Category: Entertainment

Top Five (5) Fancy Date Spots in Houston

Zena TP Williams

Houston Date Nights

Houston’s restaurant scene is buzzing with energy, and when a new restaurant concept opens, my partner and I often make bets on whether it will thrive or fade. We’ve developed a list of criteria to evaluate what makes a restaurant survive in this competitive market. It seems that, regardless of quality, a strong following is essential. Some places defy the odds, thriving not because of a flawless concept but because their owners have cultivated a devoted following. Location, too, plays a significant role; real estate matters when it comes to drawing in patrons.

For me, the experience hinges on a few key factors: unbiased, excellent service (both food and drinks), parking availability (I prefer parking to valet, though my partner enjoys valet), the quality of food, and the thoughtfulness of the space. Now, before I list my top five favorites, I’ll mention a few places I miss—restaurants that, sadly, didn’t survive. Rest in peace to Benny Chow’s (by Berg Hospitality), Indianola (by Agricole Hospitality), and the beloved Traveler’s Table, which I hear might be permanently closing (but miraculously didn’t thank goodness). It’s a tough loss when great places shut down, but we move forward.

For those unfamiliar with Houston’s gems, here are my top five fancy date spots. If you’re on a budget, be warned—you might leave a little broke, but you’ll certainly have an unforgettable experience.

State of Grace: American (Regional Texas Specialties) – Nighttime – IG

I have a soft spot for State of Grace. Anyone who knows me can attest to my quiet obsession with this place. I discovered it while reconnecting with Houston through a chance meeting at Kirby Icehouse, and I was hooked. From the raw bar to the beautifully lit oak behind the bar, the ambiance is fantastic. The food is always spot on—whether it’s Thai-inspired crab claws or lamb ragu (which I wish they’d bring back). I show up without a reservation, and whether it’s a busy night or not, I always leave happy. This place is truly a gem, and if it ever closed, it would be a major loss for Houston.

Katami: Japanese – Nighttime – IG

Katami is a standout in the Houston dining scene, and it has earned its place on my top five list. The restaurant is alive with energy, and parking is not a hassle. My partner and I walked in without a reservation, which always stresses him out, but the staff made us feel at ease. Having lived in four different countries, I’ve learned that showing up without expectations can lead to the best experiences. Katami does not disappoint. The food is excellent, and the staff is attentive. The energy of the place, combined with the top-notch sushi and creative dishes, makes it a must-visit. I try to get there at least once every few months.

Annabelle Brasserie: French – Sunset – IG

Annabelle Brasserie is the perfect place for a romantic sunset meal. We sat on the patio, enjoying the ambiance and taking our time exploring the menu. The food is delicious, especially the bread with cheese and the mussels (moules). The server, a kind young woman from Ireland, was fantastic—she took time to get to know us before recommending dishes. The inside of the restaurant is Instagram-worthy, but the true charm is in the food, the service, and the quiet patio setting. I will definitely return.

Traveler’s Table: Global – Day + Night – IG

Traveler’s Table is an absolute gem. The bread pudding here is a standout—rivaled only by one other dessert in the city (which shall remain nameless). The crab samosas and benedict are also fantastic.

What makes this place special is the sense of community it fosters—people truly enjoy their time here. The warmth of the space, combined with creative food and cocktails, creates an experience that goes beyond dining. Though parking can be tight and they offer valet service, the experience is well worth it.

It was heartbreaking to hear rumors of its potential closure, but I hope it remains open for years to come and seems to still be doing well.

Nancy’s Hustle: American/Modern –Nighttime – IG

Nancy’s Hustle has a unique charm—it’s a place I used to visit solo for a perfect self-date night. The vibe feels like a New York neighborhood gem, with great music, lighting, and a fantastic menu. The Nancy cakes and other Mediterranean-inspired dishes are a must-try. Though the pandemic changed things for me, I recently re-visited, and it was just as good as I remembered.

The branzino was particularly impressive. I appreciate Nancy’s Hustle for its original flavors and laid-back yet stylish atmosphere.

A bit about me: I once dreamed of being a chef. My inspiration came from a family select team trip to Dubai when I was eightish years old. While my teammates ate at KFC, my family took us to the Chicago Beach Hotel, where I had my first taste of a truly extraordinary buffet. The experience was so memorable that I forgot all about the tennis tournament. Later, I interned at the Royal Golf Club in Bahrain, where I learned that while cooking was fulfilling, owning a restaurant was a better aspiration. That experience has given me a deep appreciation for great dining and a strong dislike for poor service.

The restaurants above are a few of my absolute favorites. Enjoy! If you’ve got more recommendations, feel free to reach out. Also, if you’re looking for places outside of Houston, check out Duo Modern in Round Top, TX, located inside an antique warehouse—it’s more of an experience than just a meal. Or, if you’re near San Leon, TX, don’t miss Pier 6, which offers a beautiful brunch with both indoor and outdoor seating by the water.

Your Houston Hit List: What to Eat Beyond the Conference

Zena TP Williams
 

Welcome to your Houston Hit List:

By now, you’ve probably caught the detail about the city’s food scene—and trust me, it’s on point. With so much happening and only so much time during your conference, I’ve procured your go-to Houston hit list to help you make the most of your stay.

I get it—your schedule is packed, and the FOMO is real with all the conference activities. But if you can sneak away for even an hour or two, this guide will make stepping outside the usual agenda totally worth it.

So, whether you’re hunting for that Instagrammable food spot, looking to explore local culture, or just need a break to vibe with the city, this list has you covered. Pick your favorites, check them out, and make your Houston experience unforgettable. Mission accepted? 

Websites and IG links are included so you can curate your experience. Simply click on the names. 

Gastro

Chop N’Block – 501 Westheimer Rd. HTX, 77006 – 15 minutes from George R. Brown – IG

If you have time to seek out local treasures beyond the conference, Chop N’Block is a must-visit in Houston’s beloved Montrose area. My intro was through an event they catered for a top global commercial real estate firm. The pies were what dreams are made of. So, I ventured to their location at the Post Houston chasing that dream. I discovered the Golden Bowl and it was a wrap. I’m a sucker for curry and theirs is fantastic I personally like their newest location on Westheimer. It has an outdoor space with plenty of biophilia and it’s adjacent to an exquisite local bakery experience – La Sicilia.

Corn Row – Pop-ups & Catering only – IG

This historically focused catering business may pop up during relevant events. Owned and operated by Chester Chambers, he aims to satiate vegan cravings through the lens of West African and Native American flavors. My sister is a huge fan of her former classmate out of MIT and I couldn’t resist adding Corn Row to the list.

Gatlin’s Fin & Feather – 302 W Crosstimbers St, Houston, TX 77018 – 20-25 minutes from George R. Brown – IG

Independence Heights was the first black-incorporated neighborhood in Houston. It was annexed by Houston a day after Christmas in 1929. Fin and Feather is a part of the Gatlin chain of restaurants. It’s in my neighborhood and is super cute. I would recommend anything they have on tap in the tiny diner situated on Crosstimbers and their gumbo is well worth trying.

Gatlin’s BBQ – 3510 Ella Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77018 – 20 -25 minutes from George R. Brown – IG

Once upon a time, I set out to find the best BBQ in Houston. So, I visited all the staples in including this baddie of a BBQ spot. My indulgence of choice here is the Kitchen Sink Sandwich. Leave room for this one, I’m bias but Houston surely may have the best BBQ in the world. What did I like about it? They deliver that hit of everything you would want about a stellar BBQ experience. I often judge a place by how the food made me feel. Coming here is a good choice, I depart on a high note each and every time.

Late August – 4201 Main Street Suite 120 – 10 minutes from George R. Brown – IG

Houston realtor Michaela Green was the plug on this one. Often, I like to let clients choose their experiences when we meet. She suggested we connect at Late August at the Ion. We indulged in 3 – 4 plates including the wings. The experience didn’t disappoint as we sat on the patio and hashed out a few details. The service was on point, the recommendations the staff provided were right, and overall I felt it was a great experience. Simply scrumptious.

Lucille’s – 5512 La Branch St Houston, Texas 77004 – 10-15 minutes from George R. Brown – IG

Lucille’s has long been a staple holding its own in the heart of Houston’s med center. The space is blocks away from one of my favorite public spaces, Hermann Park. Although I haven’t been in years, I remember the bar making a stellar Bloody Mary and in general there was a strong sense of comfort and style.

Trez Wine Bistro & Wine Bar – 920 Studemont St. Suite 150 Houston, TX 77007 – 10-15 minutes from George R. Brown – IG

My sister insisted on a girl’s night here. That was the first and last time I went. This establishment is also a Houston favorite. Likely because of the lounge vibes and music that you can’t help but sway to. My thoughts were that this place was casually swank. It’s close to downtown and could be worth swinging by with friends if you are looking to be a social butterfly.  

The Warwick – 5888 Westheimer Road Houston, TX 77057 – 20-30 minutes from George R. Brown – IG

Walking in here is such a pleasant surprise. It’s warm, it’s beautiful but not over the top. The service was thoughtful, the decor is elegant. My food experience was particularly delicious. The right clothing is required for this elevated experience. But, you already knew that. So, slip into something classic and memorable then take in the scene.

Hot Desks – AD-HOC desks & conference room space

The Us Space – 808 Travis St Suite 400, Houston, TX 77002 – 5-10 minutes from George R. Brown – IG

LaGina Harris has mindfully crafted an inclusive experience at the historic Esperson building downtown. Her aim is to influence social impact through a space that promotes community and productivity. If you have an opportunity to connect with her, I highly recommend it. Here is what’s going on at The Us Space from 11.13.2024 – 11.16.

Well, that’s all she wrote! I hope to see you all in and around town doing you in Houston. Remember, the best memories are made when you take a moment to explore beyond the bounds. Go ahead and make your visit count. Share your adventures, snap those pics, and who knows—maybe Houston will leave you with stories you’ll be telling long after the conference ends. Safe travels and most importantly, live well.