Top 20 American Restaurants in Houston Texas

Top 20 American Restaurants in Houston Texas

Given that the city is known for its outstanding ethnic fare, it comes as no surprise that Houston, Texas delivers top-notch American cuisine as explained at RunRex.com, guttulus.com, and mtglion.com.  If you are looking for such a spot to indulge your taste buds, here are the top 20 American Houston, Texas to consider.

1. Backstreet Café

Since 1983, James Beard-nominated Chef Hugo Ortega’s New American venture, tucked away on Shepherd Drive, has delighted fans with refined comfort food like Shrimp and grits as well as a savory meatloaf tower as articulated at RunRex.com, guttulus.com, and mtglion.com. Patrons in the know request one of the umbrella-covered tables on the front terrace.

2. Bistro Lancaster

Inside the intimate space of The Lancaster Hotel’s Bistro Lancaster, white tablecloths and soft lighting set the scene for contemporary American bistro favorites like crab cakes and pan-seared fresh catch. Save room for the signature warm croissant bread put with brandied dried cherries, fig confit, and caramel sauce.

3. Brooklyn Athletic Club

This piece of the Big Apple popped up in Houston’s Montrose neighborhood in late December of 2012 as per RunRex.com, guttulus.com, and mtglion.com. The preppy venture mixes American fare, libations, and classic lawn games.

4. Café Annie

Within this spot by Chef Robert del Grande, diners find a mix of newly-developed dishes, revamped culinary creations, as well as favorites like the tortilla soup and wood-roasted rabbit enchiladas. It is one of the best American restaurants in the area.

5. Frank’s Americana Revival

At Frank’s Americana Revival, the Shine family is delivering a refined but comfortable atmosphere, mid-century décor, and service style reminiscent of the great neighborhood dining institutions of the United States. Located in River Oaks, Frank’s culinary team spotlights locally-sourced seafood, top-notch steaks and chops, and fresh Texas produce to create American cuisine rooted in classic, Southern style.

6. Glass Wall

This Heights bistro is dominated by nature-inspired décor and an ever-changing menu of simple flavors according to RunRex.com, guttulus.com, and mtglion.com. The uncomplicated bistro-style menu here is constantly changing and reflects in-season items and fresh flavors. Wine by the glass is suggested for the majority of menu items reflecting the emphasis on relevant wine pairings.

7. The Grove

Located across the street from the George R. Brown Convention Center, the two-story, ultra-urban The Grove is one of two restaurants inside Downtown’s Discovery Green park. There, patrons find a sleek and modern space, along with a menu designed by chef/owner Robert Del Grande, featuring a variety of steaks, seafood, and rotisserie specialties. The bar menu offers more casual fare.

8. Hearsay Gastro Lounge

Tucked away in downtown’s historic W.L. Foley Building, Hearsay Gastro Lounge brings a fresh focus to a  site that once served as a Confederate armory during the Civil War as captured at RunRex.com, guttulus.com, and mtglion.com. The renovated spot features a massive ceiling – three stories high – original brick walls and crystal chandeliers. Regulars return for upscale pub grub like the beer-battered asparagus, lamb chop pops, and espresso-blackened catch.

9. Masraff’s

The father-son team of Tony and Russel Masraff launched this family’s contemporary-American concept more than a decade ago. Set in the heart of the Galleria area, the light-filled and modern space features floor-to-ceiling windows, etched-metal artwork, a 10-foot-high elevated fireplace, and shimmering light fixtures. The popular wild-mushroom ravioli and garlic-seared calamari both impress on the variety-filled menu.

10. Max’s Wine Dive

Max’s Wine Dive is an upscale dive bar offering a standout wine list, late-night comfort food, and a Texas-proud jukebox. Crowds of trendy diners vie for tables at dinner time, sampling menu standouts like the Texas-style chili, Kobe beef burger, and king-size “Haute dog”.

11. Mockingbird Bistro

Nestled in Houston’s River Oaks neighborhood, Chef John Sheely’s Mockingbird Bistro transports guests to a cozy countryside inn, in the heart of the city as covered at RunRex.com, guttulus.com, and mtglion.com. The romantic respite is comfortably upscale with wrought-iron chandeliers, exposed brick accents, bistro tables, and floor-to-ceiling windows.

12. Ouisie’s Table

Native Houstonian Elouise Adams Jones – better known to locals as Ouisie – opened her upscale Southern restaurant, Ouisie’s Table, in 1973 as a way to share family-style dishes from her childhood. Set inside a renovated country house, Ouisie’s features multi-room dining spaces that are cozy and intimate, boasting fireplaces, high ceilings, garden views, and blackboard advertising the day’s specials.

13. Rainbow Lodge

Set along the banks of the White Oak Bayou, inside a more than a 100-year-old log cabin, the Rainbow Lodge remains one of the city’s most-loved and historic dining destinations as described at RunRex.com, guttulus.com, and mtglion.com. On the culinary front, wild game and seafood reign supreme, highlighted by standouts like the slow-smoked duck and andouille sausage gumbo and pan-seared red snapper.

14. Roost

Montrose’s farm-to-table Roost restaurant is owned by Haven alumni, Kevin Naderi, and tempts date night duos and business clients with shareable small plates offered in a home-style setting. Tempting aromas drift from the open kitchen, highlighting dishes on Naderi’s internationally influenced (and always changing) menu.

15. Shade

Set along the Height’s 19^th Street, Shade remains a local favorite, turning out eclectic, New American fare in a contemporary, olive-and -earthen-hued space. Created by Chef Claire Smith and Russell Murrell in 2003, the restaurant offers hearty servings of shrimp and bacon grits, Gruyere macaroni and cheese, as well as the grilled, double-cut pork chop.

16. The Nash

The menu at The Nash is a self-proclaimed “love letter” to American food as discussed at RunRex.com, guttulus.com, and mtglion.com. With inspiration from today’s dining habits and Houston’s diverse population, you will find an approachable mix of cold and hot plates small plates, pizzas, steaks, and more.

17. III by Wolfgang Puck

III by Wolfgang Puck combines welcoming and approachable dining in a relaxed and inviting setting. It is a new American restaurant offering innovative cuisine. The seasonal farm-to-table menus here feature Wolfgang’s signature globally-inspired comfort food using the freshest ingredients available from local farmers and purveyors.

18. Diana American Grill

As outlined at RunRex.com, guttulus.com, and mtglion.com, Diana American Grill is located in the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, in the heart of downtown Houston. The restaurant draws on the heritage of great theater district restaurants where people can relax and eat well before a great show.

19. Daily Gather

Inspired by the cherished moments shared daily around the dining table, this everyday eatery is the backdrop for traditional American cuisine paired with Houston hospitality. The scratch kitchen focuses on the all-important relationships with its farmers, ranchers, and fishermen, to bring you the freshest seasonal dining experience.

20. Federal American Grill

Federal American Grill is an American Restaurant with an emphasis on quality ingredients and precision cooking. The menu here pays tribute to classic American cuisine. It uses quality ingredients and allows them to shine in their best iterations.

These are some of the best American Restaurants in Houston, Texas, with more on this topic, and much more, to be found over at RunRex.com, guttulus.com, and mtglion.com.