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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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    Drop it like it's hot

    Houston farmers market adds new indoor pickleball court with food and cocktails

    Brianna Griff
    Jun 18, 2025 | 1:00 pm
    Drop Shots HTX indoor pickleball courts
    Photo by Abante Photography
    Drop Shots HTX celebrates its grand opening this Saturday, June 21.

    Pickleball isn’t going anywhere — the racquet sport continues to score with Houstonians. The newest player on the city’s crowded court, Drop Shots HTX, stands out for one big reason: it’s entirely indoors.

    Drop Shots HTX indoor pickleball courts
      

    Photo by Abante Photography

    Drop Shots HTX celebrates its grand opening this Saturday, June 21.

    Opening June 21, Drop Shots HTX is the brainchild of hospitality veterans Roveen Abante (Conservatory Galleria, Duchess), Chase Lovullo (Conservatory Galleria), and Shawn Outlaw.

    “We didn’t just want to open a bar,” co-founder Roveen Abante said in a statement. “We built a space where people connect, whether they’re playing or not. There’s something for everyone here.”

    Drop Shots HTX is marking its grand opening on June 21 from 12-11 pm, offering all-day open play for $5 along with $5 food and drink specials. Live DJs and giveaways will add to the experience.

    Patrons can soak up the A/C while slapping balls across one of the six professional-grade indoor courts. Off the court, guests can engage in friendly competitions of skee-ball, ping pong, arcade basketball, and cornhole in the second-floor lounge. Nine screens make up one wall in the mezzanine, ideal for catching the latest game, or can be expanded into one 195-inch television.

    Clutch City Kitchen will keep the players' appetite at bay with pizzas, sandwiches, and acai bowls. For hydration, an indoor/outdoor full bar will have 10 signature pickleball-themed cocktails, mocktails, and fresh juices crafted from local fruits and veggies.

    “Some venues lean into serious competition, we lean into fun,” added co-founder Shawn Outlaw. “We’re the only indoor pickleball facility inside the Loop with a full bar, kitchen, lounge, and patio. But more than that, we’re the only one that feels like your new favorite neighborhood hangout, even if you never touch a paddle.”

    Events like Glow-in-the-Dark Fridays, Tacos and Tequila Saturdays, and Pancakes and Pickball mornings add a twist to the typical pickleball match. Bring the kids—the venue is family-friendly until 10pm.

    “We created Drop Shots HTX because we fell in love with a game that brings generations together,” Outlaw said. “From our 10-year-olds to our 65-year-old parents, pickleball is for everyone. And so is this space.”

    Drop Shots HTX is located at 2520 Airline Drive, Building A, Suite 100. It’s open Monday through Thursday from 12-11pm, Friday from 12 pm-12 am, and Saturday and Sunday from 11 am-11 pm.

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