Foodie News
Where to eat right now: 10 must-try restaurants for October
Brasserie 19Photo via Brasserie 19/Facebook
Tasty tacos from the new Tacos A Go-Go in the Heights' new restaurant rowPhoto by Ruthie Johnson Miller
The game slider trio from Sammy's: The antelope was fantastic, but the venisonneeds work.Photo by Ruthie Johnson Miller
The Clucker, a 1/4-pound, all-beef dog with hash browns, bacon, onion and afried egg at Happy FatzPhoto by Ruthie Johnson Miller
Classic spaghetti and meatballs from the new D'Amico's in the HeightsPhoto by Ruthie Johnson Miller
Bite-sized goodness: Grilled octopus from Brasserie 19Photo by Ruthie Johnson Miller
Houston’s gorgeous October weather is upon us, which means it’s time to get out-n-about. Here are 10 hot places to try in October — and most come complete with lovely patios to soak up the breeze.
Some are new restaurants entirely, while others are more seasoned, but all are well worth a visit.
Tacos A Go-Go
This Midtown staple has expanded, nicely filling a spot in the Heights’ new restaurant row. The crowds have already found it, stopping by for outstanding tacos and gorditas.
Skip the barbacoa, but be sure to try the tacos al pastor. Breakfast tacos and fish tacos are also worthy choices.
Local Foods
Benjy Levit (of Benjy’s) has converted the old Antone’s space into Houston’s latest local market — as first reported in CultureMap. The new venture — called Local Foods — is set to open in the second week of October, offering a walk-up counter with locally sourced foods.
The outstanding sandwich list includes house-smoked salmon, homemade pastrami, duck confit, chicken salad and more. They’ll also offer soups, salads and sides.
Brasserie 19
With a few opening shakeups behind them, the kitchen at Brasserie 19 seems to be kicking a whole lotta arse — thanks, largely, to chef Mark Schmidt. The menu offers a Gulf Coast take on French cooking: lighter than a traditional brasserie, but with a concentration on fish.
Don’t worry meatheads: The burger is righteous too. Follow the restaurant on Twitter for the creative daily specials.
E Tao
A Chinese/dim sum spot in the Galleria might make you roll your eyes, but give this one a whirl. You’ll find E Tao near Nordstrom on the second floor; the place has been earning rave reviews for its authentic xiao long bao (or Shanghai soup dumplings), but we also recommend the scallion pancakes. As you might expect, prices are higher than in Chinatown, but still reasonable.
Sammy’s Wild Game Grill
Sammy’s Wild Game Grill has revamped the old Maui Wowi smoothie shop on Washington near Heights, offering unique game meats as burgers, sliders and hotdogs. We love the slider trio (which comes with antelope, venison, and buffalo), but haven’t found the strength yet to try the kangaroo or ostrich burgers.
Happy Fatz
Hot dogs are trending these days — and we’re not complaining. Happy Fatz is an insanely cute new dawg/breakfast/coffee/salad/dessert place in a converted Heights bungalow. Hot dog options are creative and delicious — like the Clucker, an all-beef ¼-pound lover topped with hash browns, onion, bacon and a fried egg.
The fabulous pastries (cakes, cupcakes, truffles, cheesecakes) are all made in house.
Le Mistral
This Houston gem is celebrating its 10-year anniversary of French food fun, and this month’s $55 tasting menu is fantastic-er (uh-huh) than ever: foie-gras-stuffed quail, porcini cassoulet, monkfish medallions and baked figs.
If escargot is your thing, you’ll *adore* the ones here. And if they’re not your thing, Le Mistral can make you a believer.
Ziggy’s Bar and Grill
Great news, dog lovers! Thanks to the new Paws on Patios movement, your hound can now join you for outdoor dining at properly permitted restaurants. Ziggy’s is the first restaurant to earn this distinction, so grab your pup and walk on over for a burger, salad, or meatloaf sandwich. Be warned that any unruly pooches will be shown the gate.
Felix 55
Chef Michael Kramer brings the new American style he honed at Voice to his new Village Arcade hotspot. The place has plenty of fans already, thanks to a creative cocktail program.
And while the food menu seems odd at first read, there are plenty of standouts: fish and ceviche dishes, lobster mac and cheese, roast duck and fried chicken & waffles.
D’Amico’s Italian Market Café
This Rice Village fixture just opened a second location on White Oak in the Heights. Stop by to pick up a few Italian items — canned tomatoes, olive oils and the like — or stay a while to grab a meal. The pastas are just OK, but the Italian sandwiches and paninis are pretty fine.
Need more recs? Try our lists from previous months:
