Some Old Friends, Some New Places, and Some Must Eat At Survivors: Best Eats of 2023
The Houston restaurant scene certainly appears to have recovered from the days of the COVID lock down, supple chain delays, and spiraling inflation. While things may not be all wine and roses, a glut of new eateries opened this year and several more have survived the trying times to become must-eat locales this year. Some fancy, some casual, some brand new, and some old favorites, here are a few of our recommendations. Enjoy.
Ragin Cajun
1725 Wirt Rd.
713.832.1399
ragin-cajun.com/spring-branch/
Longtime Mandola family mainstay of mud bugs and shrimp po’boys, Ragin Cajun, at one time had almost a half dozen outposts, but over the years they all closed, except for the 1974 original on Richmond Ave. Which we hope, much like the giant crawfish on the rooftop, will never die. But late this year a long-awaited Spring Branch location opened, thrilling fans of the low country boiled shellfish, red potatoes, and corn. After a lengthy remodeling turning the former car dealership into a Cajun comfort eatery, the new Ragin Cajun arose and is now serving up the goods for westside diners. Bring on the blacked catfish, boiled crawdads, and dirty rice and let the good times roll!
Squable
632 W. 19th
832.834.7362
squabletime.com
Having survived opening during COVID, Squable in The Heights has some serious street cred. Created by James Beard Award-winning chef Justin Yu and bar tsar Bobby Heugel, Squable serves up bites with a European flare made with local ingredients. A sleek yet comfy interior with bar brick walls and lots of wood and clean line and light, whether it’s a date night or a solitary bite at the bar, you can’t go wrong here. Known for the giant French cheeseburger —topped with no ordinary slices but a molten pile of raclette — this menu ranges from pate and caviar to a homey and succulent roast chicken. Of course, the cocktails are spot on, but so are the beer and cider offerings. A great addition to The Heights.
Los Tios
5192 Buffalo Speedway
713.432.7131
lostiosrestaurant.com
Homegrown Tex-Mex chain Los Tios opened its sixth spot in West University Place this past summer. Full of colorful tiles, tables topped with Mexican oilcloths, and greenery, stepping inside this Plaza in the Park shopping center dining option is like stepping into a Border town plaza. The margaritas are cold and the lunch specials are more than reasonable. Of course, there’s queso (get the Katie’s T-Sip Dip topped with taco meat and guacamole), tacos, and fajitas, but you can’t not get the famous OG puffy queso, a puffed-up crispy shell smothered in Chile con Queso. Classic combo plates and some pretty good grilled plates round out the menu at this new edition to the venerable Adair family chain.
MaKiin
2651 Kipling St., Suite 101
832.695.999
makiinthai.com
If you’re looking for upscale Thai, then this is what you have been waiting for. On the ground floor of the new Hanover River Oaks high rise, MaKiin builds itself as a place of traditional Thai plates with a modern twist. Co-owner of Kin Dee, Lukkaew Srasrisuwan added this new concept to her restaurant portfolio that currently includes the over two-years and a half old Kin Dee in the Heights. Guests at Makiin can expect an elevated, unique, and memorable experience that showcases artfully designed dishes as an ode to the cuisines of Thailand and the royal family. Yes, it’s fancy, but whether it’s a special occasion or just because you need some really good Thai, Makiin (which mean “come to eat”) will impress with curries, squid, fried rice, and noodle dishes that come in vessels almost more ornate than the food.
“With Kin Dee we showed Houstonians Thai food can be fun and vibrant,” says Srasrisuwan.” MaKiin will deliver a more elevated experience that will celebrate the artistry of my homeland’s authentic flavors, ingredients, and techniques.”