Unwind and sate your taste buds at the perfectly casual, friendly, and inviting patio and dining room at FM Kitchen and Bar, on Shepherd just north of Washington Avenue.
After his five-year stint as executive chef at the former Triniti, Chef Ryan Hildebrand wanted to do something low-key and casual.
So the celebrated Culinary Institute of America grad opened a roadside burger stand in the heart of Houston.
At FM Kitchen and Bar, opened in 2017, he now serves as chef and operating partner in the industrial chic space, decked out by Houston designer (and cookbook author) Erin Hicks.
A Casual Gathering Space with Seriously Good Food
At FM, you’ll find couples, families, young professionals, and groups gathering for game-watching, all enjoying Hildebrand’s “Southern regional fare.”
Diners nosh on Texas classics, Gulf seafood, and other choices from the stellar, burger-centric menu. In addition, the cozy bar boasts 45 beer selections, wine, and a selection of clever craft cocktails.
The seamless indoor/outdoor space includes a 6,000 square-foot, dog-friendly, astroturf-lined patio with picnic tables, cornhole games, and an outside stage for occasional live music.
Big television screens abound for showing the most important games and sporting events of the day.
Burgers & Beyond
While much of the buzz is rightfully all about the juicy $5.89 burger—with optional add-ons like queso, bacon, chili, and guacamole—you won’t want to miss the fried chicken sandwich. This special goodness is made with homemade pickles and agave butter.
Other favorites include the fresh-made corn dogs, Frito pie, or the sambal-honey chicken wings.
Larger plates include a solid chicken fried steak, fried shrimp and hushpuppies, and the Texas pot pie. The later feature smoked brisket, carrots, mushrooms, peas, and onions beneath a cheddar pastry crust.
After opening last Spring, Hildebrand spent time over the Summer researching NOLA’s best po’boys, gumbo and oysters before adding them to the menu this Fall, including his catfish or shrimp po-boys, served on Leidenheimer Baking Co. bread from the New Orleans and a rich gumbo, featuring andouille sausage, Gulf shrimp and crawfish (during crawfish season).
Extended Happy Hour & Daily Specials
Happy Hour runs six days a week, with $5 wine, tap-tails, and well drinks, plus $1 off all beers and cocktails.
From Monday to Friday, happy hour is 3pm to 7pm. On Sunday, it’s 6pm until close.
New daily offerings include 50-cent wings on Mondays and Topo Taco Tuesdays with $5 margaritas, $4 tacos, and $1 Topo Chicos.
On Wine Down Wednesdays you’ll find discounted wine all day. Thursday is Steak Night with $18 steak from 4pm to close.
Finally, Fridays provide Hildebrand the opportunity to flex his culinary muscle with a $15 lunch plate specials, paired with a beer for another $4.
Sunday Breakfast
Many people may call it brunch, since it runs from 11am to 3pm.
But considering options like the biscuit burger, fried chicken biscuit, and the BBLT with bologna, bacon, egg, lettuce, and tomato, served on a toasted brioche bun.
A variety of tacos, plus great Bloody Mary’s, sangria, and mimosas by the carafe make it even more of a winner.
FM Kitchen & Bar
- Chef and Operating Partner: Ryan Hildebrand
- Address: 1112 Shepherd Drive, Houston, TX 77007
- Phone: 832-804-6006
- Hours: Daily 11am to midnight
