Where to Eat on Washington Avenue
Want to walk to breakfast, lunch, happy hour and dinner? Easy, head to Washington Avenue just east of Memorial Park. With establishments boasting delicious food and drinks, it’s easy to spend the day on a culinary journey along Washington and it’s cross streets.
We’ll give you the lowdown on how to spend 24 hours of eating and drinking in the Washington corridor area.
Quicklinks:
Brunch
Back to Top of ListMax’s Wine Dive
Given that brunch is the most important meal of the day, we suggest you head straight to Max’s Wine Dive for the wings and waffles. Yes, Max’s has much, much more than wine, but how can it get better than jalapeño-buttermilk marinated chicken wings, a Belgian waffle, maple syrup and powdered sugar?
Enjoy their signature burger with all-beef short rib, brisket and chuck patty; try the Max ‘n Cheese or the crème brûlée French toast on brioche. Plus, there is the option to build your own mimosa or order the bellini, michelada or caramelized pineapple mimosa. With a few locations in Houston, Max’s Wine Dive is a true brunch staple. A word to the wise, always make a reservation!
Honorable Mention: The Velvet Taco
If you’re looking for a more cost-effective, but delicious breakfast, check out Velvet Taco. Tacos abound with veggie, chicken, pork, beef, fish and even specific brunch tacos, quesadillas and sides. You can also indulge in a bit of hair of the dog with their adult beverages.
Lunch
Back to Top of ListThe Classic
Making the ordinary extraordinary is what The Classic does best while changing up menu items based on the season. As a no-rush, no-fuss neighborhood spot, The Classic offers simple American dishes that are done exceptionally well. Lunch at The Classic offers the best of both a.m. and p.m. worlds with small plates like cauliflower and shishito peppers or Texas 1015 onion dip with BBQ chips and hot sauce. Enjoy the rotisserie chicken or the grain bowl for lunch. There are also four sandwich and burger options, including the classic burger with caramelized onions and Wisconsin cheese or the Hot Tennessee Chicken Sandwich. Bonus, breakfast plates are on the menu if you’re in more of a morning mood. Sit back, relax, order well and enjoy the beautiful décor that makes The Classic pretty iconic.
Honorable Mention: FM Kitchen & Bar
Experience a contemporary take on southern classics, gourmet burgers and craft cocktails at FM Kitchen & Bar. Starters include queso, loaded tots, Frito pie and more fun twists on bar food classics. Plus, there are burgers, sandwiches, even chicken fried steak and BBQ pork ribs to be had. Top it off with a milkshake! The entire restaurant is a treat with plenty of televisions, outdoor space and seating.
Happy Hour
Back to Top of ListBlue Bar at Brenner’s on the Bayou
It's called happy hour for a reason and the Blue Bar truly makes for the happiest hour of the day! From 5 – 7 p.m. Monday – Thursday, Blue Bar has excellent drink specials with signature cocktails and martinis for $8, wines by the glass for $7 and craft beers for $4. There is also a selection of small plates to nosh on while you enjoy Blue Bar’s serene outdoor setting right along Buffalo Bayou. Small plates include house-made pretzels, tuna tartare tacos, boudin balls, Parmesan fries, baby back ribs, sliders and roasted Gulf oysters with your choice of toppings. Not able to visit Blue Bar Monday – Thursday, don’t worry, it’s still worth the stop on the weekend.
Honorable Mention: Ladybird’s
Ladybird’s is the ultimate neighborhood spot for Washington corridor residents. Super chill, plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, and outdoor games make it the perfect stop for an afternoon libation. Signature drinks are plenty along with wine, and craft beer, and frozen options like a frosé or margarita. Hungry? Enjoy The Whistle Stop food truck’s delicious elote quesadilla with Mexican street corn, tajín and crema mayo, queso fresco and cheese.
Dinner
Back to Top of ListB&B Butchers
Meat, meat and more meat! From a chateaubriand cut to 55-day dry-aged wagyu ribeye, B&B Butchers is a great spot for an indulgent evening. With over 24 assorted beef options, there are plenty of cuts to choose from, along with toppings like truffle butter, blue cheese or foie gras. Too much turf? Maybe you’re in the mood for some surf. Enjoy their raw bar, seafood tower, lobster or delicious fish options. Of course, there are enticing salad, appetizers, and additional meat entrées like pork and lamb chops. If it’s a nice night, we suggest enjoying your dinner on the patio with sweeping views of Downtown Houston.
Honorable Mention: Blue Fish
Blue Fish is a great spot for delicious Japanese cuisine. There are plenty of sushi and sashimi options, so we definitely suggest talking to your waiter before you order. Not a fan of raw fish? No problem. They have tons of salad, teriyaki and tempura dishes. Bonus, the happy hour is also a great find with $5 eats, $3 sweets and drink specials from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily, available only in the bar area.
Late Night
Back to Top of ListJulep
Full from a delicious dinner? You must power through and get a nightcap at Julep. With over 50 types of bourbon, this establishment excels in creative cocktails that are expertly crafted. Aside from bourbon there are tons of other liquor options like rye, Japanese whisky, Irish whiskey, brandy, rum, mezcal, gin, tequila and vodka. Tell your bartender what you like and get their recommendation. Of course, the signature drink is the mint julep, so give that a try. The ambiance is also incredibly inviting with the exposed brick and wooden beams. Happy hour is Monday – Friday until 5:30 p.m. with half price favorite cocktails, wine bottles and snacks like the spicy pepper pimento cheese and smoked whitefish dip.
Honorable Mention: Kung Fu Saloon
Looking to let loose? Head to Kung Fu Saloon for some serious fun. Kung Fu is home to 18+ vintage arcade games like Galaga, Centipede, Ms. Pacman, NBA Jam, Mortal Kombat, Golden Tee, Big Buck Hunter and plenty more. The fun continues with shuffleboard, foosball, ping pong, skee ball lanes, giant Jenga, giant Connect Four and board games. Plus, the games are free! There is plenty of wine and beer to choose from, but most importantly, there are sake bombs!