Welcome to the Eater 38, a guide intended to answer the eternal question of “Where should I eat out tonight?” This map highlights the city’s top restaurants across a diverse array of cuisines and price points, with flavors and concepts that fairly represent Clutch City. But with an ever-evolving dining scene, that also means this list can’t just stay the same.
Every quarter, Eater Houston makes a much-needed update to provide a fresh list that stays true to this ever-changing Texas city. This spring, the Houston 38 bids farewell to Paulie’s and Eugene’s Gulf Coast Cuisine and rotates in Post Market, Mo’ Better Brews, and J-Bar-M Barbecue for exciting fare.
Though the restaurant industry has not yet made a full comeback from COVID-19 and its subsequent surges — meaning many establishments are dealing with ongoing staffing issues — several restaurants are hitting their strides. Still, they might require a little more patience than usual from diners as they get back into their groove — so plan to tip generously and mask up if asked.
Without further ado, go forth and explore Houston’s vibrant culinary culture via drool-worthy tacos, exciting new American cuisine, and compelling brisket, plus so much more, at Houston’s 38 essential restaurants.
Looking for Houston’s hottest new restaurants? Check out the Eater Heatmap.
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Health experts consider dining out to be a high-risk activity for the unvaccinated; it may pose a risk for the vaccinated, especially in areas with substantial COVID transmission.
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