Houston's Best Takeout 2008

Inexpensive downtown Vietnamese hot spot for a quick workday lunch or weekend munchies.

Reviews:

• “Best Vietnamese, even for a Cat!”
• “Great Food. Great Value. Great Atmosphere.”
• “Please, do yourself a favor, travel a few minutes”
• “Best Vietnamese Sammiches!”
• “Best Cheap Eats around!”

Tips: The menu features a variety of Vietnamese teas and fruit juices. Ask the waitstaff to explain what’s what, and try something new.

Les Givral’s Kahve

Serious—and seriously cheap—Vietnamese in a cool setting that’s a hot spot for hipsters.

Reviews:

• “Will NEVER eat from here AGAIN!!! (MUST READ THIS!!)”
• “Best Noodles in Houston”
• “great noodles, great employees”
• “Not as good as it sounds”
• “Yummy!”

Tips: There’s a $20-minimum purchase when using credit cards.

Jenni’s Noodle House or email Jenni’s Noodle House

A playroom atmosphere perks up this spot for light meals and sumptuous cakes.

Reviews:

• “best cake ever!”
• “Best Lemon Cake EVER”
• “Best CupCakes EVER!!!”
• “Disappointing food & coffee, desserts not bad. "
• “Best Italian Cream Cake in Houston”

Tips: Dessert Gallery is in the back of the building behind Cafe Express.

Dessert Gallery Bakery & Cafe or email Dessert Gallery Bakery & Cafe

Bring a big appetite and a little money to this hole-in-the-wall landmark for great Greek grub.

Reviews:

• “Still the best”
• “Lots of sizzle but no steak.”
• “Best Gyro "
• “Huge plates, great location”
• “Three cheers for Niko Nikos!”

Tips: To-go orders are popular here. If you don’t take it home, you’ll be stuck with Styrofoam plates and plastic forks. Don’t forget to take the addictive honey-drizzled baklava home with you, too.

Niko Niko’s Greek

Vietnamese dive famous for its authentic culture is the late-night site for the post-club crowd.

Reviews:

• “Only good when drunk, but what isn’t”
• “Not good sense to treat customers like you’re doing them a favor and put upon by their presence.”
• “Best Pho noodle soup in town!”
• “Horrible food and service!!!!”
• “My place! I love Mai’s!”

Tips: The downside is the dingy decor. You may enjoy the food better if you order it to go.

Mai’s Restaurant

With old-fashioned cooking techniques, this Fourth Ward joint attracts hamburger lovers from all over town.

Reviews:

• “Best place for a burger in Houston”
• “Not the Best Burger in Town”
• “Just dissapointing”
• “don’t believe the hype”
• “Lankford …more like Plankford”

Lankford Grocery & Market

The block-long parking lot should warn you: This is no milk-and-dog-food corner shop.

Reviews:

• “Good selection, Bad traffic”
• “Have I mentioned how much I LOVE this place?”
• “A Foodie’s Paradise”
• “TOO DIE FOR SANDWICH!!”
• “Loves it”

Tips: Attend a cooking class at Central Market’s Cooking School. Stop by for a full schedule.

Central Market

Spicy oak pit ’cue caters to the West Houston lunch and dinner crowd.

Reviews:

• “very expensive BBQ”
• “Bad sausage, bad sauce, exorbitant prices (but decent brisket)”
• “Over priced and underwhelmed”
• “Great sauce”
• “Good place”

Tips: Check out the east lot directly behind the restaurant.

Houston Barbecue Company or email Houston Barbecue Company

Sample a glazed donut or a fritter from this Montrose doughnut shop and you’ll be hooked.

Reviews:

• “Delicious!!!!”
• “Just like Shipley”
• “Perfect, Super Cheap, Cash Only”
• “Best donuts in town”
• “Feed a Whole Army with Great Taste”

Christy’s Donuts

Cool inner-loop neighborhood deli with design-your-own sandwiches at bargain prices.

Reviews:

• “Outstanding Sandwiches!!!”
• “fantastic food & fast service”
• “Execellent Food, but don’t bother calling in!”
• ""
• “Great Lunch Spot”

Tips: Call ahead for large takeout orders or during the hectic lunch hour.

Brown Bag Deli

Casual downtown Italian spot with popularly priced lunch menu, daily happy hour and live music on the weekends.

Reviews:

• “Good, will get a second chance from me”
• “Don’t be fooled like we were….”
• “Yummy food. Slow but friendly service.”
• “BEST pizza, live entertainment, nice ambiance, in the middle of downtown! NEVER crowded!”
• “Delicious Pizza!”

Tips: Health-conscious diners can request low-fat or fat-free cheeses and low calorie oils on all dishes. Whole wheat crust is also available.

Little Napoli Ristorante Italiano & Bar

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