To call Houston a city serious about its food would be an understatement. From Indian to Mexican to Vietnamese, H-Town doesn’t just offer one of the best cuisine scenes you can find in Texas, but one of the greatest you can discover in the whole country. And, the southwest Houston neighborhood, Midtown, represents one of the most renowned spots for dining in the entire city. Check out our guide below to dig into the greatest dishes — from bánh mì to biscuits — in this hot-spot neighborhood.
Related to Restaurants in Midtown, Houston: Exploring the Best Brunch in Houston
Great Restaurants in Midtown Houston
The Breakfast Klub
Address: 3711 Travis Street, Houston, TX 77002
Cost: $$
The lines at this popular weekend brunch spot may grow long, full of hungry, hungover foodies, but it’s a testament to the Klub itself that no one ever leaves without a smile (or a full belly). The Southern-style home cooking thrown down here does more than just cure any whiskey-sick stomach, though; it is full of flavor and the type of love you normally only find when your grandmother cooks for you. Consistently named one of the best places to get your breakfast on in the entire country, you can’t go wrong with a plateful of their fluffy eggs, mouth-watering biscuits, and cloud-like pancakes so big they fill the space of a whole dinner plate.
Need any more reasons to check this place out? It received the stamp of approval from none other than the Queen of Houston herself: Beyonce.
What to Eat:
When it comes to the best breakfast dish in the deep South, there’s only one logical answer: chicken and waffles. And the ones found at the Breakfast Klub are especially exceptional — with a waffle that’s crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, as well as chicken that is perfectly fried.
13 Celsius
Address: 3000 Caroline Street, Houston, TX 77004
Cost: $$
When entering 13 Celsius, you’ll feel like you hopped on a flight from George Bush Intercontinental Airport and landed in a romantic European cafe. But the dreamy decor, including an original pressed-tin ceiling, and dim lighting aren’t the only whiffs of Spain or France you’ll pick up on when dining here — a favorite spot of Houston wine enthusiasts, their expansive list of reds, whites, and rosés from around the world will wow you. If this description doesn’t already scream “date night vibes” to you, the constant flock of couples sharing slices of salami from fabulously plated charcuterie boards should only serve as further proof.
What to Eat:
This Midtown wine bar and restaurant understands that your night should always end on a sweet note, and an order of their drunken cannolis is a great way to do that. 13 Celsius’ twist on the classic Italian dessert involves soaking sultanas in marsala for the sweet ricotta filling.
Brennan’s Houston
Address: 3300 Smith St, Houston, TX 77006
Cost: $$$
A Houston institution that has been open for over 50 years, Cajun restaurant Brennan’s is every Lone Star state native’s go-to place for a special occasion meal. From the chandelier-decked mansion that houses it, to the crisp white tablecloths that cover the elegant dining room, you can tell quickly that this spot sets the perfect tone for an anniversary dinner or graduation lunch. However, just because the decor comes straight out of a New Orleans fine-dining restaurant, doesn’t mean there aren’t deals to be found. With the purchase of every lunch entree during the workweek, you can add one of their famous martinis for only an additional 25 cents. You can then soak up the vodka and olive juice with a variety of seafood-leaning specialties from their menu, including wood-grilled Matagorda Bay oysters and shrimp Chippewa.
What to Eat:
The most iconic dish at Brennan’s has to be their snapping turtle soup. With its broth splashed with brandy, the recipe is inspired by the one served up at famous New Orleans restaurant, Commander’s Palace.
Cali Sandwich & Pho
Address: 2900 Travis Street #F, Houston, TX 77006
Cost: $
This casual sandwich and soup shop, housed in a building that doubles as a neighborhood bodega, might be low on frills, but it’s high on flavor. You can tell you’re about to dig into some delicious bites from the moment you spot the line that forms each weekday at noon, which is full of hungry office workers ready to grab a bánh mì to enjoy in the sunshine at nearby Midtown Park. And, while the Vietnamese sandwich and noodle soup classics might be the obvious choice at Cali Sandwich & Pho (considering they are literally in the restaurant’s name), there’s also a solid selection of fried rice and vegetarian dishes to sample, such as the chili and lemongrass tofu.
What to Eat:
While you can’t go wrong when ordering any of their bánh mì options, our top choice is the grilled pork version. Served on a crispy baguette, the hot, juicy pork marries perfectly with a variety of herbs and a mayonnaise concoction so good it will have you licking your fingers after the last bite.
Weights + Measures
Address: 2808 Caroline Street, Houston, TX 77004
Cost: $$$
With its retro-kitsch decor and long service hours (it’s open from 6 AM to 2 AM), Weights + Measures will quickly reveal itself as the high-end diner of your dreams. If you stop by in the morning, especially for their weekend brunch, you’ll leave fully caffeinated and ready to conquer the world after downing one of the DoughKnots from their on-site bakeshop. But, dinnertime is just as enjoyable, especially considering Weights + Measures’ divine selection of fine cocktails, such as the spicy aguachile margarita, which pairs brilliantly with American-leaning fare, like terrines and burgers.
What to Eat:
While “healthy” might not be the first word that comes to mind when you think “pizza,” Weights + Measures’ sweet, yet spicy, roasted carrot pizza might just give you a new perspective. In the dish, they top fresh dough from their bakeshop with béchamel sauce, Fresno chilies, dukka spice, gruyere, and, of course, the titular carrots.
Moving to Midtown? Live Near These Restaurants in Midtown, Houston
Want to roll out of bed and right into a biscuit platter at The Breakfast Klub? Talk to one of AptAmigo’s expert agents today about finding the right apartment next to your favorite restaurant in Midtown, Houston. They know all the details on the best places to live in Astro City — not to mention, a fantastic dinner recommendation or two.
