36 replies to this topic

[KevinKorell]

Discussion of off train meals in Houston during Louisiana-Texas RailFest 2018 on Sunday, July 15 & Monday, July 16, 2018.

[pennyk]

I took a quick look at Houston.  I have no idea where everyone is staying, so I looked around the area of my hotel (Doubletree Downtown), which is near other hotels also.

 

McCormick and Schmick's appears to be .4 miles from the hotel.  Link to Trip Advisor reviews:

https://www.tripadvi...ston_Texas.html

 

Also is Massa's Restaurant that is .1 mile from the hotel

https://www.tripadvi...ston_Texas.html

 

 

Extremely interesting (and expensive) is the rotating Spindletop restaurant on top of the Hyatt Regency - also .1 miles from Doubletree

https://www.tripadvi...ston_Texas.html

Edited by pennyk, 08 May 2018 - 02:59 PM.

[pennyk]

There are quite a few less expensive restaurants around the Doubletree Hotel.  It looks like we will have 2 dinners in Houston Sunday and early dinner on Monday (unless we want to wait and eat on the train on Monday, assuming it will be on time).

 

Here are some non-sit down/less expensive option:

 

Jason's Deli, .1 mile from Doubletree Hotel

https://www.tripadvi...ston_Texas.html

 

Einstein Bros Bagels, .1 mile from Doubletree Hotel

https://www.tripadvi...ston_Texas.html

 

Pappas Bar-B-Q, .1 mile from Doubletree Hotel

https://www.tripadvi...ston_Texas.html

 

Russo's NY Pizzeria, .1 mile from Doubletree

https://www.tripadvi...ston_Texas.html

 

Subway, .2 miles

https://www.tripadvi...ston_Texas.html

 

Corner Bakery Cafe., .3 miles

https://www.tripadvi...ston_Texas.html

 

Whataburger, .3 miles

https://www.tripadvi...ston_Texas.html

 

There are more, but I am getting tired

Edited by pennyk, 09 May 2018 - 07:50 PM.

[steve4031]

Massa's has the best menu IMHO. I've had two poor dining experiences at Mckormick and Schmidts in Chicago.   So I am not sure.  

 

The places listed in Penny's second post are better for lunch.  

Edited by steve4031, 09 May 2018 - 06:12 PM.

[KevinKorell]

To reiterate, the Sunset Limited makes its westbound Houston stop during the 6 PM hour.   Coming into Houston on 1(14) unless we get a very early seating and can finish before arrival (or the train is very late), we likely will need to eat dinner in town that Saturday evening.   The discussion for a sit-down dinner is presumably for Sunday night, our only full day in Houston.   Then on Monday, nothing is planned before our departure on 1(16) again during dinnertime.  If the train is on time we surely would catch a later seating if desired, but some might wish to eat before then (albeit quickly).  So the smaller places suitable for lunch would also be suitable for a quick dinner on the arrival night or the departure evening.   It is therefore possible that one might end up having THREE dinners in Houston.

[steve4031]

I have also scoured yelp for other restaurants in Houston. Penny has done a fine job researching new Orleans and Houston.

I think Massas is the winner by a mile. Great location and a diverse menu. Unless someone can come up with something better this could be it for Houston.

[pennyk]

I agree with Steve that Massas appears to be the best option for Houston. However, I am still fascinated by the Spindletop, which I may visit on my own for a drink, if they have a bar.

 

Edit to mention that Spindletop is closed on Sundays and Mondays.  We are scheduled to arrive in Houston after 6 pm (and possibly after dinner) on Saturday and are scheduled to leave Houston at 6:55pm on Monday.

Edited by pennyk, 17 May 2018 - 09:11 PM.

[steve4031]

I like those restaurants with a view too.

[KevinKorell]

Spindletop I'd take for one 360 degree spin, however it appears one must order dinner to do so.  And dinner IS expensive.  I thought maybe I'd go up there in the evening for dessert, but the choices there are limited and high priced too.   For those who might be inclined to just get drinks, I don't think that's possible either, as the hotel advertises that their Lobbibar is on the ground floor in the atrium.

 

For Massa's there is a website www.massas.com which appears not to be working. However I find a Blue by Massa's (1160 Smith St.) and a Massa's South Coast Grill (1331 Lamar St.) at a different location about 7 blocks away.

[KevinKorell]

A  few more places downtown that look reasonably priced with diverse menus:

 

Hearsay

 

Barnaby's Cafe

 

Hard Rock Cafe

 

Pappa's BBQ   (Also listed above by Penny.....  lots of choices on the menu, however they don't show prices which could be a negative)