What $10 Could Buy Then and Now: Perusing Retro Menus of Houston's Mainstays

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Once upon a time Houstonians could saunter into any number of local eateries and order a full dinner for $2.00 (cocktail included). Don't believe us? Take a look at the vintage menus above of restaurants still operating. You'd be hard pressed to find appetizers today that cost less, much less anything with quality spirits. While we'll never see prices like those of yesteryear, we thought it would be interesting compare decades old menu items then and now:

Ninfa's pitcher of Ninfaritas

Then (circa 1980's): $9.50 (lunch) to $12.50 (dinner)
Now: $28.00

Willie G's Shrimp Creole

Then: $9.50
Now: $18.99


Willie G's Lump Crab Cocktail

Then: $6.26 (large)
Now: $16.99


Willie G's Stuffed Crab

Then: $7.95
Now: $18.99


Pappas Seafood House's Fresh Gulf Oysters

Then: $4.95 a dozen
Now: $15.95 a dozen


Pappas Seafood House's Seafood Platter

Then: $9.50
Now: $28.95


Note: Although we tried, we weren't successful in finding the years for Pappas Seafood House and Willie G's menu. We would like to add an estimate date, so if anyone knows, please leave a comment below.