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Best of Central Business District

Cocktails and lunch spots

A lunch spot that serves a real cocktail without making you feel like you are drinking at a nightclub.

Based on 936 Opinions
+933
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Updated May 2026
01
Zaranda image 1
Zaranda image 2
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Mexican restaurant

Space combines stylish interior with inviting patios and a lively u-shaped bar. Atmosphere blends luxury Baja feel with Boho chic vibes, creating a cool and elegant setting. Crowd includes groups and couples, with amenities like high chairs and private event spaces enhancing accessibility.

Cocktails come with flavor and detail in every glass. The menu offers an extensive list alongside wines.

Lunch features delicious Octopus and suits both business meals and casual dining. The spot offers a wonderful holiday lunch atmosphere.

People are saying

"The fresh seafood, especially the oysters, was my favorite."

"Carlos's cocktails are like works of art."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is fresh, stunning, and uniquely crafted."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers after work.

2

Valet parking costs $12 and can be paid at your table.

3

Zaranda has two private event spaces available for booking.

02
Bayou & Bottle image 1

Upscale hotel bar with an elegant, cozy atmosphere and prominent bar area alongside intimate booths. Guests enjoy top-notch bourbon selection and creative cocktails in a stunningly beautiful setting. A Top Golf simulator adds a unique entertainment option beyond typical bar offerings.

Flawless cocktail experience with generous pours and well-crafted drinks. The Orbit cocktail stands out as perfect, and newer creations include a tiramisu-inspired option.

Lunch here takes time, so plan for a long meal. The food offers a pleasant variety that suits a relaxed midday break.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the great cocktails and food here."

"The service at this dinner spot is always top notch."

"The service at this Lunch Spot is always superb and friendly."

Good to know

1

Bayou & Bottle is located inside the Four Seasons Hotel.

2

The restaurant offers a Wednesday special that is the best deal available.

3

Expect a busy atmosphere during Astros weekend.

03
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.

Unique cocktails stand out here, including a great old fashioned and the very good Arod cocktail. Recommendations pair drinks with food, making it a safe spot to enjoy both with friends.

Strong choice for business lunches with a setting that suits work meetings and celebrations. Lunch options satisfy a variety of tastes and keep the meal enjoyable.

People are saying

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

"The Texas Style Tater Tots were amazing."

"The Lunch Spot food is solid and tasty."

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.

04
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.

Cocktails show tasteful creativity with a range of flavors. The Mango Mujer stands out as a notably sweet option.

Wide and reasonably priced lunch menu offers variety. Welcoming energy from staff adds to the experience. Some dishes like Peruvian ceviche are not available at lunch.

People are saying

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

"The dinner spots here have so much flavor and perfectly cooked meats."

"The lunch spot's ambiance is stellar."

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.

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.

Cocktails come with great presentation, like the old fashioned served smoking. The menu offers distinctive flavors, including a mango lemon drop crafted by Marcus.

Limited menu offers very tasty options. It works well as a local lunch spot during busy times.

People are saying

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

"The cocktails here are beautiful and perfectly prepared."

"You have to try the shrimp and grits; they're life-changing."

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
Brasserie Du Parc image 1
French restaurant

Glass walls offer quiet people-watching with views of a green park outside. The space feels cozy and elegant with tasteful decor and a calm, pleasant atmosphere. Seating near the bar can be lively with foot traffic and music, while other areas remain peaceful.

A full bar offers wonderful signature cocktails with a focus on quality and flavor. Drinks like the amรจre rouge, a bourbon-based cocktail, stand out, and refills come quickly.

Lunch offers flexible menu options with the ability to substitute dishes like mushroom ravioli for a small upcharge. Meals come out fabulous and fit well between meetings or casual weekends.

People are saying

"The French food here, especially the steak frites, is perfectly cooked."

"The service at this Lunch Spot was fantastic."

"The cocktails here were amazing and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during busy hours.

2

Happy hour specials are available only in the bar area.

3

The restaurant participates in Houston Restaurant Week with a special menu.

07
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.

Specialty drinks like the Mrs. Claus cocktail and Old Fashioned stand out for their quality. Cocktails come expertly prepared, adding to a cozy ambiance with classic music.

Lunch features a 3-course menu with options like prime New York steak and sides such as hashbrowns. Specials and group lunches are common, with service sometimes noting item availability.

People are saying

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

"The lobster sandwich at this Lunch Spot was the spiciest I've ever had."

"The Mrs. Claus cocktail was so good I ordered two."

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.

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.

Happy hour offers a solid mix of cocktails, wine, and beer from 3 to 6:30 pm. Craft cocktails are generally well made and consistent, though some drinks can be too sweet during dinner.

Strong focus on business lunches with an environment that supports good conversation without loud background noise. Service is consistently good, making it suitable for professional meals.

People are saying

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

"The food at this lunch spot is consistently good."

"The craft cocktails here are really well made."

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
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.

Cocktails feature a tasty mix with options like the Rosey Elixir, which uses vodka but can be swapped for tequila blanco. The preparation skips shaking or stirring, offering a unique serving style.

Lunch offers excellent food with well-sized portions suited for business meals. Service can be slow, especially for appetizers, and a persistent smell lingers during the meal.

People are saying

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

"I'd return for a tasty cocktail or two."

"I found the lunch food here to be excellent."

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.

10
Rosalie Italian Soul image 1
Italian restaurant

Maximalist interior with bright pink walls and embroidered pillows creates an elegant, vibey atmosphere. Multiple seating areas offer different vibes, including a glass kitchen where cooks are visible. Attention to detail shows in decor, plating, and flavor profiles.

Complex craft cocktails offer solid variety and pair well with food. Menu design helps match drinks to dishes like salmon and berry tiramisu.

Lunch offers a three-course $30 special and sandwiches like the chicken parm. Meals run on the pricey side for casual dining.

People are saying

"The Italian food here is amazing, thanks to Tannis's great recommendations."

"The cocktails here are attentive and quick."

"This Lunch Spot is pricey for the quality of food."

Good to know

1

Valet parking costs $8 if validated by the restaurant.

2

Valet parking at the Baldwin hotel costs $35, which is quite high.

3

The menu at Rosalie Italian Soul is limited compared to what is posted online.

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