Oak Forest - Favorite Places To Eat In Our Neighborhood

[danhole]

Since I mentioned restaurants on another thread, I was wondering what your favorites are in the neighborhood or close by.

Some of mine are:

Doyle's

Pierson & Co. BBQ on T C Jester

Little Bitty Burger Barn

Tony's on Ella

Barbecue Inn

Edited June 1, 2009 by danhole

[Heights2Bastrop]

Red Onion on 290

Ryan

[danhole]

Red Onion on 290

Ryan's Steakhouse on 34th off 290

Frank's Grill on Mangum

Supreme Sandwiches on Jester at Dacoma

Just down the road:

Shanghai Inn on 290 at Fairbanks N Houston (Great Pressed Chicken)

Eats Mesquite Grill on Hempstead at Tidwell

Cajun Town Caf

Edited June 2, 2009 by danhole

[Heights2Bastrop]

Sorry to hear about Ryan

[tac0meat]

Mytiburger on 43rd near East TC Jester! Great hamburgers, they will make it any way you want it. It does take a good 10 minutes or so for your order to be ready, but they accept orders over the phone. Just call them, place your order, and by the time you show up, its ready to go.

Double Daves on Ella was a good hang out on their $1 pints with buffet night, but they changed management a while back and I haven't been back since so it might be different.

[20thStDad]

Since I mentioned restaurants on another thread, I was wondering what your favorites are in the neighborhood or close by.

Some of mine are:

Doyle's

Pierson & Co. BBQ on T C Jester

Little Bitty Burger Barn

Tony's on Ella

Barbecue Inn

Tell me about Pierson & Co, I'm always looking for good barbecue.

I second Frank's and Barbecue Inn. Need to try Tony's.

[Heights2Bastrop]

We actually preferred Tecate to Tony's. Tecate is just a few blocks north of Tony's. Tony's wasn't bad, but I did find it to be about fairly average fare.

[danhole]

Sorry to hear about Ryan's closing. I looked it up and saw four of the eight locations closed, and the name has changed for the ones still open. Supreme Sandwiches catered a lunch at the office once, and I started going there after that. I just thought they were really good, and very reasonably priced, quite unlike their neighbor, Antone's.

That Antone's was without a doubt the worst location in Houston, although I know not all are owned by the same people. Same family, perhaps, but different owners.

I went to Larry's BBQ a couple of times, and I loved it, but GF didn't, so we didn't go. Not everything was good, but the selection was very big, and some items were very tasty.

Some of the chains I liked in the area include Olive Garden, Black-Eyed Pea, Jason's Deli, Chili's and Steak and Ale, which may also be colsed. I gave up on the Pappa's chain. They priced themselves out of my interest range, and I had a few bad experiences with them.

I used to go to Railroad Crossing BBQ years ago, and it was good, but I don't know about now. It is on Hempstead north of Gessner. On Gessner west of Hempstead was Sam's Hamburgers. It was always packed at lunchtime.

You need to give Cajun Town a try. You walk up to the counter to order, then they bring the food to your table. When it gets crowded, you may be standing in line for a while. The Leader used to carry a coupon for the restaurant, and I believe they still do.

They have great fried seafood, French fries and onion rings. The hamburgers are top notch. But their specialty is the grilled fish with a choice of toppings and sauces. GF went there a few weeks ago and said it was still tops.

One of the best burgers in town was Tommy's on Post Oak north of Old Katy. Eats used to be in Deauville Plaza behind Black-Eyed Pea, but could never draw a crowd there. They seemed to be doing OK at the Hempstead/Tidwell location. The guys who own Eats and Tommy's are brothers, and really nice folks.

Last time I went to Antones it was pretty good. They even toast your po-boy's if you want. We didn't care for Larry's BBQ, but we went 3 times to give it a chance. It's been a long time, but really not on our list. Steak 'n Ale is long gone!

I remember when Eats was behind the Black Eyed Pea. We ate there a couple times. Now it is an Italian restaurant - Fratelli's, which has very good food. I like it a lot, but my DH doesn't. He like the spaghetti at Spaghtti Warehouse, which is more American, and Frateeli's is more real Italian, so . . .

We have gone to Railroad Crossing before, but not for the BBQ. We had the steak dinner which was good for the price. Not top notch, but not shabby at all.

Is Tommy's on N. Post Oak? Is it a stand alone building or in an office building? Why do you say "was" the best burger. Is it not now? I am a burger freak, but even though I live around the corner from Mytiburger I am not a big fan. They are okay but more often than not they come out too dry, and I like juicy. I'll have to try the burger at Cajun Town.

I'm with you on the Pappas chain - don't go there. We have more than one bad experience (at the Steakhouse was the worst), and since they ruined Luby's, never again! They would have to give the food to me.

If you haven't tried Pierson's BBQ you have to check it out. Limited hours, Tues - Sat from 11am to 7pm. There was a BBQ smackdown last year with a bunch of Houston Chowhounds and they won first place for brisket and 2nd (lost by a couple points) for ribs. They also have pork, turkey, sausage, boudin, and more. If you google them you will find a website. Very friendly people, but not many tables so we get it to go. If you want smoked chicken it is best to call ahead. Only on weekends, but very good. And the beans are the greatest. Someone told me it is East Texas style BBQ. Don't know, because I am not an expert, but it is great. I never even get sauce on it - put it on the side. The meat is good on it's own, but the sauce is good too. Love this place. T C Jester just past Tidwell.

[danhole]

We actually preferred Tecate to Tony's. Tecate is just a few blocks north of Tony's. Tony's wasn't bad, but I did find it to be about fairly average fare.

We are the opposite. One of the things I really like about Tony's (besides the killer margaritas) is the large menu. Lots of choices. They have pretty good quail too. My DH only eats fajitas at Mexican places, and he doesn't like Tecate. He likes Tony's but they aren't his favorite. He REALLY like Fajita Willies out 290 by Gessner, or Lupe Tortillas.

[sheeats]

Tell me about Pierson & Co, I'm always looking for good barbecue.

Pierson is a fabulous little place. The folks that run it are always incredibly nice and they turn out some of the meanest BBQ around. Their brisket is my favorite in town, and their ribs are damn good too. It's just off Tidwell - go give them a try and report back.

[goastros]

Why is the Shipley's Donuts on Ella always crowded in the afternoons? We drive by there on our way to Krogers and the line is always out in the street. Are they giving away free donuts or something?

[danhole]

Why is the Shipley's Donuts on Ella always crowded in the afternoons? We drive by there on our way to Krogers and the line is always out in the street. Are they giving away free donuts or something?

That's a great question and I wish I could find out! That is a ridiculous line for a donut place at dinner time. Maybe some people have donuts and kolaches for dinner. I went in there one afternoon, around 3pm, to look at the menu. I thought maybe they were selling some dinner type food, but it was the usual Shipleys stuff. I tried to ask why so many came in at 5pm but there was a language barrier and I got no answers. If you figure it out, share with us.

[danhole]

Pierson is a fabulous little place. The folks that run it are always incredibly nice and they turn out some of the meanest BBQ around. Their brisket is my favorite in town, and their ribs are damn good too. It's just off Tidwell - go give them a try and report back.

I posted a bit about Pierson's in post #8, just in case you miss it.

[Heights2Bastrop]

Is Tommy's on N. Post Oak? Is it a stand alone building or in an office building? Why do you say "was" the best burger. Is it not now?

The building where Tommy's is used to be a meat market, possibly B&W Meat. We used to go there when I was a kid.

I say "was" only because I don't plan to go back there, nor any of the places I have mentioned because I have no plans to ever go back to Houston. It still hold a lot of fond memories for me, but there is nothing there for me any more. My home is now Bastrop, and will be 'til the day I die.

[EMME]

The building where Tommy's is used to be a meat market, possibly B&W Meat. We used to go there when I was a kid.

I say "was" only because I don't plan to go back there, nor any of the places I have mentioned because I have no plans to ever go back to Houston. It still hold a lot of fond memories for me, but there is nothing there for me any more. My home is now Bastrop, and will be 'til the day I die.

What part of the Heights did you live in Mr. Height2Bastrop? And nobody could blame you, Bastrop is beautiful!

[sheeats]

I posted a bit about Pierson's in post #8, just in case you miss it.

Didn't miss it...just sharing another opinion.

[Heights2Bastrop]

What part of the Heights did you live in Mr. Height2Bastrop?

I grew up on 14th near Beall. I bought a house in Timbergrove in 1979 on Timbergrove St and Jester, then moved to 11th and Bay Oaks. I sold that house before moving to Bastrop.

Bastrop is nice, but what makes it so wonderful is the people. I never got involved in any community effots when I was in Houston. Here I am very much involved with some of the 146 non-profit organizations in Bastrop. Never have I seen so many so willing to do so much for so many others as I have here.

[native_Houstonian]

Didn't miss it...just sharing another opinion.

Ohh..I'll have to try Piersons....didn't even know it existed!

Don't forget Fiesta Tacos on 34th and Mangum...fajita tacos rule.

[EMME]

I grew up on 14th near Beall. I bought a house in Timbergrove in 1979 on Timbergrove St and Jester, then moved to 11th and Bay Oaks. I sold that house before moving to Bastrop.

Bastrop is nice, but what makes it so wonderful is the people. I never got involved in any community effots when I was in Houston. Here I am very much involved with some of the 146 non-profit organizations in Bastrop. Never have I seen so many so willing to do so much for so many others as I have here.

Sounds like my kind of place.

[jm1fd]

I didn't see mention of the following:

Juanita's on W TC Jester at 610

Mi Sombrero on 34th at Shepherd

Both have super tasty Mexican food, and you don't have to fight the crowds like at Tony's.

[cumby]

I don't like Tony's because of the people who work there. I swear that that they assess your slumminess/sinfulness and stick you as far back as they can based on that. On a busy night, you might get pushed to the end of the line over and over. All while bible verses preach at you from the signs and menus. Just take a look around at the people you're seated next to, and you'll figure out how they view you. Just an opinion, but we decided at some point that we could only do take out from them. Too bad I love their queso and guac so much or I'd have been gone a loooong time ago.

Tommy's, if it's the same one I'm thinking, has the BEST breakfast tacos. Heaven.

Shipley's business - maybe the school right around the corner causes it? Just a guess.

Double Dave's - not great pizza, but generally a good place to hang out with friends or family. Wed night they give you a free beer with your buffet (that's still with the new mgmt), but you also have a million kids to contend with. Probably why you have to drink I personally like it best for lunch buffet when it is slooooow and you can just relax and use the wifi.

[Native Montrosian]

I really liked Tecate's, but one time they wouldn't accept our Kroger coupon, saying it was only good after 4 PM (no sign saying such or disclaimer on coupon) AND the paper in our chip basket had chewed gum stuck on it. Between both on one visit, my husband has refused to return.

Brief thread drift, but I had occasion to fall in love with Oak Forest all over again when my husband was sick a few weeks ago with a severe bronchial infection. Went from the pulmonologist's office in Memorial Hermann Northwest right into the hospital, which is 1/2 mile from home. With Kroger, Walgreens and our bank blocks away, a very stressful time was made much easier, considering he was there for 5 days. After being accustomed to taking my mother-in-law to one doctor across town, then another way out yonder who would put her in a hospital in the Medical Center and then having to navigate traffic on Main or Fannin during rush hour to visit, his stay was as good as any hospital experience could be considered to be.

[emirate25]

Is Don Teo's still on 34th? I am a Waltrip alumni and use to go there all the time for lunch.

[jm1fd]

Is Don Teo's still on 34th? I am a Waltrip alumni and use to go there all the time for lunch.

Yep. I've never been tho.

[Tricky Matt]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned The Petrol Station on Wakefield. I hadn't been in almost 3 years and stopped by one night to meet some friends who live on the area. GREAT lamb burgers and a huge draft beer selection. Good coffee too.

[zandago]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned The Petrol Station on Wakefield. I hadn't been in almost 3 years and stopped by one night to meet some friends who live on the area. GREAT lamb burgers and a huge draft beer selection. Good coffee too.

Great to hear about the Petrol Station. Found something online about it a while ago and driven by once or twice and have been wanting to give it a try and definitely will now.

We tried Cavatore's for the first time last week (next to Tony's) and found a fun atmosphere with the piano playing, kitschy but interesting decor and good food.

We also like Rainbow Lodge, essentially across the street from Cavatore's, which has great tasting inspired wildgame dishes.

I like Mytiburger too but wish some good restaurants that would open on 43rd between Ella and TC Jester, seems like an area that could really use a couple great neighborhood restaurants.

[jm1fd]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned The Petrol Station on Wakefield. I hadn't been in almost 3 years and stopped by one night to meet some friends who live on the area. GREAT lamb burgers and a huge draft beer selection. Good coffee too.

The PeeTroll Station had lousy coffee when they started out as a coffee house, and it felt like the owners were living in the place.

[PureAuteur]

I always love going to Roznovsky's Hamburgers when I'm in that area (T.C. Jester and 34th). I'm surprised that no one has mentioned this place yet. They always make consistently good food.

I know these places have closed, but does anyone remember Don Jose Mexican Restaurant from the late 80s and early 90s, and also Pistol Pete's Pizza? Anyone remember what streets those places were on?

[jm1fd]

I always love going to Roznovsky's Hamburgers when I'm in that area (T.C. Jester and 34th). I'm surprised that no one has mentioned this place yet. They always make consistently good food.

Roznovsky's is BLAND BLAND BLAND. I'd rather have Wendy's....faster and better tasting.

[emirate25]

What about BURGERS, WINGS and THINGS on Pinemont? Anybody ever gone there?

[jm1fd]

What about BURGERS, WINGS and THINGS on Pinemont? Anybody ever gone there?

AKA Little Bitty Burger Barn? Their sliders are DAMN tasty. The burgers are pretty good but the sliders are where its at!

[20thStDad]

Tell me about Pierson & Co, I'm always looking for good barbecue.

Finally went to Pierson & Company tonight, it was awesome. I think it's the best barbecue I've had in Houston (I rank Texas style barbecue a distant 3rd to Kansas City or Memphis style though, your taste may differ). I got the ribs/brisket/sausage dinner, and it was more than enough. I'll have enough for lunch tomorrow. The sausage was great, had a good kick. Brisket was good, but not the best I've had. Ribs were maybe the best I've had from a restaurant. What I really like is their sauce. I don't particularly like the Texas style runny tomato sauce, and theirs was a little thicker, sweeter, but also with a bit of a kick. Anyway, we'll be going back there whenever we crave barbecue and I don't have time to get the smoker out.

[zandago]

The PeeTroll Station had lousy coffee when they started out as a coffee house, and it felt like the owners were living in the place.

Discovered the Petrol Station recently and think the place is great. Awesome microbrew selection and small but very good men, great burgers. Small indoor seating and more outdoor seating. Still a work in progress but based on some reviews I've read of the place when it first opened, the Petrol Station has evolved a bit and I think for the better. There's usually 1-2 people tending the bar so when the place is busy, it can back up a little bit.

[mkultra25]

Awesome microbrew selection and small but very good men

Never having made it over to the Petrol Station, I'm envisioning a place where the bar is very low to the ground, and bellied up to it are Herve Villechaize, Meinhardt Raabe, Chuy (from Chelsea Lately), and Verne Troyer. On second thought, none of them probably qualify as "very good".

[alyssyj]

I always love going to Roznovsky's Hamburgers when I'm in that area (T.C. Jester and 34th). I'm surprised that no one has mentioned this place yet. They always make consistently good food.

I know these places have closed, but does anyone remember Don Jose Mexican Restaurant from the late 80s and early 90s, and also Pistol Pete's Pizza? Anyone remember what streets those places were on?

Don Jose's is at Antoine and Pinemont. I love this place. Good food, friendly people and a coupon in The Leader.

[margokorin]

I personally love Plonk! They are located next to Kroger on 43rd st. They have amazing pizza and muffalettas. Chese plates are great wine seasonal wine. They are alwasy changing things on the menu so if you havent been lately, give it a try!