We love supporting our local eateries, don’t you? Join our editors Lesa Rossick in Austin, Cynthia Smoot in Dallas, Jennifer Roosth in Houston, and Eleanora Morrison in San Antonio as they share their stellar statewide recommendations that are must-dines as the weather turns cooler.
AUSTIN
EAT, DRINK & BE MERRY
McGuire Moorman Hospitality has launched another interesting spot to dine, La Piscina Ceviches & Fajitas, in the Proper Hotel. This poolside restaurant overlooks Shoal Creek, and serves delicious, elevated Mexican and seafood cuisine. At ProperHotel.com.
HONESTLY, MARY
Honest Mary’s, known for its local and organic bowls, has expanded to a second location in Rosedale. Build your own bowl with grains, seafood, meat, vegetables, and herbs. You will honestly feel healthy, full, and happy. At HonestMarys.com.
DOLCE VITA
The beloved Dolce Neve Gelato in Rosedale, which translates as Sweet Snow in English, has opened another location in East Austin. Bright and cheery, with the same smiling faces and unique gelato flavors, this is a perfect time to enjoy their new spot. At DolceNeveGelato.com.
DALLAS / FORT WORTH
WEEKEND AT BERNIE’S
Behind the pink wall you’ll find Bernie’s, a new cocktail lounge on the ground floor of Preston Tower. Inside, you’ll find classic cocktails, plus a small menu of bites including flatbread pizzas and dips. Membership is required, but easy to obtain. Bernie’s space is small, holding 60 to 70 people, and the menu is intentionally limited. At Preston Tower.
UNO MAS, POR FAVOR
Apart from classics like fajitas, tacos, and enchiladas, the Henderson eatery also offers a variety of vegan and vegetarian dietary options. The cocktails, based on geographical locations in Mexico, include flavors from Mexico City, as well as coastal and mountain regions. Enjoy weeknight specials like Tequila Tuesday and Date Night Thursdays. Their robust to-go offerings of family meals, margarita kits, and more are also available. At UnoMasDallas.com.
SO PRETTY IN PINK
XOXO Dining Room takes nods from Sketch London, with plush, Barbie-pink seating, Press For Champagne doorbells in each booth, and whimsical trees. Beyond the savory cuisine, save room for the Insta-worthy XOXO Cupcake Wheel, which is alcohol-infused with strawberry champagne. A live DJ performs nightly from Thursday―Saturday to keep the energy lively. Look for the shocking pink exterior–you can’t miss it. At XOXODallas.com.
HOUSTON
THAILAND, MEET HOUSTON
A Kin Dee dining experience is a true representation of Thailand through its unique flavors, ingredients, and overall vision. Focused on made-from-scratch, authentic, and primarily noodle-based dishes, it delivers native cuisine, exactly like it’s served in Thailand, from a 30-dish menu of approachably adventurous options. At KinDeeThaiCuisine.com.
PHOTO CUTLINE: Photo by Elvis Campos
HOMETOWN RULES
Returning to his hometown of Houston to launch his first restaurant, Chef Travis McShane has created a true foodie destination with Ostia, a 4500 sq. ft. open-kitchen concept. Located in the heart of Montrose, the extensive restaurant features botanically-inspired, outdoor-oriented interiors, including casually-chic dining spaces, air-conditioned outdoor terraces, and an intimate chef’s table. The farm to table, rustic, and lighter Mediterranean fare with underlying Italian leanings can’t be beat. At OstiaHou.com. ON PHOTO: Photo by Julie Soefer.
ROUX THE DAY
A little bit of New Orleans, okay, a lot, is taking the cuisine scene by storm. The Rouxpour is a Cajun-inspired restaurant with three locations in Houston’s surrounding areas. Guests love its delicious variety of chargrilled oysters, fresh seafood, and inviting atmosphere. At TheRouxPour.com.
SAN ANTONIO
ISLAND FARE
San Antonio chef, Nicola Blaque, owner of the award-winning Jamaican restaurant, The Jerk Shack, has just opened a second dining concept, Mi Roti, located within Pearl’s Bottling Dept. Food Hall. The build-your-own Roti station, dedicated to the classic Caribbean dish, is a favorite. At Mi Roti.
LOCALLY LOVED
Nestled in Alta Vista just north of downtown, 5 Points Local is part restaurant and part yoga studio. The perfect place to take a work meeting or to unwind after a long day. Clean eaters in the Alamo City loyally love this spot for serving delicious 100% Vegan, local, and organically wholesome dishes. At 5PointsLocal.com.
BETTER BURGER
Chef Andrew Weissman, known for his fine dining restaurants across San Antonio, has gained a loyal following throughout the years. His recently opened Mr. Juicy Burger, a more causal concept in Olmos Park, has been a hit since its doors opened. Weissman has taken his fine dining concepts and applied them to a fast-food atmosphere, flipping gourmet burgers, fries and comfort treats at a price point that can’t be beat. At Mr. Juicy Burger.