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City Cast Houston

 Before the big day, have you been able to try restaurants that made the Michelin guide last year yet?! Although the guide often recognizes more luxurious and fine-dining establishments, some more affordable Houston restaurants received what’s known as the 

. This award recognizes restaurants that offer the customer the best value for their money. So, which Bib Gourmand restaurants in Houston should you add to your list?

Have you been to this delicious Vietnamese restaurant in Spring Branch? 

The Michelin Guide recommends a variety of their dishes

, including their steamed rice cakes, pork and shrimp crystal cakes, and their banh khoai, a crispy rice pancake topped with beansprouts, shrimp and fresh herbs. Still have room for more? Try their grilled flank steak served with vermicelli, known as Vietnamese noodles.

The Michelin Guide celebrates how Blood Brothers BBQ 

honors Houston’s diversity by melding together Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean flavors 

with good old Texas barbecue. There are so many dishes to try, including their watermelon salad, brisket fried rice, and their smoked char siu banh mi. But my mouth is drooling at this dish: fried bao soaked with honey, which includes pork belly topped with hot mustard and water spinach.

As a pasta girl at heart, I was thrilled that the Michelin Guide highlighted one of my favorite restaurants in Houston. This beloved Montrose restaurant serves up a variety of tasty plates. My favorites are the nonno’s pasta, made with tagliatelle, bolognese, and parmesan, and their olive oil cake. The Michelin Guide 

recommends their dilly milk bread and their fried quail

 stuffed with German potato salad. Nobie’s also bakes pies daily, and apparently their banana bread pie with whipped honey mousse is to die for.

The City Cast Houston team can vouch for this Michelin Guide pick because we thoroughly enjoyed our lunch there last year. After our trip, I went back for another visit with my parents on the Fourth of July, where we devoured their brisket, mac and cheese, and tater tot casserole. The Michelin Guide also 

highlighted their smoked pork ribs, house-made sausages, and corn pudding

If you’re a pasta and pizza fan, then you should also 

add this Michelin Guide pick to your list

. The guide highlighted their spectacular wine list, focaccia di recco filled with robiola cheese and mortadella, and, of course, their pasta and pizza dishes. My favorites: the cacio e pepe pizza or their cavatelli alla bolognese. For dessert, the Michelin Guide recommends their honey cake with crème fraîche gelato. Yum yum!

More Michelin guide recs

A guide to the Bib Gourmand restaurants in Houston, selected because they offer customers the best value for their money. 

Which Bib Gourmand Restaurants to Visit in Houston?

Michelin Guide Restaurants to Visit That Won't Break Your Budget

The latest on the best and newest restaurants and bars in Houston. We'll help you find where to eat, drink, and socialize.

Houston Food & Drink

Food & Drink

What isn't there to love about Houston? Whether we're admiring our beautiful diversity, eating at another delicious restaurant, jamming to new music from a Houston artist, exploring our wonderful parks, there is SO much to love about this city.  

So, that's why in honor of our legendary 713 phone number, we (the City Cast Houston team, our podcast guests, readers, and listeners) have compiled a list of 713 things we love about Houston. We hope this list makes you smile, helps you remember the memories you've made in Houston, and inspires you to try something new. 

Seeing the Be Someone graffiti as you drive into downtown

Trail riders going along Allen Parkway and downtown

When your power comes back on after a storm

All of our tire shops and that flats get fixed ASAP

Brays Bayou (as long as it doesn't overflow)

Going to Bun B's Takeover at the Houston Rodeo

The summer rain shower that breaks the heat

Picking up Houston Chronicle’s Sunday paper	

Hearing Houston Public Media in your Uber

Snapping a photo on POST Houston's rooftop

You can wear summer clothes in the winter

The way we band together after disasters		

40 and under night at Houston Grand Opera

Bringing a cocktail into the theater while you watch a show at Hobby Center

Adult skate night at Dairy Ashford Roller Rink

Escaping Houston and getting to the Seawall in Galveston

Movies on the roof at Rooftop Cinema Club

When all the Houston sports team are winning

Walking through downtown when it's decorated for Christmas	

Drinking glass of wine at Postino's patio in The Heights	

Getting Trill Burgers at the Houston Rodeo

Sunset in Buffalo Bayou Park with Downtown Houston as backdrop

Spring day on a patio denying the summer heat that will roll in soon enough

Collecting shells along the beach in Galveston

713 Things We Love About Houston

Find the best of everything that Houston has to offer.

Houston’s Best

Houston's Best

From tasty tacos to DIY ramen, Houston’s restaurant scene just got even 

exciting. Houstonians can now enjoy a popular taco institution’s new location in Richmond, or head over to Asiatown to make their own mouth-watering ramen bowl. Also, if you’ve been dreaming of East Coast-style seafood or cheesesteak but don’t want to travel far, some new restaurants have opened just in time to satisfy those cravings.

For 40 years, taco lovers have devoured their favorite dishes from Soliz Tacos de Casa & Café . Now, customers can 

enjoy the same tasty breakfast and lunch tacos at a brand-new location

 in Richmond. Did you know some of the restaurant’s most popular tacos are named after their customers? I want to try the Hughie, made with grilled chicken, sauteed onions, bacon, refried beans, and cheese. Yum yum!

A California-based fast-casual restaurant is 

 — its first in the Houston area! Enjoy burritos, quesadillas, salads, and bowls with protein options like grilled chicken, pork carnitas, and brisket birria. You can also add guac or queso free to any meal 😋 Don’t live out in the burbs? Don’t worry, the Qdoba franchise is set to open up to 13 other locations across the Houston area soon.

 | 13232 Northwest Fwy | Northwest Houston

It’s National Seafood Month, so it’s the perfect time to 

try this new seafood spot with East Coast classics

. Enjoy everything from a seafood boil with shrimp to sushi rolls Pretend like you’re on vacation in an East Coast beach town thanks to the restaurant’s beautiful interior. Don’t forget to order a spiced old-fashioned or cranberry mule cocktail to go with your meal 🍸

A one-of-a-kind ramen restaurant where you can 

build your own ramen bowl has made its way to Asiatown

, place your creation in the induction oven, and then after four minutes you can devour your delicious bowl. Eating on a budget? A ramen bowl with three toppings will cost you less than $9 😉

Devour a gooey and delicious cheesesteak this fall at 

Texadelphia’s newest location in Garden Oaks

. Their menu is packed with signature cheesesteaks including their Texican, a beef or chicken cheesesteak made with onions, mozzarella, jalapeños, and queso. Not in the mood for cheesesteak? Order some wings, nachos, or fried pickles from the menu.

Pretend you're in Paris at this new French luxury wine bar tucked inside the Heights. Book an exclusive wine tasting for $120, or a more relaxed one-hour experience for $20. They update their selection of red and white wines every week, plus pastries and charcuterie boards. Bon appetit!

A new pasta fusion restaurant has made its way to Asiatown! If you love Italian, seafood, AND Japanese cuisine, you don’t have to choose between any of them here. Whether you want grilled calamari salad, spaghetti and meatballs, or a lobster roll. Cutting Board Houston will have a grand opening special this month, where you can get a free lobster cocktail with every $50 spent.

Let’s be honest. No one does fusion better than H-town, and now we have a new spot for Thai and Japanese?Krua Thai & Sushi offers up classics like pad thai, miso soup, and edamame. Want to be more adventurous? Try their cold sushi dishes like their chilli hamachi yuzu, which features Japanese yellowtail sashimi with spicy red yuzu pepper, serrano, chili oil and ponzu.

have opened up a new tiki bar inside the Toasted Coconut

. This fun bar, open Thursday through Saturday evenings, focuses on tiki classics and tropical flavors. One standout drink is Kava Sutra Clarity, a coffee-flavored cocktail made with Cagnus cognac. Although you can’t order food from this new bar, you can still indulge in classic dishes from Toasted Coconut – you’re right inside!

A new food hall has made its way to the ‘burbs! Kilani Food Hall 

 featuring bold flavors and a diverse selection of dishes. Grab a hot chicken sandwich from Burnin Chick, tacos from Taco Nova, seafood dishes at A&M Fry Shack, or a burger from Cheeky Buns. Seems like whatever you’re craving, your tastebuds will be satisfied!

 is back! Houston chef Jose Hernandez, a restaurant veteran known for his French cuisine, is reviving the restaurant right off Heights Boulevard. Guests can expect the restaurant's beloved Mediterranean-style cuisine, including house-made pastas and pizzas. Yum yum!

Get excited! Fans of Yia Yia Mary’s Mediterranean Kitchen 

can now visit an upscale spin on the restaurant

 located inside Pappadeaux’s former location on Richmond Avenue. The menu now boasts more high-brow seafood items and a full wine list with Greek selections. Miss your favorites from the old restaurant that closed in 2020? Their signature beef and chicken souvlaki is still on the menu, but now made with higher-quality proteins, blistered tomatoes, pickled fennel, and tzatziki.

Looking to escape the summer heat? Visit this new oasis tucked behind Goode Co.’s Kitchen & Cantina and serving up tequila and other agave spirits. Their menu has some Mexican classics (hello, guacamole!) and more adventurous fare, like the crispy brussels sprouts taco. I’m eyeing the frozen mezcal margarita and carnitas flautas.

 | 811 Buffalo Pk. Dr. Suite 130 | Buffalo Bayou

Luis Robledo Richards, the pastry chef behind Mexico City’s Tout Chocolat, is 

bringing an exciting new Mexican restaurant to Autry Park

. You can indulge in various delicious dishes with bold flavors, seasonal ingredients, and heirloom corn imported directly from Mexico. Some dishes making my mouth water include the filet mignon with mole negro and the sea bass with potatoes and salsa Veracruzana. Don’t miss their brunch menu with chilaquiles and eggs benedict topped with salsa roja hollandaise. Yum yum!

Pretend like you’re vacationing in Tulum at this breathtaking new restaurant inspired by the popular resort town in the Riviera Maya. Grab a cocktail and lounge at their patio that has oceanside vibes. Enjoy a plate from their coastal dining menu with dishes like the adobo chicken, featuring grilled chicken marinated in pineapple and adobo and served with pineapple pico de gallo, black bean purée, and an adobo masa cake. I’m already eying the dulce de leche bread pudding for dessert!

For me, there’s nothing better in the thick of summer than a refreshing cocktail! Enjoy light bites and specialty cocktails at Diversión Cocktails’ new intimate space in Montrose. The Texan Artisan Board has charcuterie created by all Texas producers. It’s already calling my name! On the cocktail side, I can’t wait to try “Hana Hou-ston” made with rum, aperol, papaya, lime, sesame, and shoyu.

Check out this new Hawaiian shaved ice spot that has been blowing up my Tik Tok feed! Grab some shaved ice with the kiddos, or treat yourself with a frozen cocktail. I can’t wait to cool down with their frozen piña colada. The Happy Rainbow shaved ice looks like a perfect treat to share on a hot summer day. 🌈

If you venture to Latuli this month, get excited to enjoy Gulf Coast-inspired cuisine with global flair. Their menu features fresh ingredients from local farmers. Items that made my mouth water: rock shrimp tacos, double-cut pork chop, smoked redfish dip with pimento cheese. The restaurant also has a separate bar that’s apparently described as an “adults-only retreat.”

a new Southern cocktail lounge and restaurant

, is already at the top of my list for June! The name 

pays homage to “everyone’s favorite eccentric aunt,”

 and you’ll find a range of cocktails and a one-of-a-kind menu that draws from many cultures, including the American South, Caribbean, Mexican, and Vietnamese. Two items that stand out: the pho-spiced pork chops and The Houstonian cocktail, which plays off a gin and tonic with cinnamon, star anise, juniper, and thyme. Yum yum!

is already getting tons of buzz! Guests can enjoy all-you-can-eat brunch and mimosas. Lunch and dinner is also served any time of the day. Don’t miss their full bar to sip on signature cocktails like 

 | 2240 Navigation Blvd., Suite 800 | East End

What are the best new restaurants and bars you should check out in Houston during October?

Houston's Best New Restaurants and Bars in October 2025

Houston's Best New Restaurants and Bars 

Fall is here! I suggest celebrating the new season the best way we know how in Houston: eat and eat and eat! Whether you want a bowl of delicious gumbo, a cozy pasta dish, or a slice of pie to ring in the season, there are plenty of options across the city. Keep reading to see where you need to make a reservation 🍽️

The weather is breezy, which means it’s time to book a table on 

. While you’re there, order their caramelized onion soup with rich oxtail bouillon. There’s something about soup and fall that go together so effortlessly! Want to add something else delicious to your plate? Order the Rohan Duck Montmorency, which comes with pickled sweet cherries and duck confit croquettes. Yum!

Looking to have a luxurious date night or a fun hangout with friends? Book private bungalow seating at 

 which is available for lunch or dinner Tuesday through Saturday. The bungalow seating comes with your own Bluetooth speaker, so you can set the mood music for your gathering! There’s also a fan and heater on the patio (because we know anything can happen on a Houston fall day). Order the truffle chicken pot pie for peak fall vibes.

For me, fall hasn’t really started until I have pasta and a glass of wine at 

. When you visit, you can easily see why this popular Italian restaurant has been a mainstay in Montrose for over 25 years. From their mouthwatering pizzas to their homemade pastas, you really can choose anything on the menu and leave satisfied. My vote: Order the Italian family salad, the bucatini Amatriciana pasta, and their signature raspberry sandwich cookies for dessert. The portions are huge, so you can share a plate with someone or go home with leftovers 😉

, a classic Creole restaurant in Midtown. Why is that? Gumbo, of course! Order their Haute Creole Seafood Gumbo made with Jazzmen Rice, or their Snapping Turtle Soup to warm up on a cooler day. Dreaming about dessert? It’s pie season, so add a slice of their Mississippi Mud Pie or Robin's Lemon Meringue Pie to your order.

Looking for a cozy meal out in the burbs? 

 tucked away in Sugar Land Town Square is a great option! Want a dish that screams fall? If I were you, I would order their garlic knots, lobster bisque soup, or their 20-layer lasagna. They also have a killer weekday lunch special, where you can choose two courses for $22.

The best fall dishes at Houston restaurants. 

The Best Fall 2025 Dishes in Houston

It’s time to grab your crew and get outside to celebrate the last days of summer in Houston! Already imagining sitting on a patio and sipping your favorite cocktail? Or do you want to switch things up and have a picnic with your favorite people? Whether a restaurant patio or a picnic is your style, I have some recommendations!

Postino has multiple locations across Houston, but there’s something special about the patio at 

. Whenever I’m driving down Yale on a sunny day, I can’t help but admire their patio and think whoever is sitting there must be having the time of their life. This is a go-to restaurant for a group hang because you can order multiple appetizers, charcuterie boards, and other dishes that will leave you full and satisfied. Some of my favorites: their meatballs, smoked salmon & pesto board, and their west coaster panini.

Are you looking for a cute patio spot outside the Loop? 

 in CityCentre is known for not only traditional and fresh American dishes, but also its beautiful patio. No matter the time of day you go, I love that this restaurant always has great food. For dinner, I love their elote cornbread, campanelle mac and cheese, and roasted half chicken. Bonus points: Sometimes you can hear live music happening on the lawn near their patio.

Grab your picnic basket with goodies and head to 

 inside Memorial Park. Why should you picnic here? This part of Memorial Park is so peaceful, and whenever I’m walking here, it almost feels like I’m not even in Houston anymore. Spread a blanket out under their beautiful trees, eat some good food, and lose track of your time with your favorite people.

Enjoy time at the park and a mouthwatering meal on 

. Try happy hour so you can get small plates and drinks at a great price. For example, they have a mini charcuterie board and house wine for under $20. Want to go all in? Then go big with their Texas-cut ribeye, served with mashed potatoes and bacon brussel sprouts. Whatever you order, you’ll enjoy the beautiful view of the park in Upper Kirby!

Whether with a cute date, your friends, or the fam, 

 is a classic picnic spot in Houston. The park is huge, so you have lots of nooks to choose from – by the duck pond, on the hill or maybe the Japanese Garden with zen vibes? You can add more fun to your picnic by going to 

 has fun performances going on through October, so stick around for an entertaining show.

What are the best patio restaurants and places for a picnic in Houston? 

The Best Patio Restaurants and Picnic Spots in Houston

By now, you’ve probably heard about Trump Burger. The restaurant, 

 and homage to President Donald Trump, has been embroiled in controversy all summer. And, why is that? Two Trump Burger owners, both who have spoken highly of the current president, 

have been detained by ICE in recent months

. So, how did a burger place for Trump fans wind up in the Houston area and make national news? Let’s unpack.

opened the first version of the restaurant

 in Bellville, a community over an hour northwest of Houston. The couple originally started a cafe that was just another restaurant with no Trump branding. As the presidential election neared in October 2016, the couple decided to rebrand their business and call it Trump Cafe. Now, customers could devour a “Trump Burger” for $12.95 and meet with like minded individuals. However, only a year into the business, Trump Cafe abruptly closed in 2017.

Still, Trump Burger gained new life when Roland Beainy, described as a Lebanese immigrant in news reports, 

opened a new and improved version in 2020

. Now, customers could order burgers with “Trump” emblazoned on the bun. American flags and Pro-Trump banners were also easy to spot. The burger business expanded to other locations including Kemah, Houston, and Flatonia. Then, trouble started to brew.

 and has been accused of overstaying his visa, which expired in Feb. 2024. Beainy also allegedly has an assault charge on his record and has been accused of creating a fake marriage to gain permanent residency in the U.S. But, the trouble doesn’t stop there.

Eddie Hawa, also known as Iyad Abuelhawa, 

 and is being held in a detention center in Montgomery County. He allegedly has been in the country illegally since 2009, when a judge ordered his deportation. Meanwhile, Hawa and Beainy are fighting over ownership of the business and both have sued one another over the burger franchise.

With all the news swirling about this restaurant, how does the Trump burger actually taste? “The chargrilled burger patties are thick but bland, topped with a waxy cheese that lacks any memorable flavor,” Brittany Britto Garley, Eater's former regional editor, 

Houston Chronicle restaurant critic Bao Ong also 

: “Most dishes are unremarkable and far from making the Chronicle’s best burgers guide.”

So, will Trump Burger outlast its legal drama? It’s unclear. But, in the meantime, grab your popcorn, 

 a Trump Burger, and enjoy the show! 🍔

Shout-out to Houston Chronicle reporter Sarah Smith who unpacked all of the Trump burger drama 

A previous version of this article incorrectly stated when Trump Burger owner Roland Beainy's visa expired. The correct date is February 2024. A previous version of this article also had the incorrect spelling of the community where the original Trump Burger is located. It is Bellville.

How The Trump Burger Saga Unfolded in Houston 

What Houstonians have been wondering. We break down why things in Houston are the way they are and how they work.

Houston, Explained

There’s a stretch of Westheimer that feels a little bit like Hollywood. The streets are lined with tall palm trees and picture-perfect buildings, making you wonder if you’re still in Houston. Earlier this month, I explored that iconic stretch of Westheimer, starting with tea at Central Market, shopping at Highland Village, and ending with brunch at the River Oaks District. And let’s just say, I did a mix of walking and driving, because it’s Houston 😉

 (I know pinch me) and would walk down and get breakfast anytime I wanted. When I set out earlier this month, I wanted to relive those days. So, I grabbed an English Breakfast tea from their coffee counter and spent some time lounging inside their cafe. But if you’re hungry, Central Market’s breakfast options are almost endless: freshly baked muffins, croissants, and breakfast tacos. And even though this isn’t about lunch, I 

to mention their build-your-own-sandwich counter. My favorite: The California Connection 😋

 has been around since 1952. I spent my morning looking through the sales rack at 

. On any trip there, I also like to ooh and ahhh over the beautiful jewelry by 

 (who graduated from Klein High School btw!) And whether you need new glasses, something chic for your living room from 

, you could spend the whole day (and maybe your whole paycheck!) at this shopping center. Working up an appetite and want to support a local business? Grab a bite from this Texas chain 

, serving up delicious Italian food, or swing by 

, a Tex-Mex classic in Houston for more than 30 years. I also adore 

, for their fantastic crepes and adorable ambience.

Keep walking (or driving!) down Westheimer, and you’ll find yourself at the 

. This swanky complex opened a decade ago, and yes, you can shop even 

 from over 60 luxury brands. Tired of the same movie routine? Check out 

 for a more upscale experience. I’ve heard amazing reviews about 

, where you can experience a taste of Madrid night life in Houston. 

 has always been my go-to Texas burger joint since my college days in Austin. Finally, I ended my tour with a plate of delicious waffles and eggs at 

, which is just as cute in person as it photographs on insta!

What did I miss? 

A walking guide of Highland Village and the River Oaks District on Westheimer. 

Your Walking Guide to Westheimer 

Everything to know about Houston neighborhoods: Where to go, eat, shop, drink, and more.

Houston Neighborhood Guides

Neighborhood Guides

 is a foodie tradition that Houstonians look forward to every summer. For one month, you can dine at some of your favorite restaurants (or ones you’ve longed to try) at a discounted price all while helping raise money for the Houston Food Bank. So, which restaurants should you plan to visit and which ones can you save for another time? I’m breaking it down for you below 🍽️

Located inside the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, 

 is a popular choice for Restaurant Weeks, so book your reservation now! And why is that? Well, you can enjoy a luxury French restaurant for a complete steal! Since dinner is extra popular, you might want to try booking a table for their $25 lunch or brunch. Anything you order is going to be delicious, but some of the menu items that stand out are the Scottish salmon, filet mignon & eggs, and the peach jasmine tart.

, a Black-owned Southern restaurant in the Museum District, then now is your time to book a visit! My recommendation is to go for lunch because you’re going to get the most bang for your buck. Their $25 three-course lunch includes some of their most acclaimed dishes like the yardbird, oxtail philly, and fried green tomatoes. If you can’t do a weekday lunch, then book a table for their can’t miss weekend brunch! My tip: Sit on the patio and jam to the live music 🎵

What restaurants are worth visiting during Houston Restaurant Weeks? 

food

Michelin Guide Restaurants to Visit That Won't Break Your Budget

713 Things We Love About Houston

Houston's Best New Restaurants and Bars

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