Welcome to Lodgeur’s guide to the best bars and restaurants in Midtown Houston!
| You can find an updated version of this post here. |
We understand that what’s perfect for a business traveler is not always perfect for a family vacation. So we’ve identified each location and activity with an emoji to give you a quick visual and help you make easier decisions. Your trip should be about exploring, not researching.
We’ve also provided indicative pricing from $ to $$$$.
See this symbol and you’re headed to a place drenched in cool. It’s probably new on the scene, on a few of the top “must visit” lists, and great for a photo op.
See this symbol and you’re promised a family-friendly place where you would be comfortable taking children of all ages. They may have a kid’s menu, kid’s pricing, and an understanding of people of all ages.
See this symbol and you’re all set for dinner with the boss, a workgroup, or an expense account.
See this symbol and you’re in for a local treat. It will be very Houstonian but not necessarily traditional. These are some of our personal favorites in the city.
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Image courtesy of Retrospect Coffee Bar
This modern & bright coffee bar opens early until the late afternoon and makes a great iced latte and a solid cup of coffee. While their indoor seating area is small, they have a great patio that comes in handy when the weather is too amazing to not enjoy. Craft beer also available.
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Between restaurants on West Gray Street and a stone’s throw away from Bagby Park, Fluff Bake and Bar is the perfect spot to indulge your sweet tooth. Your family will love this adorable pastry shop that sells reasonably priced cookies, macaroons and sweet confections. You can try items such as a cup|cake (their version of a cupcake—a cup full of cake), or our favorite, the Couch Potato cookie, a cookie with chocolate chips and potato chips!
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If you’re looking for some authentic Chinese BBQ, head here now. From BBQ pork to their crispy pork belly and fresh bok choi, you can eat a full meal for under $12!
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Serving brunch, lunch, and dinner, Weights + Measures achieves the perfect balance of great food and a cool aesthetic (think 70’s retro lounge). They also have their own bakeshop where you can order flakey, buttery croissants and sweetly-glazed pain-au-raisin. Reservations recommended for dinner and weekend brunch.
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A Houston institution and right next to Lodgeur at Mid Main Lofts, Breakfast Klub serves the best southern chicken and waffles you’ll ever have! While there is always a line, it moves quickly. They also have amazing pancakes and excellent diner-style coffee. Trust us, the wait is totally worth it.
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Authentic Mexican tacos, burritos, and tamale recipes amaze the taste buds, while the fresh salsas will have you raving! They’re open early for the breakfast crowd, most of who go for the potato, egg, and cheese or the chorizo, egg, and cheese tacos.
P.S. You might find the Lodgeur team here pretty much at any time of day, from breakfast tacos to brisket tacos at lunchtime! The cinnamon-flavored Mexican coffee is a favorite.
Residents and guests at Mid Main Lofts can enjoy a 10% neighborhood discount!
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Jinya’s ramen bowls are customizable, keeping every belly happy.
Really the only ramen spot you have to check out during your visit to Houston! With an ever-changing list of 20+ toppings, there’s a reason why a line is always out the door! Trust us though, it’s definitely worth the wait.
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This cash only establishment is no-frills but all thrills (cheesy, we know). Speaking of cheesy, their diner style burgers are where it’s at!
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Late-night pho and Vietnamese noodle dishes? Why, yes, please! Mai’s is a Houston institution and never disappoints. And since it’s open late, it’s perfect for an after-drinks comfort food meal.
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Soup dumplings. Enough said. This low-key. modernly decorated Szechuan style restaurant offers great dishes and a full bar menu, too! Reservations recommended.
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There are not many Portuguese restaurants in Houston, which to an outsider may seem a bit off-putting until you visit Oporto. The open floor plan invites you and your guests to explore the rich culinary landscape of Portugal, tapas-style. House favorites range from the simple (bread with tomatoes) to the more authentic (octopus with potatoes). There’s a selection of cheese and charcuterie, along with a woodfired pizza oven and a raw bar, not to mention a full-service bar. P.S. Happy Hour lasts from 3 pm-6:30 pm Monday through Friday.
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Finding the right sushi place is tough. Some restaurants are too loud, the sushi isn’t the best you’ve ever had or way overpriced for the quality and most are just mediocre. This place is unlike the others. The owner and his waitstaff make you feel like you are in their home, serving up some high-end sushi pieces, hand rolls, and delicious udon noodles. Best part? the quality to quantity ratio is literally perfect. Head here for lunch during your break at work or for an early dinner.
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This is a bizarre bar and music venue, with charmingly eccentric décor that involves mismatched furniture, twinkle lights, and a mannequin mouse band. Dance floors are available inside or at the back patio, which has games and many picnic tables suited for conversation. Local bands and musicians come and represent all styles of music: soul, honky-tonk, rock n’ roll, country, you name it. Drinks are affordable and generously sized.
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Nestled in the heart of Houston’s night club & glitzy bar scene is a haven for craft cocktail enthusiasts. Any given night can bring in a crowd but it never *feels* crowded, you can still have a decent conversation and hear whoever you are chatting with! Perfect for an after-work cocktail or the start to your night hanging out with your travel companions. P.S. Swing by for Happy Hour between 4-6 pm Monday through Friday to enjoy half price house cocktails and $3 beers.
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Purportedly the first bar in Houston, Leon’s Lounge is a classic space with a tile-top bar and chandeliers, as well as friendly neighborhood bartenders you can chat with. The music is mostly vinyl records that are kept at a conversation-friendly volume.
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Want to experience the melting pot of Houston locals? Head here! Part beer garden, part cocktail bar, Axelrad knows how to create a welcoming atmosphere for all. Most weeknights they have great food trucks (or the occasional pupusa stand) and some sort of live show or light installation. Grab a drink and relax on their ultra-cozy hanging hammocks and watch the night unfold.
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If you’re looking for live music in Midtown, this is the place to be. The Club is a go-to venue for rock, soul, rockabilly, and more. Look at their events calendar here, even if you don’t find a performer you recognize, check them out anyway! You never know what hidden talent may become the next big thing!
P.S. If you love The Beatles, check out the award-winning cover band Beetle every Thursday night from 7-10 pm!