Last week, Eater readers submitted their favorite Greasy Spoons via Twitter, Facebook, an Open Thread and the tipline. The results, as seen below, cover just about every neighborhood Inside the Loop. What do they have in common? Friendly service, reasonable prices, killer breakfasts and, in most cases, a really solid chicken fried steak.
As always, feel free to sound off in the comments if there's a personal favorite that's missing.
Frankly, whether one cares for this long-time Heights Tex Mex spot probably depends on (a) the length of time one has been patronizing the restaurant and (b) one's BAC. Been going here for years or need the cheese enchiladas to soak up a belly full of beer? Andy's hits the spot. Newcomers may be better off at Spanish Flowers.
When even the "new" location is 20 years old, Avalon has earned the right to be called a Houston classic. Anything from the classic soda fountain is a good place to start here, especially the Blue Bell milkshakes.
Now featuring iconic Houston server John Katsimikis, Avenue Grill is a favorite of the HPD officers whose headquarters is just across Houston Avenue. The grits and house-made biscuits are highly recommended as an accompaniment to eggs.
Naturally, the breakfasts, particularly the fluffy waffles, are a solid option here, but it's the liver and onions that are an underrated reason to patronize this Bellaire institution.
Another late night, greasy Tex Mex spot with friendly service and a killer atmosphere. While some readers may recall Chapultepec as being amenable to serve margaritas to underage patrons, it's the basic tacos and excellent table salsa that are must eat.
The location in the city of South Houston means smoking is still allowed at this old-school spot. A favorite of Houstonia food editor Katharine Shilcutt, she recommends the grits and anything that comes with cream gravy.
While some might dislike the Pappas restaurants in general, Dot Coffee Shop's retro dining room and friendly service make it easy to love. At breakfast, the gigantic biscuits are irresistible. For dinner, the chicken fried steak is among the city's best.
Although the free swinging, "House of Guys" days may more memory than reality, this 24 hour spot is still regularly packed on weekends with a mix of college students and late night revelers. The signature bayou goo pie is mandatory, as is anything that comes with the home fries.
Whether one orders from the menu during breakfast or goes through the cafeteria line at lunch, Harry's is part of a long-chain of Greek-owned Houston diners that offer something for everybody. Go with whatever looks good from the steam table; there are very few missteps here.
At its seven locations across the city, this diner empire serves gigantic portions at eminently reasonable prices. The chicken fried steak could easily be split between people and proves that, as long as an entree comes with eggs on the side, anything can be considered a breakfast option.
Just because it's known for its burgers, doesn't mean that's the only thing Lankford Grocery does well. The Wednesday special is some of the best, old-school Tex Mex enchiladas anywhere, and the Saturday-only biscuits & gravy are worth getting up early for.
This soul food restaurant may not exactly qualify as a greasy spoon, but the lunch time meat and three from a rotating list of specials is essential stuff. Order the oxtails, collard greens and whatever else looks good. Then go to Hank's next door for ice cream.
This classic spot has been serving big portions at low prices for generations. Eggs cooked to order are the way to go here, particularly when paired with a chicken fried steak.
For a couple generations, it's been a go to spot for Heights residents. Stick to the basics here: eggs, bacon and biscuits are solid, but other options, like the chicken fried steak, may be bland. Nothing a little hot sauce can't fix.
24 hour diner One's a Meal lives on as Theo's. During breakfast, the waffles and Greek omelet are always reliable. At dinner, a calzone from the restaurant's pizza oven is always a good option, especially when it's filled with gyro meat.
A favorite of Heights residents who regularly pack the place, Triple A's wood paneled dining room may provide diners with a time warp sensation. In addition to breakfast, the chicken and dumplings special, served for dinner on Tuesday and Saturday, is the standard by which other versions are measured.
Frankly, whether one cares for this long-time Heights Tex Mex spot probably depends on (a) the length of time one has been patronizing the restaurant and (b) one's BAC. Been going here for years or need the cheese enchiladas to soak up a belly full of beer? Andy's hits the spot. Newcomers may be better off at Spanish Flowers.
When even the "new" location is 20 years old, Avalon has earned the right to be called a Houston classic. Anything from the classic soda fountain is a good place to start here, especially the Blue Bell milkshakes.
Now featuring iconic Houston server John Katsimikis, Avenue Grill is a favorite of the HPD officers whose headquarters is just across Houston Avenue. The grits and house-made biscuits are highly recommended as an accompaniment to eggs.
Naturally, the breakfasts, particularly the fluffy waffles, are a solid option here, but it's the liver and onions that are an underrated reason to patronize this Bellaire institution.
Another late night, greasy Tex Mex spot with friendly service and a killer atmosphere. While some readers may recall Chapultepec as being amenable to serve margaritas to underage patrons, it's the basic tacos and excellent table salsa that are must eat.
The location in the city of South Houston means smoking is still allowed at this old-school spot. A favorite of Houstonia food editor Katharine Shilcutt, she recommends the grits and anything that comes with cream gravy.
While some might dislike the Pappas restaurants in general, Dot Coffee Shop's retro dining room and friendly service make it easy to love. At breakfast, the gigantic biscuits are irresistible. For dinner, the chicken fried steak is among the city's best.
Although the free swinging, "House of Guys" days may more memory than reality, this 24 hour spot is still regularly packed on weekends with a mix of college students and late night revelers. The signature bayou goo pie is mandatory, as is anything that comes with the home fries.
Whether one orders from the menu during breakfast or goes through the cafeteria line at lunch, Harry's is part of a long-chain of Greek-owned Houston diners that offer something for everybody. Go with whatever looks good from the steam table; there are very few missteps here.
At its seven locations across the city, this diner empire serves gigantic portions at eminently reasonable prices. The chicken fried steak could easily be split between people and proves that, as long as an entree comes with eggs on the side, anything can be considered a breakfast option.
Just because it's known for its burgers, doesn't mean that's the only thing Lankford Grocery does well. The Wednesday special is some of the best, old-school Tex Mex enchiladas anywhere, and the Saturday-only biscuits & gravy are worth getting up early for.
This soul food restaurant may not exactly qualify as a greasy spoon, but the lunch time meat and three from a rotating list of specials is essential stuff. Order the oxtails, collard greens and whatever else looks good. Then go to Hank's next door for ice cream.
This classic spot has been serving big portions at low prices for generations. Eggs cooked to order are the way to go here, particularly when paired with a chicken fried steak.
For a couple generations, it's been a go to spot for Heights residents. Stick to the basics here: eggs, bacon and biscuits are solid, but other options, like the chicken fried steak, may be bland. Nothing a little hot sauce can't fix.
24 hour diner One's a Meal lives on as Theo's. During breakfast, the waffles and Greek omelet are always reliable. At dinner, a calzone from the restaurant's pizza oven is always a good option, especially when it's filled with gyro meat.
A favorite of Heights residents who regularly pack the place, Triple A's wood paneled dining room may provide diners with a time warp sensation. In addition to breakfast, the chicken and dumplings special, served for dinner on Tuesday and Saturday, is the standard by which other versions are measured.
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