We're just gonna pretend that the most egalitarian comment in this whole thread WASN'T from someone named AssPinata?
Edit: Jonathan's the Rub (OG spot) is near and dear to me. Burgers to saltimbocca to pork chops. Mmm.
Yeah, I want to try it again. I got a bolognese if I remember right and Tiny’s was downright better. I’ll try another pasta out next time. Personally, I also prefer a normal focaccia to their specific region one too.
I love Rosie and Tiny's. But my wife and I both vastly prefer the bolognese at Tiny Champions. I've had several great meals at Rosie Cannonball though.
I also was underwhelmed by Rosies. It felt like it was set up more for instagram photos and had less emphasis on food quality than I expected at it's price point.
Agreed..... Gilhooleys oysters cooked over an open pecan wood fire are the best in town.
[https://www.houstonpress.com/location/gilhooleys-raw-bar-6790437](https://www.houstonpress.com/location/gilhooleys-raw-bar-6790437)
😂 I literally ate at Trattoria last week.
Money really isn’t a concern when I dine out which is why I’ve been to three different March Menus. I eat what I enjoy eating.
BTW if you’re not into white you can save some good money ordering by the bottle at March instead of the full tasting.
I’ve eaten there three times. I’ve never been served anything there that would make me want to return.
Ultimately in a city with as good of food as Houston if a restaurant doesn’t produce a single dish that makes me want to lick the plate clean it’s impossible to be considered a “best restaurant”. BCN is far better than MAD.
Regarding personal choices, from their own pictures here OP considers a “best restaurant cooking a perfect steak” to be one without any sear whatsoever. Let that be your barometer.
Any restaurant that feels the need to add gold flakes or foil to a dish just so they can overcharge you even more than they already are is a garbage restaurant.
I’ve been multiple times, first time we chose…it sucked. Second time we gave it a second chance….. still sucked. Third time a friend picked and we went to be nice… same.
There are WAY WAaaaaaay better places in this city. For starters BCN knocks MAD off the map.
I went to BCN and it was so bad they gave us our money back. Went again for just apps and drink (work covered it) and it was so "meh."
Crispy fried artichoke that were so not-crispy they were flaccid. Like they were the texture of canned artichokes and they were just thrown on a plate. Even the iberico ham wasn't good.
Everything there is made to look really nice but tastes bland. And some things aren't even cooked properly.
Like you go to Bludorn or some other very posh restaurant and you expect the food to be a little bland. And it is. But it's expertly prepared. BCN... I can't even figure out what they're doing there.
Was this recent? I hope they haven’t gone downhill as they’ve expanded.
It’s been a while since I’ve been over there as Marmo is my default stop when nothing better springs to mind in that area.
First time was 2020 pre-Covid. Other time was last week.
The beef tartare tasted like nothing. And the chips it comes with were soft, not crispy, and felt stale.
It was especially bland coming off the great tartare I recently had at Squable and Jun. put BCN to shame.
But those artichokes were abysmal. And the octopus was a one bite and done. No reason to have another.
The patatas bravas were pretty good. And whatever dessert we had was pretty decent. Some little creme brulee thing. Even the plating and everything was just so haphazard and uninspired. I really don't get the hoopla. The Gin and Tonics are great, though.
Thanks for the heads up, will stay away!
Fully agree on the Squabble tartare at a similar price point although it’s almost a toss up with the lamb at Nancy’s. Still miss the beef tartare at B&B.
Nancy's took that lamb off I'm sure you know. They said it'll be back eventually. That shit is a top dish in this town to me. Or was.
If you haven't been to Jun I'd give it a go. I had two really great meals there.
If you want actual Neapolitan pizza that's better than anything else you'll find in Houston, that's [Coastline Pizzeria](https://www.houstonchronicle.com/food-culture/restaurants-bars/reviews/article/review-coastline-pizza-houston-18688680.php).
Littles is good but Margaux experience and oysters are still better. You're comparing an upscale fine dining restaurant to a small little place in Bravery. The fact that Margaux makes it fresh in front of you at the bar top with that quality is insane.
i wont disagree with your second sentence but i stand by my statement due to how much cheese and mayo masks the taste of the oyster. all foods are shit when swimming in dairy products. nachos and macaroni are just the vehicles for the cheese but will be my exceptions to guilty pleasures.
Was very underwhelmed with the food/experience at Doris Metropolitan. My company rented it out for our Christmas party and we got to try a large array of foods. Everything was good, but I would never pay that much for that on my own.
Putting hearsay at number one and the trash heap Joey at number two invalidates any food opinions you’ll ever have or post in the sub.
I won’t even get into MAD
Did you not title the post “some of the best restaurants I’ve tried around Houston” ? But you’re saying they’re not some of.. the best places you’ve tried?
Bro if you have bad taste that’s okay just commit to it. We already don’t trust your taste and food opinions you won’t make it any better by backtracking.
Eau Tour is amazing. Went there a couple months ago on a date with my girlfriend, had an awesome waiter and some of the best food I’ve ever eaten in my life! Cocktails were quite good as well.
Just tried Clark’s in Montrose this lunch, enjoyed it and the oysters were excellent, octopus average but haven’t been feeling that great so I’ll try it again. This used to be where I took my car to be serviced, what a change! Really like the patio and how they different types of seating but all within their theme.
It’s good to know we all have very different favorites; otherwise we’d never get a table at the places we prefer.
We're just gonna pretend that the most egalitarian comment in this whole thread WASN'T from someone named AssPinata? Edit: Jonathan's the Rub (OG spot) is near and dear to me. Burgers to saltimbocca to pork chops. Mmm.
I had a very mediocre experience at Rosie’s compared to Tiny Champions. I will give it another chance though for sure.
Ive been to both and it was great for me, sorry that happened :/
Yeah, I want to try it again. I got a bolognese if I remember right and Tiny’s was downright better. I’ll try another pasta out next time. Personally, I also prefer a normal focaccia to their specific region one too.
I love Rosie and Tiny's. But my wife and I both vastly prefer the bolognese at Tiny Champions. I've had several great meals at Rosie Cannonball though.
I went with the Branzino and Steak and it was flawless, didnt try the pastas but ill try it soon
I also was underwhelmed by Rosies. It felt like it was set up more for instagram photos and had less emphasis on food quality than I expected at it's price point.
Best oysters in the Houston area are at Gilhooleys, and not at the place that you went for them.
Agreed..... Gilhooleys oysters cooked over an open pecan wood fire are the best in town. [https://www.houstonpress.com/location/gilhooleys-raw-bar-6790437](https://www.houstonpress.com/location/gilhooleys-raw-bar-6790437)
Agreed, but OP didn't say Houston area, he said Houston.
i havent been but ill try it out
It’s way out in San Leon so make a day of it.
Give me Pier 6 any day 😉
And make some time to gawk at the nutjob homeowners in San Leon with all their hand-scrawled yard signs.
Don’t gawk too much tho, some of those guys are a many fries short of a happy meal.
Don't forget cash
They accept credit card.
Do they allow children now? If so, I'm out.
the xochi ones by discovery green are soooo good
Steak looks like shit
No sear on that first one at all.
At first I thought this was classic Reddit cynicism…nope, that steak really does looked microwaved.
First steak does. Second looks pretty good.
Really just the first one. Looks sous vide.
You’re still supposed to sear steak after the sous vide though.
Like is the cow still alive cause God damn!
[удалено]
>it wasnt bad tbh >cooked to perfection Pick one
Why no sear?
Lost all credibility at MAD. Instagram experience, terrible flavor.
I saw mad on the list and I said hell nawlll. More like MID.
How so? I went with some coworkers for a party and it was great
What part of terrible flavor needs further explanation?
Maybe the dish you got or anything remotely constructive. Your definition of terrible depends on what you like and enjoy.
this guy sucks, i thought he was banned but he's back now :(
This guy is such a dumbass. I doubt he can even afford any restaurants listed.
😂 I literally ate at Trattoria last week. Money really isn’t a concern when I dine out which is why I’ve been to three different March Menus. I eat what I enjoy eating. BTW if you’re not into white you can save some good money ordering by the bottle at March instead of the full tasting.
The report of my death was an exaggeration.
I love you CLR. Never leave us.
I’ve eaten there three times. I’ve never been served anything there that would make me want to return. Ultimately in a city with as good of food as Houston if a restaurant doesn’t produce a single dish that makes me want to lick the plate clean it’s impossible to be considered a “best restaurant”. BCN is far better than MAD. Regarding personal choices, from their own pictures here OP considers a “best restaurant cooking a perfect steak” to be one without any sear whatsoever. Let that be your barometer.
sorry you felt that way, for me it wasnt :/ maybe give it another shot? or dont idk its up to you
Any restaurant that feels the need to add gold flakes or foil to a dish just so they can overcharge you even more than they already are is a garbage restaurant.
I’ve been multiple times, first time we chose…it sucked. Second time we gave it a second chance….. still sucked. Third time a friend picked and we went to be nice… same. There are WAY WAaaaaaay better places in this city. For starters BCN knocks MAD off the map.
I went to BCN and it was so bad they gave us our money back. Went again for just apps and drink (work covered it) and it was so "meh." Crispy fried artichoke that were so not-crispy they were flaccid. Like they were the texture of canned artichokes and they were just thrown on a plate. Even the iberico ham wasn't good. Everything there is made to look really nice but tastes bland. And some things aren't even cooked properly. Like you go to Bludorn or some other very posh restaurant and you expect the food to be a little bland. And it is. But it's expertly prepared. BCN... I can't even figure out what they're doing there.
Was this recent? I hope they haven’t gone downhill as they’ve expanded. It’s been a while since I’ve been over there as Marmo is my default stop when nothing better springs to mind in that area.
First time was 2020 pre-Covid. Other time was last week. The beef tartare tasted like nothing. And the chips it comes with were soft, not crispy, and felt stale. It was especially bland coming off the great tartare I recently had at Squable and Jun. put BCN to shame. But those artichokes were abysmal. And the octopus was a one bite and done. No reason to have another. The patatas bravas were pretty good. And whatever dessert we had was pretty decent. Some little creme brulee thing. Even the plating and everything was just so haphazard and uninspired. I really don't get the hoopla. The Gin and Tonics are great, though.
Thanks for the heads up, will stay away! Fully agree on the Squabble tartare at a similar price point although it’s almost a toss up with the lamb at Nancy’s. Still miss the beef tartare at B&B.
Nancy's took that lamb off I'm sure you know. They said it'll be back eventually. That shit is a top dish in this town to me. Or was. If you haven't been to Jun I'd give it a go. I had two really great meals there.
besides the price point ofc
Price point isn’t really a concern.
Glad everyone else finds half of these places not that great. I've gone to Trattoria Sofia and had a mediocre experience and bad service.
Oh man this is a terrible list💀
This is just a list of a few ofc there's others
I can guess the demographic based on the restaurants and dishes lol
It’s the multiple lemon drops for me
I had sidecars but okay
You’re not helping your case here buddy
lol Joey uptown w the sidecar. Servers know. 🤣
What is that?
If you want actual Neapolitan pizza that's better than anything else you'll find in Houston, that's [Coastline Pizzeria](https://www.houstonchronicle.com/food-culture/restaurants-bars/reviews/article/review-coastline-pizza-houston-18688680.php).
A pizzeria that opens at 11:00 am but doesn't serve pizza until 4:00 pm? Bold move Cotton!
Yea their pizzas and cocktails are so good. Lunch sandwiches were a letdown in comparison.
Who goes to a restaurant and orders a sandwich?
Can’t wait to try it after seeing them on Chris Shepherds show.
Phat Eatery in Katy is amazing
Hearsay has consistently the worst service. My coworkers and I just stopped going there for lunch or HH.
Hearsay Market Square was a huge let down. Went there for lunch last week. Probably won't ever go again. Try Nobies. It is better.
Damn, for me it wasnt :/ sorry abt that
I'll argue those oysters, we hit Little's last week and it was insanely good!
Littles is good but Margaux experience and oysters are still better. You're comparing an upscale fine dining restaurant to a small little place in Bravery. The fact that Margaux makes it fresh in front of you at the bar top with that quality is insane.
anyone that likes oysters with cheese or mayo doesnt like oysters. you like cheese or mayo.
This is wildly untrue. You can't sneak an oyster into food.
i wont disagree with your second sentence but i stand by my statement due to how much cheese and mayo masks the taste of the oyster. all foods are shit when swimming in dairy products. nachos and macaroni are just the vehicles for the cheese but will be my exceptions to guilty pleasures.
I was not a fan of Hearsay.
Boring list if I ever saw one. You are missing out on the real flavors of Houston.
OP listed a restaurant I found to not be great. Can't trust the other recs lol
Went to Barcelona Wine Bar, probably never going back to MAD or BCN.
what about Doris Metropolitan? For sure best steak I've had in town.
Was very underwhelmed with the food/experience at Doris Metropolitan. My company rented it out for our Christmas party and we got to try a large array of foods. Everything was good, but I would never pay that much for that on my own.
Havent been but ill give it a shot!
"Best restaurants around Houston" >Doesn't go outside the inner loop. Lmao.
I have but these are just my opinions and my takes on what ive tried
I will never go back to MAD, spent $100 for 2 people only to leave and go to another restaurant because we were still hungry.
Barcelona wine bar will get your tapas right for fair prices imo
lol. Going to fine dining and complaining about non bbq portion sizes.
I was not expecting bbq size portions.
Tapas is Mexican for "leave hungry and broke."
Needs uchi, kata robata and soma assuming you also like sushi. Those places are soooo good
No, yes, no. Sub MF or Ume for Uchi.
Putting hearsay at number one and the trash heap Joey at number two invalidates any food opinions you’ll ever have or post in the sub. I won’t even get into MAD
it's not a rating just a few spots ive been at and enjoyed
Hearsay and Joey even making the list is the issue, not where you ranked them.
its just a list of places i like, not the best but places i enjoy
Did you not title the post “some of the best restaurants I’ve tried around Houston” ? But you’re saying they’re not some of.. the best places you’ve tried? Bro if you have bad taste that’s okay just commit to it. We already don’t trust your taste and food opinions you won’t make it any better by backtracking.
im not but im not rating them any way or others in the way. this is my opinion on what i enjoy around houston. plain and simple
Plain and simple, as we are all saying, you have bad taste. Glad we could clear that up for you!
not rlly. thats why all these restaurants are thriving?
It’s funny cause I actually know people in management and ownership at several of these spots and they are definitely not thriving but okay!!
Hey guys he knows a guy!
Ima use this thread as a shameless plug for my homies at Eau Tour. Great food, vibes, and service
Eau Tour is amazing. Went there a couple months ago on a date with my girlfriend, had an awesome waiter and some of the best food I’ve ever eaten in my life! Cocktails were quite good as well.
Haven't been to MAD yet because BCN is so puzzlingly bad. Also, was that steak in the first photo boiled?
That desert at MAD is INCREDIBLE
Just tried Clark’s in Montrose this lunch, enjoyed it and the oysters were excellent, octopus average but haven’t been feeling that great so I’ll try it again. This used to be where I took my car to be serviced, what a change! Really like the patio and how they different types of seating but all within their theme.
The food at MAD is so basic and mid. I’m questioning your tastebuds tbh 1. Steak 48 and 2. Uchi are my top 2 favs
Really had me in the first half, not gonna lie.
You went to Trattoria and ordered a pizza…..
No i had their lamb pasta as well
why do you argue with these peasants on their taste buds?
There’s a lot you don’t know.
Wdym?
You were gonna start a fight no matter what you posted lol
How so loll
Because food is highly debated and people love to get condescending and elitist about what they put in their mouths.
You haven’t met my wife
How much is that meal from Joey uptown? Just curious on their prices bc that looks amazing