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12 of Houston's Most Underrated Restaurants, Mapped

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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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Tokyo Bowl

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According to a reader, this Clear Lake spot has a huge selection. "I could eat there 4 times a week!"

Golden Seafood Restaurant

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Like Connie's, Golden offers seafood, particularly ceviches, that are tasty and affordable. The micheladas are good here, too.

J & J Lounge

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According to a reader, the grilled pork chops are the best in Houston

Lucille's

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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.

Lexington Grille

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"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."

Al's Quick Stop

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A true hidden gem, the counter at this convenience store serves some of Houston's best falafel and gyros.

Becks Prime

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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.

Mama's Oven

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"Best smothered pork chop and all around soul food in the city!!!"

Cafe Piquet

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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."

Teotihuacan

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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!"

Verona Flying Pizza

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"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!"

Fadis Mediterranean Grill

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"Fadi's has always come through for me."

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Tokyo Bowl

According to a reader, this Clear Lake spot has a huge selection. "I could eat there 4 times a week!"

Golden Seafood Restaurant

Like Connie's, Golden offers seafood, particularly ceviches, that are tasty and affordable. The micheladas are good here, too.

J & J Lounge

According to a reader, the grilled pork chops are the best in Houston

Lucille's

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.

Lexington Grille

"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."

Al's Quick Stop

A true hidden gem, the counter at this convenience store serves some of Houston's best falafel and gyros.

Becks Prime

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.

Mama's Oven

"Best smothered pork chop and all around soul food in the city!!!"

Cafe Piquet

According to a reader, Cafe Piquet serves some of Houston's best Cuban food, "especially the picadillo, red snapper, and impressive sangria."

Teotihuacan

"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!"

Verona Flying Pizza

"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!"

Fadis Mediterranean Grill

"Fadi's has always come through for me."

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