Best American Restaurants in Central Southwest

87 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Drake's Hollywood - Houston restaurant

1. Drake's Hollywood - Houston

4.6

Exceptional(154)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • Montrose

Booked 51 times today

Drake's Hollywood in Montrose, Houston, is a steak lover's paradise, delivering an unforgettable dining experience with its top-notch cuisine and opulent atmosphere. Patrons rave about the "Hawaiian Crusted Ribeye," a standout dish known for its "super flavorful and extremely tender" meat, which rivals the best steakhouses in Texas. The restaurant's commitment to quality is evident, as one review highlights the ribeye's "perfect crust and precise cooking," making it a must-try for any steak enthusiast. Alongside its celebrated steaks, Drake's Hollywood offers a glamorous Old Hollywood vibe, making each visit not just a meal, but a spectacular event.

2. JOEY Uptown

4.6

Exceptional(85)

Price: Moderate

• American • West Side

Booked 128 times today

JOEY Restaurants marries iconic hospitality with a handcrafted, locally and globally-inspired menu from award-winning chefs, to bring an unparalleled guest experience. Instead of just one chef, JOEY has a whole team of celebrated Executive Chefs bringing you an experience you can't get anywhere else. JOEY Uptown, boasts an open concept dining room that spans over 10,288 square feet, including a temperature controlled patio equipped with an outdoor bar. Stylized prints from Texas-based artist Jon Flaming, and animated LED portraits by Julian Opie, bring life and lightness to the entire space. This location fits Houston’s iconic food scene like a glove.

A photo of Pappas Bros. Steakhouse - Galleria restaurant

3. Pappas Bros. Steakhouse - Galleria

4.8

Exceptional(8831)

Price: Moderate

• American • Galleria / Uptown

Booked 38 times today

Elegant, award-winning steakhouse serving dry-aged prime beef, seafood & exceptional wines.

4. Milton's

4.7

Exceptional(72)

Price: Expensive

• American • Rice Village

Booked 15 times today

Formerly known as Eau Tour, Milton's is an Italian-American trattoria from the same team that you already know and love! Milton's will feature homemade pastas and wood-fired meats, and an array of craft cocktails made to be enjoyed in our vibrant, revamped space. Opening soon!

5. Balboa Surf Club

4.8

Exceptional(53)

Price: Expensive

• American • Galleria / Uptown

Booked 45 times today

Balboa Surf Club is an upscale American restaurant in the heart of Uptown, Houston, located in Post Oak Plaza. The menu places an emphasis on fresh seafood from around the country, including a curated sushi program, as well as salads, hearty sandwiches, a standout hamburger, and hand-cut steaks.Beverage selections include classic house cocktails, and an extensive yet approachable wine list.The dining room is made up of lush plants, intimate booths as well as a full service bar and lush patio.Balboa is open 7 days a week for both lunch and dinner.

6. Rosie Cannonball

4.7

Exceptional(38)

Price: Expensive

• American • Montrose

Booked 31 times today

Rosie Cannonball, nestled in the vibrant Montrose neighborhood of Houston, serves up a delightful slice of Italy with its exquisite Italian cuisine. Patrons rave about the authentically crafted dishes, with the "Cacio e pepe pizza" being heralded as a must-try that is "to die for." The restaurant's commitment to quality is evident, as they skillfully utilize a wood-burning oven to enhance the flavors of their handcrafted pizzas and pastas, ensuring each dish celebrates the essence of Italian cooking. The ambiance is described as "lively and chic," perfect for enjoying the "geeky wine list" that complements the Italian-centric menu. Whether it's the praised "phenomenal presentation" of the food or the "excellent service" that makes every dining experience memorable, Rosie Cannonball is a gem in Houston's culinary scene, consistently impressing with its robust Italian flavors and vibrant atmosphere.

7. Eunice

4.7

Exceptional(2612)

Price: Moderate

• American • Upper Kirby / Shepherd Corridor

Booked 38 times today

Eunice, nestled in the Upper Kirby / Shepherd Corridor of Houston, epitomizes the essence of Contemporary Southern cuisine with its modern Cajun-Creole brasserie flair. Inspired by the childhood flavors of South Louisiana native and Executive Chef Drake Leonards, Eunice artfully blends Gulf Coast ingredients with European techniques. Patrons rave about the "traditional Creole/Cajun fare with modern twists" and celebrate its atmosphere as "just the right blend of elegance and Louisiana fun!" Whether it's the divine cornbread, exceptional gumbo, or the bustling happy hour featuring $1.50 oysters, Eunice delivers an unparalleled dining experience that’s both authentic and innovative. Join the chorus of satisfied diners who insist, "Don't think about it, just go!"

A photo of The Kennedy - Houston restaurant

8. The Kennedy - Houston

3.7

Very Good(63)

Price: Expensive

• American • Montrose

Booked 11 times today

At The Kennedy, our mission is to transport guests through time with a unique fusion of classic elegance, exceptional cuisine, and refined ambiance. We are committed to providing an immersive experience where artistry meets culinary delight, blending a rich heritage of premium cocktails, curated dishes, and live piano performances in an intimate, vintage-inspired setting. From day to night, we create an environment that celebrates timeless sophistication, inspiring connection and conversation through every note, sip, and bite. Step into a world of charm and nostalgia at The Kennedy, where every moment is thoughtfully crafted for a memorable experience.

A photo of Escalante's Fine Tex-Mex & Tequila - Meyerland restaurant

9. Escalante's Fine Tex-Mex & Tequila - Meyerland

4.6

Exceptional(2)

Price: Moderate

• American • Bellaire

Booked 3 times today

Since its inception in 1993, Escalante's Fine Tex-Mex & Tequila in Bellaire, Houston, has set the gold standard for Tex-Mex cuisine. Known for its "traditional, flavorful Tex-Mex food" and "hand-crafted margaritas," this restaurant excels in authenticity and quality. Patrons rave about the "hand-trimmed, marinated, and cooked to order" beef fajitas and the "tortillas made by hand" which showcase the meticulous care put into each dish. The white queso, simmered for hours, is frequently highlighted in glowing reviews. Regulars like Ed and Regina Seale praise the consistent quality and service, noting that it "keeps us coming back again and again." Escalante's commitment to excellence makes it a beacon of Tex-Mex cuisine in Houston.

A photo of Hudson House - River Oaks restaurant

10. Hudson House - River Oaks

4.7

Exceptional(402)

Price: Moderate

• American • River Oaks

Booked 79 times today

Nestled in the charming River Oaks neighborhood of Houston, Hudson House shines as a beacon of American cuisine, offering a delightful blend of East Coast-inspired, "old-school casual" flair. The restaurant's commitment to quality is evident in its daily-flown oysters and the rave reviews of its "World’s Coldest Martinis." Diners consistently praise the impeccable service and the authentically American dishes like the succulent lobster roll and the pan-seared redfish. As one reviewer exclaimed, "The food is outstanding and the drinks are great. The Bleu Gold martini is a top 10, ice cold." Hudson House - River Oaks not only promises a culinary journey but also delivers an experience that embodies the heart of American dining, making it a must-visit destination for both locals and visitors in Houston.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

P
Paul
St. Louis •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Drake’s Hollywood was amazing! The food was 10/10. The ambiance and atmosphere was electric! The wait staff was incredible.
More info
Drake's Hollywood - HoustonPrice: Very Expensive• American• Montrose
•
4.6
E
Ericka
San Antonio •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Do not valet here. Nothing against the restaurant at all because the overall experience was phenomenal. The valet service offered outside however, left a lot to be desired. We waited over 20 minutes for the car because they “lost” it. Will definitely be coming to eat again though!
More info
JOEY UptownPrice: Moderate• American• West Side
•
4.6
E
Embree
East Texas •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
This is a high quality place for adults serious about their dining and entertainment experience. The food, service, and atmosphere is top shelf.
More info
Pappas Bros. Steakhouse - GalleriaPrice: Moderate• Steakhouse• Galleria / Uptown
•
4.8
W
Wayne
Houston •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
It was my first visit with a friend today at lunch. First, kudos to the owners for the restaurant design!! Loads of beautiful walnut and leather, sophisticated lighting and special features including a skylight which graze-lights the fluted walnut walls!! Service was attentive and helpful. Water glasses were always full. The menu perfectly encompasses a broad range of seafood prepared from raw to fried - even a few beef items to round out the choices. I had the Sushi-Salad - perfect portions, nicely plated and tasty!!! My friend had the Niçoise salad which also got high praise. Balboa is on my “regular” list from now on - I am a fan!!
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Balboa Surf ClubPrice: Expensive• American• Galleria / Uptown
•
4.8
L
LeeVIP
Greater Boston •94 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
So great to find a place in Houston that serves Maine oysters! They were fresh and delicious and we loved the shaved horseradish! Our server Gabby was also great! We will be back!
More info
Clark's Oyster Bar - HoustonPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Montrose
•
4.8

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Best American Restaurants in Central Southwest

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87 restaurants available nearby

1. Drake's Hollywood - Houston

2. JOEY Uptown

3. Pappas Bros. Steakhouse - Galleria

4. Milton's

5. Balboa Surf Club

6. Rosie Cannonball

7. Eunice

8. The Kennedy - Houston

9. Escalante's Fine Tex-Mex & Tequila - Meyerland

10. Hudson House - River Oaks

See what locals rave about

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