Favorite Restaurant(s) in Houston (Austin, Irving: appointed, school, college)

[Topaz]

Originally Posted by desertsun41

Does anyone have a review on the Empire Cafe in Montrose? Locals told the wife and I how popular it is and bragged about it but we couldn't find it.

In my opinion, the food is so so (at least at dinner time...I haven't tried their brunch or breakfast) but their cake is AMAZING. Seriously, their cake ruined me for any other cake, forever.

[bostoner]

Originally Posted by Topaz

In my opinion, the food is so so (at least at dinner time...I haven't tried their brunch or breakfast) but their cake is AMAZING. Seriously, their cake ruined me for any other cake, forever.

Yeah, Empire is one of those places people don't necessarily go to for the food really. They go for the ambiance. That you can actually get a decent bite to eat there is a bonus.

[crbcrbrgv]

Originally Posted by jfre81

Since you're on the SW side, look into a place called Angelo's which is on a street near Braeswood/Chimney Rock called Birdwood. Real hole-in-the-wall sort of place; you're fully capable of driving right by it and missing it. Takeout/delivery only - I think they deliver within 5 miles. They also do a decent gyro, a notch or two below Niko Niko's but not bad for being delivered to me. Mind you - and knowing you're from Chitown it's important I stress this - what Angelo's calls a "Chicago-style" crust isn't what it sounds like. I stick to the regular hand-tossed myself.

Went there today and all I can say is I'm sorry I can only rep you once!

[desertsun41]

Originally Posted by houstoner

Yeah, Empire is one of those places people don't necessarily go to for the food really. They go for the ambiance. That you can actually get a decent bite to eat there is a bonus.

They sure do have a killer menu. Especially the breakfast items. Wow !

[Worldbfree007]

For burgers you guys HAVE to try Tornado Burger down in Southwest Houston in Stafford. It very well maybe the best burger I've ever had, and I've had some goood burgers.

[Reivax]

American food:
Humble City Cafe. one of the few restaurants where I eat the sides before even touching the main dish. Love the grilled zucchini, spiced apples, fried okra, charo beans! The dumplings on Friday are just like momma used to make!

Vietnamese:
Thien Tien (I think I'm getting it right) out on Bellaire - They have the best banh cuon I have ever eaten and I will happily drive all that way to get it!

Hamburger:
Whataburger. go ahead, roll your eyes, but I love their hamburgers.

[desertsun41]

Originally Posted by Reivax

American food:
Humble City Cafe. one of the few restaurants where I eat the sides before even touching the main dish. Love the grilled zucchini, spiced apples, fried okra, charo beans! The dumplings on Friday are just like momma used to make!
.

Now this I agree with. Grilled zucchini yum. Fantastic breakfast too. Small menu but everything is real good. The waitresses are terrible. English is not their forked toungue language.

[coog78]

Is Humble City Cafe the place that serves the cornbread in a skillet with the cinnamon butter? If so, then wow! That place does some great home cookin'!

Well worth the trip.

[jfre81]

Originally Posted by crbcrbrgv

Went there today and all I can say is I'm sorry I can only rep you once!

So I guess it was a winner?

Lucky Burger is some good stuff, as is Someburger in the Heights. Whataburger is the ultimate drive-thru burger though, and the good thing is that it's just about everywhere in Texas.

[desertsun41]

Originally Posted by coog78

Is Humble City Cafe the place that serves the cornbread in a skillet with the cinnamon butter? If so, then wow! That place does some great home cookin'!

Well worth the trip.

Yes I saw the table in front of me getting that. It looked pretty awesome and smelled every bit the same. It is an ancient building on the historical register. The place is filled with antiques and there is a gift store up front. I have only experienced breakfast there twice so I cant comment on lunch or dinner.