*17

Don't be fooled: at first glance, the menu at *17 is deceptively simple. No marathon explanations of preparations, no extensive listings of ingredients, no incomprehensible French. At *17, inside the luxe Alden-Houston Hotel, less is definitely more as the culinary team led by executive chef David Coffman offers straightforward dishes like maple glazed bacon wrapped pork tenderloin and crispy gulf coast snapper with candied ginger faro and snap peas, elevated by excellent execution and service. In addition the dining room is possibly the most beautiful in Houston, with sexy red damask walls, chic striped floors, mod white wingback chairs with red piping and a glam chandelier. It's a perfect spot for a romantic night out.

With the new addition of a private dining room and chef’s table, *17 now can hold exclusively private dining events for groups as large as 26.

*17 has a great pre-theater menu if you're catching a downtown show.