Houston's Best Morning-After Brunch 2008

Picturesque River Oaks cottage for exciting French fare and affordable Sunday brunch.

Reviews:

• “Great place for a quiet lunch!”
• “Charming view, but inconsistent food and and inattentive service "
• “Wonderful Bistro”
• “Good Brunch.”
• “Wonderful!”

Tips: Be sure to make a reservation for Sunday brunch. It’s $18 and includes made-to-order omelets and crepes.

Bistro Calais French Cuisine

Dignified Mexican restaurant serves authentic fare in a 19th-century hacienda setting.

Reviews:

• “will not be visited again”
• “Would visit many more time….regardless of the other reviews”
• “Old and Funky”
• ""Entertainment" Ruined Experience"
• “Best Tex-mex in Houston hands down”

Tips: Planning a banquet? Consider booking one of the two large private dining rooms.

Las Alamedas

Praise to Buddha for this charming French-influenced downtown cafe.

Reviews:

• “Down the Drain!”
• “Spectacular Food and Service!”
• “Bigger is not better but more expensive and noisy.”
• “Bigger and Better”
• “Great Atmostphere and food”

Tips: Sunday brunch is served 10am-2pm. The $15 all-you-can-eat buffet is very popular, so reservations are recommended.

Dharma Cafe

Elegant New American fare and stylish surroundings at the St. Regis Hotel’s upscale dining room.

Reviews:

• “Great food and service”
• “very disappointing”
• “A Pleasant Surprise - Great Service”
• “Highly rated… and deservingly so!”
• “Best Restaurant in Houston”

Tips: After dinner, visit the Remington Bar for live music on the weekends and an upscale lounge atmosphere.

The Remington or email The Remington

Enjoy a menu with a healthful bent at this quirky Montrose hideaway.

Reviews:

• “Always Great!!”
• “one-of-a-kind neighborhood gem”
• “Avoid the “Special” – It’s probably Toxic!"
• “Bad food.”
• “Scrumptious meals – comfortable atmosphere”

Tips: Sunday brunch includes an omelette station, waffle bar, blintzes, salads, fresh fruit juices and various veggie dishes. Get there early. Reservations are not accepted.

Baba Yega Restaurant

Exciting regional Mexican cuisine in a stunningly earthy, Latin-inspired setting.

Reviews:

• “Great Sunday Brunch”
• “Great service!”
• “Well, I like it”
• “Bad Service”
• “Health Inspection Failed”

Tips: Hugo’s popular Sunday brunch is served from 11am until 3pm.

Hugo’s

Excellent sandwiches, desserts and delightfully detailed dishes served in a charming hideaway.

Reviews:

• “OMG!”
• “Wonderful experience”
• “EXCESSIVELY LOUD for Sunday brunch”
• “Fine meal and even finer service.”
• “Great Local restaurant that would be great for out of Town Guests”

Tips: Backstreet’s popular jazz brunch featuring the Bob Chadwick Trio is served on Sundays from 11am until 3pm.

Backstreet Cafe

One of Houston’s most picturesque restaurants scores as a special-occasion spot with game dishes and alfresco brunch.

Reviews:

• “Exotic, exciting cuisine”
• “Best Game Anywhere”
• “Ambience, Creativity, and Style”
• “Why bother:Bad service and subpar food – not worth the cost!”
• “Terrible Service”

Tips: The lush landscaping, citrus grove, kitchen garden and picturesque grounds make Rainbow Lounge a popular spot for weddings receptions and private parties. Call for reservations and catering menu prices.

Rainbow Lodge or email Rainbow Lodge

Once-gritty Montrose grotto now boasts a funky, yet friendly vibe, with good food and great desserts.

Reviews:

• “Average food, poor service, great ambiance”
• “Great brunch spot”
• “These people can make a drink!”
• “Houston classic”
• “Good pasta, delicious cakes, strong mojitos…nice afternoon hangout”

Tips: Long lines are common along the counter, but they go fast.

Empire Cafe

Upscale casual favorite in the Rice Village for innovative new American cuisine, a stylish lounge and weekend brunch scene.

Reviews:

• “Best white chocolate creme brulee, excellent customer service”
• “Terrific food, terrible ambience”
• “Not Bad”
• “Uh, No "
• “Great restaurant and great lounge”

Tips: For a post-work play date, the lounge upstairs is considered one of the hottest spots for stylish singles.

Benjy’s Restaurant or email Benjy’s Restaurant

Four Seasons restaurant features fashionable Italian dining in Euro-sleek style.

Reviews:

• “Very Nice but Food is…”
• “Young professionals are welcome”
• “Worst service ever! "
• “Excellent Italian American Food in Beautiful Setting”
• “A great night!”

Tips: This downtown restaurant gets busy at lunch. Avoid the two-hour business lunch by letting the waitstaff know that you’re on a schedule.

Quattro at Four Seasons Houston