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The Montrose Star 2019 Pride Dining Guide


By Jim Ayres |

Happy Pride everyone, and if you’re visiting Houston, welcome! Let’s jump right in to see what’s new in Houston’s dining world. After all, while we’re celebrating, we must eat!

It seems like something new is opening downtown — site of the Houston Pride Festival® — every day. And the crop of new hotels is where you’ll find these somethings new.

Xochi at the Marriott Marquis (1777 Walker), named by Houston Chronicle critic Alison Cook as the Best Restaurant in Houston for 2017, showcases the flavors of Oaxaca. It’s Chef Hugo Ortega’s most personal experience to date.

At Hotel Alessandra (1070 Dallas), Lucienne offers Continental European cuisine from Chef Jose Hernandez, whose last two Houston stints were as a pastry chef and an Italian Maestro.

Looking for something more Houston-esque? You’ll find it at Oxbow 7 at Le Meridien (1121 Walker). Here you’ll enjoy food “focused on the people and cultures who established communities along the small waterways that we call Bayous,†according to the restaurant’s website.

Theodore Rex (1302 Nance) is a few blocks outside Downtown, but when the food is this exceptional, location hardly matters. It’s in Chef Justin Yu’s former Oxheart space and he gives TRex the same love and care with an à la carte menu. You must try the Tomato Toast!

Venturing into EaDo (East of Downtown) these days is a foodie adventure. Nancy’s Hustle (2704 Polk) can be boisterous, friendly and lots of fun. Whether you’re down for appetizers or entrees, you’ll find something unique and delicious here.

Fun is the only way to describe the name and atmosphere at Rodeo Goat (2105 Dallas). Burgers are the stars here (in fact, it’s just about all they sell, but they’ve got loads of choices). Sides? It’s all about the Cheese Fries Surprise!

Of course, Montrose was Ground Zero for Pride for decades, and most of the city’s LGBT bars are still there. Soak up the alcohol at Pappa Geno’s (515 Westheimer). Yes, the Heights’ favorite Philly Cheesesteak favorite just opened.

Underbelly may be gone, but its spirit lives on down the street. UB Preserv (1609 Westheimer) carries on the tradition of telling the story of Houston in food, at a price point that’s a little easier on the wallet. And they have a dim sum brunch!

For the last couple of years it was Lowbrow, but Night Heron (1601 W. Main) now serves the neighborhood with excellent burgers, creative salads, spicy twists on appetizers, and of course, cocktails. Plenty of fans keep the patio inviting in June.

Vietnamese cuisine is hitting Montrose in a big way this year. Les Noo’dle (1717 Montrose) offers tasty pho in three flavors: beef, chicken and vegan. Lua Viet 1540 (W. Alabama) offers familiar favorites in a fast-casual atmosphere. Too crowded? You may be tempted to stroll to the burger place next door. Resist.

And finally, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention a new place at 1815 Washington Avenue, one that many people have been clamoring for. Yes, Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken is now open in Houston! Grab some of that lovely, not-too-hot chicken and chow down with Pride!

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