Pull over and escape rush hour and traffic congestion at any of these five strategically located Houston eateries.
All Houstonians have found themselves stuck in traffic, but did you know Houston isn’t even ranked among the top 10 most traffic-jammed cities in the U.S.? According to a recent INRIX report, Houston is rankged at number 15, far behind Austin, the top traffic offender.
Even so, it sure can feel sometimes like we deserve a top ranking for road congestion all the same.
In an attempt to turn lemons into lemonade, when my commute comes to a grinding halt, instead of letting gridlock wreck my mood I prefer to wander a bit and discover a local restaurant get out of my car and wait it out.
If I don’t have a pressing court appointment, I use the opportunity to explore a little more Houston, inside the Loop and out, and try out a newly discovered restaurant life’s little detour has presented me.
5 Favorite Food Stops to Escape Congested Roadways
- Brasserie 19 – After moving up North Shepherd at a snail’s pace, with a client in the car a closure, we diverted on West Gray and sighted B19. I’d heard a lot about of it, but had never been inside. Decision made. Bright and crisp inside, we entered and our delight was immediate. Mostly importantly, my client’s face lit up with relaxation. I made a meal of fish and chips, she had an egg salad sandwich with truffles and onions, which left me slightly jealous. I’ve been back multiple times since, finding I can’t resist a little food therapy after a day in court.
- Vic & Anthony’s – Driving downtown can always prove unpredictable in Houston, and if an Astros game is finishing up, forget about it. Luckily there is Vic & Anthony’s, smack center in the loop, a classic steakhouse, complete with cozy leather chairs, white linen and some of the best mashed potatoes I’ve ever had. Perfect for when you need a dimly lit business dinner or simply wish to treat yourself.
- Tacos Leticia – Just off the 610 and I-45 north freeway junction resides the Canino’s produce market, and in the parking lot behind the market on Airline, sits the Tacos Leticia food truck. The tacos are amazing and the mole salsa on top is guaranteed to get your blood flowing. Nearly everyone has a favorite taqueria in Houston, and the competition is fierce, but for my money the Leticia’s truck behind Canino’s gets my nod as Houston’s best.
- Mo’s Steakhouse – Located on Post Oak near the Galleria, just off the Loop, is Houston’s “Place for Steaks.” One minute I was surrounded by road stress. The next, I was in Mo’s relaxing to a baby grand piano, sipping an iced tea, and about to be treated to an amazing New York strip. Part classic steakhouse with a modern twist, and did I mention they have sushi? Houston heaven.
- Fleming’s Steakhouse – A minor accident off the Sam Houston Pkwy led to my discovering Fleming’s has a location tucked away inside the Town & Country village. I’d already been a frequent guest to Fleming’s Inner Loop eatery, being a frequent visitor to the Harris County Courthouse buildings as a lawyer. Discovering a second Fleming’s without having to head into the heart of central Houston was a gift. If you like ribeye, it’s to die for.
That’s three Houston steakhouses, a can’t miss food truck taqueria and a French brasserie guaranteed to impress your guests, each a local Houston can’t-miss cultural hotspot I likely wouldn’t have discovered if I hadn’t been determined to prevent congested roads from wrecking my day.
The next time you find yourself frustrated with our roadways, consider doing a little spontaneous exploring, and let me know what local Houston gems you discover.
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