Houston

A friend told me of the current discussion about where to eat in Houston.  This topic went around (including San Antoinio and Austin) about a year ago.  I have attached the articles I saved. I apologize for not giving credit to the people who originally submitted the articles, but in the interest of saving file space I deleted all the headers.

In my own opinion, Houston is a great place to find good food for usually reasonable prices.  While there, also check out the ethnic or neighborhood festivals that are going on.  These are great places to find good food, with a lot of atmosphere.

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I was in Austin a couple of weeks ago and got to visit a few restaurants there, so this information is from someone who was just passing through. The restaurants I'd recommend are:

	The County Line - I had the best Texas Style BarBQ Ribs here.
			  it has a pleasant atmosphere, overlooking a
			  lazy river, complete with turtles.  As with
			  most restaurants in Austin you don't have to
			  dress up for this.  For a pleasant, casual
			  lunch or dinner, I would give it an 8+.

	The Oasis - For it's atmosphere.  We went there to watch the
		    sunset and drink beer so I can't tell you how the
		    food was.  It's the only place I know of that
		    people applaud the sunset, but it was great.

	The Old San Francisco - A great place.  The decor was San
				Francisco in the 1880's with
				appropriately attired hostesses and
				hosts.  It even had a lady on a swing.
				You have to put on a clean shirt and
				pants (or skirts, if so inclined) for
				this place.  For a nice dinner (~
				$25/person) I would definitely
				recommend it. A 9.

I don't know the addresses but I'm sure these places are listed.

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In Austin, I'd recommend the Brick Oven (though I'm only a college student and not exactly and expert on such things).  Also, for more college student style dining, I recommend:  Conan's Pizza and Thundercloud Subs.  Both of these places have _wonderful_ food, but not the quietest of atmospheres.

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Well, if you get to Houston, give Genghis Khan Mongolian BBQ (in the 9300 block of Bellaire Blvd.) a try -- it's a buffet-style place, with grills at each table so you can fix your beef/chicken/pork/spiced beef the way you like it.  There's the standard assortment of Chinese veggies to go with that, and tons of some pretty good fried rice -- and a soy sauce that's hard to resist.  It's kept the wife and I coming back at least twice a month for a couple of years, now.  (It helps that we live in a block of apartments right behind the 9300 block of Bellaire. :) Evening is the most expensive time, and the buffet at that time (with tax and tip) will only come out to $10-12 a person.

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Aniekan A. wrote:
=-
=-	The Oasis - For it's atmosphere.  We went there to watch the
=-		    sunset and drink beer so I can't tell you how the
=-		    food was.  It's the only place I know of that
=-		    people applaud the sunset, but it was great.
=-
   The view is fantastic, and the food is uniformly abominable.  It
seems that the scenery is so good that they can get away with serving you almost anything.  A good solution is to go the Oasis for drinks, and then take the scenic drive down 620, across the dam, to the County Line.  The County Line has an outdoor view of its own that is quite respectable.  Even better: get take-out from the County Line and eat it at the Oasis. :-)

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In article  [email removed] (logan shaw)
writes:
=-
=-In Austin, I'd recommend the Brick Oven (though I'm only a college
=-student and not exactly and expert on such things).  Also, for more
=-college student style dining, I recommend:  Conan's Pizza and
=-Thundercloud Subs.  Both of these places have _wonderful_ food, but
=-not the quietest of atmospheres.
=-
	Ahem, I feel an urge to lightly flame-broil this article. :-) Brick Oven makes interesting and delicious pizza, and Conan's is inoffensive, if somewhat unremarkable, but Thundercloud Subs?  Give me a break.  Gray slabs of lunchmeat that was sliced last week and is dripping with condensation on bread that's just a larger version of a Wonder hot dog bun.  The fact that most Americans wouldn't know a decent piece of bread if it dented their car fender notwithstanding, one might at least expect a sub to survive the trip home without turning into cream of wheat.  For subs made with good-to-tolerable bread in Austin try Texas French Bread, Upper Crust Bakery, Hickory Baked Honey Hams, or Delaware Subs, more or less in that order.

	Next people will be recommending Subway.  Sheesh.

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In San Antonio, Romano's Macaroni Grill out on I-10 West is fantastic.  The place is generally crowded so go early.

-Sean

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For Houston---

1: (very casual) Fudruckers.  Yes, I realize they have this elsewhere, but those fries just take on a life of their own in the Fud's in Houston.  And, depending on how big your appetites are,  be very careful about the size of burger you order.  Almost fast food, but GOOD, and priced nice.

2: (casual) Atchapalayas (not sure about spelling here- pronounced Schaf-ah-lie-ahs).  Incredible Cajun food.  About 10-15 minutes out of town.  Dishes like Alligator Tail for the adventurous, Popcorn shrimp for the non.  Pretty good prices (esp for lunch).  Nice sit-down dining.

Just a few suggestions from a transplanted Texan.

					The Asparagal,
					Laura A. ([email removed])

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I like a little french restuarant called Ches Nous.  Its just south of 6'th in downtown.  Sorry, you'll have to look it up in the phone book. Or just drive down 6'th and look to the south, its fairly easy to spot.

Anyhow, if you just get the standard dinner, its $15.  Its not very fancy so you can go in blue jeans.  The owner usually has blue jeans on in fact.  Its really quaint and quiet.  The worst part about it is the stupid french music.  Ahhhg!

pedz

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Let's see now...

Forget the Oasis -- food is "ta kill ya"... The view's okay -- too postcardy for me. And please, forget all these sub-places, Conan pizzas, and the like -- they're for underground barbarians not food lovers!

You were already told about The County Line. It is fine -- I recommend the "Country Style" all you can eat for 4 people (sorry no doggy bags on that one).  You can always pair up with another couple if you're only two (Austinites are really nice people). Skip lunch and go for dinner. You may have to wait some (they don't take reservations) but you can do that sipping frozen margaritas on the wooden terrace by "Lake" Austin (actually a river...).

For "real grubby" and (in my opinion) better BBQ than the County Line, I'd recommend "The Iron Works" on 1st St -- if I remember correctly -- (right off I35). Now that ain't no BBQ for sissies but fer real bull ridin' Texans!

My best recommendation for Mexican is a stupendous vegetarian Mexican restaurant: Mother's (on 45th and Duval). I am not a vegetarian, but I would not mind being one eating there all the time. I recommend... everything!

I'd mention also Jeffreys (on 12th and Loop 1). Choice of French, Asian, their own inventions -- all superb! And fantastic desserts...

For the best hamburger in all the US of A (and therefore the world) you must try Fuddruckers (there's one on Anderson Lane and Burnet and another one somewhere in south Austin). We're not talking about McStuff or GoryKing, we are talking about amazingly fresh meat and huge portion and pickles, relish, cheese, onions, jalapenoes, and tomatoes galore!

Finally, perfect for a relaxed but exquisite dinner before hitting "the 6th" -- 6th street, the cultural heart of Austin -- for a music night, I must recommend my good friends Robert and Pascal, owners of "Chez Nous" a very unpretentious but genuine french restaurant (on 6th and Neches). These two guys offer a simple menu of deliciously refreshing french summer dishes perfectly designed for Austin's weather.  If you go, do say I -- Hassan Ait-Kaci -- recommended their place on the net (show them a printout of this message) and I can bet sure that they will offer you a fine bottle of Beaujolais or dessert on the house... Say hello from me by the way!

Bon appetit!

-hak

PS/ Gee -- I miss Austin...

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All this talk about restaurants/pizza in Austin has made me nostalgic.

When I attended UT ( 82 - 86 ) there was a place in Austin on Guadalupe near 29th called Milto's Pizza Pub.  Does anyone know if it is still there.  The pizza was good and plentiful, and they had wonderful greek salads and baklava.

My little brother, who attends UT now, says that he has never heard of Milto's.  Anyone else in Austin have any information?

What about the burger place down near Dobie Center, where the help is always so rude to the patrons?  Damn!  I can't remember the name, but it's the place where you get really ragged on if you order anything but the cheeseburger platter.  Oh, I remember:  GM Steakhouse.  Still there?

Ah the good old days.  ;-)

								- Max

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Jeff, in Austin you could try the following restaurants

TexMex food: Trudys Texas Star at 409 W. 30th street. The food
	     is not too spicy.
Mexican: Matts El Rancho at 2613 S. Lamar. Real mexican food
	 and can be spicy if you wanted.

If you're in Austin and don't try barbecue, you're missing out.

Barbeque: Iron Works at 100 Red River. This place is a typical
	  Texas style barbecue place and is higly recommended.
	  The place has been around since the civil war and is
	  a Texas landmark. Good ribs.
Barbecue: County Line at 5204 FM.2222. A little expensive but
	  excellent barbecue. Try the ribs and peach cobbler.
TexMex'ish: Not too bad and open till early hours of the morning.
	    Good fajitas and black beans. Located close to campus
	    at 3704 Kerbey Lane.

Houston: Try the cajun seafood place called Papadeux's on Westheimer.
	 i.e. I'm kinda of sure it's on Westheimer. There is a branch
	 here in Austin but it ain't as good.

					Regards
					Zahid

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Chex Fred makes very good breakfasts, as does the Good Eats Cafe. Carlos for coffee, Kirby Lane, and the Omellettry are other great choices.  Food at OASIS ain't great, but one of the better views in town.  Chui's has atmosphere and Mejican food.  Also the Jalisco Bar. Best fajitas are at the Hyatt of all places.

g

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The Goode Company restaurants are worth considering.  One is a Texas Barbeque place whose atmosphere is as good as the food. Number Two is a hamburger/TexMex place complete with outdoor patio.  Number three is a Seafood place.  They're all located on or about Kirby just south of Highway 59.  All casual, all in the range $5-$15 (I've never actually been to the seafood place, but I believe that it's about in the same range).

There's a place down in Clear Lake (close to the Johnson Space Center) called Frenchie's.  If your down in that area, then you should seriously consider going.  For lunch they serve huge sandwiches on sourdough bread.  For dinner they serve Italian fair (despite the name).  Some of the astronauts frequent the place and there is an entire wall of autographed pictures of astronaut teams.  It's located along NASA Road 1 between Highway 3 and NASA, but I can't remember the exact cross-street anymore.

		William LeFebvre

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If you are in austin and want good steak, (IOWA CORN FED BEEF) go to Dan McKlusky's (sp?) on 6th street.

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 I'm a misplaced Native Texan - lived in Austin near 10 years.
 Worked for Schlotzsky's just after the Accountants bought it and
 banned cutoffs, fraternizing with customers, and giving away day-old
 bread.  Has Schlotzsky's survived in Austin?  I used to live on one
 sandwich/day.  They opened one out here in Santa Cruz and I was so
 offended - it looked like any other slick, neon fast food joint
 with high school kids in uniforms (instead of college kids wearing
 whatever) and offered other stuff besides just Schlotzsky's! (like
 soup and salad).  They didn't last too long.  Didn't quite have
 the taste I remember.

 I'm going home in a couple of weeks - should I even bother?

 BTW - same goes for Conan's.  Used to be GREAT!  Have they changed
 as well???

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In Austin there is a "down Home" (pronounced mass quantities of good home cooking) place on North Lamar.  THREADGILLS.  It used to be an old gas station years ago.  The owner at that time, Kennith Threadgill used to shut it down on Sunday afternoons and break out his guitar and some friends would drop over and they would sit around, play and sing.  He finally was making more from the beer and food that he closed down the pumps!  He was the one that discovered Jannis Joplin (or so the story goes).

Sorry, back to the main point.  They have  about 20 or so main dishes and probably 20~30 vegies, corn bread, home made biscuits and deserts. The last time I was there I ordered their chicken livers (I know, I know) and what I got was a plate about 7" by 12" that was piled up about 6" high!  The dinners include 2 vegies (large portions) and usually cost less than $5.00! Most people can not finish what is put on the table, doggie bags are allowed.  Dress?  If you don't get arrested wearing it in public, they won't ask you to leave.  Shoes are required though.

The food is wonderful!  Got to go, this has made me hungry, see you at Threadgills!

Pat

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I tend towards the informal places myself, and have never ordered a bottle of wine with dinner, so you should bias the following appropriately.

The best barbecue in Austin is likely to be found at the Iron Works or either of the two county line locations (one, on 2222 just east of 360 was already described.  The other is on 2244 just west of 360.).  If you should decide to go to the Iron Works, keep in mind that they are only open weeknights, and close at 9 or 10.  For a more relaxed atmosphere, you might try the Salt Lick, on 1826 just east of Driftwood, about 15 miles southwest of Austin.  Other nearby towns also have highly recommeneded barbecue (Black's and Kreutz market in Lockhart, Elgin Hot Guts, etc.).  Note that the "best" barbecue is a matter of taste.  Goode Company in Houston is regarded as one of the best by everyone I know, but I get nothing out of it.  I seem to be the only person in the world who thinks it tastes no better than cardboard.

While in Austin, you should visit Threadgill's for "southern style" food.  Unlike many such places, Threadgill's understands vegetables. I've taken to ordering the nine vegatable orgy.  Chicken Fried Steak is a local favorite.  Order Okra, particularly if you've never had it. Threadgill's gets quite busy on Friday and Saturday.  Arrive before 6:30 if you don't want to wait too long.  If you have to wait, you can amuse yourself with the free jukeboxes.

The Texas Chili Parlour serves very good chili, with standard "tacky sign" decor.  The last time I was there, that had added "yankee chili" to the menu.  The addition or lack of beans in Chili can get you into heated religious disputes, so be warned.

I must disagree with the suggestions of Fuddrucker's.  I don't care for large very greasy burgers.  "USDA GOOD" beef may just not be what I'm after.  I prefer Chili's, and it's also a chain these days.

For a good German restaraunt, try Cafe Mozart, on Exposition near Enfield.  It's more along the lines of a "nice" place, with wine and brie.

For breakfasts, you might try Las Manitas Avenue Cafe, on South Congress.  You can eat your migas on the patio out back.  If you prefer Omlette's or pancakes, try the Omlettry on Burnett at 49th or the Magnolia Cafe on lake Austin Boulevard, just west of loop 1.  Both feature Gingerbread pancakes, wonderful omlettes, and low prices.

The Catfish Parlour (way north on 183 or east on 71) serves very good fried catfish.  It has a beer batter, and is fried in cholesterol-free oil.  They have actual Burma Shave signs on the walls.

You probably can get better seafood where you are (California?) than is available here.  I have heard very good things about the City Grill, how ever, and South Point Seafood has always done well by me.

The best, and hottest, Thai food I have had in Austin is at the Thai Kitchen, on William Cannon Boulevard just west of I-35.  It's in a strip center opposite an HEB grocery.  You should be wary of the Hot-hot dishes.  The last time I ate there, I could still feel the meal burning in my gut the next day.

For good steaks, The Old San Franciso Steak House is a pretty good chain.  You *might* want to try Ruth's Chris Steak House in Houston. It's going to run you about $20 per person.  The best steak I ever had was there in 1983.  The one in Austin just hasn't seemed as good any of the times I've been.

There are many good chinese places in Austin. You might try Chinatown, Yunan Dynasty, Sea Dragon, or Tien Hong.  There are also a number of pretty poor chinese places as well.  Tien Hong has Dim Sum on Sunday, and I hear that it's very crowded then.

I haven't found a Tex-Mex place in Austin that I *really* like much better than the rest.  La Fonda San Miguel serves *authentic* Mexican cuisine, in fairly authentic decor.  The replaced the chairs a few years ago with some that are more comfortable, but less authentic.  Dinner here may run towards the top of the range you quoted.

Manuels', Chuy's (all three (?) locations), and El Arroyo serve good New Mex-Mex food.  All of them tend to get rather busy.  I've given up on having dinner at Chuy's several times because I wasn't willing to put up with a 45 minute wait.

How's that for a start?

William

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When I was on a business trip in Austin, there was a good New York style pizza place within walking distance of my hotel.  The place was in the Northcross Mall, but I forget the name.

Dave Alexander

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For really good hamburgers try Mad Dogs off the drag near the castillion dorm.  They are the best I've had.

------------------------------------------------------------------------ Help me out, O exiled Austinites!

About 7 years ago I spent a few days in Austin.  I ate at a restaurant out north of town that was a converted gas station (the reaally old, funky, flying-red-horse kind). They served the best home cooking I have eaten this side of Mom's kitchen table.  The name "Pendergast's" springs to mind, but I am not sure.

To the party making a swing through Austin, this place is definitely worth finding!

Jim

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William LeFebvre mentioned the Goode Company Seafood place, but hadn't been there.

The Seafood place is a little more fancy than either the BBQ or hamburger place, but you can still go in shorts and t-shirt...  Food ranges from OK to excellent.  The picante shrimp are usually right on target (my usual fare).  Onion rings are a must, and the side dishes with your meal are usually as exciting as the rest of the food, but that is typical Goode style...  Prices are in the $10-15 range. Follow the signs off of Kirby, because it's a good deal off of the road...

For the hamburger scene, Fudruckers is good, but there is better. Tookies in Seabrook (near NASA) has the best (IMHO) burgers around. They marinate and flavor the meat, have great buns, and good fries. The 99 is the standard fare.  Lots of food and messy.

I can't remember the name of the Italian place on West Gray that I used to hit from time to time... too bad, the food was almost always excellent, and the prices around $15/person.

I do remember Thai Pepper on Richmond (?) right off of Greenbriar/ Shepherd.  Excellent spicy Thai with good presentation and a nice atmosphere.  Leave the kids at home for this one.

Finally, for my FAVORITE restaurant in Houston, try Dong Ting in downtown Houston.  It is actually south of the main downtown area... look it up.  Food is southern Chinese (mostly seafood) served in a style that combines French and Asian styles.  The sauces and spices must be tasted to be believed.  Personal pick is the Crabmeat Bai Tzai, crabmeat and bok choy in a slightly sweet, but very rich, clear sauce.  Mmmmm...

Thanks for listening :-)
-- jaws

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I wouldn't say the BEST Mexican restaurants are along the Riverwalk. There are some decent ones (and you will pay more because of the location), but I found a place in the St. Mary's district (where there are a lot of nightspots and restaurants) called El Milagrito. This place looks like an old barber shop or gas station, converted to a restaurant, but with not much done to it. The floor has worn spots with several layers of linoleum showing through, the tables and chairs are mismatched, and the walls are covered with old, yellowed newspaper clipping and photos of Pancho Villa, etc.. There are no menus - just a handwritten menu on the wall. However, two people, getting the most expensive items on the menu can eat for under $10. The food is teriffic, and the atmosphere is fun (we had a gold-toothed waiter who spoke half Mexican and half English (be careful sir, the food is muy caliente!). The address is 3012 North St. Mary's, and the phone number is 734-8964. There's also a fun place on the Riverwalk called Dick's Last Resort, which is similar in nature to Ed Debevic's in Chicago or Durgin Park in Boston. It's one of those extremely informal places where the waiters and waitresses have a reputation of being "rude" to tghe clientele. The have a small menu, mostly fried foods like catfish, shrimp, chicken, etc., and the food comes served in a little metal pail. You'll hear things like "Silverware? You want silverware? I'LL give you silverware!" and "Hey - this wimp just ordered coffee!". You can sit outside on the patio, or indoors, where they have live dixieland jazz.

As for Houston, there's a great restaurant on Post Oak Road, near the Lincoln Hotel and The Galleria (a few miles from downtown) called Willie G's. They serve seafood, meat and cajun-style food, and have one of the largest menus I've seen in most restaurants. The food is great, the atmosphere is relaxed, and the prices are very reasonable. You should get there early, as it gets very crowded. A short distance away is Ragin' Cajun Po-Boys (at 4302 Richmond  623-6321), where you can get buskets of crawfish and a muffalotta that one person can't eat by themselves. They have a full menu of mostly cajun fare (they also have the standard "American" fare - hotdogs, hamburgers, etc.), and are extremely affordable. The atmosphere is similar to El Milagrito's, but the walls are adorned with postcrards and bumperstickers. There's also the Hard Rock Cafe downtown (you can't miss it - there's an old car with the lights on suspended from a pole about thirty feet off the ground in the parking lot. It's a Hard Rock, so if you've been to any of the others, you pretty much know what to expect.

These opinions are my own, and I don't live in or near either city (I'm a Bostonian). I've found these places while traveling for the company I work for, and have gone back to them several times on different trips to verify that they're consistent. Perhaps native Texans (God bless 'em) can help you out a little more.

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Favorite Restaurants in Austin:

  A) Italian - Mezzaluna. Located on Colorado Street.  Nouvelle meets
               Italian.  This place is a little trendy, and
		unfortunately, there are lots of folks who go there
		just to be seen, but the food is wonderful.
  B) Down Home - Virginias.  Located on South First Street.  Two little
               old ladies with about 10 ovens going at once.  This food
		is pure artery clogging cholesterol enriched down home
		yum!  Warning... They don't have air conditioning, so
		they only open when it's not too hot.
  C) Miscelleneous - Clarksville Cafe - Located on West Lynn.  Check
               out the quail, or any fish with their Chipolte Aioli
		Sauce.
               - Castle Hill - Located on South Lamar.  Very similar
               food to Clarksville.
               - Shoreline Grill -  Located on East First (yes, Austin
               has two First Streets) between the Crest Hotel and the
               Four Seasons Hotel.  Good food with an added bonus
		during the summer.  Try and get a table on the deck
		overlooking the river in the evening before dark.  If
		you're lucky, you'll get to see a swarm of about a
		million bats come flying out from under the Congress
		Avenue Bridge.
               - Hudson's on the Bend - Located on RR620 near Lake
		Travis. They are one of only a few places in or near
		Austin where it would be advised that one dress
		"appropriately".  They specialize in game food.  Try
		the smoked antelope for an appetizer.
               - Colorado Street Cafe - Located on, you guessed it,
               Colorado Street!  Good Sandwhiches and desserts.  They
               have a Jazz Band playing every night.  The place is sort
               of a hole in the wall, so you may have to pay close
               attention when trying to find it.
               - County Line -  2 locations.  The first is County Line
               on the Hill, located on Bee Caves Road.  The second is
               County Line on the Lake, located on RR2222 and
		overlooking a small inlet from Lake Austin.  Get the
		family Style, which is "all you can eat".  You can take
		the rib bones home, and if you have a fairly large dog,
		he'll appreciate it.

 Favorite Houston Spots
  A) Cajun - Probably a toss up between Pappadeaux's on Westheimer and
             Atchafalaya River Cafe, also on Westheimer.  Both of these
             restaurants are about 3 to 5 miles west of the 410 Loop.
             Try Pappadeaux's Po-Boy Sandwhich and don't pass up the
             Atchafalaya's Crawfish Bisque.
  B) Tex-Mex(ish)
             Try Pappasitos (From the folks that brought you
	      Pappadeaux's, Pappa's, Pappa-Mia, and others).  I think
	      that it's located on Richmond.

  Dru                         [email removed]

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Sorry, the latest scoop is bad news here. As of at least a couple of weeks ago, Clarksville Cafe went into remodeling mode to become expanded seating for Jeffrey's next door. Of course, Jeffrey's is owned by the same people that owned Clarksville, and who also own the Shoreline Grill, so it could be worse - but Clarksville was always a little more eclectic, casual and inexpensive.

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I have read several of the postings about Austin restaurants.  The County Line is quite good that is true.

However, if you want enjoyable food and a taste of what make Austin Austin, try these:

Chuy's.  Tex-mex parexcellence.  Wierd.  Velvet painting of Elvis.  Rear end of a '59 Mercury as Taco bar.  All tongue in cheek.  Food is very good.

Dirty's.  When someone mentions hamburgers and Fuddrucker's in the same ssentence, I am concerned.  Not that Fuddrucker's is bad. but it's a franchise for goodness sakes (as is Old San Francisco Steakhouse.) Dirty's (near the University of Texas) practically defines hamburger. Do not be frightened by the '50 decor and seemingly lack of cleanliness, neither the decor nor the hamburger's have changed in 40 years, but the place is unique and possibly wins the best hamburger in USA contest. Everything is freshly made.  Great onion rings, french fries, malts with real ice cream.  They even still have shaved ice in the sodas.

Randy

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I was compiling the recent Houston-San Antionio-Austin restaurant recommendations for a friend when I noticed that a couple of my favorites in Houston had not been mentioned.

Star Pizza -- IMHO the best pizza in Houston.  Truly awesome wheat
             crust.

Dolce and Fredo's -- (I am not sure on the spelling.)  Great ice
	      cream.  A little pricey, but worth it.

Nash D'Amico's Seafood and Pasta Bar -- (Now may be called the
	      Westheimer Seafood and Pasta Bar.)  Great seafood/
	      pasta dishes.  Even has the menu marked with low
	      fat healthy dishes.  (Warrants a trip to Dolce's
	      for desert to keep life in balance.)  This place was
	      even listed among the best in a past issue of Food
	      and Wine magazine.

kbb

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I'm surprised I haven't seen this one posted yet, but there's a Mexican joint in downtown Austin called Jaimie's Mexican Cafe (or something close to that).  I thought it was some of the best Mexican I've ever had.  It's in an apparently terrible part of downtown Austin.

I'll be heading to Houston soon.  Has anyone summarized the best spots there?  I'll be close to downtown, but I don't mind driving all over the place.  If a summary has already been posted, could some kind soul forward a copy to me?

Tom Salzmann

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Some of my favorite "mexican" restaurants in Austin serve New Mex-Mex food.  All of the locations of Chuy's have blue corn tortillas, and I believe that they serve sopapillas as well. Manuel's in downtown Austin also serves New Mex-Mex cuisine. I suspect that New Mex-Mex is also served elsewhere in the country.

William

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In Austin, for an alternate dining experience, try the West Campus Cafe on Rio Grande and 26th (?).  Very pleasant.  For San Antonio, go to Chrities seafood (the one with the big orange shrimp sign). I'm not sure where it is, as I haven't been to San Antone since I was 8 (I was born there) almost 20 years ago.  In the Metroplex (Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington) go to La Cacherelle (I'm not sure about the spelling, or location), which has one price for dinners (all superb) and an outstanding wine list.  Back in Austin, for great Bar B Q go to Logan's on 24th Street (very tasty combo sandwich, washed down with Shiner Bock).

Happy Eating,

Mike

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Hello!  Here is the corrected version of the summary...enjoy!

I left out adjectives like 'best', or 'favorite' etc.  since this is assumed.  Places that got more votes got some stars '**', and places that got mixed comments got '-'.                    -FK

DALLAS:

   La Cacherelle - one price dinner (all good), wine list.

HOUSTON:

   Atchapalayas -  Cajun.  10-15 minutes out of town.
   Goode Company restaurants - Texas Barbeque. atmosphere.
                               Number Two. hamburger/TexMex. patio.
                               Number Three. Seafood place. picante
			        shrimp, onion rings
                               All on or about Kirby, south of
				Highway 59.
   Dong Ting - Chinese. Try crabmeat with bok choi.
   Jeffreys - 12th and Loop 1. French, Asian all good. Desserts.
   Papadeux's - Cajun seafood, Westheimer
   Ragin' Cajun Po-Boys - 4302 Richmond, 623-6321, crawfish, muffalotta
   Ruth's Chris Steak House - Houston.
   Thai Pepper - Richmond off Greenbriar/Shepherd.  Spicy. Nice
		  atmosphere.
   Willie G's - a few miles from downtown on Post Oak Road, near the
                Lincoln Hotel and The Galleria. Seafood, meat, cajun
		 food.  Relaxed atmosphere. Reasonable. Crowded.

SAN ANTONIO:

   Christies - Seafood (big orange shrimp sign).
   Romano's Macaroni Grill - on I-10 West, go early, it's crowded.

AUSTIN:

   Black's and Kreutz market - Lockhart, Elgin Hot Guts, etc. BBQ.
&&& Brick Oven - interesting and delicious pizza
   Carlos - coffee
   Catfish Parlour - (North on 183 or east on 71) good fried catfish in
                     beer batter, cholesterol-free oil.
**  Ches Nous - 6th and Neches. French.
   Chex Fred - good breakfasts
   Chinatown, Yunan Dynasty, Sea Dragon, or Tien Hong (dim sum).
   Chuy's - Tex-Mex.  Wierd.  Velvet painting of Elvis.  Rear end of a
            '59 Mercury as Taco bar.  All tongue in cheek.  Good food.
**  The County Line - 5204 FM.2222, BBQ, outdoor view. Country style.
		      Dinner.  Try the ribs and peach cobbler.
   Dirty's - Near University of Texas. Hamburgers. '50s decor. Fresh.
             Onion rings, french fries, malts with ice cream, sodas.
+   El Mercado - on S. First. Chicken Tampiquena, Chicken Adobo (hot)
-   Fudruckers - hamburger franchise.
   Good Eats Cafe - breakfast
+   Green Mesquite - BBQ. West of South Lamar on Barton Springs Rd.
                      or out of town in Dripping Springs. Sauce on the
                      table, good slaw, great cobbler, cold beer.
   Jaimie's Mexican Cafe - downtown Austin. Mexican.
   Kirby Lane - breakfast
   Las Manitas Avenue Cafe - breakfast, on South Congress.
   Logan's - 24th Street. BBQ. Comb sandwich, Shiner Bock.
   Matts El Rancho - Mexican 2613 S. Lamar. Real Mexican. Spicy.
&&& Mother's - 44th and Duval. Mexican.
-   Old San Francisco Steakhouse - franchise.
   Omellettry - breakfast
   Salt Lick - 1826 just east of Driftwood, about 15 miles SW of
		Austin. BBQ.
   Thai Kitchen - best and hottest. William Cannon Boulevard just
		   west of I-35.  In a strip center opposite an HEB
		   grocery.
**  The Iron Works - 100 Red River. Texas BBQ
&&& The Oasis - Good view, bad food. Go for drinks.
   The Texas Chili Parlour - good chili, with standard "tacky sign"
			      decor.
**  Threadgill's - North Lamar. 20 or so main dishes and probably ~25
		   veggies corn bread, home made biscuits and desserts.
		   Southern.  Chicken Fried Steak.
   Trudys Texas Star - TexMex 409 W. 30th street. Not too spicy.
   West Campus Cafe - Rio Grande and 26th. Alternate dining.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- &&& = Correction (thanks!)
**  = more than one vote
+   = new (since last posting)
-   = mixed review