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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Central Business District

American food and bars

A casual meal paired with a drink at the counter is the standard for a relaxed evening.

Based on 862 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Tom's Watch Bar image 1
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Sports bar

Expansive space filled with giant TVs offers top viewing quality for NFL games and other sports. Energy shifts between loud DJ music during commercials and game sound, creating a rowdy atmosphere. Large patio area connects to the open concept bar, enhancing the social vibe.

Prime rib dip sandwiches stand out with tender, flavorful meat and fresh bread. Nachos, wings, and tater tots come fresh and tasty, rounding out the classic American fare.

A sports bar with a great location near the Toyota Center offers a lively spot to watch games like college football and NCAA basketball. Friendly service, especially from Ari, adds to the experience.

People are saying

"I thought the food was great."

"The bar staff here makes you feel so taken care of."

"The American Food here is great, and the service is attentive."

Good to know

1

They offer a free shuttle to and from Minute Maid Park.

2

Parking is not free and validation is not provided.

3

They charge a 4% 'Just Because We Can' fee on everything ordered.

02
Flying Saucer Draught Emporium image 1

Spacious pub with multiple seating areas including outdoor and upstairs, decorated with unique plates on walls for drink records. Atmosphere ranges from relaxed and cozy to noisy and rowdy, often filled with beer enthusiasts enjoying an extensive beer selection and games like darts and shuffleboard.

Club sandwich stands out with its classic flavors. Loaded tater tots come hand rolled and topped with goat cheese. Chicken wings and fish and chips also deliver solid American food options.

Ridiculously large range of craft beers defines the bar's selection. The vibe leans toward a traditional pub feel rather than modern or trendy.

People are saying

"I found a huge beer list with dozens of taps and cans."

"This bar has an impressive selection of beers from around the world."

"I loved their hundreds of beers on tap and in bottles."

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every Tuesday with a $5 entry fee.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with $5 drafts.

3

Wednesdays feature $10 flights of beer.

03
Edgar's Hermano image 1
Tex-Mex restaurant

Tex-Mex restaurant offers a cool, calm atmosphere with a quiet ambiance that supports easy conversation. Live music plays in the evenings, and the bar features TVs for watching games. The space accommodates a fairly large crowd without feeling crowded.

Steak nachos stand out as a hearty appetizer. The club sandwich comes with crispy fries. Fried cinnamon apple pie serves as a sweet finish.

Friendly bartenders like James, Martha, and Jose create a welcoming vibe and offer helpful local tips. The outdoor bar serves light dishes and suits casual hangouts or watching games.

People are saying

"The bartenders here remember your name and what you drink."

"I loved the fried cinnamon apple pie and steak nachos."

"The breakfast service here is wonderfully speedy and friendly."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from Monday to Friday, 3-6 pm.

2

The restaurant is located on the second floor of The Whitehall Hotel.

3

Expect higher prices for breakfast items compared to typical meals.

04
Cellar7 image 1
American restaurant

Eclectic mid-century style restaurant with cozy vibe and bubbly decor offers both indoor and nice outdoor seating. Atmosphere is stylish and lively, though loud music can make conversation difficult. Frequented for tasty food and a great bar with well-crafted cocktails.

Steak and Eggs and chicken fried chicken offer classic American flavors. Braised Short Rib Pappardelle and Angus burger add hearty, rich options. Truffle Risotto and Truffle Fries bring a gourmet twist to the menu.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and of excellent quality."

"The oyster bar here has the best oysters in town."

"The American Food here is delicious, especially the macaroni and cheese."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with special drink prices.

2

Cellar7 offers a variety of finger foods during happy hour.

3

Parking is free at the nearby 601 Travis St parking garage.

05
Kulture image 1
Restaurant

Live band with R&B vibe sets a whole vibe atmosphere, balancing energy and sound perfectly. Spacious layout with round tables encourages conversation, complemented by a classy professional design and soothing city views. Cocktails and food, including exceptional fried chicken and best-ever biscuits, enhance the dining experience.

Catfish and grits come topped with shrimp and crab, adding rich seafood flavors. Cornbread is moist and flavorful, pairing well with butter and jam.

Staff at the bar provide attentive service and engage well in conversation. Bar seats are spacious and well-cushioned with a foot-bar, offering comfort for long stays.

People are saying

"The food here is flavorful and soulful, truly finger-lickin' good."

"The Brunch service was attentive, friendly, and professional."

"You'll be craving the shrimp and grits from the Bar for a long time."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for live music events on weekends.

2

Parking is validated in the attached garage for up to two hours.

3

Expect large portion sizes that exceed typical restaurant servings.

06
The Palm - Downtown Houston image 1

Upscale steakhouse with Italian flair and old-school dining style offers private themed rooms and live piano and vocal performances. Ambiance ranges from quiet and cozy in private spaces to lively with music in main areas. Booth seating and a comfy bar create relaxed spots for dining or drinks.

Sea Bass and Prime Rib come out cooked perfectly with sides like Brussel sprouts and risotto. Crab cakes and lobster ravioli stand out as outstanding dishes. Key Lime Pie finishes the meal on a sweet note.

Service at the bar stays impeccable with super good attention. Thomas behind the bar offers a lovely spot to sit and enjoy drinks any time of day.

People are saying

"The food and ambiance at these dinner spots are exceptional."

"The American Food here is great, especially the service from Jesse and Lydia."

"The service at the bar was super good and attentive."

Good to know

1

Valet parking is available, which is helpful in downtown Houston.

2

The restaurant offers a July promotion of 50% off all wines over $100.

3

An 8 oz fillet costs $56, and a side of mushrooms is $16.

07
Victory image 1
New American restaurant

New American restaurant combines intimate dim lighting with loud hip hop and R&B music creating a lively, energetic atmosphere. Small space features upscale decor and booths suited for groups or dates. Hookah service complements strong, well-crafted cocktails, making it a vibrant spot for late-night socializing.

Lamb chops come out cooked exactly as requested, paired often with Mac and cheese and collard greens. Shrimp with grits and oxtail also appear as solid choices in the American food lineup.

Beautiful setting with a newly opened restaurant and lounge. Service at the bar is handled by Myles and Hannah, known for their attentive care.

People are saying

"The food here was perfectly cooked and amazing."

"The bar service from Janell and Myles was attentive and friendly."

"The American Food here is great, thanks to the attentive and friendly service."

Good to know

1

Happy hour specials are available during the week with great food and cocktails.

2

A 20% service charge is automatically added to all bills, which may not be disclosed upfront.

3

Valet parking is unavailable; alternative parking must be found.

08
McCormick & Schmick's Seafood & Steaks image 1

Private booths with curtains offer quiet privacy in a gorgeous, upscale setting. A huge shaded patio invites larger groups for outdoor dining. The atmosphere ranges from comfortable and beautiful to occasionally loud with blaring music.

Crawfish etouffee with grits stands out alongside a medium-rare ribeye steak with a seared crust. The menu includes apple pie dessert that gets repeated praise.

Happy hour runs from 3 to 6:30 pm with a mix of cocktails, wine, and beer. The bar atmosphere feels lively and the GM helps keep up with demand, making it a smooth experience.

People are saying

"The seafood here is great, and the servers are genuinely one of the best."

"The American Food here is great, and the service is attentive."

"You have to check out the bar's happy hour deals, especially the tacos."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 6:30 pm with great drink specials.

2

Taco Tuesday offers excellent deals on tacos during happy hour.

3

Reservations are recommended for large groups, especially during busy times.

09
Toro Toro image 1
Steak house

Open-concept dining space with floor-to-ceiling windows offers stunning city views and a classy yet chill vibe. Festive decor and live music create an elegant atmosphere complemented by well-crafted cocktails and a comfortable layout.

Lobster mac and cheese stands out with rich, creamy flavors. The 20 oz cowboy prime rib arrives perfectly seasoned and cooked. Eggs Benedict features a surprising brioche base that adds a nice touch.

Beautiful bar area stands out right by the elevator. It offers a fabulous setting within the hotel, close to convention and business centers.

People are saying

"The food here is phenomenal, especially the empanadas and desserts."

"The empanadas here are perfectly fried with a sweet corn filling."

"The American Food here is great, and the staff is so friendly."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during busy events like restaurant week.

2

Valet parking is available but can be expensive; check for validation options.

3

An automatic tip is added to the bill, which may lead to double tipping.

10
China Garden Restaurant image 1
Chinese restaurant

Rosewood tables and hand-painted dividers create a dated 1980s decor with a family atmosphere that feels like visiting home. The space includes a full bar with a welcoming bartender and offers large group seating with lazy Susans. The environment is cozy but can feel stuffy due to lack of windows.

Chicken wings stand out with strong flavor and quality. Cornbread, egg rolls, and hush puppies with a crunchy shell and soft center add variety to the American food options.

Cozy bar inside the restaurant offers a full bar with a very nice bartender. The bar looks inviting and provides a good selection.

People are saying

"I found the egg rolls here to be amazing and fried perfectly."

"The American food egg rolls here are massive and flavorful."

"I could make a whole meal off these egg rolls."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has its own parking lot, which is convenient for downtown visitors.

2

There is a good amount of street parking available nearby.

3

Sunday brunch is a popular time to visit, offering a unique experience.

11
The Nash image 1
New American restaurant

Space combines scored concrete floors with simple table setups, creating a quiet, calm ambience that suits private dining well. The atmosphere feels pleasant and peaceful, with a gorgeous interior that contrasts with a generally low activity level.

Texas Style Tater Tots stand out with a crispy texture, though some find them less crunchy. Both the short rib pappardelle and shrimp linguini offer solid American flavors paired with the tots.

Cori at the bar crafts tasty drinks and adjusts recipes to match taste preferences. The bar offers a fun drink selection for a casual hangout.

People are saying

"The food during Happy Hour is exceptionally good, like a magazine photo."

"The bartenders here are friendly and make beautiful, tasty cocktails."

"The American food, especially the tater tots, was very good."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm with $12 cocktails and appetizers.

2

Reservations are recommended for private dining for groups of 22-28 people.

3

Valentine's Day features a special set menu with appetizer, entree, and dessert.

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Central Business District, Houston

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