-2301
Laredo Taqueria – The lines running out the door of this air conditioned taco stand from about 11AM to 1PM and often beyond, are a testament to its popularity which derives in large part because of healthy-sized tacos on fresh flour tortillas that are just $2.50 after another price increase. Three is enough for most, and four most for a gluttonous meal. Never mind the occasional piece of cartilage or gristle, as these are never enough to ruin a taco. The locations on the near north side are more consistent, especially the one on Patton, but this location is far more convenient for most. 915 Snover (on Washington east of Shepherd), 77007, (713) 861-7279
Les Ba’get – If you blink while driving north on Montrose towards W. Gray, you’ll miss the little house that Les Ba’get occupies, but savvy diners quickly flocked to the place, which features a second- (or third-) generation iteration of the casual Vietnamese sandwich shop that Houstonians have grown to love. It’s more than that, actually, with some cool beers, fairly attractive presentations, excellent banh mi featuring a baguette-style roll made to their specifications by Parisian Bakery on Bellaire and meats that include a non-traditional succulent 24-hour pork belly done sous vide, a little less enjoyable sandwiches on croissants, very commendable pho and rice plates, spring rolls and their brethren, and even some funky breakfast dishes served all day. Hip and inviting, this would stand out in Chinatown, managing to appeal to a non-Vietnamese clientele, but without shying away from its roots and gutsier sensibilities – tendon and tripe are pho staples – but a lot of Houstonians of every stripe have come to like much of Vietnamese cuisine. Accessible, but excellent…except for the parking situation. 1717 Montrose (between W. Gray and Fairview), 77006, (832) 548-1080
Little Bigs – From the folks at Reef, this casual spot now in the Museum District serves up tasty little sliders in the forms of hamburger, hot dog, Buffalo chicken, fried shrimp and pit-smoked shredded pork, all on excellent, fresh brioche buns that really help make a difference. The all-beef hot dogs might be the best choice, and among the most laudable dogs in the city. A choice of three sill cost $6.69 and paired with a side of top-notch, crispy fries, you have a meal for $11. Good beer and wine are available, too, for very fair prices. Though it won’t stop an avid fan, disconcertingly, you might want to avoid the fountain drinks as water from it often tastes odd – moldy or mildewy during a number of visits – and the restrooms aren’t the cleanest. The food still tastes great, though. 4621 Montrose (just south of the Southwest Freeway), 77006, (713) 521-2447
Market Square Bar & Grill – Attractively located in an old building on Market Square downtown, this is a friendly, quiet place consisting of a narrow interior with a long wood bar, across from which are several tables and booths against the exposed brick wall that leads out to a small New Orleans-style courtyard in back. The menu items are somewhat expected, but more refined pub fare: finger foods for appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, other grilled items, salads, and even hummus. The difference is that everything here is made to order, and much more attention is paid to detail here. All of the burgers begin with a patty of seven ounces of high quality ground chuck, properly cooked and with enough fat content to ensure juicy goodness helping ensure a fine finish. There are also very enjoyable hot sandwiches like the Pete’s Philly with blue cheese and jalapeños, and even fairly enticing salads that are well-suited for the lunch crowd. Most of the menu is still under double digits. 311 Travis (across from the Market Square Park) 77002, (713) 224-6133
Thien An – The familiar local Vietnamese menu including spring and fried egg rolls, banh mi, rice plates, vermicelli bowls, and pho is provided here. It’s just done noticeably better than most other places, and not just budget options. The banh mi are one highlight, especially for the local favorite, the char-grilled pork (all the way to $3.75 now), since the restaurant is more generous than most with the pork, which is nicely cooked, tender and richly flavorful, nestled along with the expected fresh, texture-providing accompaniments in a local-standard short Vietnamese baguette that is properly crusty and airy. The no-nonsense setting provides an appropriate place for a tasty and cheap meal. 2611 San Jacinto (just south of McGowen), 77004, (713) 522-7007
Uberrito – The former Mission Burritos is down to just one location inside the loop, but their build-it-yourself burritos on giant 13” tortillas featuring a choice among now eight proteins or vegetables as a centerpiece are also much tastier than the similar competitors as are the newish “Ten Tasty Tacos” are quite tasty, too. A bit of their fiery green salsa seems to help with most burritos and tacos (as long as you don’t apply it too exuberantly). The burritos are still large, though maybe not as protein-packed as the in past, which is probably a good thing for most. These are still cheap, too, starting at under $7, and even cheaper on Mondays when the chicken and veggie burritos are just $5. 1609 Durham (just south of I-10), 77007, (713) 426-6634 (plus three locations outside the Loop)
A series of small plates at Giacomo's:
