Happy New Year! New year, same vibe.  I am still checking out the best new restaurants around Houston and sharing them list style.  Here are a few that I have tried over the last few months that I think you all will enjoy.  Check out 8 Houston Restaurants to Visit January 2022.

Prey Houston

Salmon in bed of sauce with asparagus

The salmon from Prey Houston

Finally made it over to Prey Houston, our latest higher end black owned restaurant.   I’ll be honest, I heard mixed reviews from friends who visited before me, but I truly liked what I ordered!  For appetizers, I ordered the oxtail empanadas and crispy cajun rolls.  Then for my main entree, I had the salmon plus truffle mash.  Both were delicious.    Also shout out to them for establishing this restaurant in such a coveted area, right in the heart of the Galleria.

Daily Gather

Champagne glass with mimosa in foreground with cinnamon roll and muffin in the background

Calling our Dish Society fans! The owners of the popular Houston concept have created a new restaurant, Daily Gather located in City Centre.  I visited for a preview this week for brunch, but the location does not officially open to January 11th.  Daily Gather will be great for groups and families with some private spaces in the back.   You can also depend on Daily Gather for fresh ingredients and great bites.  Highly recommend the pastry board, french toast and their gouda grits.

Hungry’s Upstairs

Waffle topped with banana and berries

A group of friends and I were looking for a last minute brunch spot and someone recommended Hungry’s Upstairs.  It had been several years since I visited their Rice Village restaurant, but it worked out perfectly.  With so much dining space, we were seated immediately without a reservation.  I enjoyed the mimosa flights and waffles.  Please note that the upstairs area is for 21 and over.

Toro Toro

Hand holding yellow and pink cocktail with lemon slice and bar in background

I had the pleasure of joining Toro Toro for their grand opening and was so impressed that I went back a few months later.  (You can check out my IG reel from the grand opening party here.). Located in the Four Seasons in downtown, Toro Toro is a Pan Latin Steakhouse offering unique steak and entree options plus great cocktails.   Sit at the bar, order the signature cocktails and if you are really hungry be sure to order the tomahawk.

Small clay pot with churros inside

The churros are SO good.

The Post Houston

Woman standing in front of criss cross stairs

There is so much to see in the Post. Pay close attention to the stairs!

On my last monthly roundup of restaurants I mentioned that Chop ‘n Block opened a brick and mortar in the new Post Houston.  Well since then I got to visit and see what else the Post has to offer.   Located in Houston’s old downtown Post Office, the Post Houston is a mixed use space with restaurants, offices, rooftop views and a concert venue.  Based Chop ‘n Block, there are other great Black owned vendors which I had the opportunity to visit.

During your visit, be sure to support Thrive Juices, Sweets with L and I and Lucy Pearls Sweets.  Check out my Instagram reel for more details on the Post.

Chocolate Cake

Chocolate cake from Lucy Pearl

Houston Grub Park

Pepperoni Pizza

While it is not marketed as a Black owned food truck park, it is and as far as I can tell the vendors are all Black owned food  trucks.  The park has a little bit of everything, plus tables for dining on property.   I was there to visit the Greasy Spoon, specifically to grab some of their famous eggrolls.  Because I am greedy I also grabbed some treats from the bakery vendors under the tent AND a pizza from ChiItalian Pizzeria.  Their hours are a bit limited, so be sure to check their instagram before visiting.

Egg rolls

Egg Rolls from Greasy Spoon

Lemonade

The lemonade from Krack Kitchen is also really good! They have different flavors too.

Brenner’s Steakhouse

Best part of these lists is I can revisit old favorites that even I forgot about.  We picked Brenner’s Steakhouse (off of I-10 and the beltway) to celebrate my mother’s birthday.  It is typical steakhouse fair and setup, but I do think they have some offerings that stand out in the crowded “steakhouse restaurants” field of Houston.  I really enjoyed their sides and their croissant bread pudding is next level.

Maize

Ceviche

Ceviche from Maize

Maize is a new restaurant serving up Mexican cuisine on Houston’s west side.  For those in the area, it is a beautiful restaurant that offers unique dishes like insects.  Now, I am not brave enough for those types of bites, but I did really enjoy their appetizers and drinks.  The ceviche, shrimp empanadas, tamal de queso and huarache de chorizo were wins in my book.

Shrimp empanadas on blue plate

The Takeaway

Plenty of places to start the new year off!  I can’t say that all of these will fit those new year, new you diet plans, so maybe save it for the cheat day.