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The fried eggplant at Toasted Coconut
Toasted Coconut/Facebook

13 Top-Notch Restaurants in Houston’s Museum District

Find excellent barbecue, perfect sushi, and so much more in this charming cultural district

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The fried eggplant at Toasted Coconut
| Toasted Coconut/Facebook

Houston’s Museum District is one the city’s most special neighborhoods, drawing locals and visitors alike to the highly-walked, extremely diverse area, which includes cultural gems like the Czech Center and the Buffalo Soldiers Museum, large collections of art both ancient and modern, and one of the visited museums in the United States in the Houston Museum of Natural Science. That doesn’t even include the enormous oak-lined green spaces, outdoor sculptures, and officially-sanctioned street art.

The district is divided into four unique, walkable zones, each with a host of cafes and eateries where museum-goers can rest their feet, grab a glass of wine or cup of coffee, or finish off the day with dinner. And with the recent opening of the Houston Museum of Fine Arts’ brand new Kinder Building, there’s even more reason to visit this rich cultural neighborhood.

Below, check out our recommendations for Museum District eateries, from decedent slow-cooked barbecue to hip tropical bars to fine Southern dining and more. Nearly all are offering takeout and delivery.

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Ambrosia

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This cozy spot in a Montrose bungalow is known for serving dishes that blend Southeast Asian spices with locally-sourced ingredients, like masala lamb lollipops, Gangnam ribs with gojuchan glaze and cucumber relish, and basil crab fried rice with miso-pickled pumpkin. call (713) 393-7211 for takeout.

The Raven Grill

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This neighborhood hangout, popular with Rice employees, offers dishes like pecan-crusted chicken, chipotle honey-glazed pork chips with black bean and corn salsa, and shrimp and crab enchiladas. The spacious, plant-covered outdoor patio is a nice spot for lunch, or order dleivery through Postmates.

The Toasted Coconut

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This tropical-inspired joint from the minds behind Nobie’s offers up unusual rum drinks in a thatch-and bamboo-covered space, alongside Asian-inspired sharable dishes like pork dumplings, chickpea curry and a truly melt-in-your-mouth fried eggplant with vadouvan. Toasted Coconut sells cocktails and food to go through the Toast app.

The Pit Room

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The Pit Room smokes their meat on-site, but what makes this barbecue joint special are the creative sides and options like cheesy brisket tacos, venison sausage and massive Frito chili pies. Get your meat plate with elote or charred okra when it’s available. Call (281) 888-1929 to order takeout.

Nippon Japanese Restaurant

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Houston’s oldest Japanese-owned restaurant, founded in 1986, offers bento boxes, sushi rolls and all manner of noodles in an unassuming, wood-paneled space. Try the comforting udon with clear dashi broth, topped with thin slices of ribeye and scallions, or the unagi rice bowl.

BCN Taste & Tradition

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The flavors of Catalan take center stage at this spot, including dishes like marinated octopus in potato puree, fisherman’s soup with branzino and shrimp, and lost of dishes featuring Ibérico pork. There’s also a full vegan menu that makes heavy use of gorgeous, plump fruits and vegetables. Order takeout through the Toast app.

Ginger Kale

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This newly-opened healthy eats cafe near McGovern Lake at Hermann Park has already become a favorite among employees of the park’s conservancy. Bites like breakfast tacos, beet and goat cheese toast, a 44 Farms burger and fresh-pressed juices make it easy to grab something to go for picnicking throughout the spacious park.

Bodegas Taco Shop

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This unassuming taco shop is actually one of the best in the city for no-frills, modern, casual Mexican cuisine. Diners can build their your own burrito bowls or breakfast tacos, or order up a rotisserie chicken quarter with salsa and tortillas. Don’t forget the margaritas. Order takeout through Bodega’s website.

Java Lava Brew

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This cute little cafe is run by a Vietnamese couple who also own a coffee farm in Hawaii. In addition to drinks like Hanoi egg coffee, made with their Kona-raised beans, they also serve up beer, wine and have a small bar. Food includes Asian and Hawaiian-touched dishes like the Nui wrap, with pineapple-marinated Huli Huli chicken, avocado, arugula, and jicama, or the Loco Moco plate, pulled pork with a spicy-sweet barbecue sauce served over a bed of white rice and topped with a fried egg. Order online through the restaurant’s website.

Lucille's

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This restaurant serves up elevated Southern comfort food, with dishes like catfish and grist, roasted Gulf seafood with mustard greens and Hoppin’ John, and steak smothered in shiitake gravy. Lucille’s has also been active in the community during the pandemic, hosting local bartenders to raise money for the hospitality industry, and delivering free meals to food-insecure areas throughout Houston. Call (713) 568-2505 for curbside pickup.

Barnaby's Cafe

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A Houston fave, Barnaby’s Museum District location offers the same massive salads the restaurant is known for, as well as several variations of hamburger (including vegetarian options). For a true treat, try the waffle fries topped with blue cheese fondue. Call (713) 874-1454 for carryout or oder delivery through UberEats or Doordash.

Fadi's Eatery

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Fadi’s Eatery is an offshoot of the longtime local Mediterranean chain with a focus of fresh and healthy ingredients, including build-your-own salads, kebab plates with an extensive choice of proteins and sides, and entrees like spiced rice with ground lamb, or lemon butter baked fish. Order online through Fadi’s website.

The Breakfast Klub

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This popular brunch spot, known for its chicken and waffles, is located at the north end of the Museum District, close to Match Theater and the Buffalo Soldiers Museum. In addition to the wings and waffles, TBK also served up catfish and grits, decadent breakfast sandwiches and daily lunch specials. Skip the long line by ordering takeout through Toast.

Ambrosia

This cozy spot in a Montrose bungalow is known for serving dishes that blend Southeast Asian spices with locally-sourced ingredients, like masala lamb lollipops, Gangnam ribs with gojuchan glaze and cucumber relish, and basil crab fried rice with miso-pickled pumpkin. call (713) 393-7211 for takeout.

The Raven Grill

This neighborhood hangout, popular with Rice employees, offers dishes like pecan-crusted chicken, chipotle honey-glazed pork chips with black bean and corn salsa, and shrimp and crab enchiladas. The spacious, plant-covered outdoor patio is a nice spot for lunch, or order dleivery through Postmates.

The Toasted Coconut

This tropical-inspired joint from the minds behind Nobie’s offers up unusual rum drinks in a thatch-and bamboo-covered space, alongside Asian-inspired sharable dishes like pork dumplings, chickpea curry and a truly melt-in-your-mouth fried eggplant with vadouvan. Toasted Coconut sells cocktails and food to go through the Toast app.

The Pit Room

The Pit Room smokes their meat on-site, but what makes this barbecue joint special are the creative sides and options like cheesy brisket tacos, venison sausage and massive Frito chili pies. Get your meat plate with elote or charred okra when it’s available. Call (281) 888-1929 to order takeout.

Nippon Japanese Restaurant

Houston’s oldest Japanese-owned restaurant, founded in 1986, offers bento boxes, sushi rolls and all manner of noodles in an unassuming, wood-paneled space. Try the comforting udon with clear dashi broth, topped with thin slices of ribeye and scallions, or the unagi rice bowl.

BCN Taste & Tradition

The flavors of Catalan take center stage at this spot, including dishes like marinated octopus in potato puree, fisherman’s soup with branzino and shrimp, and lost of dishes featuring Ibérico pork. There’s also a full vegan menu that makes heavy use of gorgeous, plump fruits and vegetables. Order takeout through the Toast app.

Ginger Kale

This newly-opened healthy eats cafe near McGovern Lake at Hermann Park has already become a favorite among employees of the park’s conservancy. Bites like breakfast tacos, beet and goat cheese toast, a 44 Farms burger and fresh-pressed juices make it easy to grab something to go for picnicking throughout the spacious park.

Bodegas Taco Shop

This unassuming taco shop is actually one of the best in the city for no-frills, modern, casual Mexican cuisine. Diners can build their your own burrito bowls or breakfast tacos, or order up a rotisserie chicken quarter with salsa and tortillas. Don’t forget the margaritas. Order takeout through Bodega’s website.

Java Lava Brew

This cute little cafe is run by a Vietnamese couple who also own a coffee farm in Hawaii. In addition to drinks like Hanoi egg coffee, made with their Kona-raised beans, they also serve up beer, wine and have a small bar. Food includes Asian and Hawaiian-touched dishes like the Nui wrap, with pineapple-marinated Huli Huli chicken, avocado, arugula, and jicama, or the Loco Moco plate, pulled pork with a spicy-sweet barbecue sauce served over a bed of white rice and topped with a fried egg. Order online through the restaurant’s website.

Lucille's

This restaurant serves up elevated Southern comfort food, with dishes like catfish and grist, roasted Gulf seafood with mustard greens and Hoppin’ John, and steak smothered in shiitake gravy. Lucille’s has also been active in the community during the pandemic, hosting local bartenders to raise money for the hospitality industry, and delivering free meals to food-insecure areas throughout Houston. Call (713) 568-2505 for curbside pickup.

Barnaby's Cafe

A Houston fave, Barnaby’s Museum District location offers the same massive salads the restaurant is known for, as well as several variations of hamburger (including vegetarian options). For a true treat, try the waffle fries topped with blue cheese fondue. Call (713) 874-1454 for carryout or oder delivery through UberEats or Doordash.

Fadi's Eatery

Fadi’s Eatery is an offshoot of the longtime local Mediterranean chain with a focus of fresh and healthy ingredients, including build-your-own salads, kebab plates with an extensive choice of proteins and sides, and entrees like spiced rice with ground lamb, or lemon butter baked fish. Order online through Fadi’s website.

The Breakfast Klub

This popular brunch spot, known for its chicken and waffles, is located at the north end of the Museum District, close to Match Theater and the Buffalo Soldiers Museum. In addition to the wings and waffles, TBK also served up catfish and grits, decadent breakfast sandwiches and daily lunch specials. Skip the long line by ordering takeout through Toast.

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