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A table for four topped with brunch dishes, pastas, and a mimosa, rose champagne, and Bloody Mary.
Trattoria Sofia offers weekend brunch with mimosas, Bloody Mary’s, and more.
Kirsten Gilliam

Where to Eat and Drink in Houston’s Heights

From fiery hot chicken sandwiches to a champagne-fueled Italian brunch, this neighborhood has lots to offer

by Megha McSwain and Brittany Britto Garley Updated
View as Map
Trattoria Sofia offers weekend brunch with mimosas, Bloody Mary’s, and more.
| Kirsten Gilliam
by Megha McSwain and Brittany Britto Garley Updated

The Heights neighborhood was initially founded as a streetcar suburb in the 1890s for Houston-area residents that did not want to live in the density of the city proper. It was annexed by Houston in 1918 and has since been a haven for Houstonians looking for slightly bigger yards, vintage Victorian homes, and a tight-knit neighborhood feel.

But even over the last few decades, the Heights has continued to change and grow, with high rises popping up in rundown areas, new bike lanes creating connections to other parts of the city, and an ever-growing food and drink scene. The result is a neighborhood with old Houston charm and a modern, trendy vibe. That makes it the perfect spot for a lazy patio brunch or an afternoon drink with a relaxing view of stately century-old live oaks trees and charming craftsman bungalows.

While 1751 Sea & Bar, Melange Creperie, Killen’s, and Truth BBQ continue to be popular neighborhood hangouts, they have been removed to make way for newcomers like EZ’s Liquor Lounge, Goode Co. Kitchen & Cantina, and Heights & Co.

Put simply, there’s plenty to eat while hanging out in the Heights. Here’s where to start.

Is your favorite Heights restaurant missing from this map? Send a tip to Eater Houston.

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Alice Blue

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This new American restaurant, hidden among the retail shops on busy West 19th Street, is a reliable Heights go-to for a casual weekday meal or hearty weekend brunch. An emphasis is put on making dishes by hand, from-scratch. The result is thoughtfully prepared items like shrimp and crab risotto balls with charred green tomato relish, pan-seared artichoke salad with crispy capers, and coriander duck breast with butternut squash noodles.

250 W 19th St, Houston, TX 77008
(713) 864-2050
(713) 864-2050

Also featured in:

Goode Co. Kitchen & Cantina

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This restaurant may be new to the Heights, but it joins a long list of restaurants operated by the Goodes, one of Houston’s iconic restaurant families known to deliver when it comes to barbecue and Tex-Mex. Like some of its sister restaurants, Goode Co. Kitchen & Cantina features margaritas, made-to-order guacamole, campechana, and Southern favorites like carnitas and redfish on the half-shell.

1801 Yale St, Houston, TX 77008
(713) 244-8448
(713) 244-8448

Also featured in:

Squable

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When it opened in 2019, Squable, from Justin Yu and Bobby Heugel, quickly made an impression on the neighborhood’s discerning diners. Find excellent dishes like the savory Dutch baby pancake with ricotta and the French cheeseburger showered in raclette, or consider an assortment of veggie-packed plates like roasted cauliflower or Greek-style gigante beans with fried feta.

632 W 19th St, Houston, TX 77008
(832) 834-7362
(832) 834-7362
Seven white plates with various dishes atop a wooden table.
A spread of dishes at Squable.
Jenn Duncan Photography

Also featured in:

La Lucha

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Next door to his Tex-Mex restaurant Superica, chef Ford Fry’s La Lucha is an ode to Texas cuisine. The creative, sometimes cheeky menu boasts dishes like deviled eggs topped with popcorn shrimp and wood-roasted Gulf oysters, plus, a half or whole fried chicken that is considered some of Houston’s best.

1801 N Shepherd Dr #A, Houston, TX 77008
(713) 955-4765
(713) 955-4765

Also featured in:

Mico's Hot Chicken

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Mico’s relaxed approach to dishing out a delicious fried chicken sandwich is much welcomed. Head to its Heights outpost to order tenders or a “sammich” topped with pickles, slaw, and Mico’s sauce. Decide whether you want your fries loaded or not, and then sit down and stay awhile at its shaded patio, sipping peach tea or downing banana pudding to offset the spice.

1603 N Durham Dr, Houston, TX 77008
(713) 434-6133
(713) 434-6133

Also featured in:

Kin Dee

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This glitzy Thai restaurant focuses on noodle dishes from four regions of Thailand, offering meals like ribbony pad see ew, and slow-cooked duck breast soup. Insider tip: Guests can shop Kin Dee’s dishware collection, which includes the very same hand-painted plates, bowls, cups used in the restaurant.

1533 N Shepherd Dr Suite 160, Houston, TX 77008
(281) 826-2655
(281) 826-2655
Roti with egg and curry in a decorative dish.
Find roti guang gai on Kin Dee’s brunch menu.
Alex Montoya

Also featured in:

Heights & Co.

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This Heights bar has a full menu and boasts equal parts indoor and outdoor fun. The spacious patio is often crowded on nice weather days, while the indoor bar offers a cozy and intimate alternative. Peruse the small, but mighty list of wines, or spring for an imaginative cocktail like the Thin Mint Manhattan, before noshing on a Bordelaise burger or steak frites.

1343 Yale St, Houston, TX 77008
An overhead shot of sliders, hot dogs, fries, and a variety of beverages.
A hearty spread at Heights & Co.
CKO Digital

Also featured in:

Loro

Copy Link

With locations in Austin and Dallas, Aaron Franklin and Tyson Cole opened the third iteration of their popular Asian smokehouse on West 11th Street in February, and it has quickly become a neighborhood favorite. Visitors can kick off a meal with a frozen cocktail or wine on tap, before indulging in hearty plates like chicken karaage, char siu pork belly, and the popular smoked beef brisket.

1001 W 11th St, Houston, TX 77008
(713) 930-2326
(713) 930-2326

Also featured in:

Trattoria Sofia

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At Ben Berg’s rustic Italian restaurant, careful attention is paid to sourcing quality ingredients directly from Italy, resulting in a menu of full-flavored pizzas and pastas, fragrant with fruity olive oil and rich cheese. Start strong with a bread basket loaded with ciabatta and semolina, then move on to refreshing crudo and a peppery serving of cacio e pepe.

911 W 11th St, Houston, TX 77008
(713) 804-0429
(713) 804-0429
A plate of pasta with red sauce and topped with shaved parmesan.
Ragu d’agnello at Trattoria Sofia.
Jenn Duncan

Also featured in:

Dinette

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The colorful plates at this Vietnamese restaurant are intended to be sharable, but if you decide to hog a few to yourself, no judgment. Get the table started with the crispy fried egg rolls, Pandan fried okra, and the summer rolls, which are served with a sweet peanut butter and jelly sauce, and consider the Vietnamese grilled pizza or BX tacos — coconut crepes stuffed with calamari, shrimp, and pork belly. Look no further than one of the restaurants whimsical cocktails served in festive glasses with tropical garnishes for an Insta-worthy moment.

1018 N Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77008
(713) 393-7134
(713) 393-7134

Eight Row Flint

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Looking to enjoy an expansive outdoor patio, mini tacos, and tailored whiskey flights? Eight Row Flint is the locale for you. The canine-friendly Heights bar serves tacos, nachos, wings, and more snacks alongside excellent frozens and a variety of Ranch waters, including the Ranch Rosé, which combines tequila with rosé wine and Topo Chico.

1039 Yale St, Houston, TX 77008
(713) 880-8463
(713) 880-8463
A wood table setting with a variety of plates of food and drinks.
A food and drink spread at Eight Row Flint.
Agricole Hospitality

Also featured in:

Lola

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Early birds and late risers alike are welcome at this Heights diner where breakfast is served all day, every day. The French toast, made with egg and cream custard-soaked challah topped with fresh berries, is hard to beat. But if you’re not in a breakfast mood, spring for a comfort classic like chicken fried steak or meatloaf with mashed potatoes and green beans.

1102 Yale St, Houston, TX 77008
(713) 426-5652
(713) 426-5652

Also featured in:

Field & Tides

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Chef Travis Lenig’s eatery is the Heights destination for seafood enthusiasts, but that’s not all that’s on offer. If you’re not in the mood for crispy Alabama catfish or she-crab soup, go for the fried chicken piccata, presented with garlic mash, green beans, and lemon caper butter. Save room for dessert — Lenig’s chocolate Alabama stack cake is legendary.

705 E 11th St, Houston, TX 77008
(713) 861-6143
(713) 861-6143
A plate of halibut atop a bed of salad on a white plate.
Halibut at Field & Tides.
Al Torres Photography

Also featured in:

Maison Pucha Bistro

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The Pucha brothers are at the helm of this modern eatery where classic French cuisine is met with flavors inspired by the brothers’ Ecuadorian heritage. Find indulgences like burgundy escargots in espelette garlic butter and seafood-filled bouillabaisse, not to mention shrimp ceviche, wagyu beef empanadas, and the ultra-decadent baked Alaska with Ecuadorian coffee ice cream.

1001 Studewood St #A, Houston, TX 77008
(713) 637-4976
(713) 637-4976

Also featured in:

Da Gama

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Husband-and-wife team Shiva Patel and Rick DiVirgilio draw inspiration from their Indian and Portuguese-Italian backgrounds for the menu at Da Gama, which showcases Indian cuisine made with a Portuguese twist. Find fusion dishes like lamb keema pizza and peanut chicken tikka, along with Portuguese-style saffron paella, bullet naan, and crab pani puri.

600 N Shepherd Dr Suite 520, Houston, TX 77007
(281) 888-7806
(281) 888-7806
An overhead shot of paella in a paella pan.
Paella at Da Gama in M-K-T Heights.
Ninfa Sanchez

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Better Luck Tomorrow

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This Heights bar, named after the 2002 Justin Lin movie of the same name, has rapidly become one of the city’s finest places to grab a casual drink and dinner. Swing by for one of Houston’s best weekend brunches, or dig into a party melt — chef Justin Yu’s riff on a patty melt that’s crusted with crispy cheese — during the week.

744 Yale St, Houston, TX 77007

Also featured in:

Be More Pacific

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This Austin transplant offers Filipino dishes and fusion bites like chicken adobo, lumpia, pork sisig, and even icy, fruity halo-halo, made with local favorite, Amy’s ice cream, served alongside a menu of creative cocktails in a hybrid indoor/outdoor space.

506 Yale St Suite E, Houston, TX 77007
(832) 582-5264
(832) 582-5264

Also featured in:

Handies Douzo

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Housed in an old Heights bungalow, this popular hand roll bar fits in neatly with its surroundings and is easy to overlook. Helmed by lauded sushi chefs Patrick Pham and Daniel Lee, the restaurant features a menu of chef-driven hand rolls and sashimi in an intimate setting. With only 26 seats situated around a sushi bar, plan your visit in advance, as reservations can be hard to come by.

3510 White Oak Dr, Houston, TX 77007
(832) 831-0912
(832) 831-0912

Also featured in:

Coltivare Pizza & Garden

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This charming restaurant churns out piping hot pizza and Italian fare made from fresh produce that’s grown in its very own onsite garden. When the weather is nice, that lush patio makes for a great place to enjoy a few cocktails or glasses of wine, alongside killer pasta dishes, pies, and freshly baked breads.

3320 White Oak Dr, Houston, TX 77007
(713) 637-4095
(713) 637-4095

Also featured in:

EZ's Liquor Lounge

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Since opening next door to its sister concept Coltivare last year, this eclectic bar from Agricole Hospitality has hardly had time to let its barstools cool. Crowds have been flocking in for a taste of cocktails like the Hillbilly Highball and the dulce de leche Old Fashioned, plus no-fuss bar snacks like pimento cheese with firecrackers, queso, and meat and vegan hot dogs. The bar’s funky decor, open-air patio, and pool table are also all reasons to venture in.

3302 White Oak Dr, Houston, TX 77007
(713) 485-0214
(713) 485-0214
A pink margarita with a mint garnish on a table with eclectic decor, including old photographs and a stuffed squirrel.
Strawberry-watermelon margarita at EZ’s Liquor Lounge.
Mikah Danae

Also featured in:

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Alice Blue

250 W 19th St, Houston, TX 77008

This new American restaurant, hidden among the retail shops on busy West 19th Street, is a reliable Heights go-to for a casual weekday meal or hearty weekend brunch. An emphasis is put on making dishes by hand, from-scratch. The result is thoughtfully prepared items like shrimp and crab risotto balls with charred green tomato relish, pan-seared artichoke salad with crispy capers, and coriander duck breast with butternut squash noodles.

250 W 19th St, Houston, TX 77008
(713) 864-2050
(713) 864-2050

Goode Co. Kitchen & Cantina

1801 Yale St, Houston, TX 77008

This restaurant may be new to the Heights, but it joins a long list of restaurants operated by the Goodes, one of Houston’s iconic restaurant families known to deliver when it comes to barbecue and Tex-Mex. Like some of its sister restaurants, Goode Co. Kitchen & Cantina features margaritas, made-to-order guacamole, campechana, and Southern favorites like carnitas and redfish on the half-shell.

1801 Yale St, Houston, TX 77008
(713) 244-8448
(713) 244-8448

Squable

632 W 19th St, Houston, TX 77008

When it opened in 2019, Squable, from Justin Yu and Bobby Heugel, quickly made an impression on the neighborhood’s discerning diners. Find excellent dishes like the savory Dutch baby pancake with ricotta and the French cheeseburger showered in raclette, or consider an assortment of veggie-packed plates like roasted cauliflower or Greek-style gigante beans with fried feta.

632 W 19th St, Houston, TX 77008
(832) 834-7362
(832) 834-7362
Seven white plates with various dishes atop a wooden table.
A spread of dishes at Squable.
Jenn Duncan Photography

La Lucha

1801 N Shepherd Dr #A, Houston, TX 77008

Next door to his Tex-Mex restaurant Superica, chef Ford Fry’s La Lucha is an ode to Texas cuisine. The creative, sometimes cheeky menu boasts dishes like deviled eggs topped with popcorn shrimp and wood-roasted Gulf oysters, plus, a half or whole fried chicken that is considered some of Houston’s best.

1801 N Shepherd Dr #A, Houston, TX 77008
(713) 955-4765
(713) 955-4765

Mico's Hot Chicken

1603 N Durham Dr, Houston, TX 77008

Mico’s relaxed approach to dishing out a delicious fried chicken sandwich is much welcomed. Head to its Heights outpost to order tenders or a “sammich” topped with pickles, slaw, and Mico’s sauce. Decide whether you want your fries loaded or not, and then sit down and stay awhile at its shaded patio, sipping peach tea or downing banana pudding to offset the spice.

1603 N Durham Dr, Houston, TX 77008
(713) 434-6133
(713) 434-6133

Kin Dee

1533 N Shepherd Dr Suite 160, Houston, TX 77008

This glitzy Thai restaurant focuses on noodle dishes from four regions of Thailand, offering meals like ribbony pad see ew, and slow-cooked duck breast soup. Insider tip: Guests can shop Kin Dee’s dishware collection, which includes the very same hand-painted plates, bowls, cups used in the restaurant.

1533 N Shepherd Dr Suite 160, Houston, TX 77008
(281) 826-2655
(281) 826-2655
Roti with egg and curry in a decorative dish.
Find roti guang gai on Kin Dee’s brunch menu.
Alex Montoya

Heights & Co.

1343 Yale St, Houston, TX 77008

This Heights bar has a full menu and boasts equal parts indoor and outdoor fun. The spacious patio is often crowded on nice weather days, while the indoor bar offers a cozy and intimate alternative. Peruse the small, but mighty list of wines, or spring for an imaginative cocktail like the Thin Mint Manhattan, before noshing on a Bordelaise burger or steak frites.

1343 Yale St, Houston, TX 77008
An overhead shot of sliders, hot dogs, fries, and a variety of beverages.
A hearty spread at Heights & Co.
CKO Digital

Loro

1001 W 11th St, Houston, TX 77008

With locations in Austin and Dallas, Aaron Franklin and Tyson Cole opened the third iteration of their popular Asian smokehouse on West 11th Street in February, and it has quickly become a neighborhood favorite. Visitors can kick off a meal with a frozen cocktail or wine on tap, before indulging in hearty plates like chicken karaage, char siu pork belly, and the popular smoked beef brisket.

1001 W 11th St, Houston, TX 77008
(713) 930-2326
(713) 930-2326

Trattoria Sofia

911 W 11th St, Houston, TX 77008

At Ben Berg’s rustic Italian restaurant, careful attention is paid to sourcing quality ingredients directly from Italy, resulting in a menu of full-flavored pizzas and pastas, fragrant with fruity olive oil and rich cheese. Start strong with a bread basket loaded with ciabatta and semolina, then move on to refreshing crudo and a peppery serving of cacio e pepe.

911 W 11th St, Houston, TX 77008
(713) 804-0429
(713) 804-0429
A plate of pasta with red sauce and topped with shaved parmesan.
Ragu d’agnello at Trattoria Sofia.
Jenn Duncan

Dinette

1018 N Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77008

The colorful plates at this Vietnamese restaurant are intended to be sharable, but if you decide to hog a few to yourself, no judgment. Get the table started with the crispy fried egg rolls, Pandan fried okra, and the summer rolls, which are served with a sweet peanut butter and jelly sauce, and consider the Vietnamese grilled pizza or BX tacos — coconut crepes stuffed with calamari, shrimp, and pork belly. Look no further than one of the restaurants whimsical cocktails served in festive glasses with tropical garnishes for an Insta-worthy moment.

1018 N Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77008
(713) 393-7134
(713) 393-7134

Eight Row Flint

1039 Yale St, Houston, TX 77008

Looking to enjoy an expansive outdoor patio, mini tacos, and tailored whiskey flights? Eight Row Flint is the locale for you. The canine-friendly Heights bar serves tacos, nachos, wings, and more snacks alongside excellent frozens and a variety of Ranch waters, including the Ranch Rosé, which combines tequila with rosé wine and Topo Chico.

1039 Yale St, Houston, TX 77008
(713) 880-8463
(713) 880-8463
A wood table setting with a variety of plates of food and drinks.
A food and drink spread at Eight Row Flint.
Agricole Hospitality

Lola

1102 Yale St, Houston, TX 77008

Early birds and late risers alike are welcome at this Heights diner where breakfast is served all day, every day. The French toast, made with egg and cream custard-soaked challah topped with fresh berries, is hard to beat. But if you’re not in a breakfast mood, spring for a comfort classic like chicken fried steak or meatloaf with mashed potatoes and green beans.

1102 Yale St, Houston, TX 77008
(713) 426-5652
(713) 426-5652

Field & Tides

705 E 11th St, Houston, TX 77008

Chef Travis Lenig’s eatery is the Heights destination for seafood enthusiasts, but that’s not all that’s on offer. If you’re not in the mood for crispy Alabama catfish or she-crab soup, go for the fried chicken piccata, presented with garlic mash, green beans, and lemon caper butter. Save room for dessert — Lenig’s chocolate Alabama stack cake is legendary.

705 E 11th St, Houston, TX 77008
(713) 861-6143
(713) 861-6143
A plate of halibut atop a bed of salad on a white plate.
Halibut at Field & Tides.
Al Torres Photography

Maison Pucha Bistro

1001 Studewood St #A, Houston, TX 77008

The Pucha brothers are at the helm of this modern eatery where classic French cuisine is met with flavors inspired by the brothers’ Ecuadorian heritage. Find indulgences like burgundy escargots in espelette garlic butter and seafood-filled bouillabaisse, not to mention shrimp ceviche, wagyu beef empanadas, and the ultra-decadent baked Alaska with Ecuadorian coffee ice cream.

1001 Studewood St #A, Houston, TX 77008
(713) 637-4976
(713) 637-4976

Da Gama

600 N Shepherd Dr Suite 520, Houston, TX 77007

Husband-and-wife team Shiva Patel and Rick DiVirgilio draw inspiration from their Indian and Portuguese-Italian backgrounds for the menu at Da Gama, which showcases Indian cuisine made with a Portuguese twist. Find fusion dishes like lamb keema pizza and peanut chicken tikka, along with Portuguese-style saffron paella, bullet naan, and crab pani puri.

600 N Shepherd Dr Suite 520, Houston, TX 77007
(281) 888-7806
(281) 888-7806
An overhead shot of paella in a paella pan.
Paella at Da Gama in M-K-T Heights.
Ninfa Sanchez

Related Maps

Better Luck Tomorrow

744 Yale St, Houston, TX 77007

This Heights bar, named after the 2002 Justin Lin movie of the same name, has rapidly become one of the city’s finest places to grab a casual drink and dinner. Swing by for one of Houston’s best weekend brunches, or dig into a party melt — chef Justin Yu’s riff on a patty melt that’s crusted with crispy cheese — during the week.

744 Yale St, Houston, TX 77007

Be More Pacific

506 Yale St Suite E, Houston, TX 77007

This Austin transplant offers Filipino dishes and fusion bites like chicken adobo, lumpia, pork sisig, and even icy, fruity halo-halo, made with local favorite, Amy’s ice cream, served alongside a menu of creative cocktails in a hybrid indoor/outdoor space.

506 Yale St Suite E, Houston, TX 77007
(832) 582-5264
(832) 582-5264

Handies Douzo

3510 White Oak Dr, Houston, TX 77007

Housed in an old Heights bungalow, this popular hand roll bar fits in neatly with its surroundings and is easy to overlook. Helmed by lauded sushi chefs Patrick Pham and Daniel Lee, the restaurant features a menu of chef-driven hand rolls and sashimi in an intimate setting. With only 26 seats situated around a sushi bar, plan your visit in advance, as reservations can be hard to come by.

3510 White Oak Dr, Houston, TX 77007
(832) 831-0912
(832) 831-0912

Coltivare Pizza & Garden

3320 White Oak Dr, Houston, TX 77007

This charming restaurant churns out piping hot pizza and Italian fare made from fresh produce that’s grown in its very own onsite garden. When the weather is nice, that lush patio makes for a great place to enjoy a few cocktails or glasses of wine, alongside killer pasta dishes, pies, and freshly baked breads.

3320 White Oak Dr, Houston, TX 77007
(713) 637-4095
(713) 637-4095

EZ's Liquor Lounge

3302 White Oak Dr, Houston, TX 77007

Since opening next door to its sister concept Coltivare last year, this eclectic bar from Agricole Hospitality has hardly had time to let its barstools cool. Crowds have been flocking in for a taste of cocktails like the Hillbilly Highball and the dulce de leche Old Fashioned, plus no-fuss bar snacks like pimento cheese with firecrackers, queso, and meat and vegan hot dogs. The bar’s funky decor, open-air patio, and pool table are also all reasons to venture in.

3302 White Oak Dr, Houston, TX 77007
(713) 485-0214
(713) 485-0214
A pink margarita with a mint garnish on a table with eclectic decor, including old photographs and a stuffed squirrel.
Strawberry-watermelon margarita at EZ’s Liquor Lounge.
Mikah Danae

Related Maps