Where To Eat Now
Now that people are starting to dine out again, here are a few places you may not have been to before, or at least not lately. Everything from Italian bites to big steaks—straight off the ranch—global cuisine, and, of course, Tex-Mex.
King Ranch Texas Kitchen
1605 Post Oak Blvd.
832.427.3049
kingranchtexaskitchen.com
What happens when you marry two legendary Texas figures? If it’s the King Ranch family and hospitality king Tillman Fertitta, you get the King Ranch Texas Kitchen. This 10,000-square-foot eatery opened late last fall sporting a rustic ranch décor and old photographs and memorabilia. The menu features homegrown ranch meats, fresh Gulf Coast seafood, and locally sourced produce. Favorites include the smoked brisket pimento grilled cheese, smoked brisket queso, King Ranch fried quail, and, of course, steaks. There’s an eight-ounce filet for sensible folk, and a 32-ounce Tomahawk ribeye that will set you back almost a C-note. Best values are the daily lunch specials and bonus points for comfortable outside dining and The Saddle Shop, a gift store with King Ranch branded merchandise. Great spot to take out-of-towners looking for an authentic Texas experience with chef quality food.
Concura Italian Bites
4340 Westheimer Rd., St. 150
832.997.4220
concurahouston.com
Italian for “with care,” Concura Italian Bites opened just this August in Highland Village. Love child of Italian fashion and design consultant Jessica Biondi and chef Angelo Cuppone, the eatery offers flavors from Biondi’s past in Fano, Italy along the Adriatic Coast. Nibble on vitello tonnato, seafood carbonara, and marinated octopus and potatoes with Taggiasche olives while sipping a Nigroni. A nice addition to Houston’s expansive Italian food world. Concura Italian Bites was only open for dinner at press time.
JOEY Uptown
5045 Westheimer Rd., St. X-01
346.646.5639
joeyrestaurants.com/location/joey-uptown
Also just opened this summer, check out JOEY Uptown, the newest and one of the largest locations of Canadian-based JOEY Restaurant Group. With over 10,000-square-feet—with almost 2,000-square-feet of lush patio dining with a retractable roof that maybe our favorite outdoor dining spot—this luxe new eatery offers area shoppers a respite with a living green ceiling, paintings and artwork by local artists, and a wine wall. Executive chef Chris Mills, executive director Matthew Stowe and head chef Zach Helm, the menu offers hungry diners a selection from around the world. Sushi, check; Szechuan tofu lettuce wraps, check; big burgers and steaks? Check, check. Exclusive cocktails (Hurricane Crush, just in time for the end of the season), and an extensive wine menu round out the meal.
Railway Heights Market
8200 Washington Ave.
railwayheights@companyofnomads.com
Speaking of offering global eats, Railway Heights, Houston’s newest food hall, can dish up bites from multiple restaurants; everything from mac and cheese to burgers, fried chicken, and samosas. The hall also contains retail shops, a local artists’ gallery, and a wine bar. More restaurants are to come, along with a grocery store, a cheese shop, a coffee bar, and two more alcoholic bars, one a beer garden with an outdoor dog park and a stage for live entertainment. Perfect spot for shopping, playing, and dining, with lots of outdoor space.
Candente Handcrafted Tex-Mex
4306 Yoakum Blvd.
346.867.1156
candentehtx.com
You can’t have a Houston restaurant list without one Tex-Mex spot and Candente Handcrafted makes the grade. Opened in late 2019, you might have missed it during the 2020 lockdown, but it’s worth a visit as soon as you can. Owned by the same folks who brough great BBQ to nearby The Pit Room, Candente adds a smoky flavor to traditional Tex-Mex via a wood-burning grill. Try the brisket nachos, a meal unto themselves, and the fajitas made with Niman Ranch skirt steak. Amazing margaritas and some delicious sangrias will help you wash down all the grub. Bonus points for the Day of Dead mural and spacious patio.