Food Places We Grew Up On In Houston No Longer Here

[Original Timmy Chan's]

Here's another one that UH folks will miss...Itza Pizza in the basement of the Towers.

I always thought it was a bad sign that they had to tell you "it's a pizza"

[Original Timmy Chan's]

speaking of that Steak and egg place..i just noticed the other day, the old building is gone and a big pawn shop is there now!  bummer, i think that little building that steak and egg was in had to have been there since the 30's or 40's.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Did you ever eat there? I can believe the place was there since the 30's or 40's. The prices, furniture and CUSTOMERS all looked like they'd been there since 1938.

[gnu]

Isn't there going to be a "El Pollo Loco" here in Houston coming...I think way later in the year. I read it somewhere.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

there used to be an El Pollo Loco here in the 80's..on the east freeway...maybe at Kress?

Applebee's? are they back now? they were here in the early 90's.

Woolworth's Grill? I specifically remember the one in Almeda Mall.

Timmychan,

Nah..I never ate at Steak and Egg but my wife did. I can believe it that everything was there from then from what she said.

[Parrothead]

Panjo's Pizza at Town & Country

The Hot Biscuit in Humble, TX

Farrell's in the Galleria

The Magic Pan in the Galleria

El Fenix in the Galleria

TimmyChan's, I used to go to the Tumbleweed with my parents!! I loved it, because I got to dance with my dad a lot!!

That's all I can remember for now!

[Heights2Bastrop]

Wyatt's Cafetaria was bought out by Luby's, including the one in Merchant's Park on 11th and Shepherd. It and some of the others are all-you-can-eat joints now. I wonder if the quality is any better?

[texasboy]

awwwwwwwww.

[BayouCityGirl]

there used to be an El Pollo Loco here in the 80's..on the east freeway...maybe at Kress?

Applebee's?  are they back now?  they were here in the early 90's.

Woolworth's Grill?  I specifically remember the one in Almeda Mall.

Timmychan,

Nah..I never ate at Steak and Egg but my wife did.  I can believe it that everything was there from then from what she said.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Applebees is being built by West Oaks mall.

HORRAY!! I like it there!

Speaking of West Oaks Mall. There is NOTHING left of that store. Mervyins is now gone, its all fashion in the mall (and Dept stores), NO bookstore, there is a cell phone cart around every inch of the mall.

So unless you want clothes or something to eat not even worth going to West Oaks anymore

They took out Kaybee as well, Carlton Cards, Meryvins, Blockbuster Music, I heard Disney store was going out soon too.

okay sorry back on topic.

Bennigans is going out it seems. I liked it there too!

[RedScare]

Applebee's? A low-rate TGI Fridays. I lived in Little Rock for 6 months, and they had one of these. Terrible. Just terrible. I think that is why you find them in small towns. They have no competition.

BTW, they had a couple in Houston in the mid 80s. One was at FM 1960 and Kuykendahl. It sucked 20 years ago, too.

[Parrothead]

They still have Applebee's here. I know they aren't the best places to eat, but I have to admit I love them! I am so excited that they are building one next to West Oaks (over on the JC Penney side), but I have to wonder why there, if the mall is basically self-destructing? I wonder if they are going to tear it down?

The Oriental Chicken Wrap-Up is my favorite, I get it every time!

P.S. Thanks texasboy!!

[BayouCityGirl]

JCPenny's is going out of business!!! That mall is going to hell!

JCPenny's is moving to Katy. I did get some good deals (even with Tax free and the discount) but ANOTHER anchor store going byebye!

ARRGH! I think I'm going to Memorial City Mall for now on!

[ssullivan]

Getting a little off topic, but I drove by West Oaks yesterday and was shocked to see Mervyn's closed and JC Penney with going out of business signs up. They no sooner finish a huge renovation and two anchor stores are going out? Doesn't speak well for the mall at all. When I lived in Westchase I always enjoyed shopping at West Oaks, and the last time I was there when the renovation was nearing completion I thought it was looking very good.

West Oaks probably had too many department store anchors. There used to be six, then after Palais Royal left in 2000 their spot sat empty for a few years until Linens & Things went into it. Now there will still be three department store anchors, provided Dillard's, Sears, and Foley's (Macy's) stay. Those three, plus Alamo Drafthouse, and the smaller stores might be enough to keep the place hanging on for a while. That mall does have a history of trying to find its niche -- it originally was built as a suburban Galleria with stores like Saks and Lord & Taylor. After Saks and Lord & Taylor left and were more middle-class stores, the mall did seem to be more successful.

[BayouCityGirl]

Getting a little off topic, but I drove by West Oaks yesterday and was shocked to see Mervyn's closed and JC Penney with going out of business signs up.

I was inside West Oaks when I saw Meryvins was gone. I noticed today going to W.Oaks that JcPenny's had their "going out of business" sale. I keep hearing prices for rent is too high.

They no sooner finish a huge renovation and two anchor stores are going out? Doesn't speak well for the mall at all. When I lived in Westchase I always enjoyed shopping at West Oaks, and the last time I was there when the renovation was nearing completion I thought it was looking very good.

West Oaks probably had too many department store anchors. There used to be six, then after Palais Royal left in 2000 their spot sat empty for a few years until Linens & Things went into it. Now there will still be three department store anchors, provided Dillard's, Sears, and Foley's (Macy's) stay. Those three, plus Alamo Drafthouse, and the smaller stores might be enough to keep the place hanging on for a while. That mall does have a history of trying to find its niche -- it originally was built as a suburban Galleria with stores like Saks and Lord & Taylor. After Saks and Lord & Taylor left and were more middle-class stores, the mall did seem to be more successful.

I hate some of these unknown stores. After the renovations I was sure the mall was going to be better too. Sad that it looks like they are all leaving.

[UrbaNerd]

I remember eating breakfast at some restaurant called "Champ's" as a child. I liked the little train that would go around near the ceiling, and it would pass through some shelves filled with stuff. I think they closed down a few years back(I think there were multiple locations).

Oh, and yes, I also remember this place called JoJo's, which was pretty good(This was near the Fondren area, I think, where i used to live). I don't know if they are still open, though.

[sevfiv]

Oooh! I have a good one!!!

How about Rettig

[Heights2Bastrop]

Rettig

[BayouCityGirl]

I remember eating breakfast at some restaurant called "Champ's" as a child.  I liked the little train that would go around near the ceiling, and it would pass through some shelves filled with stuff.  I think they closed down a few years back(I think there were multiple locations).

Oh, and yes, I also remember this place called JoJo's, which was pretty good(This was near the Fondren area, I think, where i used to live).    I don't know if they are still open, though.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I have mentioned this earlier.

Champs had this frosted ugly yellow windows. I can vaquely remember the smell of Pancakes. Its the aroma I was left with.

JoJo's used to be on Braswood I think.

[citykid09]

Here are some more old restaurants from one of Subdude's post.

7900 South Main

Kaphan's Restaurant

Demolished

7707 South Main

El Chico Restaurant

Status?

7315 South Main

Red Lion Restaurant

Demolished

6935 South Main

Vallian's. Houston's original pizza place.

Demolished

[Guest danax]

Anyone remember Barnacle Bill's Seafood Market, 3414 Katy Fwy, (Heights/Studemont)?

I don't, I wasn't here yet. I was reading an old Houston Post from 1975 that I found in a box and saw the ad. Lobster Tails; 4.99 lb, shrimp; 1.59 lb. Crawfish; 50c lb.

To put these prices in perspective; leisure suits were going for 19.99, oil/lube/filter; 4.59, gallon of milk; 99c.

[UrbaNerd]

Oh, right./ Braeswood. I remember now.

Too bad Old SanFran is gone now. I ate there a few times. Interesting experience.

[Parrothead]

How about the Velvet Turtle? It's now the Colorado Bar & Grill (uh, and Boobies)

[BayouCityGirl]

Not quite your family resturant (Colorado Club)

[lowspark]

I bet no one else remembers this: There was a restaurant on the corner of W. Belfort & Chimney Rock next to the (then) Weingartens which had little horses on springs arranged in a semi circle for kids to sit on while they ate their burgers.

I don't know what else they served or what the name of the place was but I LOVED that place back in the early/mid 60s.

Also I remember Bonanza -- they were all over town. There was one on Stella Link just inside the Loop that stayed in business at least till 1980.

And speaking of Stella Link inside the loop, remember Alfred's? It was a venerable "Kosher Style" Deli and I believe it stayed in business till Alfred died. His son owns Kahn's Deli in the village.

[pineda]

I bet no one else remembers this: There was a restaurant on the corner of W. Belfort & Chimney Rock next to the (then) Weingartens which had little horses on springs arranged in a semi circle for kids to sit on while they ate their burgers.

I don't know what else they served or what the name of the place was but I LOVED that place back in the early/mid 60s.

I lived close by so we walked or rode our bikes up there a lot, mainly on the way to Westbury Square to go eat at Ruppleheimer's. I think the restaurant you're thinking about was Britton's or something like that. When I was a teenager, my first job was a clerk at the TG&Y, next door to Weingarten's!

[ssullivan]

And speaking of Stella Link inside the loop, remember Alfred's? It was a venerable "Kosher Style" Deli and I believe it stayed in business till Alfred died. His son owns Kahn's Deli in the village.

My mother lived down the street from Alfred and his family when she was in high school. She was the son's babysitter for a while.

[Original Timmy Chan's]

Kahn's is good, good stuff. The prices might look high for a sandwich, until you realize you can get two or three meals out of one sandwich!

[HoustonianInColorado]

Oh I loved Princes. There was also another burger place back in the late 50s/early 60s on Bellaire/Holcombe near or in Southside Place or West U on the north side of the street called Price's. It was not a great burger like Princes, but more a a standard flat burger like a regular McDonald's burger. I seem to recall they were an early adopter of the drive through concept.

And speaking of great hamburgers, I love the flavor of Bellaire Broiler Burger. Are they still around?

How about Grandy's?

There was also a Steak 'N' Shake on Kirby just north of the SW Fwy for a very short time. Whenever I drive through the midwest on I-70, I always make a point to stop at one.

[citykid09]

I can't beleave this was in Houston, I wonder why they tore it down? Was the food not good? It looked like a 5 star resturant.

7315 South Main

Red Lion Restaurant

Demolished

[Heights2Bastrop]

My dad went to Red Lion way back when with some business associates. He was on his way to or from the bathroom when he somehow wandered into the kitchen. He said it was so dirty in there that he wouldn

[dbigtex56]

Anyone remember Allbritton's Cafeteria on Waugh (just south of the American General building)? It was a white stucco Streamline Moderne building, much like the Carnation milk plant next door.

They had great traditional Texas foods - chicken fried steak with cream gravy, greens, jalapeno cornbread, cheese grits. The women who worked the steam table were appearently installed about the same time the place opened. As you made your way through the line they'd say:

"Serve you."

"Serve you."

with absolutely no expression or inflection. They each must have uttered that phrase hundreds of thousands of times.

[Heights2Bastrop]

Allbritton's had THE best fried chicken. I think they put paprika in the batter.

[ssullivan]

In its prime, the Red Lion was considered a very fine dining establishment. It was demolished after being badly damaged by fire in the 90s.

[Original Timmy Chan's]

How about Grandy's?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I think there's still a Grandy's on Edgebrook just east of the Gulf Freeway.

If it's gone I won't shed a tear. That's just some bad stuff. Home-style cooking wasn't meant to be fast food.

[BayouCityGirl]

Kahn's is good, good stuff.  The prices might look high for a sandwich, until you realize you can get two or three meals out of one sandwich!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

My dad's company delievers him pickles and food to Khans Deli. I have never eaten there but we go there quite often for his business. Same for Kenny & Ziggy's.

[lowspark]

In its prime, the Red Lion was considered a very fine dining establishment. It was demolished after being badly damaged by fire in the 90s.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I just was on S. Shepherd last night and happened to pass a Restaurant just north of Westheimer called, Red Lion. It was a smaller house-looking building than their old location but still a good size. The sign had that same lion on it as the sign in the picture above. So I'm thinking it's the same restaurant, reopened in a new location. I didn't get more than a quick glance at it as I was driving and had to pay attention to the road!

[sevfiv]

doesn't appear to be the same:

http://www.redlionhouston.com/About%20Us.htm

[gnu]

I just was on S. Shepherd last night and happened to pass a Restaurant just north of Westheimer called, Red Lion. It was a smaller house-looking building than their old location but still a good size. The sign had that same lion on it as the sign in the picture above. So I'm thinking it's the same restaurant, reopened in a new location. I didn't get more than a quick glance at it as I was driving and had to pay attention to the road!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Great pub. Food is pretty good too.

[BayouCityGirl]

ooh Grandy's had THE BEST chicken!!! and their rolls. Reminds me of Golden Corral's honey butter with those rolls. y'all are bringing back some MAJOR senses of smell here.

I remember getting the Grandy's kids platter when I was little.

[Kirzania]

ooh Grandy's had THE BEST chicken!!! and their rolls.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Key word: Had. Have you been back since? I found one up in Chambana, IL and I practically ran screaming with joy headlong through the front door. The rolls are just as excellent as I had remembered them but ... Oh, man. The rest of their food is on par with Taco Bell Grade.

[Original Timmy Chan's]

The rest of their food is on par with Taco Bell Grade.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

When I first read that, I thought you meant "Taco Belgrade", as in...oh, never mind.

[BayouCityGirl]

Key word: Had. Have you been back since? I found one up in Chambana, IL and I practically ran screaming with joy headlong through the front door. The rolls are just as excellent as I had remembered them but ... Oh, man. The rest of their food is on par with Taco Bell Grade.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I haven't been back since.

I saw them scattered I don't remember where.

I remember seeing one in N.Richland Hills TX and Champaign IL.

BTW, it seems like you have to go through every country named place in Texas to get a Grandy's LOL!!!

Rhome

7575 Arcadia Trail

Fort Worth, TX 76137

(817) 638-2679

Atlanta

2003 W. Main St.

Atlanta, TX 75551

(903) 796-5577

Italy

101 L.R. Campbell Rd

Italy, TX 76651

(972) 483-7601

(who says Texas doesn't have a little Italy?)

I HAD to look it up...here is what I found

LONG:

Grandy's in Texas:

Dallas/Fort Worth Area Back to Top

Allen

1112 N. Greenville

Allen, TX 75002

Alvarado

1203 South Parkway Drive

Alvarado, TX 76009

(817) 790-5200

Arlington

4180 S. Cooper

Arlington, TX 76015

(817) 468-2889

2450 Green Oaks S.E.

Arlington, TX 76018

(817) 466-4776

Balch Springs

12011 Elam Road

Balch Springs, Tx 75180

(972) 557-3622

Carrolton

1735 I-35 South

Carrollton, TX 75006

(972) 245-4302

3330 E. Trinity Mills

Carrollton, TX 75006

(972) 250-1515

Dallas

3230 W. Camp Wisdom

Dallas, TX 75237

(972) 296-1944

10443 Central Expressway

Dallas, TX 75231

(214) 369-6878 3738 Marvin D. Love

Dallas, TX 75224

(214) 372-5250

8228 East R.L. Thornton

Dallas, TX 75228

(214) 324-1963 1607 Regal Row

Dallas, TX 75247

(214) 689-9858

901 Main St

Suite C106-A

Dallas, Tx 75202

214-655-2677

Denton

2217 I-35E South

Denton, TX 76201

(940) 565-8016

808 W. University

Denton, TX 76201

(940) 387-7252

Desota/Lancaster

3255 W. Pleasant Run

Lancaster, TX 75146

(972) 224-5033

Euless

1201 W. Airport Freeway

Euless, TX 76040

(817) 283-3062

Fort Worth

1050 N. Beach

Ft. Worth, TX 76110

(817) 834-3901

7201 Highway 80

Ft. Worth, TX 76116

(817) 244-5568 4301 South Frwy

Ft. Worth, TX 76115

(817) 922-9705

Fr. Worth Zoo

1989 Colonial Parkway

Ft. Worth, TX 76110

(817) 871-7047

Garland

145 N. Garland Ave.

Garland, TX 75046

(972) 272-9922

2155 Northwest Hwy

Garland, TX 75041

(972) 278-0845

Grapevine

301 State Hwy 114

Grapevine, TX 76051

(817) 488-5008

Greenville

6112 Wesley Street

Greenville, TX 75401

(903) 450-1011

Irving

2815 Beltline Rd.

Irving, TX 75062

(972) 258-8584 501 South Loop 12

Irving, Tx 75060

972-721-1643

Lancaster/Desota

3255 W. Pleasant Run

Lancaster, TX 75146

(972) 224-5033

Lewisville

401 Stemmons

Lewisville, TX 75077

(972) 436-3932

Mesquite

2009 N. Towneast Blvd.

Mesquite, TX 75150

(972) 681-8052

N. Richland Hills

5205 Rufe Snow

N. Richland Hills, TX 76118

(817) 581-0667

Plano

620 E. 15th Street

Plano, TX 75074

(972) 423-4744

2240 Coit Road

Plano, TX 75075

(972) 867-3108 8601 Ohio Drive

Plano, TX 75024

(214) 387-4933

Rhome

7575 Arcadia Trail

Fort Worth, TX 76137

(817) 638-2679

Richardson

106 W. Campbell

Richardson, TX 75080

(972) 235-1373

Rockwall

726 Interstate 30

Rockwall, TX 75087

(972) 772-3565

Terrell

1081 FM 148

Terrell, TX 75160

(972) 524-5858

Other Texas Areas Back to Top

Abilene

401 Westwood Drive

Abilene, TX 79603

(915) 676-4397

4134 Buffalo Gap Road

Abilene, TX 79605

(915) 692-6192

Anna

1700 S. Hwy. 75

Anna, TX 75409

(972) 924-3246

Atlanta

2003 W. Main St.

Atlanta, TX 75551

(903) 796-5577

Austin

5403 N. Interregional Hwy.

Austin, TX 78723

(512) 454-9468

El Paso

10599 Vista Del Sol Drive

El Paso, TX 79924

(915) 598-8382

Eastman/Longview

Exxon

[matt24]

I remember "Texas Tumbleweeds". I ate there alot with my parents back in the early 80's. There was one off 1960 close to the old North Oaks Mall. As I can remember, great steaks, rolls, and homemade ranch dressing.

Used to eat at Strack Farms close to Spring. That is still there and pretty much the same. Still has the Miss Pac Man video game I used to always play.

Also remember JoJo's of 1960 - awesome desserts!!

What abour Biaperrettis(?) great itallian place. Not sure if theyare still around or not.

[BayouCityGirl]

Steak and Ale and their Beer battered bread!!! WAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!

[gnu]

Steak and Ale and their Beer battered bread!!! WAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

still here! we go to the one in front of almeda mall ever now and then.

[sevfiv]

What abour Biaperrettis(?)  great itallian place.  Not sure if theyare still around or not.

there's one on west gray

[lowspark]

Steak and Ale and their Beer battered bread!!! WAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

There's apparently 4 Steak & Ales still in Houston:

12250 Gulf Freeway

Houston

77034

713-944-9986

11109 Katy Freeway

Houston

77079

713-467-5050

17425 N Freeway

Houston

77090

281-440-1983

2425 Mangum Road

Houston

77092

713-681-4675

I went to the one on Mangum (at 290) recently --- I didn't know they had beer battered bread, tho!

[UrbaNerd]

I remember eating at the one that used to be at the SW FW at the BW. Good stuff. Now, the place is an Indian vegetarian restaurant. Go figure.

[Subdude]

Three Mexican restaurants I miss are Old Mexico on W Gray, Santa Anita on Pierce and Louisiana and Del Rio on Shepherd and W 26th. These were places from my childhood, but I can still taste certain dishes from each restaurant.

Old Mexico patio:

Santa Anita (later Adrians):

[Subdude]

And speaking of Stella Link inside the loop, remember Alfred's? It was a venerable "Kosher Style" Deli and I believe it stayed in business till Alfred died. His son owns Kahn's Deli in the village.

Three Alfred's locations:

[Subdude]

Anyone remember Allbritton's Cafeteria on Waugh (just south of the American General building)? It was a white stucco Streamline Moderne building, much like the Carnation milk plant next door.

They had great traditional Texas foods - chicken fried steak with cream gravy, greens, jalapeno cornbread, cheese grits. The women who worked the steam table were appearently installed about the same time the place opened. As you made your way through the line they'd say:

"Serve you."

"Serve you."

with absolutely no expression or inflection. They each must have uttered that phrase hundreds of thousands of times.

Did this place later become the club "Metropolis"?

[lowspark]

Go subdude!! You have all the great pictures! Thanks for posting those!