Brian Nagele
Houston Heights is one of the most historical communities in Houston, Texas. It was named that way due to its elevation of 23 feet above downtown Houston.
Founded at the end of the 19th century, Houston Heights has maintained its individuality to this day and offers a unique experience to its visitors. This is especially true if you love walkable areas with plenty of stylish and eclectic attractions.
Field & Tides
705 E 11th St, Houston, TX 77008
Phone: 713-861-6143
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Field & Tides is a fantastic Houston Heights restaurant focusing on supremely fresh seafood from the Gulf Coast.
You can have both lunch and dinner at Field & Tides. And if you crave brunch, head over to Field & Tides on the weekend.
This meal is available on Saturdays and Sundays. I went to Field & Tides for brunch, and I had the Deviled Eggs as a starter and the Blueberry Ginger Pancakes.
When I visited Field & Tides, I was impressed not only by the food but also by the warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Some of the most popular culinary creations here are Deviled Eggs, Pork Chop, Tomato Crab Stack, and Scallops. The setting and atmosphere at Field & Tides are upscale casual.
Coltivare Pizza & Garden
3320 White Oak Dr, Houston, TX 77007
Phone: 832-203-7890
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Pizza is one of my favorite foods, and that is what I had in mind when I went to Coltivare Pizza & Garden.
Just going through the pizza menu here is enough to get your mouth watering before the food even gets to your table. I had the selection with chicken, prosciutto, sage, fresh tomato, and saba for my pizza.
They also have a variety of other dining options here, including snacks, salads, and entrees, such as the Gulf shrimp with calamari, mussels, tomato broth, fregola, and more.
And don’t forget dessert. I went with the chocolate rum cake with pistachio buttercream and salted caramel ganache. I highly recommend it.
Coltivare Pizza & Garden focuses on rustic Italian dishes, always prepared to perfection. The dishes here come with a Gulf Coat touch. Uniquely, this restaurant has its own garden, and it grows some of its ingredients there.
Heights Bier Garten
1433 N Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77008
Enjoy a beer with your meal in the sunshine at Heights Bier Garden. Or if the weather doesn’t suit sitting on the patio, eat in the welcoming dining room.
Heights Bier Garden boasts both indoor and outdoor seating, as well as a convivial, social atmosphere. The bar here is exciting, with a wide variety of drink selections.
I visited the Heights Bier Garten for lunch, and I chose the Smoked Salmon Sandwich. The verdict? It was outstanding!
It included smoked salmon, horseradish yogurt dressing, apple, and fennel on rye bread. Heights Bier Garten is also great for brunch on Saturdays and Sundays.
1751 Sea and Bar
191 Heights Blvd, Houston, TX 77007
Phone: 832-831-9820
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1751 Sea and Bar prides itself on the freshness of its top-notch ingredients, and it has a seasonal menu that is full of tasty surprises.
Many of the seafood and meat selections here are sourced from the nearby Gulf Coast. If you’re into raw seafood bars, 1751 Sea and Bar has one of the best.
It features a variety of oysters, as well as some other raw treats. If you’re lucky, they may have some Imperial Golden Ossetra caviar available when you go in.
When I visited 1751 Sea and Bar, I tried the Lobster Spring Rolls. They were delicious, and I could immediately taste the freshness. For dessert, I had the Coconut Cake, which was a fantastic dessert.
Better Luck Tomorrow
544 Yale St, Houston, TX 77007
Phone: 713-802-0845
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Look for Better Luck Tomorrow on the corner of Yale and 6th in Houston Heights. This lively and informal eating spot is popular with locals and tourists alike. It’s all about friendship and fun.
Better Luck Tomorrow is a great place for Happy Hour. Head to Better Luck Tomorrow between noon and 5 pm on weekdays for those half-off drinks.
And good eating awaits here, too. You can have lunch, a later meal, or brunch. I’m a big brunch fan, so that’s what I had at Better Luck tomorrow. I ordered the Hangover Hashbrowns.
This hearty dish includes beef gravy, shallots, pickles, and cheese. And there are Brunch Cocktails here, too. I had a couple of refreshing Mimosas.
La Lucha
1801 N Shepherd Dr #A, Houston, TX 77008
Phone: 713-955-4765
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La Lucha is the place to go if you want to immerse yourself in Gulf Coast cuisine. The chicken dinners here are famous too, so keep this in mind.
In my opinion, the Fried Chicken here is the best you’ll find anywhere. The stuffed blue fingers and beef carpaccio are to die for! Head to La Lucha as soon as you can.
Viksit La Lucha for lunch or dinner. Some of the best-loved dishes here are the Thai Basil Shrimp, Le Crawfish Sandwich, Shrimp Tacos, and Wood-Grilled Oysters.
In fact, oysters are some of the biggest attractions at La Lucha. Check out their famous “Gulf Gems” Oysters menu. And the atmosphere here is stylish and inviting.
Squable
632 W 19th St, Houston, TX 77008
Phone: 832-834-7362
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Squable unites a chic setting with a casual atmosphere where you can enjoy impressive European dishes, as well as New American cuisine.
This popular Houston Heights restaurant offers a variety of popular dishes, with just a few examples being the Poached Snapper, Kona Kampachi Crudo, and 6 Raw Atlantic Oysters.
The meals here are beautifully presented, and your tastebuds will tingle when you start partaking in the cuisine. If you want to meet locals, you’re likely to do so here.
And Squable is also popular with tourists, so you’ll see fellow travelers here, too. Make sure you enjoy a refreshing cocktail during your time at this Houston Heights restaurant.
Rainbow Lodge
2011 Ella Blvd, Houston, TX 77008
Phone: 713-861-8666
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Rainbow Lodge provides a truly unique experience in the heart of Houston Heights. Whether you are a longtime fan of wild game or never tried it before, you will be spoilt for choice here, as they serve all manner of wild game, including venison, elk, bison, quail, duck, and even antelope. I ordered the Grilled North American Elk Chop, and it was juicy and delicious!
If wild game isn’t your thing, you can go with a more conventional steak or seafood dish. I heard locals recommend the Lobster Risotto Diablo and the Hand-Cut 16 Ounce 44 Farms Beef Ribeye Steak. All dishes are the creations of Chef Mark Schmidt.
The dining room at Rainbow Lodge has a cozy log cabin setting with touches of elegance. Go check it out today!
Postino Heights
642 Yale St, Houston, TX 77007
Phone: 346-223-1111
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Postino Heights describes itself as being all about people and community, and I definitely agree. The staff here were incredibly helpful and friendly on my visit, from the moment I stepped through the door.
And if you love wine, you’re all set. There is a wide selection here, so you’re sure of finding the perfect glass to accompany your meal.
This restaurant offers a bright and airy setting with a cheerful vibe. I heard locals talk about some of the most popular dishes, such as the Crispy Cauliflower, Tuscan Tuna Panini, and Chicken and Mozzarella Half Panini Half Salad.
Postino Heights is located quite close to Donovan Park, one of the several beautiful green spaces in Houston Heights.
Good Dog Houston
903 Studewood St, Houston, TX 77008
Phone: 832-800-3647
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With both indoor and outdoor seating available, Good Dog Houston is the place to go for top-notch hot dogs in Houston Heights.
These aren’t just plain old hot dogs. The hot dogs here are handcrafted, with all ingredients locally sourced or made in the kitchen.
When it comes to condiments, you won’t see the unusual commercial bottles of ketchup and mustard. In fact, Good Dog Houston makes each and every condiment from scratch.
Pair your hot dogs with a salad or side dish. The shakes here are legendary, too. Good Dog Houston also has refreshing local craft beers on offer.
Hando
518 W 11th St Suite 500, Houston, TX 77008
Phone: 713-393-7425
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If you love sushi and Japanese cuisine in general, you should definitely take some time away from your Houston Heights adventures to visit Hando.
This popular local sushi bar and restaurant features tranquil decor with traditional bamboo finishings. There are plenty of popular culinary creations here, but some of the best-known are the Spicy Tuna Roll, Shrimp Katsu, Crab Hand Roll, and Soft Shell Crabs.
When I went to Hando, I tried the Spicy Tuna Roll, Yellowtail Roll, and Ocean Trout Roll. Do I recommend them? Absolutely! Or try any of the other items on the menu that strike your fancy. You’re in good hands here.
Mastrantos
927 Studewood St #100, Houston, TX 77008
Phone: 346-227-8458
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As you approach Mastrantos, you’ll be greeted by its impressive exterior that includes a stylish outdoor patio. This restaurant features a range of international flavors, and all the food is meticulously prepared.
The decor is stylish and modern, yet the atmosphere is decidedly cozy. The menu focuses mainly on handmade pasta, vegetable-based dishes, and outstanding proteins.
In my opinion, the Beef Ragu Bolognese here is one of the best pasta dishes you’ll experience anywhere. It includes handmade rustic casarecce pasta, beef, parmesan, and a superb sauce.
I’ve heard another excellent dish is the Goat Cheese Tortelloni, which includes lamb, mint, pistachios, lemon zest, and more. Mastrantos has a convenient central Houston Heights location on Studewood Street.
Torchy’s Tacos
350 W 19th St Ste. A, Houston, TX 77008
Phone: 713-595-8229
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Torchy’s Tacos is a Houston Heights institution when it comes to tacos and Tex-Mex fare. This restaurant is meticulous with how it sources ingredients, and they are always deliciously fresh.
Torchy’s Tacos has a variety of menus, including Breakfast Tacos, Damn Good Tacos, Not a Taco, and more.
When it comes to drinks, Torchy’s is best known for its refreshing margaritas. One of the most popular is the Scallywag Margarita.
It’s a tempting concoction including 100% Pure Agave Reposado Tequila, peach habanero jam, and more, all blended together and served delectably frozen with a coconut and Cap’n Crunch rim to finish off the experience. In my opinion, this is as delicious as any margarita you’ll find anywhere on the planet.
Shandy’s
315 W 19th St, Houston, TX 77008
Phone: 713-485-0705
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If you love a cozy atmosphere and an array of spices in inspired culinary creations, give Shandy’s a try. This well-known Houston Heights restaurant defies labels and exceeds expectations.
As well as a full selection of tasty dishes, Shandy’s is also popular for its full-service bar and welcoming staff. Visit during the Happy Hour, or try brunch at Shandy’s.
This restaurant only sources the freshest and highest quality ingredients, ensuring every dish is delicious and leaves you wanting more.
The casual and comfortable setting at Shandy’s helps you feel at home right away. I was excited to have lunch at Shandy’s, and I had one of the restaurant’s famous Sandwiches, the Shandy’s Cafe Club Sandwich.
It features sliced roast turkey breast, apple smoked bacon, chipotle mayonnaise, jack cheese, green leaf lettuce, and roma tomatoes.
Chivos
222 W 11th St, Houston, TX 77008
Phone: 832-767-1417
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Focusing on Mexican cuisine, Chivos features a relaxed vibe and generous servings. Chivos is conveniently located near Allston Street in Houston Heights. I headed over there soon after arriving in the area.
So what was my experience at Chivos? In a word, fantastic! I love Mexican dishes, and this restaurant has them in plenty.
I tried the Grilled Shrimp with tomatillo curry, peanuts, carrot, and potato. It was an amazing dish with explosive flavor.
When it comes to atmosphere, Chivos tends to keep the lights low. That makes the setting relaxing and perfect for winding down after a long day.
