We love that our statewide local eateries offer a true sense of community 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
BONJOUR, PARIS
A Parisian-inspired bakery that also imports Swiss chocolates? Sign us up. Those, along with Champagne, macaroons, and French-pedigree baked goods, have never seemed so delicious in the heart of Texas.
At ParisInABite.com.
ASIAN DELUXE
At Otoko, this exclusive 12-seat dining destination is about as rarified a sushi experience gets in this city The chef’s choice multi-course tasting menu runs $175 per person, so expect both expertise and innovation. Before dinner, begin with drinks at Watertrade, attached to the restaurant. Online reservations only.
At OtakoAustin.com.
WITH A TWIST
For old-school cocktails with a new school twist, try The Cavalier, a new destination. The east side eatery is a favorite for the current frozen drink craze that is sweeping the state. We recommend trying them all with the small and large bites they offer.
DALLAS
FLOAT LIKE A BUTTERFLY
Located on the 49th-floor of The National and alongside the new Thompson Dallas, Monarch is a dazzling restaurant with intimate seating offering soaring views of the city. Featuring 280 seats with skyline views of Dallas, you can wander up a spiral staircase, and you’ll find private dining spaces. The menu consists of handmade pastas, fish, and the Butchers Reserve section of cuisine slow-roasted over a wood fire.
ALL HAIL THE SAINT
The Saint Ann Restaurant & Bar recently debuted a newly renovated space with a refreshing menu influenced by the Pacific Northwest and seasonal Texas ingredients. The venue features a garden-inspired atmosphere, a spacious patio for dining, crisp pre-Prohibition-style cocktails inspired by their 1920’s roots, and impressive wines.
TRULY TEXAN
Texas Twinkies, the BBQ delicacy made famous by Hutchins BBQ, can now be shipped by the dozen ($65 per dozen) to anywhere in the U.S. The North Texas BBQ joint’s most requested item is a large jalapeño stuffed with cream cheese and Hutchins’ famous brisket, which is then wrapped in thick-cut bacon. Online orders are available whenever you’re ready for a taste of Texas at home.
HOUSTON
HERE’S THE DISH
Dish Society has quickly become the favorite of the who’s who in the city. The all-day diner turns out a seasonally changing menu with healthful modern twists on traditional favorites. They are also dedicated to using the highest quality and freshest ingredients possible and source a majority of its items locally.
MEET ME AT THE PALACE
A brand new family-friendly addition to the West University/Bellaire community, Palace Social is slated to open in June. Formerly, the historic Palace Bowling Lanes, the completely renovated space is located in the Southside Commons Development, and we expect it to be a terrific destination this summer.
At PalaceSocial.com.
LUCKY THIRTEEN
The new restaurant, Thirteen, created by former Houston Rockets star James Hardin, combines a unique, upscale dining experience with exceptional food. Plus, amid a vibrant, cosmopolitan atmosphere and the entertainment and first-class service, it’s the place to be this summer.
SAN ANTONIO
PARISIAN VIBE...
Recently opened in the Historic Pearl by the Southerleigh Hospitality Group, Brasserie Mon Chou Chou is just the escapism we all need when traveling to Paris for a très chic French culinary experience is off the table. Be sure not to miss out on ordering the main attraction during your dining event: the Sandwich au Fromage Raclette…melted live onto your plate from a large wheel of piping hot Parmesan. Bon Appetit to all.
FOUR STAR-WORTHY
Brunch on the Riverwalk at the four-star Mokara Hotel? Yes, absolutely. Omni Hotels has acquired the Mokara Hotel & Spa that serves up a stylish and delicious dining experience with a view at its new delectable restaurant, Ostra.
At OmniHotels.com.
BEYOND THE MORNING RITUAL
A local favorite, Revolucion Coffee + Juice, has been supporting a balanced wellness lifestyle since 2012 with innovative coffee, juice, and plant-forward food. They’ve just opened a new location at the RIM for dwellers in and near Boerne and the Dominion for diners who like to venture outside of the loop for an adventure.
At RevolucionSA.com.