Local eateries are open for business, and we all get to support them wherever we go, no matter what city we call home. Join our editors Jake Gaines in Austin, Cynthia Smoot in Dallas, Jennifer Roosth in Houston, and Eleanora Morrison in San Antonio as they share their statewide selections that are perfect for summer.
AUSTIN
NEW CHIC IN TOWN
Lutie’s, the long-waited garden restaurant at the new Commodore Perry Hotel, Auberge Resorts Collection, is the hit everyone knew it would be. In fact, it might be the best meal in town these days. The restaurant features stunning design by powerhouse style maker Ken Fulk and a culinary program by husband-and-wife chef team Bradley Nicholson and Susana Querejazu, formerly of acclaimed local establishments.
At Luties.com.
ELEVATED ITALIAN
Swift’s Pizza Company, created by Kris Swift and Adam Jacoby of Jacoby’s and Grizzelda’s, offers authentic Italian fare that can’t be beat on the Eastside. Set within Swift’s Future Design decor, we recommend you “build your own pizza” from the delectable menu. The beverage program features modern twists on classic cocktails, as well as local and imported draft beer and wine.
At SwiftPizzaCo.com.
NURTURE NATURE
The newest must-dine in the city, courtesy of the Lettuce Entertain You restaurant group, is hands down ABA, in the newly opened Music Lane development in SoCo. From the modern interiors to the extensive patio seating options under the mighty oaks, it’s a breath of fresh air serving contemporary yet approachable cuisine.
DALLAS
THAT TOWERING FEELING
Eataly Dallas recently opened its first-floor café, Caffè Lavazza, an Italian-style, all-day café and bar experience. The space serves as Eataly Dallas’ first-floor entrance from NorthPark Center. The star of Caffè Lavazza will be La Torre (The Tower), an Italian favorite often found in elegant metropolitan bars, and will feature an overflowing array of savory or sweet bites to share amongst friends (or to enjoy yourself).
At Eataly.com.
MEASURING UP
Commanding three levels and nearly 70,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space, this one-of-a-kind Restoration Hardware retail concept presents artistic installations of luxury home furnishings in a gallery setting. It includes the Rooftop Restaurant, which offers an ingredient-driven menu in a year-round, skylit garden escape beneath a dramatic atrium with retractable glass walls, sparkling chandeliers, and heritage olive trees.
At RH.com.
DOG DAY DELIGHT
Fletcher’s Original Corny Dogs has added an all-beef dog, Make Mine Texan, at Fletcher’s Pop-Up appearances throughout the summer. Fletcher’s worked with local meat purveyor Syracuse Sausage to create an original recipe for the company made with brisket (and other secret ingredients) to give it a natural, hickory flavor that compliments Fletcher’s proprietary cornmeal batter.
HOUSTON
TELL THEM JAY SENT YOU
Gatsby’s Prime Steakhouse and the Daisy Buchanan lounge seek to bring new energy and a touch of the past to a structure that dates back to the 1920s. Both are on a historic and storied Montrose Boulevard block, just a stone’s throw from the Houston Museum District. The expansive patio is primed for people watching on the colorful thoroughfare.
COASTAL FLAIR
With so much development in the Woodlands, the Back Table Kitchen & Bar stands alone on the grounds of The Woodlands Resort, serving seasonal, southern-inspired fare with global accents. What’s not to love about the 5,413-square-foot waterfront venue with an 800-square-foot terrace overlooking the 18th green of the Panther Trail golf course?
At BackTableTX.com.
OUI, OUI, PLEASE
A new French dining experience has just arrived in Houston. Always on the forefront of culture, of course, the city’s latest fare, Le Jardinier, is in the Museum of Fine Arts Houston. Located in the new Nancy and Rich Kinder Building, the seasonal ingredients and rich nutrients are artfully crafted into each dish.
SAN ANTONIO
CULINARY JEWEL
For a serenely rural and relaxing experience, escape to SweetFire Kitchen, the culinary jewel of La Cantera Resort. The inviting atmosphere allows for indoor and outdoor dining, offering breathtaking views of the sweeping San Antonio Hill Country.
ABSOLUTELY ASIAN
Recently opened in the lobby of the Jones & Rio building, just a stone’s throw from the San Antonio Museum of Art, Shiro Bistro offers fresh, contemporary Japanese cuisine that pushes the envelope of imagination and possibility through its presentation of cleverly curated plates. Fish is ordered daily, so reservations are encouraged.
At Resy.com.
BEFORE A PERFORMANCE
Looking for upscale dining options before a night at the opera or symphony? Stouts Signature is now open at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts. Featuring delectable plates from filets to risottos and backed by a full bar of handcrafted cocktails, Stouts Signature at the Tobin Center complements the arts with their own unique dining experience.