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    life outside the loop

    8 favorite outside-the-Loop destinations among Houston's top 100 restaurants

    Eric Sandler
    Dec 31, 2019 | 11:35 am

    When assembling CultureMap’s list of Houston’s Top 100 restaurants, we decided to focus on the neighborhoods where our readers live, which is primarily inside the Loop and neighborhoods near the Galleria. After all, those are the areas where the most ambitious restaurants are located.

     

    To include a restaurant located beyond the Beltway, it would have to be exceptional; that is, worth the hassle of a long drive and superior to other options in its category. After all, what’s the point in telling someone who lives in Montrose about a great Italian restaurant in Cypress when it would mean driving past Giacomo’s to get there?

     

    For this list, our definition of the suburbs is a little loose, but that allows this list to spotlight worthy restaurants in places like Bellaire, Memorial, and other Houston neighborhoods that may otherwise fly under the radar.

     

     Tris 
    Creating a destination-worthy restaurant in the heart of The Woodlands isn’t easy, but chef Austin Simmons has risen to the challenge. Blending his French training with a love of Asian ingredients has led Simmons to create memorable bites like the Korean butter-poached crab with kimchi pancake and lobster toast with smoked trout roe. Steak lovers will appreciate Heartbrand X, an ultra-aged akaushi beef with a very limited distribution. The wine list even offers a few well-priced gems that reward true oenophiles who peruse it carefully.

     

     Brasserie 1895 
    Chef-owner Kris Jakob uses his French training to turn out all manner of classic fare, including chicken liver pate, mushroom ravioli, and filet au poivre. Because the restaurant is in Friendwood, it also serves a bad-ass chicken fried steak with foie gras cream gravy. Daily specials usually yield old school favorites like roasted duck or snapper quenelle. Well-chosen craft beers and wines further elevate the experience.

     

     Phat Eatery 
    Chef Alex Au-Yeung's bold flavors and creative dishes have made this Katy restaurant a hit. Diners who are new to the cuisine should consider staples like roti with chicken curry, satay skewers, and laksa. Those with more adventurous palates will find the chef's funky bak kut teh (pork ribs with pig trotters and stomach) to be a delightful mix of textures and flavors. To deal with the crowds, Au-Yeung recently expanded the dining room, almost doubling his seating capacity.

     

     Saltillo Mexican Kitchen 
    Houston has numerous options when it comes to eating a great steak, but none feel quite as personal as Carlos Abedrop's Bellaire restaurant. While it’s possible to order a filet or strip, the best decision is to go with a group big enough to justify ordering the tapa de lomo — a four-pound, $190 ribeye cap that feeds six. Pair it with some of Houston’s best enchiladas and a margarita for a truly memorable meal.

     

     Aga’s Restaurant & Catering 
    Despite its size, this restaurant in Southwest Houston seems to run on a perpetual wait, but that’s just a testament to the quality of the food being served. The signature goat chops are mandatory. From there, consider options like shrimp biryani, some naan, and any of the curries. Service is quick and efficient, which means any waiting-induced hunger will soon be satiated.

     

     Izakaya Wa 
    From the shouted greetings upon entering the dining room to the menu of sushi, yakitori skewers, and noodles, the entire dining experience at this Memorial restaurant transports diners to Japan. Choose from the extensive selection of skewers — don’t miss the ground chicken meat with egg yolk — along with whatever nigiri is on special that day. Pairing the food with a cold Asahi or two is optional but definitely encouraged.

     

     Bamboo House 
    This Humble restaurant has emerged as one of Greater Houston’s finest purveyors of Peking duck. With crispy skin and juicy meat that’s served on thin, delicate pancakes, Bamboo House nails the classic dish. Hand-pulled noodles and some Sichuan favorites (stir-fried pea shoots, mapo tofu) round out the selections. Best of all, a recently-opened second location at Westheimer and Fountain View makes Bamboo House more accessible than ever.

     

     Ramen Bar Ichi 
    Houston has several options for great bowls of ramen, but this intimate restaurant next to Seiwa Market stands out for its rich, creamy broth, properly al dente noodles, and flavorful toppings. Pair that bowl of spicy tonkotsu with a wide range of appetizers, including vegetable dishes, izakaya-style raw dishes, and fried options like chicken kaarage and shrimp tempura.

    Korean butter-poached crab at Tris.

    Tris kimchi crab
      
    Photo by Eric Sandler
    Korean butter-poached crab at Tris.
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    Growing burger chain slides into first Houston location

    Eric Sandler
    Jul 3, 2025 | 12:45 pm
    Smalls Sliders
    Smalls Sliders/ Facebook
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    A growing burger chain has arrived in Houston. Smalls Sliders recently opened its first location in Spring Branch at 1337 Gessner Road.

    As its name implies, the restaurant serves cheeseburger sliders — mini hamburgers that are topped simply with cheese, pickles, and burger sauce. Available as either a single or double, the only option diners have is to add bacon. Prices are small to match, just $2.79 for a single cheeseburger or $3.89 for a double.

    The menu also includes a grilled cheese, waffle fries, and shakes in four flavors — vanilla, chocolate, cookies and cream, and strawberry. A combo meal of two sliders, waffle fries, and a medium soft drink is priced at $9.29 (a large drink or a shake is available for an additional cost). Here’s a sneak peek at the restaurant courtesy of Houston food influencer eatnwithdee:


      
     
     
     
     
     
     
    View this post on Instagram
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    A post shared by Danny ~ Houston Content Creator ✨ (@eatnwithdee)


    Part of the brand’s appeal comes from its innovative design. Dubbed the “Smorange Can,” it’s a modular building made from two shipping containers. Painted bright orange, each location offers both a drive-thru and a walk-up window.

     Smalls Sliders Behold the "Smorange Can."  Smalls Sliders  

    Founded in Atlanta by restaurateur Brandon Landry, Smalls Sliders counts Super Bowl-winning quarterback Drew Brees as one of its investors. Franchisees Preston Cuningham and David Higgins, along with operating partner Kirk Douglas, are responsible for the Houston location, a location in nearby Willis that opened earlier this year, and an upcoming Conroe outpost.

    “Houston is such an iconic city with a great food scene. Opening a Smalls here was a natural next step for our team and the brand,” Cuningham said in a statement. “Smalls is well loved across the south and building a strong presence in Texas with recent openings in McKinney and Willis. We’re thrilled to paint Houston ‘Smorange’ and introduce this craveable menu to the area.”

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