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The exterior of Squable in the Heights with dark, cloudy skies.
Heights restaurant, Squable offers a welcome escape on rainy days.
Megha McSwain

Houston’s Perfect Rainy Day Restaurants

On gloomy weather days, vibe out with mood music, comforting eats, and window seat views of the drizzle

by Minh Truong Updated
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Heights restaurant, Squable offers a welcome escape on rainy days.
| Megha McSwain
by Minh Truong Updated

Houston weather can be hard to gauge year-round, but during the spring season, when it alternates between wet and cool, humid and soggy, and blazing and bright, it can be even more unpredictable than usual. The old adage — “April showers, bring May flowers” — rings true here, and we’ll gladly take those gloomy wet days if they lead to perfect May patio weather, before the dog days of summer hit.

Whether seeking refuge from a torrential downpour or just a slight drizzle, here are some restaurants that excel at offering solace and reprieve from the wet weather.

Don’t see your favorite rainy-day restaurant or bar on the list? Shout it out in the comments.

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LuLoo's Day & Night

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This casual Garden Oaks eatery, located in the new Stomping Yards development, gives off happy vibes with its bright interiors and all-day menu. Visit on a rainy day, and grab a booth by the window. Enjoy rainy day views while tackling a kolache filled with Blood Bros barbecue. 

1223 W 34th St Suite C-600, Houston, TX 77018
(281) 691-5680
(281) 691-5680

Also featured in:

Squable

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Wet and dreary days at Squable are best spent at the bar, where trusty bartenders can craft a stiff Manhattan, while guests indulge in signature dishes like the dutch baby pancake, with ricotta, preserved kumquat, and black pepper honey.

632 W 19th St, Houston, TX 77008
(832) 834-7362
(832) 834-7362

Also featured in:

Coltivare

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This beloved Heights neighborhood restaurant’s menu centers around the bounty of the seasons, so a Spring shower is a welcoming event. A seat on the covered patio overlooking the garden is a coveted spot, even on rainy days. Few things are more calming than watching the rain wash over a green garden. Just add a comforting bowl of spaghetti with black pepper, parmesan, and olive oil.

3320 White Oak Dr, Houston, TX 77007
(832) 203-7890
(832) 203-7890

Also featured in:

Bistro 555

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The French can make anything romantic, even bad weather. Bistro 555 is a quaint bistro in West Houston that whisks you away to the French countryside. Dine in the cozy dining room, or grab a table on the covered front patio area, and enjoy traditional French dishes like boeuf bourguignon.

13616 Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77079
(713) 827-8008
(713) 827-8008

Also featured in:

Brenner's on the Bayou

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This picturesque steakhouse on Houston’s Buffalo Bayou offers a beautiful view at anytime but there is something special about dining there on a drizzly day. Watching the rain fall upon the lush greenery, abundant trees, and the cascading stone waterfall, from behind the large glass windows of the two story dining room makes for an idyllic setting. Get an even closer view from the covered patio bar overlooking the property.

1 Birdsall St, Houston, TX 77007
(713) 868-4444
(713) 868-4444

Also featured in:

Flora

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Nestled in the Buffalo Bayou Park, this urban treehouse with floor-to-ceiling windows offers an optimal and picturesque view — rain or shine. Hunker down, and enjoy margaritas and cocktails made with fresh juices, along with Mexican plates like al pastor tacos, grilled octopus, or parrillada — a chef’s selection of seafood and meats, served with house-made tortillas, refried beans, rice, and a salsa flight.

3422 Allen Pkwy, Houston, TX 77019
(713) 360-6477
(713) 360-6477

Also featured in:

Ostia

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With its bright and airy dining space and covered patio, this Montrose restaurant known for its rustic Mediterranean fare, is the ideal setting for a rainy day. Opt for a seat in the Greenhouse dining room, and nosh on the signature roasted chicken with salsa verde while watching the rain pour down outside.

2032 Dunlavy St, Houston, TX 77006
(713) 324-9288
(713) 324-9288

Also featured in:

Pondicheri

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Wait out the rain with a cup of soul-warming masala chai at this River Oaks Indian restaurant helmed by chef Anita Jaisinghani. The menu spans breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even happy hour, making it the perfect place to hunker down all day. Start with the morning thali, a platter with a fried egg-toppedcarrot paratha surrounded by an assortment of sides like keema, upma, and saag.

2800 Kirby Dr b132, Houston, TX 77098
(713) 522-2022
(713) 522-2022

Also featured in:

Nobie's

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This bungalow-turned-restaurant, named after chef/owner Martin Strayer’s grandmother, is inherently cozy. There is something to be said about tucking into the dilly bread, or delving into a bowl of Nonno’s pasta — an al dente, house-made tagliatelle with bolognese and parmesan — while listening to the steady fall of rain on the rooftop.

2048 Colquitt St, Houston, TX 77098
(346) 319-5919
(346) 319-5919
Ribbons of pappardelle noodles with meat sauce, topped with parmesan and parsley at Nobie’s.
Nonna’s pasta at Nobie’s is a classic.
Jack Thompson

Also featured in:

93' Til

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For some, stormy weather may bring back memories of congregating in the den of a friend’s house and listening to music or playing board games. This is the vibe at 93 ‘Til, except there are exceptional cocktails and an ever-changing food menu. Citrus-roasted beets with whipped goat cheese, candied quinoa, and orange supremes is a perfect dish to brighten up a rainy day.

1601 W Main St, Houston, TX 77006
(281) 846-6405
(281) 846-6405

The Toasted Coconut

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When the weather isn’t cooperating, escape to this restaurant and tiki bar oasis in Montrose. Grab a seat under the palapa covered patio, or hunker down at the bar and order its namesake frozen cocktail, crafted with rum, coconut, and lime that will transport you to the islands. The food menu encompasses flavors from around the globe — from cheeseburgers to whole fish, Vietnamese nuoc cham, and a chickpea curry.

1617 Richmond Ave., Houston, TX 77006
(713) 485-4775
(713) 485-4775

Also featured in:

Fiori

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This charming Italian restaurant in Montrose is also a floral boutique, which makes for a beautiful bright backdrop when the weather is gloomy. Find classic pasta dishes, such as cacio e pepe and carbonara, while surrounded by bouquets of fresh flowers that can be purchased.

4315 Montrose Blvd, Houston, TX 77006
(832) 729-5544
(832) 729-5544

Le Jardinier

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When the forecast reads gloomy, getting lost in a museum for hours is an ideal plan. Fortunately for Houstonians, it’s also a great excuse for fine dining at Le Jardinier, tucked inside the Museum of Fine Arts. The airy space boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, which look onto the sculpture garden, and the tasting menu featuring artsy interpretations of seasonal dishes will make you forget all about what’s happening outside.

5500 Main St Suite 122, Houston, TX 77004
(713) 714-3015
(713) 714-3015

Also featured in:

Lees Den

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This wine bar and speakeasy is perfect to duck into when caught in a rain storm in Rice Village. Take to the covered patio, and spring for a bottle of wine, while exploring the menu, which features items like Japanese milk bread and smoked trout roe caviar, and foie gras pate served with yuzu grapes, almond chili oil, and an herb-miso. If the storm lingers on, try its new sister restaurant, Eau Tour, now open next door.

2424 Dunstan Rd #125, Houston, TX 77005
(713) 522-7602
(713) 522-7602

Also featured in:

Ohn Korean Eatery

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This Korean eatery in Asiatown takes you to the streets of Seoul. Its dark and moody, windowless interior is the perfect place to hideaway during a nasty rain shower. Feast on Korean fried chicken, hearty noodle soups, dumplings, and corn cheese, and wash it all down with a soju cocktail.

9630 Clarewood Dr Suite A-16, Houston, TX 77036
(832) 831-1862
(832) 831-1862

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Vino & Vinyl

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With a low-key and cool vibe that’s palpable as soon as you walk in, this intimate wine bar in Sugar Land’s Town Square is a unique place to savor a rainy day. Spot the turntables that spin vinyl records of everything from Taylor Swift to Bob Marley. Enjoy stellar happy hour specials, which include bar bites like risotto balls and bourbon-glazed pork belly topped with sesame seeds.

15977 City Walk, Sugar Land, TX 77479
(281) 277-0565
(281) 277-0565

Also featured in:

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LuLoo's Day & Night

1223 W 34th St Suite C-600, Houston, TX 77018

This casual Garden Oaks eatery, located in the new Stomping Yards development, gives off happy vibes with its bright interiors and all-day menu. Visit on a rainy day, and grab a booth by the window. Enjoy rainy day views while tackling a kolache filled with Blood Bros barbecue. 

1223 W 34th St Suite C-600, Houston, TX 77018
(281) 691-5680
(281) 691-5680

Squable

632 W 19th St, Houston, TX 77008

Wet and dreary days at Squable are best spent at the bar, where trusty bartenders can craft a stiff Manhattan, while guests indulge in signature dishes like the dutch baby pancake, with ricotta, preserved kumquat, and black pepper honey.

632 W 19th St, Houston, TX 77008
(832) 834-7362
(832) 834-7362

Coltivare

3320 White Oak Dr, Houston, TX 77007

This beloved Heights neighborhood restaurant’s menu centers around the bounty of the seasons, so a Spring shower is a welcoming event. A seat on the covered patio overlooking the garden is a coveted spot, even on rainy days. Few things are more calming than watching the rain wash over a green garden. Just add a comforting bowl of spaghetti with black pepper, parmesan, and olive oil.

3320 White Oak Dr, Houston, TX 77007
(832) 203-7890
(832) 203-7890

Bistro 555

13616 Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77079

The French can make anything romantic, even bad weather. Bistro 555 is a quaint bistro in West Houston that whisks you away to the French countryside. Dine in the cozy dining room, or grab a table on the covered front patio area, and enjoy traditional French dishes like boeuf bourguignon.

13616 Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77079
(713) 827-8008
(713) 827-8008

Brenner's on the Bayou

1 Birdsall St, Houston, TX 77007

This picturesque steakhouse on Houston’s Buffalo Bayou offers a beautiful view at anytime but there is something special about dining there on a drizzly day. Watching the rain fall upon the lush greenery, abundant trees, and the cascading stone waterfall, from behind the large glass windows of the two story dining room makes for an idyllic setting. Get an even closer view from the covered patio bar overlooking the property.

1 Birdsall St, Houston, TX 77007
(713) 868-4444
(713) 868-4444

Flora

3422 Allen Pkwy, Houston, TX 77019

Nestled in the Buffalo Bayou Park, this urban treehouse with floor-to-ceiling windows offers an optimal and picturesque view — rain or shine. Hunker down, and enjoy margaritas and cocktails made with fresh juices, along with Mexican plates like al pastor tacos, grilled octopus, or parrillada — a chef’s selection of seafood and meats, served with house-made tortillas, refried beans, rice, and a salsa flight.

3422 Allen Pkwy, Houston, TX 77019
(713) 360-6477
(713) 360-6477

Ostia

2032 Dunlavy St, Houston, TX 77006

With its bright and airy dining space and covered patio, this Montrose restaurant known for its rustic Mediterranean fare, is the ideal setting for a rainy day. Opt for a seat in the Greenhouse dining room, and nosh on the signature roasted chicken with salsa verde while watching the rain pour down outside.

2032 Dunlavy St, Houston, TX 77006
(713) 324-9288
(713) 324-9288

Pondicheri

2800 Kirby Dr b132, Houston, TX 77098

Wait out the rain with a cup of soul-warming masala chai at this River Oaks Indian restaurant helmed by chef Anita Jaisinghani. The menu spans breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even happy hour, making it the perfect place to hunker down all day. Start with the morning thali, a platter with a fried egg-toppedcarrot paratha surrounded by an assortment of sides like keema, upma, and saag.

2800 Kirby Dr b132, Houston, TX 77098
(713) 522-2022
(713) 522-2022

Nobie's

2048 Colquitt St, Houston, TX 77098

This bungalow-turned-restaurant, named after chef/owner Martin Strayer’s grandmother, is inherently cozy. There is something to be said about tucking into the dilly bread, or delving into a bowl of Nonno’s pasta — an al dente, house-made tagliatelle with bolognese and parmesan — while listening to the steady fall of rain on the rooftop.

2048 Colquitt St, Houston, TX 77098
(346) 319-5919
(346) 319-5919
Ribbons of pappardelle noodles with meat sauce, topped with parmesan and parsley at Nobie’s.
Nonna’s pasta at Nobie’s is a classic.
Jack Thompson

93' Til

1601 W Main St, Houston, TX 77006

For some, stormy weather may bring back memories of congregating in the den of a friend’s house and listening to music or playing board games. This is the vibe at 93 ‘Til, except there are exceptional cocktails and an ever-changing food menu. Citrus-roasted beets with whipped goat cheese, candied quinoa, and orange supremes is a perfect dish to brighten up a rainy day.

1601 W Main St, Houston, TX 77006
(281) 846-6405
(281) 846-6405

The Toasted Coconut

1617 Richmond Ave., Houston, TX 77006

When the weather isn’t cooperating, escape to this restaurant and tiki bar oasis in Montrose. Grab a seat under the palapa covered patio, or hunker down at the bar and order its namesake frozen cocktail, crafted with rum, coconut, and lime that will transport you to the islands. The food menu encompasses flavors from around the globe — from cheeseburgers to whole fish, Vietnamese nuoc cham, and a chickpea curry.

1617 Richmond Ave., Houston, TX 77006
(713) 485-4775
(713) 485-4775

Fiori

4315 Montrose Blvd, Houston, TX 77006

This charming Italian restaurant in Montrose is also a floral boutique, which makes for a beautiful bright backdrop when the weather is gloomy. Find classic pasta dishes, such as cacio e pepe and carbonara, while surrounded by bouquets of fresh flowers that can be purchased.

4315 Montrose Blvd, Houston, TX 77006
(832) 729-5544
(832) 729-5544

Le Jardinier

5500 Main St Suite 122, Houston, TX 77004

When the forecast reads gloomy, getting lost in a museum for hours is an ideal plan. Fortunately for Houstonians, it’s also a great excuse for fine dining at Le Jardinier, tucked inside the Museum of Fine Arts. The airy space boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, which look onto the sculpture garden, and the tasting menu featuring artsy interpretations of seasonal dishes will make you forget all about what’s happening outside.

5500 Main St Suite 122, Houston, TX 77004
(713) 714-3015
(713) 714-3015

Lees Den

2424 Dunstan Rd #125, Houston, TX 77005

This wine bar and speakeasy is perfect to duck into when caught in a rain storm in Rice Village. Take to the covered patio, and spring for a bottle of wine, while exploring the menu, which features items like Japanese milk bread and smoked trout roe caviar, and foie gras pate served with yuzu grapes, almond chili oil, and an herb-miso. If the storm lingers on, try its new sister restaurant, Eau Tour, now open next door.

2424 Dunstan Rd #125, Houston, TX 77005
(713) 522-7602
(713) 522-7602

Ohn Korean Eatery

9630 Clarewood Dr Suite A-16, Houston, TX 77036

This Korean eatery in Asiatown takes you to the streets of Seoul. Its dark and moody, windowless interior is the perfect place to hideaway during a nasty rain shower. Feast on Korean fried chicken, hearty noodle soups, dumplings, and corn cheese, and wash it all down with a soju cocktail.

9630 Clarewood Dr Suite A-16, Houston, TX 77036
(832) 831-1862
(832) 831-1862

Related Maps

Vino & Vinyl

15977 City Walk, Sugar Land, TX 77479

With a low-key and cool vibe that’s palpable as soon as you walk in, this intimate wine bar in Sugar Land’s Town Square is a unique place to savor a rainy day. Spot the turntables that spin vinyl records of everything from Taylor Swift to Bob Marley. Enjoy stellar happy hour specials, which include bar bites like risotto balls and bourbon-glazed pork belly topped with sesame seeds.

15977 City Walk, Sugar Land, TX 77479
(281) 277-0565
(281) 277-0565

Related Maps