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12 of Houston's Most Underrated Restaurants, Mapped

by Eric Sandler
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by Eric Sandler

In response to Friday's open thread, Eater readers submitted their picks for some of the city's underrated restaurants. Collectively, these are restaurants that have been around for awhile and may have fallen off the radar, but they're still there, pleasing their customers day in, day out. While they aren't flashy, all 12 are a reliable place to find friendly service, good value and tasty food.


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Note: Restaurants on this map are listed geographically.

1. Tokyo Bowl

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2402 Bay Area Blvd
Houston, TX 77058
(281) 480-5311
(281) 480-5311
Visit Website
According to a reader, this Clear Lake spot has a huge selection. "I could eat there 4 times a week!"

2. Golden Seafood Restaurant

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903 S. 75th Street
Houston, TX 77023
(713) 923-8790
(713) 923-8790
Visit Website
Like Connie's, Golden offers seafood, particularly ceviches, that are tasty and affordable. The micheladas are good here, too.

3. J & J Lounge

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3303 Lee St, Houston, TX 77026
Houston, TX 77026
(713) 222-7104
(713) 222-7104
According to a reader, the grilled pork chops are the best in Houston

4. Lucille's

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5512 La Branch
Houston, TX 77004
(713) 568-2505
(713) 568-2505
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After some initial struggles, this Museum District restaurant that serves upscale Southern classics has turned into a reliable neighborhood staple. According to a reader, it's popular with local celebrities and politicians, too.

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5. Lexington Grille

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2005 Lexington Street
Houston, TX 77098
(607) 776-4865
(607) 776-4865
Visit Website
"It's been open for several years yet I don't recall seeing much if any press about it. It's quiet and tucked away (just) off Shepherd and has excellent food and service."

6. Al's Quick Stop

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2002 Waugh Drive
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 522-5170
(713) 522-5170
A true hidden gem, the counter at this convenience store serves some of Houston's best falafel and gyros.

7. Becks Prime

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2902 Kirby Dr
Houston, TX 77098
(713) 524-7085
(713) 524-7085
Visit Website
Sometimes forgotten in the face of so much competition, Becks Prime's thick burgers, cooked over mesquite are still a very satisfying way to indulge a craving.

8. Mama's Oven

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9295 South Main
Houston, TX 77025
(713) 661-3656
(713) 661-3656
"Best smothered pork chop and all around soul food in the city!!!"

9. Cafe Piquet

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5757 Bissonnet Street
Bellaire, TX 77401-4723
(713) 664-1031
(713) 664-1031
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According to a reader, Cafe Piquet serves some of Houston's best Cuban food, "especially the picadillo, red snapper, and impressive sangria."

10. Teotihuacan

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6579 W. Bellfort
Houston, TX 77035
(713) 726-9858
(713) 726-9858
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"I go to the one on W. Bellfort, but the locations on Airline and Irvington are equally good. Cheap, authentic food, great service, and strong and cheap margaritas!"

11. Verona Flying Pizza

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3995 S Gessner Rd
Houston, TX
(713) 789-8153
(713) 789-8153
"A well-worn, but great place I love to go back to (though it's off the beaten path near Sharpstown/Westchase) is Verona Flying Pizza on the corner of Westpark & Gessner. Excellent sandwiches at lunch and good pizzas/pastas at dinner. Come more than once and Wally will remember you!"

12. Fadis Mediterranean Grill

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12360 Westheimer Rd.
Houston, TX 77077
(281) 556-8390
(281) 556-8390
Visit Website
"Fadi's has always come through for me."

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1. Tokyo Bowl

2402 Bay Area Blvd, Houston, TX 77058
According to a reader, this Clear Lake spot has a huge selection. "I could eat there 4 times a week!"
2402 Bay Area Blvd
Houston, TX 77058
(281) 480-5311
Visit Website

2. Golden Seafood Restaurant

903 S. 75th Street, Houston, TX 77023
Like Connie's, Golden offers seafood, particularly ceviches, that are tasty and affordable. The micheladas are good here, too.
903 S. 75th Street
Houston, TX 77023
(713) 923-8790
Visit Website

3. J & J Lounge

3303 Lee St, Houston, TX 77026, Houston, TX 77026
According to a reader, the grilled pork chops are the best in Houston
3303 Lee St, Houston, TX 77026
Houston, TX 77026
(713) 222-7104

4. Lucille's

5512 La Branch, Houston, TX 77004
After some initial struggles, this Museum District restaurant that serves upscale Southern classics has turned into a reliable neighborhood staple. According to a reader, it's popular with local celebrities and politicians, too.
5512 La Branch
Houston, TX 77004
(713) 568-2505
Visit Website

5. Lexington Grille

2005 Lexington Street, Houston, TX 77098
"It's been open for several years yet I don't recall seeing much if any press about it. It's quiet and tucked away (just) off Shepherd and has excellent food and service."
2005 Lexington Street
Houston, TX 77098
(607) 776-4865
Visit Website

6. Al's Quick Stop

2002 Waugh Drive, Houston, TX 77006
A true hidden gem, the counter at this convenience store serves some of Houston's best falafel and gyros.
2002 Waugh Drive
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 522-5170

7. Becks Prime

2902 Kirby Dr, Houston, TX 77098
Sometimes forgotten in the face of so much competition, Becks Prime's thick burgers, cooked over mesquite are still a very satisfying way to indulge a craving.
2902 Kirby Dr
Houston, TX 77098
(713) 524-7085
Visit Website

8. Mama's Oven

9295 South Main, Houston, TX 77025
"Best smothered pork chop and all around soul food in the city!!!"
9295 South Main
Houston, TX 77025
(713) 661-3656

9. Cafe Piquet

5757 Bissonnet Street, Bellaire, TX 77401-4723
According to a reader, Cafe Piquet serves some of Houston's best Cuban food, "especially the picadillo, red snapper, and impressive sangria."
5757 Bissonnet Street
Bellaire, TX 77401-4723
(713) 664-1031
Visit Website

10. Teotihuacan

6579 W. Bellfort, Houston, TX 77035
"I go to the one on W. Bellfort, but the locations on Airline and Irvington are equally good. Cheap, authentic food, great service, and strong and cheap margaritas!"
6579 W. Bellfort
Houston, TX 77035
(713) 726-9858
Visit Website

11. Verona Flying Pizza

3995 S Gessner Rd, Houston, TX
"A well-worn, but great place I love to go back to (though it's off the beaten path near Sharpstown/Westchase) is Verona Flying Pizza on the corner of Westpark & Gessner. Excellent sandwiches at lunch and good pizzas/pastas at dinner. Come more than once and Wally will remember you!"
3995 S Gessner Rd
Houston, TX
(713) 789-8153

12. Fadis Mediterranean Grill

12360 Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX 77077
"Fadi's has always come through for me."
12360 Westheimer Rd.
Houston, TX 77077
(281) 556-8390
Visit Website

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