Inside My Table #44 | Restaurant listings
Delicious Patios
When it’s not unleashing 30 inches of rain on us (June 2001) or sucking up every last drop of moisture from the Earth with 108-degree heat (Summer 2000), Houston’s weather is generally considerate to those who would dine outdoors. Hot? Sure, in the summer. But with an east-facing patio, century-old live oak or a well-placed fan, dining in the great outdoors is more than doable. It’s wonderful. Here are some favorite spots.
BABA YEGA, 2607 Grant St. near Missouri St., 713-522-0042. The birds, lush tropical plants and burbling fountain have made this patio—tucked behind a dear little bungalow—a neighborhood institution. It’s full of local color, just the spot for a burger, sandwich or one of the earnest vegetarian offerings. $
CABO MIX-MEX GRILL, 419 Travis at Prairie, 713-225-2060, and other locations. We love the fish tacos and killer margaritas at all Cabo locations. This one boasts a second-story balcony, too, offering a way-cool view of the downtown action. Our advice: Get there early and get a table, as the crowd can get oppressive (this is an ageist observation) after 9 pm. $
FARRAGO, 318 Gray at Bagby, 713-523-6404. From the street, Farrago looks almost diner-ish. But make your way through to the interior courtyard and discover an airy, generously proportioned dining terrace. (With its huge fireplace, you could even be out here during the winter.) The far-ranging menu includes jerk chicken, grilled salmon and Thai mussels. We also recollect an especially winning curry. $$
GRAPPINO DI NINO, 2817 W. Dallas, bet. Montrose and Waugh Dr., 713-528-7002. If you haven’t visited the Vincent Mandola trio of restaurants recently, you won’t recognize the place. After months of construction, it’s morphed into a little Disneyesque village, with connecting sidewalks, fountains, trellises and gardens. Sit outside, order some of the “little bites” and wine by the glass. You will enjoy this. $
SAMBUCA JAZZ CAFE, 909 Texas Ave. at Travis, 713-224-5299. Far dressier than its Dallas Deep Ellum sibling, this Sambuca occupies a primo spot in downtown Houston, on the ground floor of The Rice. Food, drink, live jazz and a smartly-dressed crowd—it’s all here. $-$$
TACO MILAGRO, 2555 Kirby Dr. at Westheimer, 713-522-1999. The tacos—dress them yourself at the salsa bar—are a lure, as is one of the city’s best collections of tequila. We could spend way too much time here, soaking up the sun and sipping margaritas. The plaza out front has become one of the city’s major gathering spots for the younger (i.e. 20s and 30s) crowd. $
