10 Best Southwestern US Restaurants in Houston, Texas

Taste of Texas is a Houston steak house built around a highly interactive dining experience. Guests can choose steaks in the butcher shop, with options described as including Tomahawk ribeye, center-cut filet and other cuts, then pair them with a salad bar and homemade breads. The restaurant also suits family meals and birthday celebrations, with attentive service and a kid-friendly setting described in customer accounts.

Maximo is a Mexican restaurant in West University Place serving lunch, dinner and brunch in a casual, cosy setting. Its menu includes small plates, vegetarian options, comfort food, desserts, beer and cocktails, while catering and takeaway are also available. Maximo suits diners who want specialized Mexican cooking, an intimate atmosphere and attentive table service. Dinner reservations are recommended.

Take The Wheel Restaurant is a Houston American restaurant known for wings, burgers, fried fish, shrimp, hushpuppies, sweet potato fries and daiquiris. It suits diners seeking casual comfort food, wing flavors or drinks, as well as customers considering lunch, dinner or catering. The lounge side can provide an alternative ordering area when the restaurant side is closed.

Field & Tides is a Houston bistro serving Gulf Coast and Southern fare with craft cocktails in an airy, farmhouse-rustic setting. The menu has included oysters, redfish, scallops, shrimp risotto, pimento cheese fritters, deviled eggs and locally sourced salads. A private dining room accommodates 30 guests, making the restaurant suitable for dinners and small events.

Navy Blue is a Houston New American restaurant with an upmarket, quietly styled dining room, bar and private dining room. Its menu includes seafood, small plates, biscuits, desserts, cocktails and wine, with brunch, lunch, dinner and catering among the listed formats. It suits celebrations and polished meals, while attentive service and accommodation of dietary restrictions add to the experience.

Terrace 54 Bar + Table is a rooftop New American restaurant and bar in Houston’s Texas Medical Center. Its seasonal, locally sourced menus cover breakfast, lunch and dinner, with vegetarian and gluten-free options, wine and craft cocktails. Indoor and outdoor seating, a patio bar, fire pits and complimentary validated valet parking make it suited to everyday meals and special occasions.

Whiskey Cake Stafford is a New American restaurant in Stafford serving dishes such as steak frites, fish and chips, chicken and waffles, shrimp rigatoni, and chicken melts. Its menu is complemented by house-made hot sauce and mustard-seed ketchup, while the signature whiskey cake provides a focused dessert choice for diners with a sweet tooth. It can also accommodate large gatherings; one reported party numbered about 30.

Dish Society is a Houston farm-to-table restaurant serving all-day American fare, craft beer and wine. The menu suits diners looking for familiar dishes with fresh ingredients and thoughtful variations, including grain bowls, farmers plates, omelets, turkey sandwiches, shrimp and grits and seasonal offerings. Seating includes a comfortable interior and an outdoor patio, with both counter-order and full-service formats described.

Irma's Southwest is a casual Houston Mexican restaurant serving Southwestern favorites such as fajitas, shrimp tacos and combo platters. It suits diners seeking a relaxed meal, drinks or a family visit, with nachos, queso, guacamole and a signature lemonade also part of the experience. The downtown setting can be lively, loud and difficult for parking, and one account describes higher prices for a fairly standard portion.

Black Walnut Kitchen & Bar is a casual American restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch in Houston’s Rice Village. The renovated location pairs all-day dining with a full bar, covered heated patio and weekday happy hour twice daily, making it suited to meals, coffee breaks, studying or relaxed gatherings near Rice University.