Greenstreet Dining Offers Variety
The GreenStreet complex is a warren of restaurants, offices and hangout spots, providing a bounce of energy in its corner of Downtown. The food and beverage options are as diverse as the city of Houston itself, and diners can take a culinary tour of the world without every leaving the Bayou City.
1. III FORKS
Monday – Thursday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday 11 a.m. – 11p.m.
Saturday 4 – 11 p.m.
Sunday closed
This GreenStreet steakhouse is a clubby spot, perfect for business lunches and dinner – and after-business get togethers. Oysters from around the country grace the raw bar, multiple slider options are offered at lunch, and the 48-ounce Tomahawk Ribeye anchors a dinner menu loaded with steaks, chops and seafood. A standout is the double-cut pork chop, with a sweet and sassy peach glaze. An abundant wine list provides perfect pairings for your surf and turf. This is definitely the sort of place to settle in for a spell.
2. ANDALUCIA
Monday – Thursday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday 11 a.m. – Midnight
Saturday 4 p.m. – Midnight
Sunday closed
The flavors of Spain come to Houston with Andalucia, an elegant tapas bar featuring bits big and small, just ready to be shared. Paellas dot the lunch menu, with offerings of seafood and vegetable, and you’ll also find quesos, salads and empanadas. For dinner, tuck into appetizers of marinated eggplant, Serrano ham and manchego cheese, and ceviche of shrimp, scallop and tilapia. Entrees include rack of lamb, grilled shrimp and chicken tangine, the entire menu an homage to Spain’s Mediterranean geography with an occasional African vibe. Take advantage of the happy hour, where bites are under 10 bucks and there are daily drink specials. Live music began last fall, adding to Andalucia’s easy atmosphere.
3. CAFFE BENE
Monday–Thursday: 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Friday: 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
This European-style coffee house lives up to its name (good coffee, in Italian) with a menu of espresso drinks, sandwiches and pastries, perfect for a morning office escape, casual lunch or end-of-the-day relaxation spot before the commute home. Cappuccinos, lattes, mochas, iced drinks and a regular cup of joe are available, along with a menu including waffles and gelato, honey bread and a waffle with banana and whipped cream that eats like a banana split. More than just a coffee shop, Caffe Bene provides an artisan touch to your daily caffeination.
4. GUADALAJARA
Monday – Thursday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday – Saturday 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Sunday – Noon – 9 p.m.
For casual and tasty Mexican, drop into this bouncy favorite where the portions are big, the margaritas are bigger and the fun may be biggest of all. Order the fajitas with the Guadalupe lime beef for a sizzling, sassy, sharable meal. The mesquite-grilled mahi mahi filet is a smoky seafood delight, and the charro combo offers a third-rack of baby back ribs, with sausage and center-cut brisket. Guadalajara has always been a great place for large groups, making it a perfect place for a workplace party. Drop in for happy hour, when special pricing on margaritas gets the party started right.
5. HOUSE OF BLUES
Lunch:
Monday – Saturday: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sunday: Noon – 4 p.m.
Dinner:
Sunday – Thursday: 4 – 10 p.m.
Friday – Saturday: 4 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Renowned for its live music and over-the-top gospel brunch, House of Blues is Houston’s premier address for the best in live entertainment. Groups large and small take to the stage, and the food is always excellent. During the week, the restaurant sizzles with St. Louis style ribs, steaks and burgers and sandwiches. The cocktail and specialty drink list won’t quit, with daily delights like Monday’s featured pineapple chile, Cadillac or watermelon margarita or the weekend Sweet Home Chicago Bloody Mary. Happy hour is every day from 3 – 7 p.m., making this GreenStreet spot a rocking gathering place.
HTTP://HOUSEOFBLUES.COM/HOUSTON
6. LUCKY STRIKE
Sunday, Monday – Thursday: 11 a.m. – Midnight
Friday – Saturday: 11 – 2 a.m.
Bites, bowling and booze take center stage here, where the atmosphere is hip and lush, the food outstanding and the drinks ever-flowing. Perfect for an office party, Friday night date, or even lunch in the middle of the day, Lucky Strike serves up the kind of fun that makes everyone feel like a VIP. Wings and dips dot the appetizer menu. The ahi poke is a standout on the flatbread options, but don’t miss the sausage and pepper choice. There’s an array of burgers and street tacos, and the happy hour features $6 cocktails, $5 house wines and $4 premium drafts.
HTTP://BOWLLUCKYSTRIKE.COM/LOCATIONS/HOUSTON/
7. MCCORMICK & SCHMICK
Monday – Thursday: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Saturday: 4 – 11 p.m.
Sunday: 4 – 9 p.m.
Part of the Landry’s empire, this seafood spot brings in the best from around the country, serving it with both flair and precision. Mahi mahi, salmon, Canadian oysters, Gulf redfish – you name it, if it swims, it’s on the menu. Landlubbers will enjoy the steaks, chops and chicken. A generous happy hour includes cocktails (the lemon drop is a standout, as is the mojito) and bargain bites including sliders and firecracker shrimp. An inviting ambiance, terrific service and a wine list heavy on American options to pair with your dishes help make this a go-to address.
HTTP://MCCORMICKANDSCHMICKS.COM
8. MIA BELLA
Monday – Thursday: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Sunday: 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
An Italian standout with a long history in Downtown, Mia Bella is the place for posh atmosphere and elegant cuisine, all served with a welcoming vibe. The mushroom risotto croquettes are superb, as are the steamed mussels, done simply in garlic, lemon wine and a tomato butter. Don’t miss the smoked duck tortelloni, packed with savory goodness, or the Italian sausage rigatoni, a heartier option with peas, roasted red peppers and sun-dried tomatoes. The wine list is a veritable tour of Italy, with options from around the country, and the daily happy hour provides a chance to sample antipasti for $4 off. (Ladies can have happy hour all day on Wednesdays, and everyone can indulge from 3 p.m. – close on Mondays)
HTTP://MIABELLARESTAURANTS.COM
Monday – Friday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
At this DIY salad place you can have a different dish every time you arrive. With a fixings bar that seems to go on for miles and includes everything from artichoke hearts to zucchini, it’s a terrific way to eat healthy and indulge when you get a craving. Also offered are soups and baked desserts. A small salad here will make you feel perfectly full. Order a large, and you’ll have leftovers.
