Chipotle
Neighborhood: Montrose, River Oaks

2027 S Shepherd Dr
Houston, TX 77019

Lisa A. writes: Chipotle is a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma, wrapped in a tortilla.

Apparently Chipolte is (or was) owned by the McDonald's Corporation and I think some people hold that against them and I'm just not sure if I'd say it was a "gourmet…

17
Neighborhood: Downtown

Alden Hotel
1117 Prairie St
Houston, TX 77002

Lisa A. writes: *17 is the official name of this hotel restaurant and after the less than impressive meal I had there last night I've got a few suggestions for what the "*" footnote might read...and it's not favorable.

I was feeling a little surly last night and…

Berryhill Baja Grill
Neighborhood: West University

5110 Buffalo Speedway
Houston, TX 77005

Steve C. writes: I thought the tamales were excellent. Add to that free chips and salsa (only one kind of salsa, but it was nice) as well as free pickled carrots (yum) and you get... three stars? Here's why. The guy behind the counter has long since lost his passion…

La Taste
Neighborhood: West University

2417 Rice Blvd
Houston, TX 77005

Liz S. writes: A bit of Provence in Houston, La Taste offers its shoppers tiny morsels of France.  (It's a good accompaniment to a breakfast at nearby Croissant-Brioche.)  

They sell some less-than-special product lines (Burt's Bees and L'Occitane, for example), but…

Chocolat Du Monde
Neighborhood: West University

5302 Morningside Dr
Houston, TX 77005

Liz S. writes: This place is worth a stop, especially if the offerings at the Chocolate Bar weren't quite as classy or exotic as you were hoping to find.  They feature Leonidas and Neuhaus chocolates, but claim to offer more than 100 other brands of chocolate and…

Cookie Bouquet
Neighborhood: West University

2524 Rice Blvd
Houston, TX 77005

Liz S. writes: I have used Cookie Bouquet for cookie deliveries several times, and I've never heard any complaints.  A cookie bouquet (or any of their other carefully-decorated cookie creations) is a tasty and somewhat unique gift, and it's a little less impersonal…

Lot 8
Neighborhood: West University

6127 Kirby Dr
Houston, TX 77005

Liz S. writes: Why aren't you at Lot 8 shopping right now?  It's owned by Chloe Dao (winner of Project Runway, season 2) and features her designs as well as other cute, trendy-but-not-in-that-ba d-way clothes for women (of course) AND men (though those aren't…

University of Houston
Neighborhood: Third Ward

4800 Calhoun Rd
Houston, TX 77004

Ro N. writes: Parking is a bitch here!

Though I never went to school here- I did however skipped school so I can come here to visit my friends during their class time.

I also used to hang out here a lot especially in the University Center.  Since I love playing…

The Children's Museum of Houston
Neighborhood: Museum District

1500 Binz St
Houston, TX 77004

Minnie T. writes: I love coming here! I'm 21 and this place is awesome. Maybe I love this place because I didn't come here when I was smaller. Eh, I'm not bitter.

I went here with my best friend and we loved it. We paid for parking but I'm pretty sure you can find…

Fuzzy's Pizza & Cafe
Neighborhood: Memorial

823 Antoine Dr
Houston, TX 77024

Minnie T. writes: My friend and I stopped by after our long trip at IKEA. I didn't want any $4.99 pasta with meatballs so I suggested this place from a friend.

We came around 2ish and there were only a few people there. Coming in, we didn't know how to order because…

Doubledave's Pizzaworks
Neighborhood: Clear Lake

2431 Bay Area Blvd
Houston, TX 77058

Christine K. writes: How do I love thee?  Let me count the ways:
*pepperoni rolls dipped in ranch
*buffets at lunch and dinner (with drink $7.99)
*dessert pizzas
*beer club
*delivery
*began in Aggieland (whoop!)
*pool table for pre and post meal playing
*booths with paper towel…

Barnes & Noble Booksellers
Neighborhood: Memorial

12850 Memorial Dr
# 1600
Houston, TX 77024

Dolph W. writes: Why would anyone review a Barnes and Nobles? In Houston they're all about the same (the exceptions being the one across from the Galleria and the one inside the loop in the old movie theatre) and you can get books cheaper online.

I go to this one in…

Your Body Center
Neighborhood: Montrose

1415 California St
Houston, TX 77006

Gina M. writes: I overlooked YBC because for a long time because I thought it would be too far of a commute for me. When my local hot yoga studio closed down for a  few months, I decided to try to it, fully intending on returning to my home studio when it re-opened.…

Vietnam Restaurant
Neighborhood: The Heights

605 W 19th St
Houston, TX 77008

Andrew M. writes: This is an above average family operated Asian restaurant.  The restaurant itself is nothing much to look at, but the food is delicious.  The spring rolls were marginal, not quite the right mix of ingredients.  However our main dishes were great, I…

Panda Express

15951 FM 529
Space 100
Houston, TX 77095

Shana P. writes: Who wouldn't love that cute little panda on their logo?  It is adorable enough to make you pull through the drive thru and see what this place is all about.  

Unfortunately, they aren't about options - they only have a few but it is better than…

Sig's Lagoon
Neighborhood: Midtown, Fourth Ward

3710 Main St
Houston, TX 77002

May N. writes: This is how a campy music store should be.  They sell music from artists that perform at both the Big Top and the Continental Club and some classic stuff, too, e.g. the Ramones, Al Green, but I saw some Putomayo CDs, and used stuff, too.  They offer…

Cafe Pita +
Neighborhood: Westchase

10890 Westheimer Rd
Houston, TX 77042

Josh to the S. writes: YUMMY!

While I was looking for a good place to get some Hummus close to the house, I stumbled upon Cafe Pita + today for lunch.

To say that this is a small place would be an understatement. The dining area has about 8 tables and they share the same…

St. Luke's Minor Emergency Center - Holcombe
Neighborhood: Braeswood Place, West University

2727 W Holcombe
Houston, TX 77025

Jolyn R. writes: When I was pregnant and constantly hospitalized, I found out quickly which hospitals/clinics/ERs were good and which ones to avoid. This Urgent Care Center was quicker than most ER's and still friendly and receptive. The waiting room was small, but…

Barton Springs Grill

19827 Northwest Fwy
Houston, TX 77065

Shana P. writes: Homemade Onion Rings and Austin Queso should start off any meal at Barton Springs Grill.  

And how about a chicken fried steak you can cut with your fork served with garlic mashed potatoes and topped with black pepper cream gravy?  Makes you want to…

Romano's Macaroni Grill
Neighborhood: Galleria/Uptown

5802 Westheimer Rd
Houston, TX 77057

Shana P. writes: Cheese.  Glorious Cheese!  It's not just for macaroni!

When you're out for some consistently good Italian food, try Romano's Macaroni Grill.  And you're sure to find everything you love drenched in cheese.

For starters, I would suggest the Brick Oven…

US Post Office - Greenbriar
Neighborhood: Upper Kirby

3740 Greenbriar St
Houston, TX 77098

Lisa A. writes: I've been to some pretty bad post offices. Central locations with two (if you're lucky) slow postal workers at the end of a very long line. Since I telecommute and don't have a postal meter I need to go to the post office a couple times a week to…

Houston Tamales Factory
Neighborhood: The Heights

1050 Studewood St
Houston, TX 77008

Dani L. writes: If you can get past the blinding orange exterior, this is a great neighborhood place.  The menu is fairly extensive.  The tamales are great and you can even special order (in advance) vegetarian tamales. Killer breakfast tacos.  The secret is the hot…

Leon's Lounge
Neighborhood: Midtown, Fourth Ward

1006 McGowen St
Houston, TX 77002

Lisa A. writes: That's it! It's all settled. You're all welcome to my 70th Birthday Party at Leon's Lounge (date and time TBD). Since Leon's has been open since 1947 I'm quite certain it will still be around in 40(ish) years!

What a terrific place to find yourself…

Butterfly High Lounge
Neighborhood: Downtown, Fourth Ward

902 Capitol St.
Houston, TX 77002

Adam O. writes: 5 stars for atmosphere
5 stars for music
5 stars for bartenders
5 stars for drink menu
5 stars for booze choices
5 stars for location
5 stars for being attached to my favorite Indian restaurant inside the loop
-3 stars for it actually having its own myspace…

Las Alamedas Mexican Restaurant
Neighborhood: Memorial

8615 Katy Fwy
Houston, TX 77024

Cory O. writes: For our staff lunch, we decided to come to Las Alamedas.  My boss and co-worker raved about how good it was, so I was excited to check it out.  Plus, it got the thumbs up from Dolph and I trust his opinions on food.

The first thing I have to say is…

Humble's Best Kept Secret Hideaways

7803 Royal
Humble, TX 77396

alisa b. writes: who'd of thunk that a B&B in suburban Houston would be anything to talk about?  but this place is!

the first thing i noticed was that this place is located in a residential area and i thought it was a bit odd, but what are you gonna do, right?  Tracy,…

Toyocars the Toyota Specialists
Neighborhood: Old Spanish Trail/South Union

4640 Holmes Rd
Houston, TX 77033

Shing-Hwa C. writes: My car was sick. It need some TLC, a brake job, and something to cure its check-engine-light ills. I took it first to a general auto repair place that a friend suggested. They seemed fair and honest, but I think they had trouble diagnosing the…

Comedy Showcase
Neighborhood: South Belt/Ellington

12547 Gulf Fwy
45 and Fuqua next to Fox
Houston, TX 77034

emily l. writes: my friend got free tickets to this place after leaving her name and number there for a drawing on a previous occasion. we called and made reservations that friday for the saturday show, and our seats were really close to the stage, which was pretty…

Candylicious
Neighborhood: West University

2515 University Blvd
Houston, TX 77005

Rose K. writes: This is a great store to go gift shopping on a budget.  Really cute little goodies that can appeal to everybody.  They also do really neat-looking candy bouquets that look like cakes.  

It's especially fun around Halloween (for gag gifts) and…

Walden Internet Villages
Neighborhood: Westchase

2828 Rogerdale Rd
Houston, TX 77042

Liz S. writes: I've enjoyed my years at Walden of Westchase, and not just because of the 100 MB internet (nerd nerd nerd).  The landscaping is exotic and carefully maintained, the office staff are friendly and helpful (they even remember to remind you if you have a…

Whole Foods
Neighborhood: Braeswood Place, West University

4004 Bellaire Blvd
Houston, TX 77025

Kelly F. writes: This Whole Foods has a special place in my heart (especially since it is walking distance from my parents' house). The summer after my sophomore year of college, we went to beach almost every Saturday and on our way there, we'd stop at Whole Foods to…

The Metaphysical Matrix

2727 Fondren
Ste 5M
Houston, TX 77063

Liz S. writes: This store is like Target for your metaphysical (and New Age) needs.  The real reason to visit may be their bizarre-o sparkly energy pyramid in the middle of the store - you have to go stand under it and see what happens.  (Let me know!)

Here are some…

Ruby Rabbit
Neighborhood: Energy Corridor

14520 Memorial Dr Ste 18
Houston, TX 77079

Shana P. writes: Sometimes you need to go outside the mall to satisfy all of your gift giving needs.  And whether it is something spiritual or whimsical, you're looking for, Ruby Rabbit has something to offer.

The small shop on Memorial is filled with more than your…

Sanrio
Neighborhood: Galleria/Uptown

5015 Westheimer Rd Ste 1475
Houston, TX 77056

Ro N. writes: Hello Kitty has been my love and she still is!!

I've been into Little Twin Stars, My Melody, Pochaco, Keroppi, and Pekkle but always outgrew them.

But I never grew out of Hello Kitty - I still wear her rings and have her dolls.  Is that bad coming…

Sherlock's Baker St. Pub

228 W 1st St
Humble, TX 77338

mel m. writes: This is actually an okay bar.  My favorite thing about this bar is that the area with the live music (and video games, wha??) is in a separate room from the bar, booths, and darts area.   You can have as loud or as intimate (well, to a point) of an…

Las Rosas Mexican Restaurant
Neighborhood: West Oaks

2310 Highway 6 S
Houston, TX 77077

Rod P. writes: So i went to this restaurant for a business meeting and was starving.  I mean i could eat just about anything.....well ya'll know.  Anyways, i sat at the table and just like most Mexican restaurants, they immediately brouht the water in the yellow…