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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of University Place

Cool food spots

A place to eat that feels cool because of the crowd and the vibe, not because itโ€™s trying too hard to be trendy.

Based on 641 Opinions
+638
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Updated May 2026
01
Dave's Hot Chicken image 1
Dave's Hot Chicken image 2
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Chicken restaurant

Small space with outdoor seating and cool decor creates a chill vibe. Loud chair noises and poor acoustics affect the atmosphere, but good music adds energy. Crowd enjoys spicy, crispy chicken with bold flavors.

Food features perfectly seasoned chicken with tender sizes and consistently amazing flavor. Service complements the excellent food, making every visit satisfying.

Quiet vibe with super clean facility and fast service. Walls and decor feature cool art that adds to the atmosphere.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"I loved that all the food here is Halal."

"The staff here are super friendly and upbeat."

Good to know

1

Parking is generally easy at this location.

2

The price for a single chicken tender is $4.95.

3

They serve halal food options.

02
Sushi by Hidden image 1
Sushi restaurant

Sushi restaurant hides behind an art gallery with an intimate setting seating about 12 people per session. The atmosphere is intimate and casual, enhanced by colorful curated art and a speakeasy concept. Sushi is prepared right in front of diners, offering fresh, creative nigiri and a well-curated sake selection.

Amazing food shines in every dish, paired with excellent service and a serene atmosphere that enhances the dining experience. The lunch omakase offers phenomenal flavors at a clear value point.

The spot offers a cool and intimate environment with a quick experience. The chefs and staff add to the cool atmosphere throughout.

People are saying

"The sushi here is so well crafted, with delicious fish."

"The food here is thoughtfully crafted and beautifully presented."

"The food here is amazing, fresh, and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required due to limited seating in this small restaurant.

2

The 12-course omakase costs $60 for lunch and $75 for dinner.

3

Sushi by Hidden is BYOB with a $20 corkage fee for a 720ml bottle.

03
Japanese Ramen Gachi image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small space with stylish wooden booths and dim lighting creates an intimate, chill vibe. Playlist adds to the clean and cute atmosphere. Known for authentic ramen that many consider the best outside Japan.

Serious attention to detail shows in every dish, with consistently fabulous flavor and delicious preparation. Food quality stays excellent even when the place is understaffed.

The spot has a cool ambiance with a relaxing atmosphere that stands out.

People are saying

"I found the ramen here to be delicious with a rich, flavorful broth."

"The ramen here is a warm hug, seriously delicious."

"It's a cool place with a relaxing atmosphere."

Good to know

1

Ample parking is available nearby.

2

Expect to wait during peak hours due to the small space.

3

The restroom cleanliness is a concern, with reports of it being dirty.

04
The Owl image 1

Bar features an old vault room and patio seating that create distinct spaces for socializing and relaxing. Atmosphere blends dim lighting with owl motifs, offering a mix of classy and fun vibes. Games like darts and trivia, plus a jukebox, add to the lively, eclectic energy.

Food here offers good drinks paired with late night options. The dishes are decent and satisfy typical bar cravings.

Low-key vibe makes the place feel extra cool and easy to miss. Service stays cool, matching the trendy atmosphere for enjoying handcrafted drinks.

People are saying

"It's a super chill, laid-back neighborhood bar."

"It's a cool spot with a great vibe."

"The food here is pretty good, especially the pizzas."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs until 7pm with drinks and free popcorn.

2

Trivia night happens every Tuesday, making it a fun night out.

3

The bar stays open until 2am for late-night patrons.

05
The Podium at Porsche River Oaks image 1

Bar inside a garage with a Porsche theme and contemporary industrial design offers a relaxed, quiet atmosphere ideal for work or casual drinks. Cocktails and coffee receive positive attention, complemented by views of Porsche models. Space feels open with some temperature variation due to air conditioning.

Food includes tasty cocktails, salami pesto sandwich, and prepared snacks from a food truck. Pastries and drinks are available but no full food menu inside.

A relaxing vibe makes it a cool spot to work or chill without feeling crowded. The mix of a bar, coffee shop, and workspace next to a Porsche dealership adds a unique edge.

People are saying

"The coffee here was surprisingly delightful and great."

"It's a really cool spot with a chill vibe for drinks or work."

"The food and drinks here are really tasty."

Good to know

1

Valet parking is available, but there is no self-parking option.

2

Cashless payments are required; no cash is accepted.

3

Customers must make a purchase within 30 minutes to stay.

06
Frnds image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant combines modern sophistication with a relaxed vibe and peaceful atmosphere. Live DJ plays energetic but balanced music, allowing conversation without overpowering sound. Seating includes outdoor area and cozy armchairs, creating a comfortable and inviting space.

Food here offers a fantastic dining experience with a focus on quality and taste. The combination of excellent service and a relaxing atmosphere complements the meals well.

Sweet employees create a welcoming vibe. The atmosphere stays cool with good music and good drinks.

People are saying

"The food here is outstanding, fresh, and full of flavor."

"The servers here are so attentive and make great suggestions for your date."

"The atmosphere here is so cool and has a great vibe."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on Thursdays with no actual discounts.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially for larger parties of 8 or more.

3

Expect long wait times for food during busy events, like ladies night.

07
Under the Volcano image 1
Cocktail bar

Tiki bar offers authentic decor blending traditional and modern styles with a cozy but lively atmosphere. Indoor and outdoor seating includes a beautiful patio with smoking allowed. Music features an eclectic jukebox and live performances, creating a unique vibe.

Small menu offers great food with a discount option every night. Food pairs well with drinks in a casual, neighborhood bar setting with minimal table service.

Atmosphere offers a relaxed vibe with cool artwork on display. Drinks and bites add to the chill hangout feel.

People are saying

"I found the cocktails here to be expertly made and creative."

"I thought the food and drinks here were fantastic."

"It's a cool place with a beautiful, trendy atmosphere."

Good to know

1

On Mondays, they offer a $27 steak night with ribeye or strip, served with salad and mashed potatoes.

2

On Tuesdays, they offer a huge discount for Taco Tuesday.

3

Live music happens every Wednesday night.

08
Grand Prize image 1

Two floors combine a lively dance area with a chill, spacious back patio. DJs rotate regularly upstairs, creating a dynamic music scene while colorful lights add a fun, vibrant atmosphere. Pool tables and outdoor seating offer relaxed options alongside the energetic dance floor.

A variety of food and drink options fills the space, with pop-up kitchens serving bar food that stands out. Cocktails complement the great food offerings well.

Fun hidden back patio creates a chill vibe. Cool dance parties and local events add energy. Happy hour draws a laid-back crowd.

People are saying

"I found the bar to have a fun dive bar energy."

"It's a cool spot with a hidden patio and chill vibes."

"The food here, like the shawarma fries and wings, is great."

Good to know

1

Parking is free, but it's street parking only in a residential area.

2

Expect limited parking availability, especially on weekend nights.

3

On Wednesday nights, they host a drag show that starts earlier than most.

09
Simone on Sunset image 1
Cocktail bar

Cocktail bar offers a cozy, chic atmosphere with outdoor patio and secret dance floor. Music ranges from chill to salsa, supporting a laid-back yet lively vibe. Comfortable seating and illuminated menus enhance the experience.

Food here offers great taste with a homemade feel and includes a fantastic late-night menu. The charcuterie board stands out as a highlight despite generally small servings.

Small intimate bar setting with comfortable seating creates a cozy yet stylish atmosphere. The vibe feels effortlessly cool and welcoming from the moment you walk in.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are innovative, thoughtfully crafted, and truly next-level."

"The food here is always delicious and great."

"The drinks here are next-level, innovative, and thoughtfully crafted."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4 PM to 7 PM, Monday through Friday, with great drink deals.

2

Thursday nights feature a special steak night with perfectly cooked steaks.

3

Parking is limited, but valet service is available for $5.

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University Place, Houston

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