Houston, TX is home to some of the most unique, creative, and flavorful dishes in the country! When you visit this vibrant city, you’ll find plenty of restaurants and eateries offering up local dishes that you won’t want to miss. From classic BBQ to Tex-Mex to fresh seafood, the culinary options in Houston are endless. In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll dive into the top Houston restaurants and must-try dishes that you absolutely can’t miss out on when you visit.
Hugo’s & Caracol – Tex-Mex and Coastal Mexican Cuisine
When you’re looking for a mix of flavors and a menu full of authentic Mexican dishes, you won’t want to miss Hugo’s and Caracol. These two restaurants are run by James Beard Award-Winning Chef Hugo Ortega and wife Tracy Vaught. The menu at Hugo’s features an extensive variety of Tex-Mex cuisine while Caracol offers up coastal Mexican flavors like fresh fish and seafood.
Be sure to try the popular dishes at Hugo’s, like the Camarones a la Diabla and the Enchiladas Suizas. If you’re in a seafood mood, Caracol’s menu has dishes like Gulf Shrimp Cocktail, Huevos Divorciados and Grilled Snapper Veracruz.
Gatlin’s BBQ – Slow Smoked BBQ
When you’re in Houston, it’s impossible to miss the mouthwatering aroma of sizzling BBQ meat. Texans love their BBQ and you won’t find any better place to get it than Gatlin’s BBQ. This popular eatery is run by brothers Greg and Lance Gatlin, and the amazing slow-smoked meats have made them a local favorite.
Popular dishes at Gatlin’s BBQ include the mouthwatering smoked brisket, pork ribs, and chicken. Don’t forget to sample the sides, which include a variety of delicious southern specialties like mac and cheese, collard greens, and potato salad.
Pondicheri – Indian Fusion
If you’re looking for a unique and flavorful dining experience, you won’t want to miss Pondicheri. This restaurant is a fusion of traditional Indian flavors and modern cooking techniques. It’s run by Chef Anita Jaisinghani, who previously earned a nomination for the James Beard Award.
Popular dishes at Pondicheri include Coconut Masala Pancakes, Andhra Chicken Wings, Tandoori Paneer, and Lamb Curry. Be sure to try their specialty Sweet Potato Kheer, which is made with cardamom-infused coconut milk and dates.
The Fish – Fresh Seafood
Houston restaurants are known for having some of the freshest seafood in the country, so you definitely won’t want to miss out on The Fish. This popular eatery is run by Chef Hugo Ortega and Tracy Vaught and features a menu packed full of seafood dishes.
Popular dishes include the Paella del Mar, which is made with mussels, shrimp, fish, and chorizo. You also won’t want to miss the Fish & Chips, made with flaky whitefish and a hint of spicy pico de gallo.
Killen’s BBQ – Texas-Style BBQ
When it comes to Texas BBQ, you won’t find any better than Killen’s BBQ. This popular eatery is run by Chef Ronnie Killen and offers up a menu full of Texas-style BBQ. Popular dishes include the brisket and the smoked ribs. If you’re looking for something unique, be sure to try their famous Bacon Crackling.
Goode Company Barbeque – Local Staple
Goode Company Barbeque has been a staple in the Houston restaurant scene for decades. It’s run by Chef Levi Goode, and the menu features a variety of classic Texas-style BBQ dishes. Popular items include their Famous Chicken Fried Steak and their Smoked Brisket, which is one of the bes Houston has to offer. Be sure to try the Loaded Double Baked Potato and the Chocolate Pecan Pie for complete your meal.
State of Grace – Contemporary Southern Cuisine
State of Grace is a popular restaurant that offers diners a Southern dining experience with a modern twist. They offer up a variety of dishes, including their popular Gulf Coast Caviar and their Braised Beef Short Ribs with Charred Grits.
Conclusion
Houston is home to some of the most unique, creative, and flavorful dishes in the country. When you visit the city, you’ll find plenty of restaurants and eateries offering up a variety of local dishes that you won’t want to miss. From classic BBQ to Tex-Mex to fresh seafood, there’s something for everyone in Houston. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or an upscale dining experience, be sure to check out these top Houston restaurants and the local dishes they offer. From Hugo’s and Caracol to Killen’s BBQ and Good Company Barbeque, you won’t be disappointed.