LOCAL Houston | The City Guide June 2017 | Page 34

Houston’s H ttest
Hole-in-the-Wall Restaurants
By Carlos Brandon
Houston was not always considered a great
food city. Twenty-five years ago, the city’s
greatest culinary achievements were a few
steakhouses and some run-of-the-mill Mexican
joints. Today, it is touted as one of the nation’s
hottest destinations for fine dining. Hugo’s
and Underbelly are regulars in any discussion
of America’s best restaurants. However, the
rise of its gastronomic industry has somewhat
overshadowed the city’s original culinary aes-
thetic: mom-and-pop holes-in-the-wall offer-
ing authentic, ethnic and downhome meals
that taste like home and adventures all in one.
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L O C A L
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