As a consultant, I drive all over Houston rather than staying at the same office every day. For that reason, I have favorite lunch spots in different areas of Houston near different clients. Most days I try to be good and have some healthy leftovers. However, some days (especially Fridays!) I like to treat myself to lunch on the town. There are the usual suspects of Chick-fil-A, Chipotle, and Panera, but with this list I wanted to focus on the places I consider extra special outside of the national chain norms.
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| Bobert Sandwich and Mac and Cheese at Corkscrew BBQ |
- Corkscrew BBQ: This is hands down my favorite barbecue in the Houston area. Once a little food truck in a Big Lots parking lot, Corkscrew has recently moved into its own restaurant space in Old Town Spring. Lunch is pretty much your only option here, as most days their barbecue sells out by late afternoon. I'd highly recommend the Bobert Sandwich: deliciously smoky, melt-in-your-mouth brisket paired with super fresh and spicy pico de gallo, and an amazing green chile ranch. Paired with some creamy mac and cheese to help tame the spice on my tongue, this is my very favorite lunch in the Houston area!
- Vietnam Poblano: This little Vietnamese joint nestled into a busy strip mall in Spring Branch has my favorite banh mi in the city. I love both their BBQ pork and gogi beef options. Loaded with fresh veggies and incredible homemade garlic butter, these sandwiches are a delicious and quick lunchtime option while working near Spring Branch! Their ABC soup is pretty tasty too.
- Mainely Sandwiches: This New England sandwich shop has my favorite lobster rolls in town! I usually go for half a lobster roll and a cup of lobster bisque. Their lobster is super fresh, and the buns are buttered and grilled to perfection. With 2 locations, one in town on Shepherd and the other going north of town on I45, this too makes a super yummy lunchtime treat! However, this is not a cheap meal, so come expecting to pay for that succulent lobster you're about to eat.
- Frenchy's Fried Chicken: When I'm having a tough day at work, there's only one thing I am craving: fried chicken! And Frenchy's, a Houston institution, serves my favorite in town. Beware that not all locations are equal! Their original location is always delicious, but I've had some hits and misses at the other locations spread around the Houston area.
- Izakaya Wa: This cute little Japanese restaurant off of Memorial is my new favorite. I love their lunch specials, especially the Half & Half which includes a different sushi/rice bowl and noodle soup combo each week. I also highly recommend checking out this place at dinner when it becomes tapas style with delicious skewers, small plates, and of course sushi!
- Paulie's: If you haven't been to Paulie's yet in Montrose, shame on you. This place has some of the best homemade pastas and sandwiches around, all for a great price. My favorites are the bucatini amatriciana (for spice lovers only!), rigatoni bolognese, and their shrimp BLT. A half portion of pasta usually lasts me two lunches! Be sure to get to Paulie's early, as it gets crowded quickly at lunch time.
- Pronto Cucinino: This little Italian bistro chain has a location really close to my office in the Medical Center. It is a great choice for a healthy meal, as I can order their delicious rotisserie chicken plate and save half for another meal. I always love when I get 2 meals out of one!
- Sweet Paris: This adorable creperie in Rice Village now has a second location in City Centre. It is a fun place to go with some coworkers to enjoy a cute setting with delicious crepes! My favorite is the chicken enchilada crepe. Their chai tea lattes are also amazing!
- Willie's Grill and Ice House: I can't have a favorite lunch place list without including this classic! I've been going to Willie's since my high school days at Jersey Village. They do everything well from chicken tenders and burgers to salads and po-boys.
- Torchy's Tacos: This Austin transplant has a few locations scattered around town, and is sure to please any palate with their assortment of taco combinations. The Ranch Hand, Trailer Park (extra trashy, of course), and Brushfire are three of my favorites. I also enjoy trying what new concoction they've come up with in the taco of the month. Torchy's also makes one of my favorite quesos in town; unsurprisingly, since no self-respecting Austin restaurant can have a queso that is anything less than great!
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| Torchy's Taco of the Month with a grilled hot dog, fried egg, frito chips, pico de gallo, and poblano ranch |
I hope you enjoyed my list of favorite lunch places around town. What are your favorites?
