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For those who love the bustling streets and city skyline, nothing beats food with a view! And even if you’re not exactly outdoorsy or picnic-type of person, you can still find some nice restaurants in Houston with great views.
Whether you’re new in town or visiting for a while, check out this list of the most scenic restaurants in Space City.
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1. The Grove
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It’s no secret why Houstonians and regular visitors love to eat at The Grove. The eatery affords guests a view of the beautiful downtown skyline and breathtaking views of Discovery Green Park.
Nestled in the age-old oak trees of the park, the glass-encased restaurant offers gourmet-level American cuisine ranging from tasty salads to grilled seafood.
This Houston restaurant has five private dining rooms that can comfortably house up to 240 guests at a go. At full capacity, the restaurant has an energetic atmosphere yet, it is not suffocating.
Enjoy lunch in the stylish indoor space or head to the patio for a mouthwatering dinner while taking in the beautiful night skyline.
Location
1611 Lamar Street,
Downtown Houston, TX 77010
Hours
Monday – Thursday: 11:00 am –10:00 pm
Friday – Saturday: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
Sunday: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Good to Know
- Child-friendly
- Business casual, upscale dress code
- Outdoor Dining/Patio
- Reservations, Takeout
2. Batanga
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It’s hard to beat Batanga when it comes to tapas and sangria, making it one of the nice restaurants in Houston for Latin cuisine.
The downtown joint is located right under the historic Market Square Clock Tower building with extensive outdoor seating.
Measuring 3,600 square feet, Batanga’s brick fairy-light-strung patio is arguably the largest in Downtown Houston. So, if you’re planning a large private party, you know where to go.
Dinner standouts include red snapper ceviche, pulled duck, and oxtail mole. Weekend brunch features vanilla pancakes, Mexican chorizo, and roasted chicken. Plus, you can get some of the least expensive Latin American-style flatbreads, wines, and mojitos during happy hour.
Location
908 Congress Street,
Downtown Houston, TX 77002
Hours
Tuesday – Thursday: 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Friday: 4:00 pm – 12:00 am
Saturday: 11: 00 am – 12:00 am
Closed Mondays
Good to know
- Reservations
- Free parking on city streets all day Sunday
3. Brasserie du Parc
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Brasserie du Parc makes Houston feels like Paris!
An excellent spot for private parties, business lunch, and date night, the authentic French Brasserie sits on the ground floor of the 37-story One Park Place tower. The patio affords guests a clear view of the famed Theater District and several luxury hotels.
The remarkable French restaurant is not only famous for its delectable soupe du jour at lunch or salade césar at dinnertime. The place is just a stone’s throw from Houston’s most attractive green space, Discovery Green, giving visitors a place to grab a quick bite at the crêpe window before continuing their tour of the park.
Location
1440 Lamar Street,
Houston, TX 77010
Hours
Monday – Wednesday: 11:00 am – 8:30 pm
Thursday: 11:00 am – 8:30 pm
Friday – Saturday: 11:00 am – 9:30 pm
Good to know
- Reservations, Takeout, Outdoor Dining, Counter Service
4. B&B Butchers & Restaurant
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Craving well-cooked steak? Run, not walk, to B&B Butchers & Restaurant for some swoon-worthy fillet.
This classic Houston deli has a rooftop patio that offers a different level of scenic exhilaration. Grab a charcuterie board or a Hungarian salami and liverwurst sandwich, and head out to the terrace for a choice skyline view.
The steakhouse and butchery are open daily for lunch, dinner, and late nights.
Location
1814 Washington Ave.,
Houston, TX 77007
Hours
Monday – Thursday: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Friday – Saturday: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Sunday: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Good to know
- Reservation
- Casual dress code
5. Brenner’s on the Bayou
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Brenner’s on the Bayou offers a picturesque view – something that’s not too common with many otherwise nice restaurants in Houston.
The rustic appeal – great-looking gardens complete with cascading waterfall – makes the joint a fantastic choice for date nights, weddings, and plenty of other social events.
For a charming alfresco view, step onto the patio and grab a martini at the Blue Bar. Or head into the chic dining for a menu packed full of filling steak dishes, including buffalo rib eye and wild boar chops.
Location
1 Birdsall Street,
Houston, TX 77007
Hours
Monday: 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Tuesday – Thursday: 11:30 am – 9:00 pm
Friday: 11:30 am – 10:00 pm
Saturday: 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Sunday: 11:30 am – 9:00 pm
Good to know
- Reservations, Outdoor Dining
- Private parties, Business lunch, Date night
6. Phil & Derek’s Restaurant & Wine Bar
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Phil & Derek’s is not just one of the nice restaurants in Houston for great Cajun-inspired dishes; it is also the place to be for the best live R&B and Jazz entertainment every single night.
Nestled cozily in the historical Gardens of Bammel Lane, the restaurant/bar has a stunning garden at the back. Bask in the beautiful view of the rose garden, greenhouse, and sparkling fountain from the floor-to-ceiling windows at the back of the restaurant.
Don’t miss the Sunday brunch! Get some hot eggs at the omelet station and some fried chicken and prime rib at the steam tables. The joint is usually packed on Sundays, so remember to make reservations.
Location
1701 Webster Street,
Houston, TX 77003
Hours
Monday: 11:00 am – 12:00 am
Tuesday: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Wednesday – Friday: 11:00 am – 12:00 am
Saturday – Sunday: 10:00 am – 12:00 am
Good to know
- Reservation
- AYCE Sunday Brunch
- Live band
- Comedy shows (limited seating)
7. Harold’s Restaurant & Tap Room
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Enjoy delicious Southern cuisine while taking in the view of the historic 19th Street with all of its many boutiques from Harold’s Restaurant & Tap Room.
Try the mac ‘n’ cheese at the rooftop terrace or find a cozy spot inside the ambient restaurant and grab some shrimps and grits made with the freshest ingredients straight from local farmers.
Light bites and inexpensive wine are available during happy hour Monday through Friday.
Location
350 W. 19th St., Suite C,
Houston, TX 77008
Hours
Monday – Wednesday: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Thursday – Friday: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm (Tap Room until 12 pm)
Saturday: 9:00 am – 10:00 pm (Tap Room until 12 pm)
Sunday: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm (Tap Room until 9 pm)
Good to know
- Curbside Pickup, Dine-in
- Rooftop terrace
8. Rainbow Lodge
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Located along the banks of White Oak Bayou right in the heart of Houston, Rainbow Lodge offers guests verdant views from its large windows.
The 100+ old cabin has a comfortable (almost romantic) and refined setting and serves some of the best original dishes and wild game like antelope, bison, and venison. The menu includes seafood too.
Grab a seat at the fun and flashy-looking cocktail bar for a glass of vintage wine, local beer, or alcohol-free drinks.
Planning a private party? Four private rooms are available in the elegant cabin – a large-enough space for hosting up to 100 guests.
Location
2011 Ella Blvd,
Houston, TX 77008
Hours
Tuesday – Friday: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Saturday: 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Sunday: 10:30 am – 9:00 pm
Good to know
