Cleanse your palate: my top 10 Houston eateries

I created this post a few months ago but it's been patiently sitting in my post archives awaiting the spotlight.

Tonite I'm having dinner with this lady, this one too, and my blog-reader-turned-friend~ CC {YAY!!}. Quite some time ago CC mentioned that I should post on my favorite eateries in Houston so that those who don't come into the city very often have some info on new places. So this is for you CC, ha!

*note: I'm no foodie nor do I claim to be and these aren't listed in any order*

Our newest favorite place for dinner in Houston, is Haven. Thanks to Linsey for introducing me to Haven earlier this year, it has now become our 'go to' spot for nights out on the town. In the last month we have taken 2 different sets of out of town visitors here for dinner and they loved it.
Haven:

These shrimp corn dogs are to.die.for. I know they don't sound great, but wowza...dipped in a spicy chipotle sauce they are delish!

Haven~ Pros: organic, unusual dishes, reasonably priced, can wear denim/ Cons: LOUD

My second favorite spot for dinner is T'afia, located in midtown. Both of these top 2 restaurants serve mainly organic and local ingredients which I love. T'afia makes these wine-infused drinks that are like no other, yum....

T'afia~ Pros: Organic ingredients, atmosphere, cocktails/ Cons: small place, tends to get loud
T'afia
A great choice for brunch is Tiny's. You've already heard the hype about this place which I posted about here. I wouldn't attempt to go here for lunch ever as it's order at the counter and when the weather's nice outside there are no tables, ugh. The food and casual ambiance can't be beat though.

Tiny's~ Pros: organic and delicious, white wine mojitos, people watching, ambiance/ Cons: limited seating, parking.

Tiny Boxwoods For a special night out one of Houston's best French Restaurant's is Chez Nous. Impeccable food, service and setting, but a hike if you live in Houston (located in old town Humble).

Chez Nous~ Pros: food quality, service, romantic setting/ Cons: expensive, location

Chez Nous
For casual nights out or lunches I like Ruggles Green. Apparently Houston's first 'all green' restaurant, of course the food is organic AND they serve organic wines.

Ruggles Green~ Pros: organic food and wine, good quality and portions, casual/ Cons: order at the counter {mom taught me to not love this concept}, parking

Ruggles Green For a casual Sunday brunch we love Tila's in River Oaks. Fun and eclectic setting, valet parking, and great patio. The best brunch margaritas in Houston (served in martini shakers).

Tila's~ Pros: delicious, price, location, margaritas/ Cons: small portions, service not 100%

Tila's
My favorite lunch on the go is Brown Bag Deli. Every few weeks I'll pick up a white meat chicken salad sandwich on whole wheat, with horseradish cheddar and deli mustard for lunch and take it back to the office. They'll even slice a whole mango for you to take.

Brown Bag Deli~ Pros: quick, delish, fresh, price/ Cons: I can't stop eating my sandwich!

Brown Bag Deli
A more formal brunch spot in Houston is Backstreet Cafe (in River Oaks, right next to Tila's). You'll usually see big parties and celebrations here (bridal/baby showers, etc). Gorgeous setting with a large back patio.

Backstreet~ Pros: setting, food, service, mimosa pitchers/ Cons: a bit higher priced

Backstreet Cafe

Ah, Tony's....'the' place to go for a special night out. We like to sit at the bar and have a martini sometimes just for the heck of it (is it bad that we know the bartenders by name?) This is our ultimate dining experience and special celebration spot. We've slow danced to the piano music in the bar with good friends, celebrated promotions, new jobs, marriages, with new and old friends at Tony's. The service, the food, the atmosphere is just incredible. We've gotten to know most of the staff here over the years and have even had Mrs. Vallone make us her special red velvet cake~ out of this world!

Tony's~ Pros: food, service, ambiance, consistency, people watching/ Cons: Price- we can't afford to eat here that often :(

Tony's
Indian food is a staple in my family. There are only a handful of Indian restaurants in Houston and we've tried them all. London Sizzler is by far our favorite! It's so good that my extended family will drive an hour into town to meet us there for dinner during the week. Luckily my little one has acquired a taste for butter chicken (chicken tikki masala) so she loves going here for dinner.

London Sizzler~ Pros: clean, consistently delicious, family friendly/ Cons: location (59& Hilcroft)

London Sizzler

{I couldn't find a picture of the restaurant online so here's a pic of us in Spring 2009 for the little's bday dinner} Other notable mentions: Chuy's, Cafe Bello, Hungry's, Cafe Rabelais, Armandos, The Grove, Churrasco's

For those of you Houstonians, what are some of your favorites in town?

Sorry to bore all of you out of towners, but if your travels ever bring you to the bayou city you'll have some dining options.