Dining “Out” at Home in Houston: 5 Must Try Takeout Lunch Options

Per Governor Greg Abbott’s plan to reopen Texas, restaurants are among the businesses allowed to open back up. But as we all continue safe social distancing practices, many restaurants have chosen to continue to offer ways for you to “dine out” at home, rocking some mighty fine takeout and delivery options. In our “Dining ‘Out’ at Home” series, we’ll cover some of the best to-go options in town, from the juicy burgers that hold up in transit to restaurants bringing happy hour to your door.

These takeout lunch options go beyond the sandwich, with options from sushi and pizza al taglio to chili dogs and chicken tikka tacos. If you are looking for sandwiches, however, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with our 5 Must Try Takeout Sandwich Shops, too.

5 Must Try Takeout Lunch Options

• Bravery Chef Hall in Downtown – When the stay-at-home orders were put into place, BCH began operating as a ghost kitchen for its vendors and other Houston restaurants, offering a marketplace and takeout menu with curbside pickup. It continues to do so today, and with foods fit for every taste, it makes an excellent choice for lunch. Order online and you can score a pizza al taglio (by the “cut”) in slice- and whole pie-form from BOH Pasta & Pizza, vermicelli and curry bowls from The Blind Goat, BLTs and chili dogs from Cherry Block Craft Butcher, sushi and chicken fat rice from Kokoro, bulgogi bimimpab from The Sighted Pig, and more.
• Burger-chan in Greenway Plaza – With the loss of its usual Greenway Plaza lunch crowd, this cult favorite burger shop could use your business now more than ever (in a recent Facebook post, Burger-chan confirmed that it is down 80% in sales). Try one of its umami-packed burgers or loaded dogs for lunch, with toppings from fried egg and pickled jalapeños to sambal mayo and seared spam. Orders can be placed online or via the Ritual app for storefront takeout, curbside pickup or contactless delivery within an 8-mile radius. Lunch runs from 10:30am to 1pm (with breakfast from 9-10:30).
• Good Dog Houston in the Heights and Montrose – You can score one of Houston’s best hot dogs Tuesday through Sunday beginning at 11am. Get ‘em stacked with toppings like beef & chorizo chili, potato salad, and house mustard (a la the Picnic Dog) or bacon, muenster, caramelized onions, and jalapeño relish (as seen in the Ol’Zapata). You’ll also find other lunchy stuff like deli clubs, taqueria cobb salad, and beer cheese soup, plus fresh-cut fries and shakes. Call 832-800-3647 (Heights) or 346-800-3647 (Montrose).
• Fusion Taco in the Heights – Tacos get a global spin at this outside-the-box taqueria on North Main, which opens daily at 11am. Go for the refreshing tuna poke taco, grab a knife and fork for the chicken tikka masala taco on naan, or dig into smoked brisket taco with salsa verde. Piled high nachos, quesadillas, fusion rice bowls, bright salads, and sides from chips & queso to hummus and sweet potato fries are also on the menu. Place your takeout orders online (for in-store or curbside pickup) and you can add one free margarita to your cart for every $10 in food that you spend.
• Paulie’s in Montrose – This neighborhood Italian cafe rocks salads and soups, panini and hoagies, pizzas, and housemade pastas, available in both small and regular portions that can make for a light or hearty lunch depending on your hunger level. Try the canestri alla funghi pata, with crimini and shiitake mushroom and marsala cream; or the rigatoni bolognese, a scratchmade pasta rich with veal, beef, tomato and red wine. Or go for things like the summer salad topped with roasted salmon, a loaded Italian hoagie, mozzarella and pesto panini, or Italian sausage pizza; and don’t forget the chocolate chip cookie. Takeout is available beginning at 11am daily (closed Sunday).