• Home
  • popular
  • EVENTS
  • submit-new-event
  • CHARITY GUIDE
  • Children
  • Education
  • Health
  • Veterans
  • Social Services
  • Arts + Culture
  • Animals
  • LGBTQ
  • New Charity
  • TRENDING NEWS
  • News
  • City Life
  • Entertainment
  • Sports
  • Home + Design
  • Travel
  • Real Estate
  • Restaurants + Bars
  • Arts
  • Society
  • Innovation
  • Fashion + Beauty
  • subscribe
  • about
  • series
  • Embracing Your Inner Cowboy
  • Green Living
  • Summer Fun
  • Real Estate Confidential
  • RX In the City
  • State of the Arts
  • Fall For Fashion
  • Cai's Odyssey
  • Comforts of Home
  • Good Eats
  • Holiday Gift Guide 2010
  • Holiday Gift Guide 2
  • Good Eats 2
  • HMNS Pirates
  • The Future of Houston
  • We Heart Hou 2
  • Music Inspires
  • True Grit
  • Hoops City
  • Green Living 2011
  • Cruizin for a Cure
  • Summer Fun 2011
  • Just Beat It
  • Real Estate 2011
  • Shelby on the Seine
  • Rx in the City 2011
  • Entrepreneur Video Series
  • Going Wild Zoo
  • State of the Arts 2011
  • Fall for Fashion 2011
  • Elaine Turner 2011
  • Comforts of Home 2011
  • King Tut
  • Chevy Girls
  • Good Eats 2011
  • Ready to Jingle
  • Houston at 175
  • The Love Month
  • Clifford on The Catwalk Htx
  • Let's Go Rodeo 2012
  • King's Harbor
  • FotoFest 2012
  • City Centre
  • Hidden Houston
  • Green Living 2012
  • Summer Fun 2012
  • Bookmark
  • 1987: The year that changed Houston
  • Best of Everything 2012
  • Real Estate 2012
  • Rx in the City 2012
  • Lost Pines Road Trip Houston
  • London Dreams
  • State of the Arts 2012
  • HTX Fall For Fashion 2012
  • HTX Good Eats 2012
  • HTX Contemporary Arts 2012
  • HCC 2012
  • Dine to Donate
  • Tasting Room
  • HTX Comforts of Home 2012
  • Charming Charlie
  • Asia Society
  • HTX Ready to Jingle 2012
  • HTX Mistletoe on the go
  • HTX Sun and Ski
  • HTX Cars in Lifestyle
  • HTX New Beginnings
  • HTX Wonderful Weddings
  • HTX Clifford on the Catwalk 2013
  • Zadok Sparkle into Spring
  • HTX Let's Go Rodeo 2013
  • HCC Passion for Fashion
  • BCAF 2013
  • HTX Best of 2013
  • HTX City Centre 2013
  • HTX Real Estate 2013
  • HTX France 2013
  • Driving in Style
  • HTX Island Time
  • HTX Super Season 2013
  • HTX Music Scene 2013
  • HTX Clifford on the Catwalk 2013 2
  • HTX Baker Institute
  • HTX Comforts of Home 2013
  • Mothers Day Gift Guide 2021 Houston
  • Staying Ahead of the Game
  • Wrangler Houston
  • First-time Homebuyers Guide Houston 2021
  • Visit Frisco Houston
  • promoted
  • eventdetail
  • Greystar Novel River Oaks
  • Thirdhome Go Houston
  • Dogfish Head Houston
  • LovBe Houston
  • Claire St Amant podcast Houston
  • The Listing Firm Houston
  • South Padre Houston
  • NextGen Real Estate Houston
  • Pioneer Houston
  • Collaborative for Children
  • Decorum
  • Bold Rock Cider
  • Nasher Houston
  • Houston Tastemaker Awards 2021
  • CityNorth
  • Urban Office
  • Villa Cotton
  • Luck Springs Houston
  • EightyTwo
  • Rectanglo.com
  • Silver Eagle Karbach
  • Mirador Group
  • Nirmanz
  • Bandera Houston
  • Milan Laser
  • Lafayette Travel
  • Highland Park Village Houston
  • Proximo Spirits
  • Douglas Elliman Harris Benson
  • Original ChopShop
  • Bordeaux Houston
  • Strike Marketing
  • Rice Village Gift Guide 2021
  • Downtown District
  • Broadstone Memorial Park
  • Gift Guide
  • Music Lane
  • Blue Circle Foods
  • Houston Tastemaker Awards 2022
  • True Rest
  • Lone Star Sports
  • Silver Eagle Hard Soda
  • Modelo recipes
  • Modelo Fighting Spirit
  • Athletic Brewing
  • Rodeo Houston
  • Silver Eagle Bud Light Next
  • Waco CVB
  • EnerGenie
  • HLSR Wine Committee
  • All Hands
  • El Paso
  • Avenida Houston
  • Visit Lubbock Houston
  • JW Marriott San Antonio
  • Silver Eagle Tupps
  • Space Center Houston
  • Central Market Houston
  • Boulevard Realty
  • Travel Texas Houston
  • Alliantgroup
  • Golf Live
  • DC Partners
  • Under the Influencer
  • Blossom Hotel
  • San Marcos Houston
  • Photo Essay: Holiday Gift Guide 2009
  • We Heart Hou
  • Walker House
  • HTX Good Eats 2013
  • HTX Ready to Jingle 2013
  • HTX Culture Motive
  • HTX Auto Awards
  • HTX Ski Magic
  • HTX Wonderful Weddings 2014
  • HTX Texas Traveler
  • HTX Cifford on the Catwalk 2014
  • HTX United Way 2014
  • HTX Up to Speed
  • HTX Rodeo 2014
  • HTX City Centre 2014
  • HTX Dos Equis
  • HTX Tastemakers 2014
  • HTX Reliant
  • HTX Houston Symphony
  • HTX Trailblazers
  • HTX_RealEstateConfidential_2014
  • HTX_IW_Marks_FashionSeries
  • HTX_Green_Street
  • Dating 101
  • HTX_Clifford_on_the_Catwalk_2014
  • FIVE CultureMap 5th Birthday Bash
  • HTX Clifford on the Catwalk 2014 TEST
  • HTX Texans
  • Bergner and Johnson
  • HTX Good Eats 2014
  • United Way 2014-15_Single Promoted Articles
  • Holiday Pop Up Shop Houston
  • Where to Eat Houston
  • Copious Row Single Promoted Articles
  • HTX Ready to Jingle 2014
  • htx woodford reserve manhattans
  • Zadok Swiss Watches
  • HTX Wonderful Weddings 2015
  • HTX Charity Challenge 2015
  • United Way Helpline Promoted Article
  • Boulevard Realty
  • Fusion Academy Promoted Article
  • Clifford on the Catwalk Fall 2015
  • United Way Book Power Promoted Article
  • Jameson HTX
  • Primavera 2015
  • Promenade Place
  • Hotel Galvez
  • Tremont House
  • HTX Tastemakers 2015
  • HTX Digital Graffiti/Alys Beach
  • MD Anderson Breast Cancer Promoted Article
  • HTX RealEstateConfidential 2015
  • HTX Vargos on the Lake
  • Omni Hotel HTX
  • Undies for Everyone
  • Reliant Bright Ideas Houston
  • 2015 Houston Stylemaker
  • HTX Renewable You
  • Urban Flats Builder
  • Urban Flats Builder
  • HTX New York Fashion Week spring 2016
  • Kyrie Massage
  • Red Bull Flying Bach
  • Hotze Health and Wellness
  • ReadFest 2015
  • Alzheimer's Promoted Article
  • Formula 1 Giveaway
  • Professional Skin Treatments by NuMe Express

    Defining Dining

    Where to eat right now: The Houston restaurant institutions you have to try

    Ruthie Miller
    Feb 16, 2011 | 12:52 pm
    • Avalon Diner
    • Tony's
      Photo by James Dean
    • Molina's
      Photo by Jordan Chan
    • Brennan's
      Photo by Barbara Kuntz
    • Goode Co.
      Photo by Chris Conyers

    In the literal sense, an institution is little more than a building or organization — but in the figurative sense, an institution is a cultural icon: A place that helps to define a city and inspires fond memories and nostalgia.

    Here are 13 Houston restaurants that have captured our hearts as such. Some of them are among the oldest restaurants in the city, while others were born under Jimmy Carter, but all of them hold a special place in Houston's culinary lore.

    How many of these Houston institutions have you been to? And what are your recommendations to add to the list?

    James Coney Island
    Calvin Coolidge was our President in 1923 when James Coney Island first opened its doors in Houston. And despite tremendous success, JCI maintained only its original location (at Walker and Main Street downtown) until the second shop opened in 1968.

    Sadly, the flagship spot closed last year, but there are 21 offshoots of this Bayou City classic remaining, so surely there’s one near you. Mmmm, chili-cheese dogs!

    Prince’s
    You’ve probably seen the catchy vintage-looking sign on Highway 59, but did you know that Prince’s has truly been around since 1934? The place has evolved from a drive-through to a burger stand to the current restaurant model today — but the outstanding burgers are still the same.

    Avalon Diner
    It has moved locations a few times, but the Avalon Diner has graced our fair city since 1938. The place is known for its burgers and fries, but we think the best part is the milkshakes. That, and the salty waitresses who’ve all been working there for decades.

    Lankford Grocery
    This glorious Fourth Ward burger joint has been around since 1939 and still operates according to its core principle: “Nothing small, nothing healthy, and nothing fast.”

    Though it’s been updated over the years, Lankford manages to maintain its original feel. And it’s a good thing: the place offers one of the homiest, happiest meals around. Don’t miss the biscuits and gravy on Saturdays!

    Molina’s
    It’s hard to believe that when Molina’s got started in 1941, there were only about five other Mexican restaurants in town. And while hundreds, if not thousands, of others have popped up since, Molina’s maintains its status as Houston royalty.

    After all, the Jose’s Dip — a deep bowl of queso topped off with a heaping helping of spicy taco meat — is still legendary.

    Cleburne Cafeteria
    The restaurant has changed locations (once) and owners (once) since it opened in 1941, but Cleburne Cafeteria hasn’t otherwise evolved all that much. The average diner here can probably remember both Eisenhower’s inaugural address and JFK’s assassination, but they sure still like reminiscing in the homey ambiance over casual, homemade food.

    Barbecue Inn
    The Barbecue Inn has been fixin’ up favorites in Houston since 1946, and they’ve got the original menu on the wall to prove it. After all these years there’s still a line out the door at meal times of hungry folks who’ve come to worship Houston’s holy trinity: fried shrimp, fried chicken, and chicken fried steak. So make a point to stop by this local gem (but go ahead and leave your diet at home).

    Nielsen’s Deli
    The Nielsens, a third-generation family of Danish deli owners, opened up their happy shop in Highland Village in the 1950s. They moved to the current Richmond location in 1974, but the awesome egg salad is still the same. Stop by for a sammie at this Houston spectacular, and don’t forget to ask for plenty of their famous “yellow sauce,” the celestial housemade mayonnaise.

    Tony’s
    It might have changed locations a time or two, but the venerable Tony’s has been serving some of Houston’s most prominent residents since 1965. It’s storied and mysterious, respected and enduring.

    The fancy-pants food is certainly not for the faint of pocket book, but there’s also a $17 “express lunch” for those looking to get in on the secret.

    Ninfa’s on Navigation
    The urban legend of Mama Ninfa and the origin of the fajita still looms large in Houston lore. It was she, reportedly, who created the Tex-Mex staple back in 1973. Whether or not this is actually true remains anyone’s guess, but most Houstonians seem to enjoy the possibility. The quail and softshell crab are local favorites, but beware of the celebrated Ninfaritas.

    Brennan’s
    When Brennan’s was destroyed by fire in 2008 during Hurricane Ike, it was as if we lost a confidant, a warm soul that had been a part of our Houston family since 1967. Repairs and a warm remodel have brought the local legend back to life, and thank goodness — we missed our seafood gumbo, Bananas Foster, and silver-plated pralines.

    Bellaire Broiler Burger
    Fewer places in Houston inspire as much nostalgia as the outstanding Bellaire Broiler Burger. A neighborhood fixture since 1972, the place is still family owned and operated — and still home to more Little League dinners than any other restaurant in the nation. Well, that’s probably not true, but you get the idea.

    Goode Co.
    There’s no denying the Goode family’s influence in Houston. You’ll find plenty of Houston legends and lore among the barbecue joints, seafood shacks, and taqueria — plus some pretty good grub, too. They’ve been in biz since 1977.

    Oh, a few things have changed since Levi Goode took over for his father Jim, but the pecan pies are still deliciously the same.

    unspecified
    news/restaurants-bars

    a fresh start

    Award-winning Houston cocktail bar diverts to new home in Montrose

    Eric Sandler
    Jun 12, 2025 | 5:00 pm
    Diversion cocktail bar Montrose
    Photo by Manoah Rodriguez
    The Vilanova Ritual is prepared tableside in a teapot.

    An award-winning Houston cocktail bar has found a new home. Diversión will reopen Thursday, June 19 in Montrose’s food-focused Harlow District development.

    Located at 1226 W Clay Street, Diversión Montrose will occupy one of the two houses that comprise Emma Jane, the European-inspired teahouse that opened last year. It replaces the original location of Diversión that opened in early 2021 in Spring Branch. Both Diversión’s original location and Degust, its companion tasting menu restaurant, quietly closed last year.

    Known for its polished service and elaborate cocktails, Esquire magazine named Diversión’s original iteration to its list of the Best New Bar in America for 2022. That ethos has been “refreshed” to be “a more intimate and playful setting,” according to press materials.

    Patrons will find a new cocktail menu that includes drinks such as the Operation: ‘White Flame’ (vodka, dry vermouth, Earl Grey, and caviar); the Sand Dollar Beach, an on-trend mini martini; and the Vilanova Ritual, which is prepared for two people in one of Emma Jane’s signature tea pots. Food options include Korean fried chicken, a Japanese-style mushroom salad (sunomono), and caviar service with crème fraiche dip, soy caramel, and crepes.

    While the original Diversión required a special trip to Spring Branch, the new one could be one stop on an evening in the Harlow District. Located on the property that served as the home to treasured Italian restaurants Nino's, Vincent's, and Grappino di Nino, the development now includes upscale Italian restaurant La Griglia, premier sushi spot Katami, and lively patio bar Verde Garden.

    Diversión will be open Tuesday-Sunday from 5 pm-1 am.


    Diversion cocktail bar Montrose
      

    Photo by Manoah Rodriguez

    The Vilanova Ritual is prepared tableside in a teapot.

    cocktailsopeningsnightlifenews-you-can-eat
    news/restaurants-bars
    CULTUREMAP EMAILS ARE AWESOME
    Get Houston intel delivered daily.
    Loading...