The Heights Restaurant And Bar Scene - More Coming

[tmariar]

Running tally so far...

8 - El Rey (ceviche, Cuban tacos, El Rey tacos, carnitas tacos, fish torta, tacos al pastor, fish tacos, fajita tacos)

7 - Berryhill (fish tacos)

5 - Onion Creek

5 - Lola

3 - Stella Sola (brunch)

3 - Dacapos (sandwiches, custom cakes, cakes, pie by slice)

3 - Star Pizza

3 - Dry Creek (chicken tender salad)

3 - Chilosos (breakfast tacos)

3 - Beaver’s (Nacho Mamma’s oysters)

3 - Someburger

3 - Teotihuacan (fajitas)

3 - Hickory Hollow (chicken-fried steak)

3 - Pink’s (pizza, the Mediterranean)

3 - Big Mamou (hot roast-beef po-boy N.O. style)

3 - JAX Grill

2 - King Biscuit (spicy fries, outdoor grill)

2 - Empire Seafood

2 - Carter and Cooley (sandwiches, honey ham and brie sandwich)

2 - El Tiempo

2 - Chicago Pizza (deep dish)

2 - Pie in the Sky

2 - Mission Burrito

2 - Dragon Bowl

2 - Antidote

2 - Shade

2 - Chatter’s Café

2 - Crickets Creamery (coffee, gelato, vegetarian food)

2 - Jenni’s Noodle House

1 - El Gallo de Jalisco (tacos al pastor)

1 - Sweet Temptation

1 - Patrenellas (lasagna)

1 - Spanish Flowers

1 - Andy’s (“regular” breakfast)

1 - Queen Burger (shakes with stuff in them)

1 - 11^th St. Café

1 - Laredo Taqueria

1 - Pizzitola’s

1 - Candelari’s

1 - Glass Wall

1 - Porch Swing

1 - Boom Boom Room

1 - Cedar Creek

1 - Freebirds

1 - Jus’ Mac

1 - Nundini (paninis, Italian cold cuts)

1 - House of Mam

1 - Otto’s (BBQ)

1 - Bibas Greek Pizza (gyros)

1 - Zoe’s Kitchen

Recapping, the question is which Heights-area places do you eat at or order from most frequently? And:

(1) "Most frequently" - For this purpose, places at which you eat (or from which you order) at least 12 or more times a year

(2) "Heights area" - For this purpose, let's broadly call it the area bounded by Memorial to the south, 610 to the west and north, and 45 to the east

(3) If a place is new, or somewhere you've just discovered, go ahead and include it if your best guess is that you'll easily eat there at least 12 times in the next 12 months

Thanks all!

Edited April 4, 2010 by tmariar

[Htowngirl]

Shade (mac & cheese)... probably my favorite restaurant in Houston

Berryhill (chicken tacos on flour tortillas, queso)

Chatter's (everything)

Max's Wine Dive (bread pudding)

[mkultra25]

Went to Pie in the Sky for the first time earlier this week, and I can foresee it becoming a regular destination. Apparently most of their business so far is the breakfast crowd; we got dinner to go and there was practically no one else there, but then again we tend to be late diners and the Heights tends to roll up the streets early, especially during the week.

Given the name of the place, I had to get a slice of pie, and it was damn good. I ate it right before going to bed around midnight, which in retrospect may have been ill-advised, but it didn't seem to affect my ability to go out like a light as soon as I hit the sheets.

[20thStDad]

Where can I get a good muffaletta around here (for less than $9.50 so not Big Mamou - self proclaimed cheap bastard)??? I've got a wicked hankerin for one and we're not going back to Baton Rouge for at least a month.

[musicman]

Where can I get a good muffaletta around here (for less than $9.50 so not Big Mamou - self proclaimed cheap bastard)??? I've got a wicked hankerin for one and we're not going back to Baton Rouge for at least a month.

if you go to big mamou....why are you asking the question?

[20thStDad]

if you go to big mamou....why are you asking the question?

We went there once and haven't been back - maybe I phrased the question wrong due to scotch intake. I checked Big Mamou's website and their muffaletta is $9.50, and I think that's too much so I'm not going there.

[musicman]

We went there once and haven't been back - maybe I phrased the question wrong due to scotch intake. I checked Big Mamou's website and their muffaletta is $9.50, and I think that's too much so I'm not going there.

so you went there and found it expensive?? to be honest, their food is mediocre. don't waste your money

[barracuda]

The only other place I can think of nearby is Murphy's Deli on Durham/610N. They're food is nothing exceptional, but the muffaletta is probably cheaper.

[brucesw]

We went there once and haven't been back - maybe I phrased the question wrong due to scotch intake. I checked Big Mamou's website and their muffaletta is $9.50, and I think that's too much so I'm not going there.

I think the best I've had in town is at Spec's deli downtown; also had good ones at Candelari's and District 7 Grill. I don't remember the prices though and I just get a half one - I can't eat a full sized one. District 7 is probably going to be the most expensive.

In the interest of full disclosure I'm not from LA and have never had one in NOLA so of course I have no idea what I'm talking about.

[kylejack]

Where can I get a good muffaletta around here (for less than $9.50 so not Big Mamou - self proclaimed cheap bastard)??? I've got a wicked hankerin for one and we're not going back to Baton Rouge for at least a month.

$9 at Table 7.

[20thStDad]

I bet Spec's does have a good one, I like their deli. That's a good idea.

[LookyHere]

I think the one at Carter & Cooley on 19th is surprisingly good.

A lot has certainly changed since this thread first started.

[musicman]

El Bolillo fits the bakery bill, although I would like more yeast breads and croissants in the area.

so it doesn't fit he bill. and the taco place sure doesn't either. kind of embarassing that Heights residents support them so much. seems no sense is involved.

Edited July 26, 2010 by musicman

[kat_zor]

Where can I get a good muffaletta around here (for less than $9.50 so not Big Mamou - self proclaimed cheap bastard)??? I've got a wicked hankerin for one and we're not going back to Baton Rouge for at least a month.

Nundini on Shepherd sells awesome muffaletta bread and their muffaletta sandwich (about $7) is pretty good. I liked Carter and Cooleys muffaletta but you have to ignore the employee who tells you to put jalapenos on it. He's an LSU grad who has been in Texas too long!

(I'm also from BR)

[sonic0boom]

I think the one at Carter & Cooley on 19th is surprisingly good.

I second that.

[galahad1743]

A lot has certainly changed since this thread first started.

I thought this thread was new at first and then found it fascinating to see how dining options have changed in the past few years. Now I wish I went to Jazzy's Cafe before they closed... shame.

I'd still cast a strong vote of desire for a good local Indian place. I've spoken with a number of people recently who asked me if there was one in the Heights.

[AlexTx]

Being new to the area, this is so helpful! We've been to some of these places (Jax, Berryhill, Teothihuacan , Pie in the Sky, Spanish Flower, Hickory Hollow, Chicago Pizza) and I can't wait to try all of the other places on your lists that we haven't been too yet. Now that I know Empire Seafood serves chinese food and not just seafood, I think that will be at the top of my list. I've been craving Wonton soup and didn't know where to go!

[77007]

Being new to the area, this is so helpful! We've been to some of these places (Jax, Berryhill, Teothihuacan , Pie in the Sky, Spanish Flower, Hickory Hollow, Chicago Pizza) and I can't wait to try all of the other places on your lists that we haven't been too yet. Now that I know Empire Seafood serves chinese food and not just seafood, I think that will be at the top of my list. I've been craving Wonton soup and didn't know where to go!

Try the Wonton soup @ Les Givral's cafe (Vietnamese restaurant). It is good , and reasonably priced at ~$7.

Went to the Washington Av. location on the weekend.

[Jessica N]

Does anyone know what is up with 'Whats Up Cupcake'? I've been by the lot at 14th and Shepherd the past two nights around 7 PM and nothing there. On their website they list their hours in two separate places and they conflict, but both said they would be there on Tuesday evenings. Have they moved or gone out of business?

[sonic0boom]

Does anyone have the scoop for We Heart Massage on White Oak in the old Sew Crafty location? I'm not exactly sure what a massage co-op is, but the thought of walking two blocks to grab a massage sounds a-ok to me, especially if the prices are good.

[galahad1743]

What a great idea!

My list would be:

• Vietnam Restaurant (spicy fried eggplant)
• Christian's Tailgate (burgers are some of the best i've ever had)
• Candelari's (although seems to be going downhill in quality lately?)
• Asia Market (truly incredible Thai)
• Mam's House of Ice

I'm probably just under the quota on Berryhill, El Rey, Chilosos, Lola andSpanish Flowers.

[20thStDad]

Nundini on Shepherd sells awesome muffaletta bread and their muffaletta sandwich (about $7) is pretty good. I liked Carter and Cooleys muffaletta but you have to ignore the employee who tells you to put jalapenos on it. He's an LSU grad who has been in Texas too long!

(I'm also from BR)

My wife brought me one from Nundini for lunch today, it was really good. It's a bit less stacked than I would want, and I like my olive salad a little more tangy, but it will definitely do as a local option when the craving comes along.

[mhh222]

There has been a lot of activity at the abandoned concrete warehouse building on the north side of Washington between Knox and Birdsall, just east of Benjy's. About a month or so ago, they spruced the place up, put in canopy's and spotlights and had some sort of late-night event/party... Since then they poured a concrete parking lot on the front of the site (used to be an old wood frame commercial property "The Thomas Collection" which you can still see on Google StreetView. I spoke with a guy who seemed to be overseeing things there last week and he said they are putting in a new Sushi restaurant on the first floor and I thought he said a wine cellar upstairs. Hopefully a a great, sustainable, addition to the Washington Corridor!

Some other news after some snooping further east on Washington. According to the realtor marketing the properties, those modern four story townhomes, the ones they wanted 600K for just east of Reign Lounge at Jackson Hill (they were abandoned mid-construction and the exposed insulation blowing in the wind has been an eyesore for months now) are finally going to be finished. In fact, the two on Washington will be torn down. The middle one will be a lawyer's office, with the rear two units now being finished for sale. The front will be parking for the lawyer's office. Makes sense for the lawyer's office in the middle one -- who would want to live right next door to Reign lounge and look down on Washington Ave for 600K+???.

[Moose]

Now I wish I went to Jazzy's Cafe before they closed... shame.

Speaking of the Jazzy Cafe...the old Jazzy Cafe is now Gatlin's BBQ & Catering, which opened this week.

Stopped by today for lunch and give a big thumbs up for the brisket and pulled pork. Super nice family running the joint.

www.gatlinsbbq.com

[77007]

Thanks for the update.

[roadrunner]

There has been a lot of activity at the abandoned concrete warehouse building on the north side of Washington between Knox and Birdsall, just east of Benjy's. About a month or so ago, they spruced the place up, put in canopy's and spotlights and had some sort of late-night event/party... Since then they poured a concrete parking lot on the front of the site (used to be an old wood frame commercial property "The Thomas Collection" which you can still see on Google StreetView. I spoke with a guy who seemed to be overseeing things there last week and he said they are putting in a new Sushi restaurant on the first floor and I thought he said a wine cellar upstairs. Hopefully a a great, sustainable, addition to the Washington Corridor!

Some other news after some snooping further east on Washington. According to the realtor marketing the properties, those modern four story townhomes, the ones they wanted 600K for just east of Reign Lounge at Jackson Hill (they were abandoned mid-construction and the exposed insulation blowing in the wind has been an eyesore for months now) are finally going to be finished. In fact, the two on Washington will be torn down. The middle one will be a lawyer's office, with the rear two units now being finished for sale. The front will be parking for the lawyer's office. Makes sense for the lawyer's office in the middle one -- who would want to live right next door to Reign lounge and look down on Washington Ave for 600K+???.

I thought that thing next to Benjy's was wine storage.

[Angiebomb]

I hope this counts as answering your question and not self promotion, but I am the founder of We Heart Massage. We've updated our website http://weheartmassage.com and hope to see you soon.

Does anyone have the scoop for We Heart Massage on White Oak in the old Sew Crafty location? I'm not exactly sure what a massage co-op is, but the thought of walking two blocks to grab a massage sounds a-ok to me, especially if the prices are good.

[sonic0boom]

Nothing wrong with self promotion for a new business! Thanks for the update ... I found the site after i posted my msg, but it didn't have any info.

[sevfiv]

I assume it's run like any other cooperative...maybe like this massage co-op in Seattle:

http://www.newseattlemassage.com/coop.html

[sonic0boom]

Makes sense. All i know is that i just booked a massage at $45/hr and it's about a block and half away. Very dangerous .... sort of like living next to the new WalMart and needing a car battery at 2AM. I mean, what's to stop you from going all the time? (If that doesn't make sense, Angie, feel free to wade through the WalMart thread here. Also, welcome to the Heights and to HAIF)

[lcc179]

I thought that thing next to Benjy's was wine storage.

He mentioned that the guy said wine storage on the 2nd floor. I originally heard wine storage only too, so if it is true that they plan on putting a restaurant on the 1st floor, then that is great news!

[diggity]

I spoke with a guy who seemed to be overseeing things there last week and he said they are putting in a new Sushi restaurant on the first floor

Sarnoff reported that Blue Fish will be opening a location on 5820 Washington say that looks to be our spot.

I like that place a lot.

My link

[20thStDad]

Sarnoff reported that Blue Fish will be opening a location on 5820 Washington say that looks to be our spot.

I like that place a lot.

My link

My favorite sushi place - happy to hear there will be one a bit closer!

[Jesse]

Sarnoff reported that Blue Fish will be opening a location on 5820 Washington say that looks to be our spot.

I like that place a lot.

My link

Awesome! 1 more reason to not have to drive down Shepherd/Kirby

[LTAWACS]

Sounds good.. thanks for the update.

[cumby]

You know, I only saw What's up Cupcake once and I travel that path at least six times a week. I saw the owner give some flaky excuse somewhere about it, so I sort of lost hope.

Pie in the Sky is WONDERFUL!! I love all their food and their desserts are great. Go a la mode! Mango Beach on White Oak is supposed to have some yumminess too, but I haven't made it over yet.

[LookyHere]

Does anyone know what is up with 'Whats Up Cupcake'? I've been by the lot at 14th and Shepherd the past two nights around 7 PM and nothing there. On their website they list their hours in two separate places and they conflict, but both said they would be there on Tuesday evenings. Have they moved or gone out of business?

Frosted Betty will be in front of OoLaLa on Studewood every Thursday afternoon. I stopped in when I saw the sign hanging in their window. I thought maybe the baby store was moving out and cupcake bakery moving in but they are just going to be pulling up their trailer.

[Jesse]

Frosted Betty will be in front of OoLaLa on Studewood every Thursday afternoon. I stopped in when I saw the sign hanging in their window. I thought maybe the baby store was moving out and cupcake bakery moving in but they are just going to be pulling up their trailer.

Were they the folks there during White Linen Night? Crowds kept us out of that particular shop, but the view we got looked delicious.

[sonic0boom]

And in other news, something appears to be going on at the building on the corner of White Oak at Oxford with the "soul food coming soon" sign (also known as extra parking for Onion Creek). To the latter point, my understanding is that the owners of the Creek properties do own this place. In the last couple weeks, the place has been tented for pest control, and there is a large dumpster out back for construction-related trash. I don't think that soul food will actually be coming there any time soon, but please post if you know something.

[heights_yankee]

Unless they just put up a new sign the "coming soon" sign has been there for months, if not over a year

[sonic0boom]

The coming soon sign has been up for well over a year, if not a couple or more. That's why I was reporting on the activity -- not that we are necessarily getting a soul food place but that we might be getting *something* if the work on the place is indicative of anything.

[JCR]

That sign is meant as a "dig" at a particular neighbor.

[sonic0boom]

That's just wrong -- hinting at some juicy gossip but not dishing it out.

[heights]

Oh Boy! I saw a sign for Arby's opening soon in the Target shopping center.

[s3mh]

Oh Boy! I saw a sign for Arby's opening soon in the Target shopping center.

Don't worry. The new Walmart development will be filled with "chef driven" restaurants.

[little frau]

Don't worry. The new Walmart development will be filled with "chef driven" restaurants.

Must you do this to every thread?

[s3mh]

Must you do this to every thread?

No. I haven't done this in every thread. Why don't you jump on the people that go pro-Walmart on every thread? Sorry, but this board is not just for people who think that everything a developer does is gold. People are free to express themselves on this board however they please. If you can't handle that, you are free to go.

[sonic0boom]

No one said anything about not being able to freely express yourself on this board. However, it is considered a common courtesy to those who start threads to stay on topic instead of rudely hijacking them, especially with unrelated, touchy subjects.

On another note, doesn't this particular subject regarding a lack of restaurant diversity in the Heights seem rather quaint now?

[heights]

From the chron:

RETAIL: Subway has leased 1,600 square feet at Merchants Park near North Durham at West 11th. Stephen Swope represented the landlord, Centro Properties Group.

[Jesse]

From the chron:

RETAIL: Subway has leased 1,600 square feet at Merchants Park near North Durham at West 11th. Stephen Swope represented the landlord, Centro Properties Group.

I thought there was a Subway there already... just a few doors south of Kroger. Am I making that up?