Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco

PLACES TO EAT IN HOUSTON

Houston is considered to have one of the best culinary scenes in the country, with cuisine from around the world. There are more than 8,000 restaurants in the Houston area with culinary choices that represent more than 35 countries and American regions. Houstonians dine out more than residents of any other city—4.0 times per week, compared with the national average of 3.2. The average meal in Houston—$32.53—is less than the national average of $35.10.

Below is a selection of restaurants for you to consider. However, this is by no means a comprehensive list! Check with the concierge at the hotel for additional information about local restaurants or your specific dining interests.

SAMPLING OF LOCAL FLAVORS

T’AFIA. Season 1 Top Chef Master’s Fan? This is Chef Monica Pope’s place. Located on 3701 Travis Street (2 miles from the hotel), T’afia features fresh, local ingredients, simple preparations, and a meal to remember. The dining room is closed Sundays and Mondays, and reservations are recommended. See: http://www.tafia.com/ or call 713-524-6922.  

BRENNAN’S. Brennan’s of Houston is a sister restaurant to the New Orleans favorite that starts from a Creole tradition and incorporates local southwest flavors and ingredients. It is located at 3300 Smith Street (2 miles from the hotel). Almost completely destroyed by a fire that broke out a few years back during Hurricane Ike, Brennan’s is back and better than ever. Brennan’s is open for dinner nightly, and offers lunch Monday through Friday and Saturday and Sunday brunch. See: http://www.brennanshouston.com/ or call 713-522-9711 for reservations.

SHADE. Shade is located in the Heights district of Houston, on 250 W. 19th Street, next to several antique and boutique stores and about 6 miles from the hotel. Shade serves lunch and dinner every day of the week and brunch on Saturday and Sunday. The seasonal menu is creative and fresh. Please call 713-863-7500 or see http://www.shadeheights.com/index.html for more information.

JULIA’S BISTRO. Julia’s is a small, casual bistro that blends Latin flavors with Asia and the Mediterranean. It is open Monday through Friday for lunch and Monday through Saturday for dinner. Reservations are suggested.  Julia’s is located about 2 miles from the hotel on 3722 Main Street. See: http://juliasbistro.com/ for more information or call 713-807-0095.

VOICE. Voice is located in the legendary Hotel ICON and its menu is guided by principles of sustainability, as the majority of ingredients are sourced from within a 150-mile radius.  Voice offers an extensive wine menu, and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Reservations are suggested. There is also a lounge for late night bites and drinks. Voice is located on 220 Main Street, about a mile from the hotel. Please call 832-667-4470 or see http://www.hotelicon.com/voice-restaurant/ for more information.

 MEXICAN

HUGOS. Hugo’s offers regional Mexican cuisine in Houston’s Montrose area. The restaurant is housed in a 1925 structure that was designed and built by well-known Houston architect, Joseph Finger, who is also responsible for Houston's Art-Deco style City Hall. Hugo’s is open daily for lunch and dinner. It is located on 1600 Westheimer Road, about 3 miles from the hotel. Please see: http://www.hugosrestaurant.net/about.html or call 713-524-7744 for more information. Reservations suggested.

NINFA’S. You can find several Mama Ninfa's locations across Houston, but the chain's original (opened in 1973) is a tiny crowded café located on 2704 Navigation Blvd, a little less than 2 miles from the hotel. Ninfa’s is open daily for lunch and dinner. Please call 713-228-1175 or see http://www.mamaninfas.com for more information.

TACOS A GO-GO. Tacos A Go-Go is an arty, funky place to eat on the MetroRail at the Ensemble/HCC stop and features a giant Carmen Miranda head above the front door. How could it not be good? Open for breakfast and lunch every day, and for dinner Monday through Saturday.  Tacos A Go-Go is located on 3704 Main Street, about 2 miles from the hotel. Please call 713-807-8226 or see http://tacosagogo.com for more information.

IRMA’S. Irma's serves Mexican specialties for breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday, and for dinner on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Her menu features 16 new items every day, based on the chef’s inclinations and the availability of seasonal ingredients. So, don’t expect a printed menu! Located at 22 N Chenevert at Franklin, Irma’s is about a mile from the hotel and on the other side of Minute Maid Stadium. Please call 713-222-0767 or see http://irmashouston.com for more information.

BARBEQUE

GOODE COMPANY BBQ. Goode Company Barbeque is synonymous with the word "barbecue" in Houston. The menu includes beef brisket, chicken, sausage, ribs, duck and pork. The atmosphere is casual. Owner Jim Goode also operates two restaurants across the street: a burger and taqueria cafe and an excellent seafood venue (in a train car). Goode Company Barbeque is located on 5109 Kirby Drive, about 5 miles from the hotel. They are open daily for lunch and dinner. Call 713-522-2530or see http://www.goodecompany.com for more information.

PAPPAS BBQ. Pappa’s  BBQ is another casual, more proximal BBQ option in Houston for the BBQ lover in you. Menu features brisket and ribs slow cooked with proprietary BBQ sauce handed down from H.D. Pappa himself. Similar to Goode Company, Pappa’s also has other restaurants locally featuring seafood and steak. Pappa’s BBQ is located at 1217 Pierce, less than a mile from the hotel. Please call 713-659-1245 or see http://pappasbbq.com/home/ for more information.

CONTEMPORARY/AMERICAN

THE GROVE. Whether in the mood for a leisurely meal in the park, or drinks and appetizers on the second floor Treehouse deck, The Grove is a culinary hotspot in Houston’s urban core.The Grove offers an American Rustic menu featuring a range of tantalizing appetizers, salads, seafood, rotisserie specialties, steaks, sandwiches, and decadent deserts. It is open for both lunch and dinner and is located at 1611 Lamar, a mere hop from the hotel! Reservations are recommended. See: http://www.thegrovehouston.com/index.html or call 713-337-7321.

MARK’S. Mark’s Restaurant offers upscale American cuisine and service in the setting of a 1920’s church. Mark’s has an intimate atmosphere and an excellent wine list. It is located on 1658 Westheimer, about 3.5 miles from the hotel. Mark’s is open for lunch Monday through Friday and for dinner nightly. Reservations are recommended. Please call 713-523-3800 or see http://marks1658.com/welcome/ for more information. 

ARTISTA. Artista’s is a Cordua Restaurant that offers the artistically inclined a delicate and decadent dining experience. Located in the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, Artisa’s multi-level dining room allows guests to see through the restaurant, discovering breathtaking views of Tranquility Park. Situated next to the main dining room, Artista’s bar opens to relaxing vistas of downtown Houston. Artista is located at 800 Bagby Street, about a mile from the hotel. Artista is usually open for lunch daily and dinner nightly, but is closed on (non-theater) Sundays. Please call 713-278-4782 or see http://www.cordua.com/artista/our-menu for more information.

*17. *17 is located in the Alden Hotel Houston at 1117 Prairie Street, which is less than a mile from the Hilton Americas Hotel. *17 was named after Houston’s deep history of the railroad and its perfect access to the sea (“where 17 railroads meet the sea”). In honor of that tradition, the breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus feature 17 items each from Executive Chef Sam Beier, all with an attention to a balance of “land and sea.” Reservations are suggested. Please call 832-200-8847 or see http://www.17food.com/index.html for more information.

FRENCH

AU PETIT PARIS. Located on 2048 Colquitt (5 miles from the hotel), Au Petit Paris is situated in an old house and serves up some yummy French food, with attention to meat, seafood, and also an option for vegetarians. The dining room is closed on Sunday, and reservations are suggested. See: http://www.aupetitparisrestaurant.com/home.html or call 713-524-7070. 

BRASSERIE MAX AND JULIE. Brasserie Max and Julie serves excellent French Bistro cuisine. Located on 4315 Montrose Blvd, Max and Julie is less than 3 miles from the hotel. They are open nightly, and well as for lunch on Tuesday through Sunday (with a Sunday brunch). Please call 713-524-0070 or see www.maxandjulie.net for more information. 

ITALIAN

MIA BELLA TRATTORIA. Located at 320 Main Street and 1 mile from the hotel, Mia Bella offers a lovely selection of Italian foods and wines. Reservations are recommended. See: http://miabellarestaurants.com/index.html or call 713-237-0505. 

DAMIAN’S CUCINA ITALIANA. Damian’s Restaurant is open for lunch Monday through Friday, and dinner on Monday through Saturday. Damian’s has old World atmosphere that is sophisticated-yet-welcoming.  There is an extensive menu of offerings, from antipasto and salads to a variety of homemade pastas, quality meats and seafood.  All breads and desserts are baked daily in the in-house bakery, and the stellar list of Italian wines perfectly complements the menu.  Damian’s is located on 3011 Smith Street, about 2 miles from the hotel. Please see http://www.damians.com/index.html for more information or call 713-522-0439 for reservations.

MICHAELANGELOS. Michaelangelo’s Italian Restaurant is located at 307 Westheimer, which is slightly over 2 miles from the hotel. Houston's first "sidewalk" cafe, Michelangelo's originally gained fame for its tempting pizzas and succulent, award-winning pastas, and has since expanded its menu to include a wide range of Italian fare. While there, be sure to look for the live tree growing through the roof! Michaelangelos is open daily for lunch and dinner and offers brunch on the weekends. See: http://www.michelangelosrestaurant.com/index.html for more information or call 713-524-7836. 

DA MARCO. Da Marco serves creative Italian food in an upscale atmosphere with polished service, and has a lovely wine list to complement the entries. Da Marco is open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday evenings, and for lunch on Tuesday through Friday. Reservations are highly suggested. Business casual attire is requested. Da Marco is located at 1520 Westheimer Road, about 3 miles from the hotel. Call 713-807-8857 or see http://www.damarcohouston.com/ for more information.

STEAKHOUSE

VIC AND ANTHONYS. Vic and Anthony’s Steakhouse is a Landry restaurant offering an elegant atmosphere and the finest beef, fresh seafood, and more, as well as an extensive wine collection. It is located on 1510 Texas Avenue, which is about a half mile from the hotel. Reservations are recommended. See: http://www.vicandanthonys.com/ for more information or call 713-228-1111.   

THAI/VIETNAMESE

NIT NOI THAI. Nit Noi Thai is a popular, reasonably priced Thai restaurant that is open daily for lunch and dinner. Nit Noi Thai has two locations near the hotel: one is 2020 Louisiana Street, about a mile or so from the hotel, and the other is 201 Main Street, which is a mile from the hotel. See http://www.nitnoithai.com/ for more information.

THAI SPICE. Thai Spice serves traditional Thai cuisine in the heart of Houston. Thai Spice is known for its extensive menu, including many vegetarian choices and a fun selection of spring rolls with "seasonal" varieties. Thai Spice is located on 777 Walker Street, less than a mile from the hotel. Call 713-222-8883 or see http://www.thaispice.com/home.htm for more information.

NIDDA THAI. Nidda Thai offers delicious Thai food in a modest storefront at 1226 Westheimer Road, less than 3 miles from the hotel. They are open for lunch daily and dinner nightly. Call 713-522-8895 or see http://www.niddathai.com/ for more information.

KIM SON. Kim Son offers some of the best Vietnamese food in town at 2001 Jefferson Street, less than a mile from the hotel. Open daily for lunch and dinner. See http://www.kimson.com/ or call 713-222-2461.

LES GIVRAL’S KAHVE. Les Givral’s is one of Houston’s favorite Vietnamese restaurants. It is located on 801 Congress Street, slightly over a mile from the hotel. See http://www.lesgivrals.com/ or call 713-547-0444 for more information.
INDIAN/INDIAN FUSION

INDIKA.  One of Houston’s favorites for Indian fusion cuisine, Indika is located at 516 Westheimer Road, slightly over 2 miles from the hotel. They are open for lunch on Tuesday through Friday, and dinner Tuesday through Saturday. They also have a Sunday brunch. Please see http://www.indikausa.com/ or call 713-524-2170 for more information.

KIRANS. Kirans is a fine dining Indian restaurant recognized with several local awards that is sure to please. Located at 4100 Westheimer Road, Kirans is about 7 miles from the hotel. Kirans is open for lunch Monday through Friday and for dinner Monday through Saturday. Business or formal attire is preferred. Please see http://www.kiranshouston.com/ or call 713-960-8472 for more information.

SEAFOOD

PESCE. Pesce offers seafood dishes reflecting a blend of Asian, Creole and Italian in an ocean-inspired atmosphere. Open Monday through Saturday for dinner. Reservations are recommended. Pesce is located on 3029 Kirby Drive, about 5 miles from the hotel. Call 713-522-4858 or see http://www.pescehouston.com for more information.

REEF. Iron Chef fan? You might have seen Reef’s Bryan Caswell on recent episodes. Reef offers a casual taste of contemporary seafood. The award-winning menu includes expertly prepared seafood with Gulf Coast, Mediterranean and Asian influences. Reef is open Monday through Saturday night for dinner. Reef is located on 2600 Travis Street, slightly over a mile from the hotel. Please call 713-526-8282 or see http://www.reefhouston.com/ for more information.

PIZZERIAS

STAR PIZZA. For pizza made from scratch, Star Pizza is the way to go. New York or Chicago-style … whatever your pleasure, Star has it. Star serves other Italian dishes as well. Star Pizza is located on 2111 Norfolk Street, about 4 miles from the hotel. Call 713-523-0800 or see http://www.starpizza.net for more information.

BOMBAY PIZZA COMPANY. The Bombay Pizza Co. is an Indian-Italian pizzeria that serves Italian cuisine graced with Indian herbs and spices. The menu is not limited to pizza, and also includes Indian “street food” classics. The Bombay Pizza Co. is located at 914 Main Street, less than a mile from the hotel. Please call 713-654-4444 or see http://www.bombaypizzaco.com for more information.

PLACES TO DINE AND ENJOY LIVE MUSIC

SAMBUCA. Sambuca offers dinner nightly and lunch during the week with a diverse and contemporary menu. It is located at 909 Texas Avenue, on the bottom floor of the historic Rice hotel, less than a mile from the hotel. Reservations are recommended for dinner. Live music is featured Thursday through Monday, beginning around 7 PM or so. See:  http://www.sambucarestaurant.com/restaurant_home.php?1302015284 or call 713-224-5299.

HOUSE OF BLUES. The House of Blues is located at 1204 Caroline Street and is about a few blocks from the hotel. They offer a New-Orleans inspired American menu of lunch and dinner every day. Be sure to check out the gospel brunch! Please note that you can get priority entrance into the music hall with your House of Blues dinner or store receipt. See their concert calendar online and purchase advance tickets at:
http://www.houseofblues.com/venues/clubvenues/houston/ or call 888-402-5837.

RED CAT JAZZ CAFÉ. The Red Cat Jazz Café is located at 924 Congress Street (about 1.2 miles from the hotel) and features jazz artists and a Louisiana-style dinner or lunch in a “French Quarter” atmosphere. See http://www.redcatjazzcafe.com/index.php or call 713-226-7870.

LAST CONCERT CAFÉ. Last Concert Cafe is a nightclub that used to be a bordello. This hip downtown joint is something of a secret: It's not only hard to find, it's indistinguishable from the buildings around it. Call for directions, knock on the plain red door (speakeasy-style) for admission, and then go in for the definitive Houston nosh: tortilla chips, salsa and beer. At night, entire Tex-Mex meals are served. Open nightly for dinner, and lunch Monday-Friday. Live music can be found Tuesday through Saturday nights until 2:00 a.m. The Last Concert Cafe is located at 1403 Nance Street, about a mile and a half from the hotel. For more information, call 713-226-8563 or see http://www.lastconcert.com.

MUCKY DUCK. McGonigel's Mucky Duck features some of the best small folk and ethnic bands, as well as national acts from time to time. Mucky Duck is known for a long beer (including boutique beer) and port list, a large selection of wines, and decent pub food. Open nightly. The Mucky Duck is located on 2425 Norfolk Street, about 5 miles from the hotel. Please call 713-528-5999 or see http://www.mcgonigels.com for more information about upcoming shows.

OTHER LIVE MUSIC VENUES

CEZANNE. Cezanne is an intimate, late-night place that some consider the city's premier jazz club, but there's also Latin music with vocals and small ensembles. Call for details about performers and show times. Cezanne is open Friday and Saturday nights, and is located on 4100 Montrose Blvd. (above the Black Labrador Pub), which is less than 3 miles from the hotel. Call 713-522-9621 or see http://www.cezannejazz.com/ for more information about upcoming shows.

THE CONTINENTAL CLUB. The Continental Club features an eclectic lineup of Texas rock, folk and a smattering of dance music. Open nightly. The Continental Club is located at 3700 Main Street, less than 3 miles from the hotel. Call 713-529-9899 or see htttp://www.continentalclub.com for more information.

Please note that some businesses may change ownership or close over time, so be sure to check with the concierge at the hotel or call venues prior to your departure.