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Chris Shepherd's Houston Favorites!

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by The OpenTable Team
Updated September 22, 2023
Check out some of Chef Chris Shepherd's favorite spots in Houston. Make sure to book your reservation and find the perfect spot to dine before or after attending Table to Stage!
JŪN
4.8 (721)
$50 and over
American
Heights / Washington
Restaurant by Top Chef Alum, Chef Evelyn Garcia and Chef/Partner Henry Lu. New Asian American restaurant in the Heights serving chef inspired small to large dishes all meant to be shared. JŪN also has a full selection of craft beer from local brewers as well as an exciting wine list.

If you are interested in booking party size 6 and more please email: booking@junbykin.com with your inquires.
Top review
Jean
Dined 5 days ago
This place is just amazing , service , food , intimate I really in love with Jun
Restaurant by Top Chef Alum, Chef Evelyn Garcia and Chef/Partner Henry Lu. New Asian American restaurant in the Heights serving chef inspired small to large dishes all meant to be shared. JŪN also has a full selection of craft beer from local brewers as well as an exciting wine list.

If you are interested in booking party size 6 and more please email: booking@junbykin.com with your inquires.
Top review
Jean
Dined 5 days ago
This place is just amazing , service , food , intimate I really in love with Jun
Grace's
4.8 (4415)
$31 to $50
American
Upper Kirby / Shepherd Corridor
Brunch on Saturday and Sunday is primarily first come, first served. If you do not see the time you want available online, please call us directly.

When owner Johnny Carrabba set out on his next restaurant venture, he knew his vision would include the fond memories he had of his dear grandmother Grace Mandola. Grace, also known to the family as Mama, was a Sicilian woman born to immigrant parents in Louisiana. She had a flair for cooking, hospitality, and deep faith.

She was known to make bread from scratch every Saturday for her legendary three-hour Sicilian Sunday lunches; and, her newly established family roots in Louisiana added interesting flavors to her home cooked meals. The entire Mandola family, including her five children and fourteen grandchildren, was regularly greeted in her home with smells of warm bread, well brewed sauces and homemade soups. It was around her table that her family learned the true meaning and value of relationships, friendships and good food.
Top review
Lisa
Dined 7 days ago
Food and service was perfect for a work lunch celebration.
Brunch on Saturday and Sunday is primarily first come, first served. If you do not see the time you want available online, please call us directly.

When owner Johnny Carrabba set out on his next restaurant venture, he knew his vision would include the fond memories he had of his dear grandmother Grace Mandola. Grace, also known to the family as Mama, was a Sicilian woman born to immigrant parents in Louisiana. She had a flair for cooking, hospitality, and deep faith.

She was known to make bread from scratch every Saturday for her legendary three-hour Sicilian Sunday lunches; and, her newly established family roots in Louisiana added interesting flavors to her home cooked meals. The entire Mandola family, including her five children and fourteen grandchildren, was regularly greeted in her home with smells of warm bread, well brewed sauces and homemade soups. It was around her table that her family learned the true meaning and value of relationships, friendships and good food.
Top review
Lisa
Dined 7 days ago
Food and service was perfect for a work lunch celebration.
Uchi Houston
4.9 (4540)
$50 and over
Sushi
Montrose
Bringing its hallmark level of quality and service to an urban location, Uchi Houston made its debut in 2012 in the former historic Felix space on Westheimer. Melding culinary innovation with an approachable vibe, the menu features items culled from both Uchi and Uchiko in Austin, along with signature seasonal items created by our Chef team. Reservations are encouraged and can be booked online up to 1 month in advance. Walk-in bar seating is available and is subject to wait times. We look forward to serving you, Kanpai!
Top review
Kristin
Dined on Apr 22, 2025
I love visiting this establishment. Everything is always great.
Bringing its hallmark level of quality and service to an urban location, Uchi Houston made its debut in 2012 in the former historic Felix space on Westheimer. Melding culinary innovation with an approachable vibe, the menu features items culled from both Uchi and Uchiko in Austin, along with signature seasonal items created by our Chef team. Reservations are encouraged and can be booked online up to 1 month in advance. Walk-in bar seating is available and is subject to wait times. We look forward to serving you, Kanpai!
Top review
Kristin
Dined on Apr 22, 2025
I love visiting this establishment. Everything is always great.
Pappas Bros. Steakhouse - Downtown
4.6 (2975)
$30 and under
Steakhouse
Downtown
Elegant, award-winning steakhouse serving dry-aged prime beef, seafood & exceptional wines.
Top review
raizaVIP
Dined 5 days ago
We loved our experience at Pappas Bros. steakhouse. Great food and Michelle was amazing,
Elegant, award-winning steakhouse serving dry-aged prime beef, seafood & exceptional wines.
Top review
raizaVIP
Dined 5 days ago
We loved our experience at Pappas Bros. steakhouse. Great food and Michelle was amazing,
Julep
4.6 (98)
$31 to $50
Cocktail Bar
Heights / Washington
Julep Bar stands as an illustrious recipient of the prestigious James Beard Award, celebrated for its exquisite blend of craft cocktails, thoughtfully curated bar bites, and an enchanting ambiance. The menus, ever-evolving to mirror the changing seasons, captivate with their meticulous emphasis on fine ingredients and flavors. Located on Washington Ave between Sawyer and Silver St. The neighborhood is full of restaurants and B&B Butcher's Steak House is within walking Distance.

We always take walk-ins so shoot us a texas or stop by and see us if you don't see a table available.
Top review
Georgina
Dined on Apr 19, 2025
We had Ezra as our server and he was fantastic, he was checking in in us even though we moved to another section of the establishment. He had recommendations and was very quick with our orders, all you ask for when it comes to coming for a quick round with a couple of friends.
Julep Bar stands as an illustrious recipient of the prestigious James Beard Award, celebrated for its exquisite blend of craft cocktails, thoughtfully curated bar bites, and an enchanting ambiance. The menus, ever-evolving to mirror the changing seasons, captivate with their meticulous emphasis on fine ingredients and flavors. Located on Washington Ave between Sawyer and Silver St. The neighborhood is full of restaurants and B&B Butcher's Steak House is within walking Distance.

We always take walk-ins so shoot us a texas or stop by and see us if you don't see a table available.
Top review
Georgina
Dined on Apr 19, 2025
We had Ezra as our server and he was fantastic, he was checking in in us even though we moved to another section of the establishment. He had recommendations and was very quick with our orders, all you ask for when it comes to coming for a quick round with a couple of friends.
La Lucha
4.8 (1457)
$30 and under
Seafood
Heights / Washington
An homage to the San Jacinto Inn, La Lucha offers a unique and indulgent menu complete with the freshest Gulf Coast-only oysters, shrimp, crab, warm biscuits and satisfying fried chicken dinners. Meaning “the Fight,” in reference to the Battle of San Jacinto, La Lucha embraces it’s rebellious side with its beverage selections, surprising guests with a variety of bubbly wines, outstanding craft beers and the essential stellar tequila and mezcal offerings. La Lucha’s comfortable atmosphere pays tribute to chef-owner Ford Fry’s childhood memories, meshes timeless and industrial with a few nods to the 70s.
Top review
Glenn
Dined 3 days ago
Our service Candice went above and beyond. Also the manager I think he was, bald head light skinned guy was very energetic and displayed amazing customer service. We look forward to returning.
An homage to the San Jacinto Inn, La Lucha offers a unique and indulgent menu complete with the freshest Gulf Coast-only oysters, shrimp, crab, warm biscuits and satisfying fried chicken dinners. Meaning “the Fight,” in reference to the Battle of San Jacinto, La Lucha embraces it’s rebellious side with its beverage selections, surprising guests with a variety of bubbly wines, outstanding craft beers and the essential stellar tequila and mezcal offerings. La Lucha’s comfortable atmosphere pays tribute to chef-owner Ford Fry’s childhood memories, meshes timeless and industrial with a few nods to the 70s.
Top review
Glenn
Dined 3 days ago
Our service Candice went above and beyond. Also the manager I think he was, bald head light skinned guy was very energetic and displayed amazing customer service. We look forward to returning.
State of Grace
4.6 (3479)
$31 to $50
Contemporary Southern
River Oaks
State of Grace is a coastal, South Texas neighborhood restaurant in the refurbished Lamar-River Oaks Shopping Center. Elegant but casual, its elevated comfort food by executive chef Bobby Matos is executed at the highest level in a welcoming, beautiful space. The jubilant medley of old favorites played with new spice, accent, and freshness lends itself to southern, American, Latin, Gulf Coast, German and Asian influences. Chef-owner Ford Fry’s first venture outside of Atlanta, State of Grace is located in the neighborhood where Ford grew up and nods to his childhood memories fused with Houston’s evolution into a melting pot of cultures and cuisines.
Top review
DockerVIP
Dined 5 days ago
Dylan was great! Everything was awesome. Thanks for making my birthday lunch great! Love the champagne & truffle chocolate! YUMMMMM
State of Grace is a coastal, South Texas neighborhood restaurant in the refurbished Lamar-River Oaks Shopping Center. Elegant but casual, its elevated comfort food by executive chef Bobby Matos is executed at the highest level in a welcoming, beautiful space. The jubilant medley of old favorites played with new spice, accent, and freshness lends itself to southern, American, Latin, Gulf Coast, German and Asian influences. Chef-owner Ford Fry’s first venture outside of Atlanta, State of Grace is located in the neighborhood where Ford grew up and nods to his childhood memories fused with Houston’s evolution into a melting pot of cultures and cuisines.
Top review
DockerVIP
Dined 5 days ago
Dylan was great! Everything was awesome. Thanks for making my birthday lunch great! Love the champagne & truffle chocolate! YUMMMMM

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