What New Jersey was to "The Sopranos," Alief is to Netflix’s recent hit “Mo.” Alief-raised comedian Mo Amer plays a non-famous version of himself. And rapper Tobe Nwigwe (also from Alief!) plays Mo’s best friend.
Want to check out the neighborhood for yourself? On a recent City Cast Houston podcast, Alief natives shared their favorite spots. Let's take a look!
Bellaire Bounty
On Bellaire Boulevard, you’ll find a restaurants representing some of Alief's wildly diverse immigrant cultures — including Vietnamese. Pho Dien's bowls combine delicious broth, tender beef, and al dente noodles. Or check out the banh mi at Don Cafe and Sandwich shop.
Mediterranean Legacy
Fadi Dimassi, born and raised in Lebanon, opened his much-loved original restaurant in 1997, when Mediterranean food was rare in Houston. Now Fadi's has locations all over Houston, including one on Westheimer and Dairy Ashford.
Historic Grocery Store
Bob and Arpi Tcholakian, who are of Lebanon and of Armenian descent, opened the original Phoenicia Deli, a Mediterranean-style grocery store near Beltway 8 on Westheimer, in 1983. These days, Phoenicia's ritzy downtown location has higher visibility. But Alief locals recommend hitting up the store on Westheimer.
Houston’s Paradise
Funplex — which appeared on "Mo"! — is a paradise for not only Alief but for all Houstonians. You can bowl, rollerblade, ride the Ferris wheel, play in the arcade, and so much more. Beyoncé even filmed a music video there.
