Easing back into the ‘fall routine’ isn’t always so easy — even more difficult in the Houston area! As far as dinner during the week is concerned, if you’re not cooking, we’ve got you covered! Browse our shortlist of ideas for some of the best “family friendly” restaurants in Houston (those listed below are open), San Antonio, Austin & the Hill Country. Of course, there are many more out there…these are just to get ya started. 🙂
Enjoy, and let us know if we’re missing your favorite place to break bread with the fam!
Houston
Maclane’s Cafe 60/40 Cheeseburger
6395 Woodway Drive
Houston, Texas 77057
The “next generation” of Masraff’s can be found at it’s laid back little sister, Maclane’s Cafe. Named after owner Russell Masraff’s daughter, it’s a down home southern spot with something for everyone from meal-size salads and juicy burgers to craveable’s like the Philly Cheesesteak (authentic as they come!) to Carter’s St. Louis BBQ Ribs.
State Fare – Kitchen & Bar
947 Gessner b190
Houston, Texas 77024
The kind of comfort food classics you enjoyed as a kid. Translation: YOUR kids will love this place! Over 70 menu items to choose from, 41 craft beers on tap, wine, cocktails, Happy Hour 3-6 Monday-Friday, plus weekend brunch.
The Republic Grille
4775 W. Panther Creek, Suite 490
The Woodlands, Texas 77381
Lunch and Dinner 7 days a week at this eclectic eatery influenced by the Texas Hill Country, residing in The Woodlands. Old photos, memorabilia and other historical items line the walls, rustic furnishings — the works!
3711 Travis St.
Houston, Texas 77002
“The best breakfast in Houston, located in Midtown.” This is soulful southern fare complete with a smile! Allow us to brag for this bunch with accolades from Good Morning America, USA Today and Esquire to name a few. 😉
Hungry’s Croissant French Toast
Multiple Locations
You can usually trust a spot that’s been around a long time — Hungry’s is no exception. 40+ years of serving Houston with a diverse array of menu options featuring international cuisine, among them Mediterranean and Middle Eastern. Brunch is also fab!
Multiple Locations
Fresh, farm-to-table ingredients yield flavors without borders at benjy’s! The menu is easy and accessible, the plates small and large. Hit Happy Hour Monday-Saturday from 4 to 7 for $3 craft beers, $5 wines by the glass, $6 cocktails and their popular $9 beer & burger option!
Multiple Locations
Class is in session with gut-busting burgers, house-made condiments and hand-cut fries from Chef/Owner Justin Turner — aka The Principal! With three locations around town, you can always catch the bus!
Multiple Locations
Simple, southern and all made from scratch! The atmosphere is laid back, lively and kid friendly with a fun “No Adults Allowed” menu for children under 12 that includes the T-Rex Cheeseburger and Scooby Doo Grilled Cheese. 🙂
Willie’s Grill & Icehouse
Multiple Locations — Houston, San Antonio & Hill Country areas
Keep the kiddos are entertained with classic arcade games and the sandbox, while you kick back with ice cold beer and casual Texas eats on the patio! Sounds like a win/win to us!
San Antonio
Mi Tierra’s Enchiladas de Pollo en Mole
Mi Tierra – Cafe y Panaderia
218 Produce Row
San Antonio, Texas 78207
A city landmark; open 24/7 & known for their family recipe Tex Mex, traditional margaritas, mariachis and famous American Dream mural! Four generations of the Cortez family have managed Mi Tierra, from a three-table cafe in 1941 to present day!
Barn Door – Restaurant & Meat Market
8400 N. New Braunfels Ave.
San Antonio, Texas 78209
This iconic family establishment in Alamo Heights — home-cooked meals with a side of southern hospitality. Steaks, seafood, mouthwatering desserts and more! We also have the recipe for that creamy Garlic Salad Dressing they’ve made famous…
606 W. Cypress St.
San Antonio, Texas 78212
There’s a lot to covet at The Cove! This glorified spot for “sol” food (sustainable/ organic/ local) is also part Texas beer garden (with over 50 Texas beers on tap), live music venue, laundromat and car wash! If it’s your first time, get the Fish Tacos — some of my favorite around!
Multiple Locations
Don’t be surprised to see lines out the door on any given day of the week. Magnolia claims to have the ‘World’s Best Buttermilk Pancakes’ but there’s one recipe I waited some 15 years to get, their authentic Apfel Pfannekuchen, an out-of-this-world puffed pancake from the Old World!
Rudy’s Bar-B-Q *Original Location*
24152 I-10
San Antonio, Texas 78257
No doubt you’re familiar with the self-proclaimed “worst bar-b-q in Texas”…right? Find all the familiar fixings like brisket, smoked turkey and sausage links, along with killer sides like the Creamed Corn — a carefully guarded secret it’s so good!
Fralo’s Marghererita Pizza
23651 Interstate 10 Frontage Rd.
San Antonio, Texas 78257
Learn the art of the pizza at Fralo’s! This haven for hand tossed pizzas and homemade pastas is pet friendly, and a prime spot to catch live music on the patio. Happy Hour everyday 3-6pm.
Big’z Burger Joint
Multiple Locations
Big mouth burgers galore — what’d you expect?! Outdoor seating, cafeteria-style tables and a play place for the little ones add to the overall “picnic” vibe we can easily get behind!
Stone Werks – Big Rock Grille
Multiple Locations
An All-American menu LOADED with over 100 items to choose from. “Let’s meet at Stone Werks!” is a popular phrase you’ll hear time and time again in the Alamo City!
303 E Grayson St.
San Antonio, Texas 78215
Situated on the outskirts of the Historic Pearl Brewery, this dining gem is bright, airy and features one of the largest outdoor patios in the area! Shared plates like the Avocado Toast or Double Dip (house-made guacamole & jalapeño pimento cheese) take center stage.
Austin
Banger’s Steak, Eggs & Fries
Banger’s – Sausage House & Beer Garden
79 Rainey Street
Austin, Texas 78701
Bring the family pup, Grandma — everyone’s welcome at Banger’s! The quintessential spot to eat, drink and hangout on Austin’s popular Rainey Street. 30+ varieties of homemade sausage, over 100 beers on tap, an on-site dark park and Big Band Brunch every Sunday!
Multiple Locations
Local in source, Texan in spirit! You can’t go wrong at Jack Allen’s with healthy, wholesome ingredients that taste great. From grillin’s to greens and everything in between, Chef Jack Gilmore gives it his signature southwestern flare.
Multiple Locations
An Austin original since 1980, serving comfortable and casual, high-quality food with a Texas twist at reasonable prices. ALL of their beer and wine selections, for example, are always just $3! Bonus: kids eat free every Tuesday!
Multiple Locations
Gather with family and friends for a good simple meal at Phil’s. It’s a fun environment for kids with a playscape, hop scotch, shuffleboard, etc. Known for their gourmet burgers (over a dozen to choose from, or build your own).
Noble Sandwich Co.’s Smoked Duck Pastrami
4805 Burnet Rd.
Austin, Texas 78756
Find your way around the perfect sandwich from Noble Sandwich Co. High quality ingredients, including select local and sustainable items, help create unique combinations like the signature Smoked Duck Pastrami or infamous Noble Pig.
3411 Glenview Ave
Austin, Texas 78703
Opt for an upscale “family meal” on Sunday nights at Olive & June. Chef’s rotating selection of seasonal dishes are served in addition to dinner menu. Get three courses for $38 per person — kids under 12 eat free!
Multiple Locations
A favorite homegrown Austin hotspot slingin’ wood fire grilled Gulf oysters, famous house pies (go for the “Sweet Tea”) and pretty dang perfect fried chicken! All day Happy Hour Monday-Wednesday!
Salt Lick
Multiple Locations
World renown barbecue celebrating 50 years and 3 generations! The original Driftwood location remains cash only and just a short scenic drive from Austin. Plenty of space for children to run around while Mom and Dad pay a visit to Salt Lick Cellars next door to the restaurant. 😉
Hill Country
The Sweeter Side of Rails’ Red Velvet Cake
Rails – A Café at the Depot
615 E. Schreiner St.
Kerrville, Texas 78028
Housed inside a fully restored 1915 Kerrville Train depot! Taste local Texas flavor with a side of history here! Weekends see the soothing sounds of classical guitar under the stars on the patio. There’s also The Sweeter Side of Rails — the popular bakery next door serving handmade goodies throughout the day!
The Gristmill – River Restaurant & Bar
1287 Gruene Rd.
New Braunfels, Texas 78130
A Texas original since 1977, situated on a bluff overlooking the Guadalupe River! Mouthwatering country fare, tree-covered decks and picturesque views making for a memorable dining experience every time!
Camp Verde
285 Camp Verde Road East
Camp Verde, Texas 78010
Come for a meal, stay for the day and play at Camp Verde. The famed General Store, first established in 1857, offers plenty of opportunities to browse and explore. Shop, eat and experience this hidden Texas gem before word gets out!
Peggy’s on the Green Filet
128 W. Blanco Rd.
Boerne, Texas 78006
Chef Mark Bohanan’s highly-prized steaks have made the trip to the Texas Hill Country. Set inside the Kendall Inn, a 19th century stagecoach stop, it’s your chance to savor Southern heritage foods and classic American dishes with a separate kids menu for brunch, lunch and dinner.
107 Alamo Rd.
Fredericksburg, Texas 78624
A good ol’ country spot boasting some of the best burgers in the state (no lie!), hand battered onion rings and…a bat cave?! If you’ve never been to Alamo Springs Cafe in Fredericksburg, it’s directly across from the Old Tunnel State Park, where from May to October, the abandoned railroad tunnel is home to more than 3 MILLION bats that emerge nightly as the Sun begins to set!
2006 Stockdale Hwy.
Seguin, Texas 78155
What once supplied electricity for the folks in Seguin is now a giant power plant grill on the banks of the Guadalupe! Get this: you can actually go tubing and find greats eats in one location. We’re in! The grounds also play host to “Market Days” every 3rd Saturday of the month. Don’t miss out on handcrafted items from local artisans and live music on the lawn.
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I really like the show. However, I can’t remember all of the locations visited in all cities. It would be very helpful on the web site if you had a list of locations visited by city. Thanks