Houston Must Eats

Parrillada platter fajitas at El Tiempo. Request refried beans and extra tortillas. When I get back to the states after a long time gone, it’s one of my first things to get.

Laurenzo’s

El Tiempo is the standard for Tex Mex in this town, but I’ve been big on Candente lately. Their birria tacos are some of the best tacos in the city. La Mexicana is my favorite breakfast place, shite my grandmother cooks.

Lots of bbq, but Pinkerton’s is my favorite.

Staying down near the Museum district

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Staying down near the Museum district

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Pit room BBQ is good and near there. Also, the burger joint has a great burger and is a good spot to go sit outside and watch sports.

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Any of the Pappas should do you fine.

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No. Please don’t. While none are bad meals, definitely overpriced for the quality. Only exception that is possibly their streakhouse. I’ve never been there.

Pappadeaux's or Pappa’s Seafood: Much better seafood options in Houston, and definitely don’t fall for their “Cajun” marketing.

Pappacitos: Go to El Tiempo or Ninfa’s instead.

Pappa’s BBQ: Pit Room, Truth, Fege’s or Corckscrew instead.

Pappa’s Burgers: Cottonwood, Christian’s Tailgate are better burger choices. Hell, even the burger at Spec’s deli on Smith Street would be a better option.

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No. Please don’t. While none are bad meals, definitely overpriced for the quality.

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Before the recent menu changes, Little Pappas on Shepherd was a staple for weekend lunches with my wife and kid.

We can walk there and the food was better than most Pappa's/Pappadeaux's in town.

Yia Yia Mary's is also another gem in the Pappa's family of restaurants that doesn't get a lot of press.

Candente and The Pit Room are a block apart...and owned by the same group. Hence, Candente does an excellent job on their grilled meats. I've been impressed by everything I've eaten at Candente. Do not miss out on a mezcal margarita on the front patio, weather permitting. I believe they even have a smallish, astroturf-covered childrens play area adjacent to the patio. If you are dead set on beef fajitas and frozen margaritas, Uber out to the original Lupe Tortilla on Stafford Street for the best in town. Make sure you ask for the roasted habanero sauce from behind the bar. The sandbox is always full of children. The other Lupes outposts around town are from a different owner and a waste of time.

Omakase at MF Sushi in the Museum District would knock your socks off but it's not a kid-friendly experience. MAD in River Oaks District serves inventive, shareable plates reminiscent of Spanish tapas with amazing cocktails...reservations are a necessity and an early-ish seating with children would be best, lest the lights dim and music dins. The interior is a sight to see.

Georgia James would be a great stop for steaks and sides that are unique to Houston's diverse food culture. Rosie Cannonball on lower Westheimer has great wood-fired oven flatbread pizzas and elevated Italian cafe cuisine. Their attention to detail with every ingredient is fun to watch when you snag a table with a view of the open kitchen. Davis Street at Hermann Park is chef Mark Holley's new restaurant in the Museum District. His fried chicken on Sunday nights is to die for!

There truly are a ton of great restaurants in Houston. I hope you and your family experience a few during your visit.

I was joking.

Pappas are way overpriced for stuff you can find better on almost every corner.