Foodie fun

Rise and dine: 10 new(ish) breakfasts that make the Houston restaurant scene even tastier

Houston’s got a gaggle of breakfast classics around town — the Breakfast Klub, La Guadalupana and Fountain View Cafe, among others. But a new crop of breakfast options has popped up over the last year or two, giving our golden standards some healthy competition.

Here are 10 of my more recent favorites to try. All are places that serve a weekday morning repast — no brunch options included.

Adair Kitchen
This Galleria-area newcomer wins our seal of approval as our favorite new breakfast in town. The menu offers updated looks at the classics: omelets, chicken and waffles, oatmeal and more.

First time? Try the whole wheat banana pancakes — seriously. Adair Kitchen has recently added a juice menu, too; not all of the combos work for me, but they’re fun for a try.

Eatsie Boys
A hearty breakfast at the new Eatsie Boys Café on M-M-M-Montrose sets you up well for the day. The staple Eggman Sandwich is great, of course, but our current favorite is the Disco Biscuit: a fresh-baked biscuit loaded up with two sunny-side-up eggs and sinfully good chorizo gravy.

Don’t overlook the E-Boys coffee program, which is praiseworthy in its own right.

Pondicheri
Pondicheri’s breakfast is wonderful on its own accord — but it’s also unlike any other breakfast in the city, making it a fun and festive way to start your day. It’s hard to beat the masala eggs and breakfast frankie, but the green dosa (filled with saag and fresh greens) sure provides a delicious energy kick.

The new juice list is a revelation. Flavors are tasty and clean, without the jumbled confusion of many juice concoctions.

Tiny Boxwood’s
Join the pretty people in the gardens at Tiny Boxwood’s for a serene morning start. The breakfast menu is short, but sufficient, featuring things like oatmeal, migas and pulled pork breakfast tacos.

I sure liked the “simple breakfast,” a beautiful plate of scrambled eggs, refried black beans, toast and strawberry jam. Pastries are top-notch, too.

Blacksmith
The menu at Blacksmith is available all day — not just at breakfast — but we love starting our morning with a gorgeous plate of Vietnamese steak and eggs. Need something smaller?

The beauteous biscuit certainly deserves all the praise it has garnered, and it comes with a sweet side of marmalade and whipped crème fraîche. And then, of course, there’s the coffee. Oh sweet Lord, the coffee.

Down House
There’s something about the vintage feel of Down House that puts you in a sustainably great mood. You’ll find better breakfast tacos elsewhere, so go with something more Down-House-esque — like the Vermonter: an English muffin topped with bacon, Cheddar, tomato and a sunny-side-up egg.

The Chicken & Waffles and classic Down Breakfast are also worthy choices, and the coffee program is a winner, too.

Kraftsmen Cafe
The Kraftsmen Cafe, a hidden favorite in the Heights, is an understated place with underrated sandwiches and pastries. Breakfast is a fantastic time to stop by. After all, that’s when they serve croissant sandwiches, French Toast (made with Kraftsmen brioche), bagels and quiche.

Plus, the light-filled dining room is a lovely spot to read the paper or catch up with friends.

Breakfast Burritos Anonymous
Hit up Inversion Coffee House on Montrose any weekday morning to find the friendly Breakfast Burritos Anonymous food truck. While the build-your-own tacos and burritos are the most popular items, we sure liked the breakfast egg sandwich with sausage and caramelized onions on Texas toast. (Mmmmm, Texas toast!)

Plus, you can head inside to grab a coffee during your short wait for food.

Sweet Paris
Feeling French? Chassé on over to the Sweet Paris creperie and cafe in Rice Village for a warm breakfast crepe. Most options are savory, egg-filled creations, lovingly ladled with gooey cheese and fresh toppings.

But there are a few sweet options, too, including a yogurt parfait crepe. It’s nice to note that Sweet Paris can do vegan and gluten-free crepes as well.

Lola
This funky diner at 11th and Yale in the Heights offers traditional breakfast favorites, served up in no time. I’ve always had great chicken and waffles there, but the pancakes and omelets earn high marks as well.

Nope, I haven’t had the guts to try the morning chicken fried steak yet, but it’s there for the taking. Report back if you try it, please.

As beautiful as they are delicious: The fantastic masala eggs at Pondicheri.

Ruthie, 10 new breakfasts, March 2013, Pondicheri, Masala Eggs

Photo by Ruthie Miller

As beautiful as they are delicious: The fantastic masala eggs at Pondicheri.

unspecified

Bowling over Houston

Gluten-free Austin restaurant picks River Oaks for first Houston store

Rendering of Honest Mary's in River Oaks

Rendering by Mark Odom Studio

Honest Mary's, an Austin-based eatery, is expanding with a new location in Houston's River Oaks in fall 2025.

It will be a Houston homecoming for restauranteur Nelson Monteith with the fall 2025 debut of Honest Mary’s in River Oaks.

“It’s a joy and honor to bring a brand we’ve worked hard to create in Austin and finally be able to share that concept with friends and family in Houston,” Monteith said in a statement. “There’s a bit of built-in comfort in knowing there are folks here who are already fans of Honest Mary’s. They’ve been asking us for years to open a location in Houston, and now it’s happening.”

Located at 2047-A West Gray St., Honest Mary's will occupy the current La Madeleine space. It is not known at this time when La Madeleine will close, but construction on Honest Mary's is expected to begin in May 2025.

Monteith and his wife, Mary, launched Honest Mary’s in 2017 after embracing mindful eating to improve their health. Since then, the Austin-based eatery that describes itself as serving "life-giving fast food" has expanded to four locations, with the upcoming River Oaks spot marking its arrival in Houston.

“There’s healthy food, fresh food, and fast food,” he said. “We wanted to create something that fits into that sweet spot without sacrificing quality or convenience. The trend towards healthy eating and the reality of busy lifestyles aren’t slowing down. We offer a place that caters to both.”

At the center of Honest Mary’s menu are five signature bowls ranging from poke to vegetarian, including the smoky poblano ($10.25) that features a basmati rice base with fresh vegetables of wild arugula, sweet corn, and pickled onions in a creamy poblano sauce. Co-partner and chef Andrew Wiseheart, known for Austin’s Contigo and Ladybird Taco, leads the kitchen.

Honest Mary's menu features healthy, gluten-free bowls. Guests can choose from five signature bowls at Honest Mary's, or create their own.Courtesy of Honest Mary's

Diners can build their own bowls by selecting a base like quinoa, proteins including grilled chicken and tuna, and vegetables such as sweet potatoes. Pickled onions, cucumber salad, and avocado are among the topping selections, with sauces like lemon garlic and cashew-lime crema.

Scratch-made sipping broths round out the menu, with the chicken bone broth packed with celery, carrots, onions and parsley, or an umami-rich seaweed and mushroom broth.

A selection of house-made aguas frescas and teas, local craft beer, wine, kombucha, and organic cold-pressed juices will be available, as will Honest Mary’s popular almond butter cookies sweetened with maple syrup and topped with a sprinkle of Maldon salt.

Rendering by Mark Odom Studio

Honest Mary's, an Austin-based eatery, is expanding with a new location in Houston's River Oaks in fall 2025.

With its fully gluten-free menu, Honest Mary’s caters to a range of dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, and dairy-free. To align with Monteith’s dedication to nutrition, Honest Mary’s uses seed oils sparingly and prioritizes local and organic ingredients when possible.

“River Oaks Shopping Center has a unique blend of history and vibrant new concepts, making it the ideal home for us,” Monteith said. “We aim to be a neighborhood spot where people can enjoy delicious, healthy food.”

Lunden McGill and John Frazier of Baker Katz brokered the deal for the 2,200-square-foot space and additional patio with seating for 38 inside and 44 outside. Mark Odom Studio is responsible for architecture and design.

Honest Mary’s signature elements of terra cotta and blue tilework will be incorporated to provide consistency between all five locations, while Art Deco-inspired decor of lush greenery, warm wood tones and natural light will align the space with the River Oaks Shopping Center’s structure.

Takeaway, delivery, and dine-in will be provided daily from 11 am to 9 pm.

news-you-can-eat openings honest mary's