Introduction to Houston’s Steakhouse Scene
You’d be hard-pressed to find anything that brings a Houstonian more joy than a juicy cut of beef. The point is, we love beef and we’re always on the hunt for the perfect filet, rib eye, or Wagyu to pair with a delicious glass of red. There’s no shortage of great places to indulge, thanks in part to big chains like Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, Mastro’s Steakhouse, and Del Frisco’s Double Eagle.
Unique Steakhouses in Houston
Faced with an embarrassment of riches, we took on the task of narrowing down the most unique steakhouses in Houston where the high prices are worth your money. From classic steakhouses to modern twists, Houston has something for every beef lover.
B&B Butchers & Restaurant
B&B became an instant classic after it opened in 2015. Owner Benjamin Berg of Berg Hospitality took all the elements that make a great steakhouse and merged them under one roof. Butchering and dry-aging are done on-site, leading to a variety of menu options. Diners can enjoy classics like center-cut filets, 55-day dry-aged prime rib eyes, as well as the king of all meats: certified Kobe beef from Japan. Don’t forget to enjoy some oysters and jumbo lump crab cake, too.
Brenner’s on the Bayou
Brenner’s on the Bayou pays homage to original owners Herman and Lorene Brenner, who opened Brenner’s Steakhouse on Katy Freeway in 1936, while offering its own unique menu and wine list. Located on a picturesque retreat near Memorial Park, this two-story dining experience features beautiful views from any table. On a good-weather day, choose an outside seat to take in the lush greenery and stone waterfall while enjoying your favorite cut of steak.
Doris Metropolitan
From Sof Hospitality, the group behind Hamsa and Badolina Bakery, we would expect nothing less than a unique, Israeli-inflected steakhouse. Start with bread service and the artichoke flower salad: artichoke, sunchoke, and carciofi on a bed of tzatziki with sundried tomatoes and black olives. The “Falls Off the Bone” short rib, so-called for obvious reasons, is slow-cooked for 24 hours and comes in a smoked tomato au jus—in a whoppingly generous size begging to be partly taken home in a doggy bag.
Georgia James
Georgia James, Underbelly Hospitality’s steakhouse concept, offers plenty in the way of private spaces. The far eastern end of the restaurant contains a light-filled private dining room (with its own private bathroom) with a capacity for 24 guests. The most stunning spot in the restaurant, however, is its rooftop lounge, which is also available for booking. Overlooking downtown Houston’s skyline, the lounge has 4,000 square feet dedicated to indoor dining as well as a 7,000-square-foot patio that includes barrio lighting, firepits, and soft seating. The entire rooftop lounge can accommodate 150 guests seated and 200 guests standing.
Guard & Grace
This sprawling, well-appointed restaurant by celebrity chef Troy Guard is the kind of space you can only pull off in a shmancy high-rise in downtown Houston—this one, on the ground floor of One Allen Center. Diners have a rare opportunity to look into the open kitchen from above, and almost every table at Guard & Grace is a plush dark-blue banquette, even the two-tops. The braised Wagyu beef wontons are the best move to start. There’s also a yellowtail sashimi that comes topped with Pop Rocks—you can thank Troy’s daughter Grace for that—though it’s more interesting for the novelty than anything else. For the pièce de resistance, opt for the filet flight so you can try four ounces each of prime, Angus, and Wagyu cuts, and you should absolutely get a side of the gnocchi, which are made in-house and doused with truffle oil and chives.
Taste of Texas
Some call it rustic, others call it kitschy. Either way, the decor—which plays up the Texan theme to the max with animal trophies, guns, and artifacts collected by owner Nina Hendee—is part of the allure at this newly remodeled institution. Taste of Texas draws massive crowds, so remember to grab a reservation ahead of time. The reason? Classic certified Angus steaks (served on sizzling cow-shaped platters upon request), an expansive salad bar, and servers happy to help diners commemorate the evening with a photo op—red bandanas, cowboy hats, and all.
Toro Toro
This pan-Latin steakhouse from celebrity chef Richard Sandoval is located on the third floor of the Four Seasons hotel. The restaurant showcases all types of flavors from Central and South America. Share the swordfish dip or indulge in the amarillo ceviche made with ahi tuna, aji amarillo, leche de tigre, mango, cucumber, and red onion, then choose from a variety of steaks all served with Argentinian chimichurri, housemade barbecue sauce, and grilled shishito peppers. Be sure to ask for some grilled avocado on the side—it pairs perfectly with the chimichurri.
Conclusion
Houston’s steakhouse scene is a vibrant and diverse one, with each restaurant offering its own unique twist on the classic steakhouse experience. From B&B Butchers & Restaurant to Toro Toro, there’s something for every beef lover in this great city. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic filet or something more adventurous, Houston’s steakhouses are sure to deliver. With their high-quality meats, extensive wine lists, and exceptional service, these restaurants are sure to provide an unforgettable dining experience.
