The Absolute Best Casual Restaurants in Houston [Updated 2023]

Through my many years of trying out the city's spots, I've narrowed down my top 7 favorite casual restaurants in Houston.

Each of these establishments provides some great options for the budget-minded (or even thrifty!) eater, without sacrificing quality or taste.

Grab a friend or two and join me on this journey to find the best casual restaurants in Houston! With a lighthearted approach, I'll run through my favorite picks and give you all the details on each one.

The Moonshiners Southern Table + Bar

The atmosphere at The Moonshiners is laid-back and inviting, making it the perfect place to come and relax with a drink. The staff is always friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu.

When it comes to the food, I have to say that The Moonshiners has some of the best southern comfort food around! My favorite dish has to be the Fried Catfish Platter - which comes with hushpuppies, coleslaw, and french fries! It's deliciously crispy on the outside and tender on the inside - I just can't get enough of it! Plus, they also have an awesome selection of craft beers and cocktails that pair wonderfully with their food.

Overall, if you're looking for one of the best casual restaurants in Houston, The Moonshiners Southern Table + Bar is definitely worth checking out! Their amazing combination of flavors make for a truly unique dining experience - so give it a try today!

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Adair Downtown

It's the perfect place to grab a quick bite with friends or take a date for dinner. The atmosphere is inviting and warm, making you feel right at home. The menus are full of delicious choices and the staff is friendly and attentive.

The best part about Adair Downtown is their incredible selection of freshly made dishes. From our favorite comfort foods like mac n' cheese, to innovative dishes like oysters Rockefeller and grilled salmon, they have something for everyone. Plus, they serve craft beers and cocktails that pair perfectly with each dish.

I also appreciate how Adair Downtown sources locally whenever possible and works with local farmers to make sure their ingredients are top-notch! They even offer vegetarian options, which can be hard to come by in some restaurants.

Overall, I'd highly recommend Adair Downtown for anyone looking for one of the best casual restaurants in Houston. With excellent food and friendly service, what more could you ask for?

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Osso & Kristalla

The atmosphere of Osso & Kristalla is warm and inviting. From the moment you walk in, you're surrounded by a cozy ambiance created by the dim lights and classic Italian decor. Even though it's a casual restaurant, they still went above and beyond to make sure their guests have a comfortable experience.

The food at Osso & Kristalla is absolutely delicious! Their menu offers a wide selection of classic Italian dishes like lasagna, spaghetti, and ravioli. Every dish is cooked to perfection with fresh ingredients that make the flavors explode in your mouth. They also offer some unique twists on classic recipes which makes for an interesting experience.

Their staff is also top-notch! Everyone from the chefs to the servers are knowledgeable about the menu items and are able to provide helpful suggestions when necessary. The service is always fast and attentive, making sure that all your needs are taken care of promptly.

All in all, Osso & Kristalla is one of the best casual restaurants in Houston. The atmosphere, food, and service all come together to create an enjoyable dining experience that I would highly recommend!

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Good Times Kitchen + Bar

From the moment I stepped into the restaurant, I knew that this was going to be a better than average experience. With its warm, inviting atmosphere and friendly service, it was easy to feel right at home.

The menu has something for everyone, with a variety of flavors and preparations making it easy to please even the most picky eaters. The food was excellent! From pasta dishes to salads, burgers and sandwiches, there is definitely something for everyone. Plus, their selections of beers, wines and cocktails make pairing your meal very enjoyable.

The best part about Good Times Kitchen + Bar is that they have something for everyone. Whether you're looking for a light lunch or a filling dinner with friends, they have you covered! And the prices are more than reasonable so it's great for any budget.

In conclusion, Good Times Kitchen + Bar is one of the best casual restaurants in Houston. With its inviting atmosphere and delicious food options both big and small – combined with an impressive selection of drinks – its no wonder why people keep coming back again and again!

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5411 empanadas

The ordering process is fast and easy, making it great for hungry customers on the go. Plus, the staff are always friendly and helpful. I've ordered many times from 5411 Empanadas and every experience has been great!

The delicious empanadas come in a variety of flavours that will leave you wanting more. The dough is made fresh everyday and tastes wonderful. I also love their selection of dips, including chimichurri sauce and pork chorizo dip - these definitely add another layer of flavour to the empanadas!

If you're looking for a casual restaurant with great food, look no further than 5411 Empanadas. Their amazing empanadas and friendly staff make it one of the best casual restaurants in Houston!

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Common Bond Brasserie & Bakery

The atmosphere of the restaurant is great - it's warm, inviting, and modern. The menu has a great selection of sandwiches, salads, and savory dishes that were all cooked to perfection. I especially enjoyed the Steak Frites with garlic butter and crisp fries - one of their signature dishes!

One thing that really stands out about Common Bond Brasserie & Bakery is the bakery itself. They make all sorts of breads and pastries that are delicious and comforting. My favorite items are definitely their croissants - they're light, fluffy, and absolutely mouth-watering!

Overall, I highly recommend Common Bond Brasserie & Bakery as one of the best casual restaurants in Houston. It's cozy setting paired with its top-notch food make it a place to remember.

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Cellar7

Cellar7 has a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for any occasion. The service from the staff is outstanding - they are always friendly and attentive to your needs.

The menu at Cellar7 offers a wide variety of dishes, from salads to pizzas. The prices are also affordable, making it easy to enjoy a great meal without breaking the bank. I personally love their burgers and pasta dishes - delicious and filling!

The wine selection at Cellar7 is extensive, with something for everyone's taste. They also feature an extensive cocktail menu which is sure to please any palette.

Overall, Cellar7 is one of the best casual restaurants in Houston! Their food, drinks and atmosphere make it an ideal place for date night or dinner with friends or family. Highly recommended!

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