WILL RICE WILL EAT Mike & Bridgets Dining Guide to Houston This list starts with cheap

eats, and then becomes increasingly expensive as you move down. So, if your parents are in town and looking to spend some money on you, flip to the back half of this list. CHILOSOS TACO HOUSE http://www.yelp.com/biz/chilosos-taco-house-houston 701 E. 20th Street, 713-868-2273 Cost of a breakfast taco: about $2.25 Why we like it: This tiny house in the heights makes the BEST tortillas in town, and their breakfast tacos are huge. For less than $5 you can get two big tacos that will fill anyone up (Bridget always orders two, but ends up saving the second one for later). The green tomatillo salsa that sits on the tables is creamy and amazing. Seriously: The BEST tortillas. TACOS-A-GO-GO http://tacosagogo.com/ 3704 Main St, 713-807-TACO Cost of a breakfast taco: about $2 Why we like it: Located on the light rail line (at the Ensemble/HCC metro stop) next to the Continental Club, this is a favorite spot when we want something tasty, cheap, and close to campus. While we tend to stick to the breakfast tacos, they offer a variety of quesadillas and tacos plates, all under $10. LITTLE BIGS http://www.littlebigshouston.com/ 2703 Montrose, 713-521-2447 Why we like it: Sliders, shakes, and fries. Thats pretty much it, but it sure is good. When we want a burger and milkshake, we end up here. Sliders come three-to-a-basket (for under $6), and you can get all one kind or mix-and-match your beef slider with a chicken, black bean, or Carolina pulled-pork slider. REGGAE HUT CAFE http://www.reggaehutcafe.com/ 4814 Almeda Road, 713-520-7171 Cost is cheap, $8-12 for a BIG dinner plate. Why we like it: Located in the museum district, this place has a casual vibe (you order from the counter). A local favorite, they serve a variety of Caribbean fare including jerk and curry chicken, along with flavorful patties which are pastries filled with beef, chicken, or vegetables. Big serving sizes as well, we have yet to go home without leftovers. Go hungry. RUDYARDS BRITISH PUB http://www.rudyardspub.com/ 2010 Waugh Drive, 713-521-0521

Cost of a typical lunch or dinner plate: $7-$10 Why we like it: OK, this one is a bar and you need to be 21, but the food menu is really strong and its a great place to go for a beer and some local music. The first floor has a full bar, plus pool and darts, while the second floor has an additional bar and a stage for live music. The burgers (beef or veggie) and nachos are surprisingly good, and they often will have something on special thats worth trying (e.g., homemade stew). Mike will argue these are some of the best burgers in town, and you will need a nap afterwards. HUYNH http://huynhrestauranthouston.com/ 912 Saint Emanuel (across the street from Warehouse Live music hall), 713-22-HUYNH Cost of a typical dinner plate: $10-$13 Why we like it: Voted the best Vietnamese restaurant in town by the Houston Press in 2010, this BYOB restaurant is one of our favorites. Located in a small strip mall, its not much to look at on the outside, but the food is affordable and really good. Recommended favorites include the egg rolls, fried wide rice noodles (that you can order serviced with beef, chicken, seafood and/or mixed vegetables), and pork chops with crushed rice. CALLIOPIES PO-BOY http://www.calliopespoboy.com/ 2130 Jefferson Street, 713-222-8333 Cost of a regular size (11 inch) po-boy: $7-14 Why we like it: This place might be the definition of a hole-in-the-wall restaurant, but the po-boys are perhaps the best in Houston. They are known for their seafood po-boys, especially the fried oyster or shrimp po-boys. For $6 you can also get a large order of fries smothered in sliced cheese and gravy simple, but quite good. Nothing here is healthy, but if youre craving Cajun style po-boys than healthy fare isnt really what youre looking for anyway. EL REAL TEX-MEX CAF http://elrealtexmex.com/ 1201 Westheimer, 713-524-1201 Typical cost of a dinner plate: $10-15 Why we like it: Located in the restored Tower Theater in Montrose, this tex-mex restaurant has a vintage flare that we really like (in terms of dcor and the menu offerings). The puffy tacos and chicken enchiladas verdes are personal favorites. THE HOBBIT CAF http://www.myhobbitcafe.com/ 2243 Richmond, 713-526-5460 Cost of a typical dinner plate: $8-$13 Why we like it: Who wouldnt love a restaurant inspired by Tolkien? A good choice if you are in the mood for a tasty burger they offer both beef and buffalo, but also have a lot of vegetarian offerings so

you can get a black bean or soy burger as well (and they have a large selection of veggie sandwiches). But go for the burgers. BARNABYS AND BABY BARNABYS http://www.barnabyscafe.com/ Four locations in town, but the original is our favorite: 604 Fairview (off Montrose), 713-522-0106 Cost of a typical dinner plate: $10-$13 Why we like it: Whether you go to Barnabys for lunch or dinner or to Baby Barnabys next door for breakfast, this is a great local restaurant. Cheap and tasty food, with a funky, casual vibe. Mike loves the burgers and salads (which are huge), and Bridgets favorite is the hickory smoked pink chicken served with honey bbq sauce. And they have great desserts as well. ROMANOS PIZZERIA http://www.romanoshouston.com/ 1528 West Gray, 713-526-1182 Cost of a 1-topping, 16-inch pizza: $16 Why we like it: Every New Yorker we know swears that this is the best New York style pizza in Houston, and Mike agrees with them. Located in a strip mall near the River Oaks shopping center, you can order it by the slice. They mostly make pizza, but if you go be sure to get a side order of meatballs or the sausage and peppers sandwich very delicious. BRASIL CAF http://www.brasilcafe.net/home.html 2604 Dunlavy Street, 713-528-1993 Cost of a typical lunch or dinner plate: $8-$12 Why we like it: Casual and cool, you order from the counter. They have a great patio area, and a relaxed vibe that makes you feel like youre eating at a coffee shop. A favorite place of ours for breakfast, we sometimes order off the menu but quite often go for whatever tasty special is listed that day. Soup and salad, quiche, pizza, burgers, and pasta, they offer a little bit of everything and are very vegetarian friendly. LA MEXICANA http://www.lamexicanarestaurant.com/ 1018 Fairview St (at Montrose), 713-521-0963 Typical cost of a dinner plate: $12-14 Why we like it: A tex-mex standard for us, our favorite LaMex fare includes the quesadillas, enchiladas, tamales, and margaritas. Casual and tasty, when we order quesadillas platters for WRC study breaks, they come from here. PANDA GARDEN CHINESE RESTAURANT www.pandagarden.com 5534 Weslayan Houston, TX 77005 713-667-0880

Cost of a typical combo-special dinner plate: $9-$11 Why we like it: OK, this one is a guilty favorite. We always start with an order of the Szechuan spicy dumplings ($5 for 12), and then typically get a combo plate dinner (soup along with an egg roll or two crab puffs). The portion sizes are large, and Mike just loves their General Tsos chicken. GOOD COMPANY BBQ and TAQUERIA http://www.goodecompany.com/our-restaurants.html BBQ: 5109 Kirby Drive, 713-522-2530; Taqueria: 4902 Kirby Drive, 713-520-9153 Cost of a typical lunch or dinner plate: $8-$15 Why we like it: Located across the street from one another, the Goode Company restaurants are a great place to go for BBQ or tacos. We especially love the tex-mex breakfasts at the taqueria, and the jalapeno cheese bread and the bbq. Both are very casual and fairly cheap eats, and happily quite tasty. SPAGHETTI WESTERN ITALIAN CAF http://www.spagwesthouston.com/ 1608 Shepherd Drive, 713-861-1313 Cost of a typical dinner plate: $8-$15 Why we like it: This is a quirky place, but we love it. Its a seat-yourself Italian restaurant, but set-up with spaghetti western movie posters and dcor everywhere. A great pizza joint (following the restaurants theme, you can order the good, the bad, or the ugly); its reasonably priced and has a good selection of pastas, calzones, and pizzas to choose from. The spaghetti and meat sauce rocks. SHIVA RESTAURANT http://www.shivarestaurant.com/ 2514 Times Blvd, 713-523-4753 Cost of a typical dinner plate: $10-14 Why we like it: A long-time favorite, they have a fantastic lunch buffet for $10.95. Highly recommended: saag paneer, chicken korma, and dal basanti. Try hard not to over eat if you go here. BAMBOO HOUSE http://www.bamboo-house.org/ 540 Waugh Drive, 713-522-3444 Typical price of a dinner plate: $10-20 Why we like it: A casual favorite of ours, this restaurant has Thai, Chinese, and Vietnamese inspired dishes on the menu. Bridget thinks their wonton soup is the best in town. Also recommended are the pan fried noodles, walnut shrimp, and chicken with peanuts and the crispy crab wontons and mini buns makes great starters. OSAKA JAPANESE RESTAURANT http://www.yelp.com/biz/osaka-japanese-restaurant-houston 515 Westheimer Road, 713-533-9098 Cost of a roll: $5 to $15 (for specialty rolls)

Why we like it: Casual and comfy, yet trendy dcor, the food is fresh and tasty, with quick service. They offer a full menu with a large selection of rolls, and a typical meal will include a complimentary appetizer AND ice cream in funky flavors (red bean, green tea, plum, etc.). BROKEN SPOKE CAF http://www.brokenspokecafe.com/ 1809 Washington Ave, 713-863-7029 Cost of a typical dinner plate: $18-20 Why we like it: Quirky and casual, this Belgian restaurant is known for their mussels (served in a variety of ways, including as a sampler platter) and beer, but all the food is tasty (highly recommended: trout in almond butter sauce) BENJYS (IN THE VILLAGE) http://www.benjys.com/flash.html 2424 Dunstan, 713-522-7602 Typical cost of a dinner plate: $15-25 Why we like it: Close to campus, this Asian-fusion restaurant offers many tasty plates (Bridgets favorite is the Udon noodle plate yum). Favorite bites include their thin-crust pizza and appetizers, which are about half off during happy hour at their upstairs lounge (its a great place to go if youre looking for good eats while you have a beer). RED LION PUB http://redlionhouston.com/ 2316 S. Shepherd Ave, 713-782-3030 Cost of a typical dinner plate: $15-20 Why we like it: Hands down, this British pub serves the best chicken tikka masala in town. Its expensive pub food, but well worth it. Other favorites include the chicken tandoori quesadillas ($10), smothered korma fries, and their spinach dip (served with cheesy garlic bread) might be the most decadent, but delicious, appetizer weve ever had. Their more traditional English fare (e.g., fish and chips) are also quite popular, but we never seem able to stray from their Indian-inspired fare. BRC GASTROPUB http://www.brcgastropub.com/BRC/Welcome_to_BRC_Gastropub.html 519 Shepherd, 713-861-2233 Typical cost of a dinner plate: $15- $25 Why we like it: Great dcor, and maybe the best comfort food in town. This is not the place to go if you want to eat healthy, but it sure is good. Sliders, mac-n-cheese, chicken and biscuits..yummy. They put out a great brunch, and they have $7 pub burger and fries on Monday nights. LUCIOS BYOB & GRILL http://www.luciosbyob.com/ 905 Taft, 713-523-9958

Typical cost of a dinner plate: $20s Why we like it: Small and cozy, this restaurant serves great New American cuisine. Good for a small group, and BYOB helps keep the price reasonable. BRANCH WATER TAVERN http://www.branchwatertavern.com/ 510 Shepherd, 713-863-7777 Typical cost of a dinner plate: $20s Why we like it: Modern American cuisine, BWT has made several best of lists since they opened in 2009. Our current obsession, we strongly recommend the chicken fried oyster appetizer amazingly delicious. Great atmosphere, they also have a really excellent brunch. DIVINO ITALIAN RESTAURANT AND WINE BAR http://www.divinohouston.com/ 1830 West Alabama, 713-807-1123 Cost of a typical dinner plate: $18-$25 Why we like it: Small and lovely, the Italian food here is really good. While the menu changes every season, they make fantastic risotto, and the Tuscan-style chicken liver pate on the appetizer menu is divine. Plus, when youre done eating you can walk across the street for dessert at The Chocolate Bar (the original one, not the one located in Rice Village). HUGOS http://hugosrestaurant.net/ 1600 Westheimer, 713-524-7744 Typical cost of a dinner plate: $20-25 Why we like it: Located in a restored 1920s building, and described as serving regional Mexican cuisine, this is our favorite fancy Mexican food restaurant in Houston. You dont come here to get chips and queso, but rather duck mole, braised pork shoulder, and chile rellenos en nogales (roasted poblano peppers stuffed with pulled pork and fruit and smothered in a walnut cream sauce with pomegranates yummy goodness). Their Sunday brunch buffet, while pretty spendy ($27 per person), is perhaps the most amazing buffet experience you will ever have. INDIKA http://indikausa.com/indikausa/index.htm 516 Westheimer Road, 713-524-2170 Cost of a typical dinner plate: $18-$35 Why we like it: Not your traditional Indian fare, this has a more modern and gourmet edge. The tandoori quail is a favorite appetizer of ours, with entrees that include lamb chops and sea bass. Mike might list this as his favorite restaurant in Houston. BRASSERIE MAX AND JULIE http://www.caferabelais.com/Brasserie/Home.html

4315 Montrose, 713-524-0070 Cost of a typical dinner plate: $20-30 Why we like it: Tasty French fare, close to campus. Serves many classic French dishes, and has a small outdoor patio on the second floor thats a great place to eat if the weather is nice. Mike ate bone marrow here once, ask him about it sometime. SHADE http://www.shadeandcanopy.com/Shade/ 250 West 19th Street, 713-863-7500 Cost of a typical dinner plate: $25 Why we like it: Located in the Heights neighborhood, it will take you about 20 minutes to drive there, but its worth the trip. The food is wonderful, and its a popular brunch spot on the weekends. Best described as new American cuisine, this award-winning restaurant is on Bridgets personal Top-5 restaurant list for Houston. Its never a bad choice to go here. HAVEN http://havenhouston.com/ 2502 Algerian Way (at Kirby and Hwy-59), 713-581-6101 Cost of a typical dinner plate: $25-$30 Why we like it: Described as Texas regional cuisine, they use fresh and local ingredients in all their dishes. Dishes include quail with jalapeno-sausage dressing, free range chicken with bacon spatzle, and char grilled pork chops with dirty rice and creole gravy. Good eats every time weve gone for dinner. SORREL URBAN BISTRO http://www.sorrelhouston.com/ 2202 West Alabama, 713-677-0391 Typical cost of a dinner plate: $20s to $30s Why we like it: Modern American cuisine, focus is on locally-grown foods, and the menu changes every single day. Very delicious with an open kitchen you can watch while you eat. MARKS AMERICAN CUISINE http://www.marks1658.com/ 1658 Westheimer Road, 713-523-3800 Cost of a typical dinner plate: $35-40 Why we like it: Voted the most romantic restaurant in Houston, the atmosphere is intimate and very beautiful (located in a 1920s renovated church). Meticulous service, the food is also tremendous; its special-occasion fare, be sure to make a reservation before you go, and dress nice.