RyanJX5 Posted November 10, 2004 Share Posted November 10, 2004 Im going to Houston in about 2 weeks to take one of my friends and a few other people out for her b-day. Im from Longview,TX which is in northeast TX, Im come to Houston when ever I have a the chance. What restaurant would you take someone to especially if they never really been to Houston. Its going to be on a Sat night, I was thinking about somewhere downtown since its one the best places to be on a sat night in Houston. Where should I take them? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ricco67 Posted November 10, 2004 Share Posted November 10, 2004 cool, i hope you enjoy your stay here. the question is, what kind of food do you have in mind? downtown has alot of good places, but range from greasy spoons (most of which are surprisingly good) to chinese, to steak places. If you tell us what kind of food you'd have in mind, we'd be more than happy to give you a selection. with the kind of opinions we have about food around here, we'd give you an excellent selection to pick from. Ricco Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MidtownCoog Posted November 10, 2004 Share Posted November 10, 2004 Do some research and ask your question here:http://www.chowhound.com/southwest/boards/texas/texas.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pineda Posted November 10, 2004 Share Posted November 10, 2004 If you're coming in from I-45 North, why not just stop off at the Woodlands? Go to www.woodlandsonline.com for a list of everything in that area. Have fun! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
N8TIV Posted November 10, 2004 Share Posted November 10, 2004 I would make reservations at Artista, next to the Hobby Theater. http://houston.citysearch.com/review/36214...rder_by=helpfulThis is the best overall place to take someone, for the quality of food and the unbeatable view of downtown. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2112 Posted November 10, 2004 Share Posted November 10, 2004 Artista gets great reviews it seems. I havent been there so I dont know. But thats a good bet. If youre not in the market for fancy pancy, but rather a regular place, one of my favourites downtown is Market Square Bar and Grill.I have heard both good and bad about Mia Bella (italian), its right on main street where all the action is.Of course, there is all the chain stuff, but in downtown, I can only think of the Hard Rock.I wasnt all that impressed with the Aquariams sea food. Its a great lookking place, but I thought I got way better seafood for the price at Papadeux in Kemah. Of course, thats not downtown.Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WestGrayGuy Posted November 10, 2004 Share Posted November 10, 2004 An even better resource is:Houston Restaurants Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MidtownCoog Posted November 10, 2004 Share Posted November 10, 2004 b4ueat it too commerical, and posts get deletedchowhound is the real deal, and no deletesI say try Hugo's for a nice meal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bachanon Posted November 10, 2004 Share Posted November 10, 2004 mia bella is excellent but the service is not always great.saba blue water cafe is also on main and serves up latin/caribbean style fusion dishes for just about any palette. sabaif you're feeling adventurous find a vietnamese restaurant in midtown (my fave is van loc at 3010 milam). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
111486 Posted November 10, 2004 Share Posted November 10, 2004 I would recommend Katz's on Westheimer. The food is great and the dessert leaves you speechless. No offense to anyone, but if you are homophobic, I would not go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pineda Posted November 10, 2004 Share Posted November 10, 2004 Never been too crazy for Katz's; much prefer Eatzi's instead. Wouldn't recommend either one for a "Big Date" night out, though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
111486 Posted November 10, 2004 Share Posted November 10, 2004 Well, now that I have read the first post fully, I would say Saba Blue Water Cafe, if the Saturday falls on a Rockets game, I would go to Red and White Bistro inside the Toyota Center. There are also some nice restaurants in the Hilton Americas. Skyline Grill has an amazing view of the skyline, especially at night. Mingalone's Italian Bar and Grill is pretty good also.If you are oin a budget, in downtown I would recommend Hard Rock Cafe, Bossa(Latin and Cuban Food), St Pete's Dancing Marlin, or Live Sports Cafe(if you are in to that kind of thing.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pineda Posted November 10, 2004 Share Posted November 10, 2004 And, if you end in the Uptown/Galleria area, consider Maggiano's, probably the best Italian food place in the entire city. Yep, that's right, I said it. Print it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Montrose1100 Posted November 11, 2004 Share Posted November 11, 2004 3 Resteraunts...Fogo De ChaoPapasitosPapadeaux's*Tear* The Capital Grill! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ilovehouston Posted November 11, 2004 Share Posted November 11, 2004 Zula in downtown! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
111486 Posted November 11, 2004 Share Posted November 11, 2004 Zula in downtown!<{POST_SNAPBACK}>That restaurant is awesome, but expensive as hell. I believe my friends entree was about 35 bucks. All the desserts I think were about 7 or 8 dollars for a slice of cake or pie. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pineda Posted November 11, 2004 Share Posted November 11, 2004 So, Ryan in Longview, are you totally confused by now? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2112 Posted November 11, 2004 Share Posted November 11, 2004 Any taco stand on Harrisburg. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RyanJX5 Posted November 12, 2004 Author Share Posted November 12, 2004 WOW! I knew I could get a response from all of you, thanx for all the great tips. Longview tends to favor Dallas more than Houston since it is closer, but Houston just excites me alot more. I remember when I was little my aunt and mom would take me to Neimans at the galleria and buy me some toys while they bought the lastest gucci and louis vuitton back in the 80s. We are going to see the Ballet in Dec and a Rockets game. Next weekend Ill be in town, Does anyone know anything about Sambuca's or 17 at Sam Houston? I have family that lives in Clear Lake so Im down here any chance I get. Im also taking them to River Oaks I have a couple of friends that live on Chevy Chase. What is the best Mexican restaurant i n Houston? , Ive recieved so many opinions, I want something that is aunthentic and has a great atmosphere. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
N8TIV Posted November 12, 2004 Share Posted November 12, 2004 WOW! I knew I could get a response from all of you, thanx for all the great tips. Longview tends to favor Dallas more than Houston since it is closer, but Houston  just excites me alot more. I remember when I was little my aunt and mom would take me to Neimans at the galleria and buy me some toys while they bought the lastest gucci and louis vuitton back in the 80s. We are going to see the Ballet in Dec and a Rockets game. Next weekend Ill be in town, Does anyone know anything about Sambuca's or 17 at Sam Houston? I have family that lives in Clear Lake so Im down here any chance I get. Im also taking them to River Oaks I have a couple of friends that live on Chevy Chase. What is the best Mexican restaurant i n Houston? , Ive recieved so many opinions, I want something that is aunthentic and has a great atmosphere.<{POST_SNAPBACK}>La Mexicana on Montrose. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2112 Posted November 15, 2004 Share Posted November 15, 2004 3 Resteraunts...Fogo De ChaoPapasitosPapadeaux's*Tear* The Capital Grill!<{POST_SNAPBACK}>Sorry dude. But Pappasittos is the LAST place I would take anyone. It lacks the ethnic feel completely. Bascially, it's as though Disney decided to create a "Mexican" restuarant, and this is what it would look and feel like. And the food is pretty freaking far from authentic. Its taco bell with a touch of Seigfried and Roy. Heck, if you like this place, then you probably also like "Cafe Adobe" on Westhiermer: I couldnt believe how un-authentic Cafe Adobe was, given all the rave reviews that place gets. I didnt see one Latino in the place, except for me of course. Anyways, yea, those places make you feel like youre in the Montrose and in a sophisticated setting, but the food was marginal at best.Here are the places I like. No one else has to like them. But I do and so here they are:1. Doneraki's at Gulf Gate: The food is marginally good, but the atmosphere is great. It feels like Mexico. And, its right in the middle of the Latino community on the southeast side.2. Aguas Calientes: There are several in town, but I know the one on Edgebrook has some of the best food in town. For example, you can order enchiladas either Tex-Mex style or "Mexico" style. If its the food that is important, this is good stuff. But it doesnt have the atmosphere of Montrose. But then, most of the east end doesnt either.2. Ninfas on Navigation. If you dont mind a slightly rought part of town. The food is authentic Tex-Mex.3. Taqueria Del Sol: On Broadway and 45. Again, its very authentic and where real Latinos go, and it doesnt feel like the Rice Village. There is always a cop standing by around the parking lot. Eitherway. The "Caldo de Rez" is the best in town. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ricco67 Posted November 15, 2004 Share Posted November 15, 2004 Hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhmmmmmmmmn............Caldo De reeeez... Ricco Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
111486 Posted November 15, 2004 Share Posted November 15, 2004 Does anyone know anything about Sambuca's or 17 at Sam Houston? <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Sambuca Jazz Cafe(located at ground level at the Rice Lofts)17 at Sam Houston hotel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpaceCity Posted November 15, 2004 Share Posted November 15, 2004 Do not go to Mingalone downtown. Those guys are jerks. Terrible food. Terrible waiters. A waiter even followed me to a parking garage demanding more tip. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpaceCity Posted November 15, 2004 Share Posted November 15, 2004 An even better resource is:Houston Restaurants<{POST_SNAPBACK}>My negative comments about Mingalone have been deleted on that site. I don't think it paints a very accurate picture. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WestGrayGuy Posted November 15, 2004 Share Posted November 15, 2004 My favorite Mexican are (in no particular order):Chuy's on Kirby: Our Sunday recovery place...very Tex-Mex with great creamy jalapeno salsa.Ninfa's on Navigation: The place that started it all, the best in the whole chain in my opinion.El Tiemp Cantina (richmond near buffalo speedway): I like the fajitas here. It was started by part of the Ninfa clan independently.La Mexicana (Montrose at Fairview): good greasy Mexican when you are in the mood for that.Hugo's (Westheimer near the antique shops) - Very formal Mexican and current holder of Houston Press "Best Mexican".Little Pappasitos (Richmond @ Kirby): very touristy Mexican, love the fajitas.Lupe Tortillas (southwest freeway near Academy): good all around place, usually crowded.Chacho's (Westheimer near Fountainview): Although I usually don't leave the loop, if I happen to be in the area I go here. Good, low cost food. Very fresh.There are others, but these are my most frequented. There are tons of choices here in Houston. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
111486 Posted November 15, 2004 Share Posted November 15, 2004 Do not go to Mingalone downtown. Those guys are jerks. Terrible food. Terrible waiters. A waiter even followed me to a parking garage demanding more tip.<{POST_SNAPBACK}>Damn, are you serious? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
111486 Posted November 15, 2004 Share Posted November 15, 2004 If you want a burrito to go. I recommend Chipotle at the Rice Lofts. Anybody agree. Eventhough they have them all around town. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ricco67 Posted November 15, 2004 Share Posted November 15, 2004 Mingalone downtown I think is pretty damned good. I LOVE their shrimp and I've never had a problem with the service. Ricco Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpaceCity Posted November 15, 2004 Share Posted November 15, 2004 Damn, are you serious?<{POST_SNAPBACK}>I'm serious. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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