NeoPatrick

I'll be spending Christmas with my brother, and my two nieces and their families who both now live in the Houston area. One lives in Cypress (I guess way out Northwest? -- zip 77429) and the other lives in zip 77095 in a "Stonegate" subdivision which is where the Houston National Golf course is?? In any case, I'd love to take the whole extended family out for dinner one night, probably the day after Christmas (Saturday) or maybe Sunday night, the 27th. There is a two year old, a 9 month old, and two teenagers as well as the six adults. We're not looking for anything fancy or very gourmet, and probably something everyone with varying tastes can enjoy. And obviously a place where if a young one gets cranky it's not a problem. The one family is having a hard time of things and have literally not been anywhere but something like MacDonalds since they moved there four months ago. They are all fairly new to the area and don't really have any ideas. Any suggestions from anyone?

maryanntex

Your best resource is here: www.b4-u-eat.com Just put in the zip code and/or part of town (Cy-Fair)and check out the reviews. They are usually very reliable. Cafe Red Onion on the Northwest Freeway (US 290) is really good--good for kids and grownups--and might not be too far away. It serves reasonably priced Central American food, and has a varied menu. Apart from Red Onion, I personally know nothing about restaurants in those areas, but b4-u-eat ought to be helpful.

DebitNM

If there is a Pappas BBQ in the area, check it out for some really good, no nonsense food at very reasonable prices.

It is one of our go to restaurants when I am at MDAnderson.

http://pappasbbq.com/locations/

Deb

dfr4848

Neo - yes, you're in far NW Houston. Most of the restaurants there will be chains. We rarely go that far out, but there are several restaurants locally-owned which have multiple locations (and some have restaurants in other states, but the locally owned locations are usually consistently good). All of these have locations in NW Houston [check out the site maryanntex gave you for addresses, etc].

These are ones which we like. Though we've only go to their locations in central Houston (inside the 610 Loop), they still should be good and meet your criteria:

Carrabba's (Italian)
Lupe Tortilla (Mexican; Tex/Mex)
Goode Company BBQ
Chuy's (Tex/Mex)
Pappadeaux Seafood

Though they're a national chain (and you're probably familiar with them), we've found the following to be consistently good and there are locations in NW Houston: P F Chang's (Asian); Joe's Crab Shack (seafood).

Also, most restaurants in Houston are very kid friendly except maybe the very high end ones.

Hope this helps.









Carrabba's (Italian)

cd

Our son lives in Houston, close to your relatives. I've sent a message to him for recommendations. Will post back.

NeoPatrick

Thanks all for the links so far.
Does anyone know anything about Cypress Station Grill? It looks fun, is inexpensive and seems to have great reviews.
I'm looking at Cafe Red Onion, but get very confused with their website as to what menu goes with what restaurant and which location.
And the Pappas restaurants, including Pappadeux Seafood, all look good too.

cd

Hi Patrick, my son said his absolutely favorite place to take his family and friends is a Mexican Restaurant named Romero's Las Brazos on HWY 6 http://www.romeroslasbrazas.com/index.html

volcanogirl

All the Pappas restaurants are consistently good, so if there's one in your area, that would be a good bet.

stumpworks73

Another vote for Cafe Red Onion. The menu is Central American. Excellent quality, a pleasant dining room and generous portions. Although not Texas cuisine, a format not found in many places outside Houston. Children will be comfortable.

I agree that Goode's is the best Houston BBQ. Rudy's is a very good Austin BBQ place with a location on 45N around Spring.

Pappas have become too corporate. The BBQ and Mexican brands are severely mediocre.

Chuy's is a regional chain of Mexican that is a fun atmosphere, good food, and very modestly priced.

Your description of the neighborhood does not sound nearby George Bush Airport, but Jimmie V's on the access road on BW8 by the airport is an excellent cajun seafood destination and is family friendly.

volcanogirl

We do like Cafe Red Onion, but it seemed a little pricey for what we got last time we were there. Fish tacos were like sixteen bucks. The food is consistently good though.

Neo, I haven't heard of Cypress Station Grill. Sounds like a place that has a lot of regulars in that area of town. I read some good reviews about it. Hope you'll report back if you make it there.

cd

Patrick, is there some way of getting a personal message to yoy?

dfr4848

Slight correction - the cajun/seafood restaurant near IAH is Jimmy G's. Yes it is good. And Neo, FYI in case you don't know - "BW8" = Beltway 8 (a/k/a Sam Houston Parkway). Jimmy G's is located on the feeder between IAH exit and I-45.

Agree that all of the Pappa's restaurants are good.

agswimmer

I live near Cypress and Hwy 290. Forget any of the suggestions near the airport as you are not going to be anywhere close to them. Personally, with kids, I would forget about the Red Onion. Great place for adults, not kids. Any of the BBQ places (Goode Company (290 @ FM1960/Hwy 6) or Rudy's (290 @ Gessner) ) are great choices because its open seating with long tables, casual atmosphere where fidgety kids would be no problem. no waitresses hovering over you hoping you'll leave either. Great place to sit & visit as long as the kids hold up. Texas BBQ can't be beat and includes beef, sausage and chicken so everyone should be able to find something and lots of choices for sides. And of course pecan pie for dessert!

NeoPatrick

I was looking at the menu for Goode (Lee and I went there years ago when in Houston). I noticed some carryout menus with platters for groups. I may give them that option. My niece has a big house. When all is said and done, we really might be better off with me going and buying all the stuff and coming home there where everyone can be comfortable and the little ones can even go to bed. But I should also take just my brother out for lunch one day -- some great choices here for that.

maryanntex

The Goode Company rice (jambalaya texana) is the best!

spirobulldog

Even though Pappa's is a chain enjoy their food at every restaurant that I have been to of theres. It is just unique enough from all the rest. Pappadeaux's, Pappa Bros Steak, Pappasitto's. I have not eat at Pappas BBQ. Pappadeaux is probably my favorite. I love their Oyster Fondue appetizer. The only the I have ever gotten at any of their restaurants that I don't think is good is the greek salad. Pappadeaux basically has two styles of preparations. Fried everything(shrimp, clams, oysters, fish,etc) and then several varieties of grill fish with various sauces on them. They almost always have a really good special of the day.

spirobulldog

Sorry about so many typos, I'm still asleep. Papas Seafood House is also one of theirs that I haven't eaten at, but looks good. Pappadeax is primarily cajun style and I the the seafood house is more traditional style.

Seamus

Neo - you may have hit on the best choice of all with the take out idea. Goode Co. will put together a party for you, they do it all the time, are a popular source for catered lunches in Medical Center offices. They can include everything right down to plastic utensils and wet wipes - not exactly elegant but relieves your niece of having to clean up afterward.

NeoPatrick

Yea, that's what I saw on their website.

LoveItaly

Hello, Patrick, since there is a 9 month old and a two year old I think your idea of take out is a fine idea and I imagine the parents of the little ones will be much more relaxed not having to worry about their little ones in a restaurant. Even family style restaurants can be nerve racking for parents (well most parents of course) if kids suddenly act up for any reason.