LOCAL Houston | The City Guide MARCH 2016 | Page 28

GOOD EATS
you like sweet flavored coffee you have to try the Sugar Daddy, that’s
right the Sugar Daddy (I love ordering it – hehe). They do have dairy
substitutes, soy and almond milk. They have a little bit of everything;
their pasta dishes are pretty tasty. It’s also a neat place to study if
you’re cool with the regular coffeehouse background noise. They have
a great selection of teas (13 different flavors.)
— Elizabeth G., Yelp

MUIISHI MAKIRRITOS
$ Japanese, Food Trucks, Sushi Bars | 832.868.6777 | www.muiishimakirritos.com

This is what I call love at first sight. On my first visit, I ordered the crabby patty and kakune makarrito, which had pork belly
as the main meat. The crabby patty was pretty good but nothing special since it was just soft shell crab (basically a spider
handroll). The pork belly makarrito is what made me fall in love. The flavors were rich and mixed well with each other. The
pork belly literally melted in my mouth and it was absolutely beautiful. The size of the burrito is a bit on the smaller size
for the price ($9) but the flavors do make up for it.
— Justianna T., Yelp

ARTISANS RESTAURANT
$$$ French, American, Steakhouse | 3201 Louisiana St.
713.529.9111 | www.artisansrestaurant.com
My husband and I were in here a few weeks ago for a friend’s engagement party and it was our first time here. Let me just say, everything
was wonderful! Everyone from the hostess to the bartenders to the
waitstaff were very friendly and made us feel right at home. The food
is pricey but it did not disappoint. For an appetizer, we had the scallops
with the spinach and goat cheese ravioli. Portions are seriously small
but soooo delish. For the entrée we both had chicken with a side of lobster tail. So fantastic I’m still dreaming of it. Since it’s a bit on the expspensive side, we will have to save this place for special occasions.
— Carrie B., Yelp

perfection. It’s a little shack and I think that gives it even more flavor
and character. You have to get the buffalo burger; do it now.
– Katie M. | Yelp

FAT BAO
$ Asian Fusion, Ramen | 3419 Kirby Dr. | 713.677.0341
www.fatbaohouston.com
There’s something to say about a place where you can confidently close
your eyes and randomly choose something to eat. Fat Bao makes a
gourmet sandwich using a “bao,” which is a steamed white bread with
a fluffy-chewy consistency. Traditionally it’s used to transport Peking
duck + sweet sauce. Here, it’s used for everything from Peking duck to
bulgogi to soft shell crab. I’m actually not a big fan of the soft shell
crab here, but besides that *one* choice, pick anything else. My recommendations are the yard byrd and bulgogi. And tonkatsu and ice
cream. Oh, yes, ICE CREAM in fried bao. :) If you get lucky, they may
be serving (Vietnamese) coffee ice cream. Yo. Note: Things (hands)
will get messy. Note 2: I dread seeing you eat wings, a burrito, or
pizza if you can’t handle eating with your hands. Crisis!
— Millie C., Yelp

CHAPULTEPEC LUPITA
$ Tex-Mex Mexican | 813 Richmond Ave. | 713.522.2365
I love this place, been coming here since the 80s. The food is always
good. The charm and character of this place has been the same for the
30 years. It’s one of a few places in Montrose that has endured. I came
here yesterday, after a day at the Menil, and was so happy I did.
— Paul J., Yelp

GYO-KAKU JAPANESE BBQ
$$ Japanese, Barbeque | 510 Gray St. | 713.750.9520
www.gyu-kaku.com
My friends and I absolutely love this place!!! The food is always on
par and the service is always attentive. This place has now been thrown
into our rotation of favorite restaurants to dine in weekly. I love the
kalbi the most. It's just so juicy and tender. The chili steamed
dumplings are to die for as well as the bottle of champagne that we
get.
— Judy N., Yelp

EMPIRE CAFÉ
$$ Coffee & Tea, Breakfast & Brunch, American | 713.528.5282
1732 Westheimer Rd. | www.empirecafe.com
Sweet spot for a date. There is outdoor seating as well as a nice low
light, indoor setup. The Margarita pizza is one of friends’ favorite. If

IBIZA
$$$ Wine Bars, American, Basque | 2450 Louisiana St.
713.524.0004 | www.ibizafoodandwinebar.com
My new favorite restaurant! I took my boyfriend here for his birthday
and was beyond impressed. The food was excellent. I ordered the special: a Chilean sea bass with a red wine glaze. My boyfriend ordered

BLACK HOLE COFFEE HOUSE
$ American, Coffee & Tea, Breakfast & Brunch | 4504 Graustark St.
713.528.0653 | www.facebook.com/blackhole.coffeehouse
Best coffee in Houston. They do a killer job with a macchiato. Actually
making the beverages as they are meant to be. The staff is always
friendly. Lots of places to sit. Parking in the lot or on the street is never
difficult – even on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
— Opal T., Yelp
BUBBAS TEXAS BURGER SHACK
$ Burgers | 5230 Westpark Dr. | 713.661.1622
www.bubbastexasburgershack.com
I would like to say, I know burgers. I’ve had burgers across the
Southeast, eaten many great burgers. But this ... this is one of the best
burgers I have had in a long time. It is juicy and the flavors in it are
just right. The meat alone is delicious but with the fresh veggies on it,

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L O C A L

| march 16