Inside My Table #51 | Restaurant listings
Dining Solo
Unaccompanied, she smoothly enters the restaurant. Lunch break has produced madness in the form of screeching ladies who lunch, businessmen in shirtsleeves and cell phones, and packs of teen-agers MIA from their high school. Relieved that there is a counter to order from rather than a waiter (a constant and embarrassing reminder of her solitary state), the woman orders a sandwich and makes her way over to a small table in the corner. There she enjoys a much-needed respite away from work, traffic, family—everything. The following provide a comfortable atmosphere and respectable food for solo diners.
Cafe Express, 6570 Woodway at S. Voss, 713-935-9222, and other locations. Nowhere else will you find a portion of pasta so preposterously large and delicious that it is a challenge to lift your head out of the bowl long enough to strike up a conversation with a companion. Solution? Dine alone at this dependable Houston-grown chain devoid of bothersome waiters, yet populated with tiny tables both inside and out that are ideal for the lone diner. $
French Gourmet Bakery, 12504 Memorial Dr., 713-973-6900. Get a taste of something sweet at this discreet French cafe tucked away in the Lantern Lane Shopping Center. The tables, located both inside or outside, barely accommodate two people, making the visit more pleasurable if traveling solo. Order a crisp, buttery croissant at the counter and dream of that one-way trip to Paris you’ve been saving up for. $
Collina’s Italian Cafe, 3835 Richmond Ave. at Weslayan, 713-621-8844, and other locations. When in the mood for some savory Italian food, grab your solo self a cozy table at this friendly local chainlet, known especially for its pizza and calzones. Enjoy any one of Collina’s special pizzas “personalized”—that is, prepared approximately eight inches in diameter—the perfect size for one. Pay at the front cashier and be on your way. $
Fadi’s Mediterranean Delight, 8383 Westheimer at Dunvale, 713-532-0666. If you’re alone and craving truly delightful tabouli, hummus and warm pita bread, head for this colorful cafeteria-style Middle Eastern cafe. Mid-day clientele consistsof herds of lone businessmen grabbing a quick bite between appointments; after a meal, indulge in some sweet baklava. $
La Madeleine, 2047 W. Gray at Shepherd, 713-526-9666, and other locations. Diners of all ages really feel at home amid the enticing aroma of quiches, soups and pastries at this French cafe, which was designed to resemble a snug cottage. After ordering from the cafeteria-style line, unravel at a discreet table in an empty room hidden from society by brick walls and warm fireplaces. Sit back, relax and bite into a new book while savoring the justly famous tomato-basil soup. $
Goode Co. Barbeque, 8911 Katy Frwy. at Campbell Rd., 713-464-1901, and other location. When craving succulent Texas mesquite barbecue without a buddy, head over to this smokin’ smokehouse. The line moves like lightning, which is great news for the singleton. Pay up front, then take your tray to a lone booth in the back and dig into that delectable fresh-chopped brisket sandwich. Alone for the whole day? Pile on the onions. $
Ragin’ Cajun, 4302 Richmond Ave. at West Loop South, 713-623-6321. With all the lively sports paraphernalia lining the walls and televisions blaring Texans’ games, dining solo at this authentic Cajun diner is all the rage. Order seafood gumbo or crawfish ÎtouffÎe paired with an oyster-stuffed po’ boy, grab a single seat near the TV and prepare to be preoccupied for hours. You wouldn’t notice your friend even if he were there. $
Mission Burritos, 2245 West Alabama bet. Greenbriar & Kirby, 713-529-0535, and other locations. It’s a breakthrough in burritos: They’ll make it any way you want. What could be more perfect for the lonely burrito addict? Grab a tray and tell the staff what goes into your personal burrito as you move down the line. Once you have a beautiful, unique burrito, sit down at one of the outside tables and people watch. $
A Moveable Feast, 9341 Katy Frwy. at Echo Lane, 713-365-0368. When the vegetarian’s buddies head to a barbecue joint for lunch, this natural-foods cafe provides one of the best vegetarian and vegan selections in the city. Order dishes like fresh fish, soy cheese enchiladas or the famous veggie burgers from the front counter. If boredom strikes, head to the adjoining health food store. $
Picnic, 1928 Bissonnet at Kent St., 713-524-0201. Enjoying a delicious blueberry muffin, apple tart or chorizo scone in silence is a perfect way to begin the day. The early eater can catch a yummy brunch (minus the crowd) from around 10 to 11:30 am; the late luncher is likely to be left alone to enjoy a delectable chicken salad sandwich between 1:30 pm and the closing at 5. The cute cafe is also a favorite spot for avid readers. $
Souper Salad, 6516 Westheimer at Hillcroft, 713-785-0536. For a healthy, reasonably priced and peaceful meal, saunter into the all-you-can-eat cafeteria and concoct your own salad, add a bowl of French onion soup, some blueberry bread and a spud. Then, find a tranquil table where you can gather your thoughts, get some work done or embark on a new chapter in that page-turner. Refill your plates whenever your stomach desires. $
This Is It!, 207 W. Gray at Bagby, 713-659-1608. When you lack a lunch date, this is it. Serve yourself in line from a steam table overflowing with soul food, from oxtails to barbecued chicken, from candied yams to cabbage. The lunch crowd dies down around two o’clock and one after one, folks searching for scrumptious Southern cooking migrate in. Trying to look preoccupied while you eat? Nab a newspaper and enjoy a homemade cornbread muffins. $
