Montrose is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Houston. It is culturally diverse and houses a number of restaurants, cafe’s and bars. Many expats that move here are drawn to its artsy, funky atmosphere.
Generally speaking, Montrose is enclosed by Allen Parkway to the north, Highway 59 on the south, Shepherd Drive on the west and Bagby Street on the east.
Diane and Aleks, some of our Finding Houston readers and Montrose residents gave us their recommendations on Montrose Top spots.
Fine Dining – Indika has taken Indian food to a whole new level. It takes traditional Indian flavors and adds finesse to produce slow cooked lamb shank masala and pork chop vindaloo to name just two fantastic dishes.
Place to be seen – Brasserie 19 has its very own oyster bar which is visible in the restaurant if you want to watch your oysters being shucked. Whether you are at a table, at the bar or sat on the outside patio the ambiance is buzzing and the food does not disappoint.
Italian – Poscol. My favorite restaurant in Houston that doesn’t look much from the street but inside it is a cute, cozy restaurant and small bar serving Italian small plates and wines.
Brunch – Canopy offers a selection of weekend brunch options in a modern, light and airy environment. It’s a step up from the usual breakfast fare so try the eggs benedict or quiche which are both fabulous with a morning mimosa!
Casual Dining – Barnaby’s Cafe is an all natural cafe. They offer a selection of great salads and burgers. It’s very child friendly with an outside patio if you want to bring your dog.
BYOB – Just Dinner – a cute house which has been transformed into a cozy, bring your own Italian restaurant ($8 corkage). The menu changes dependent on what the chef was able to purchase at the farmer’s market. A local find…….look for the flag outside – signage is not immediately apparent.
Cafe – Epicure Cafe which has an extensive lunch menu of which the sandwiches shine but they also have AMAZING cakes so save room or take some home.
Coffee Shop – Dirks coffee shop has the best flavored coffee in Montrose – full of flavor but no bitterness. It doesn’t have a huge selection of snacks but it’s worth the visit for the coffee alone.
Book Store – Domy specializing in contemporary art & American culture as well as other unique and interesting subjects. The specialist bookstore also features art trunk shows periodically.
Vintage Clothing – Taxi Taxi offers vintage and new (albeit probably seconds) clothing. Take your old clothes to sell then shop for replacements. Great if you just want to mooch around but be prepared as it is a big store so you may be there a while.
Bakery – La Guadalupana Bakery is a mexican bakery and restaurant on 2109 Dunlavy St. Go for the empanadas alone or have a Mexican breakfast served by attentive staff. Very authentic Mexican bakery items.
Surf Shop – Soundwaves is a large music, surf and skate shop, they also very good selection of thongs (flip flops).
Gifts – Space offers made in the USA gifts from a variety of artists and crafters but it’s also easy on the wallet. Cute store with lots of unique and interesting gifts to browse among.
Bar – The Hay Merchant has so many craft beers, the beer menu is longer than the food menu! The beers are the star here but the chilli fries and gumbo are exceptional. Sit outside if you can as indoors if it’s busy can be noisy!
Live Music – Numbers is a live music venue that has been around for 33 years. When not showing live music they offer the largest video dance bar in the US with music and videos from different DJs.
British Pub – Rudyards Pub – beer, food, music and darts…….enough said.
Irish Pub – Kenneally’s – Offers great beer and great pizza.
Sports Bar – Firkin and Phoenix offers sports fans the opportunity to watch the games of the day including Aussie Rules! All whilst eating the usual fare of beer and wings.
Dive Bar – Lolas has been a ‘go to’ dive bar for residents and visitors alike for longer than anyone can remember. It’s an unmarked bar (no website either) but you will recognize it from its purple exterior. The interior is basic so don’t expect too much and you won’t be disappointed. The welcome is warm, the beer is cold and cheap and they don’t short change you on liquor measures. They are served in plastic glasses – well it is a dive bar!!
Cocktail Bar – Anvil cannot be passed up if you are a cocktail fan. Their mixologists are more than happy to prepare something from scratch otherwise they have a full cocktail menu to choose from. On the blackboard you will find a selection of local brews but don’t expect the usual brews so you might want to ask for a sample before you buy!
Supermarket – Whole Foods on Waugh is not your ordinary supermarket and the food alone is worth a visit. However, here you can also buy a local beer, glass (or bottle) of wine to enjoy at the bar inside (which after 5pm or at the weekend is buzzing) or take it outside and enjoy it in the sunshine. Lunch is also served if you fancy a slice of pizza or something from the sandwich deli. Finally how about watching a movie outdoors or listen to some live music. They have a full calendar of events online.
Tex Mex – Bocados– privately run little Tex Mex restaurant with a cozy and comfortable atmosphere.
What’s your favorite place in Montrose?
