Best of 15 lunch restaurants in Washington Avenue Coalition
When it comes to lunchtime in the Washington Avenue Coalition, a variety of delicious options await! This vibrant neighborhood is home to numerous lunch restaurants, each offering unique and delectable dishes. From trendy cafes to classic diners, there's something for every palate. Whether you're in the mood for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, these lunch restaurants in Washington Avenue Coalition are sure to satisfy. Come and explore the culinary delights of this eclectic neighborhood!
- 1. Laurenzo's
- 2. Black Walnut Cafe
- 3. B&B Butchers & Restaurant
- 4. MAX's Wine Dive
- 5. Passerella
- 6. FM Kitchen & Bar
- 7. Piada Italian Street Food in Washington Avenue Coalition
- 8. Brenner's on the Bayou
- 9. Big Bite
- 10. Elliot's Table
- 11. Soma Sushi
- 12. Tío Trompo in Washington Avenue Coalition
- 13. Hi Trendy Dumpling
- 14. Polanquito in Washington Avenue Coalition
- 15. comatl
1. Laurenzo's
Family-owned, serves alcohol, vegetarian-friendly

Crab cakes are a popular menu item, known for their large portions and high quality ingredients. They prominently feature generous helpings of jumbo lump crab meat, making them a standout dish.
As for brunch, one Houston location in particular stands out for its excellent offerings. The Lake George Hotel is a top pick, but every item on the brunch menu is sure to delight. Other delicious options include the Boca Chica, TX and Old Cape Cod plates. Cheese grits lovers will be especially pleased. Although prime rib quesadillas are not listed on the menu, customers can request them and enjoy a fantastic meal. The service at this brunch spot is consistently top-notch.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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2. Black Walnut Cafe
Spacious patio, kid-friendly menu, happy hour specials, catering services

The staff at this establishment are friendly and personable, creating a welcoming atmosphere for guests. The menu offers a variety of delicious food options. One recommendation for improvement is to increase the number and size of televisions in the bar area. It is an excellent place to enjoy a meal, have a drink, and engage in lively conversation with locals.
There have been mixed opinions about the burgers served here. Some customers believe that the additional cost for bacon is too high, while others find the patty to be overcooked and dry. However, there is also a bacon jam burger that has received positive feedback for its taste.
TOPICS
- Personal Celebrations
- American Cuisine
- Happy Hours
- Late Night
3. B&B Butchers & Restaurant
In-house dry-aging process for steaks, extensive wine list

On a beautiful day with a temperature of 75 degrees, the request was made to be seated upstairs in the open air. The chosen dish for lunch was the pan-roasted salmon, which was skillfully prepared and served on a bed of vegetables including pea pods, mushrooms, and kale, all brought together by a tasty caper sauce.
If you are looking for a quick and delicious lunch spot, B&B is an excellent choice. They have introduced a new 2-course weekday lunch special, offering a convenient and affordable option for those with limited time. For just $36, customers can enjoy a two-course meal every Monday through Friday from 11 am to 3 pm.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
- High-End
4. MAX's Wine Dive
Features a ‘happy hour’ with discounted drinks and food

If you're looking for an enjoyable dining experience at a hole in the wall location, look no further than this spot. They offer a solid food selection, with particular standouts being the fried deviled eggs, fried chicken, and egg sandwich. Enhance your meal with a side of truffle fries for a truly delicious experience. The service here is also noteworthy, with staff going above and beyond to ensure a great meal.
When it comes to the Southern fried chicken dinner, this establishment excels. While the price point is higher than some other options (three-piece for $24), the quality of the dish makes it worth every penny. The drumstick skin has the perfect crunch from the jalapeño-buttermilk fried coating, while the chipotle honey sauce adds a spicy-sweet kick to each bite. This dish alone is a reason to visit this delightful hole in the wall.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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5. Passerella
Offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan options, Welcoming atmosphere, Knowledgeable staff

The restaurant offers a beautiful and welcoming atmosphere that makes customers feel at home. The ambiance is lovely, contributing to a great overall experience for diners.
The food at the restaurant is delicious and delightful, with the pasta and salad being classic dishes that are well-prepared and full of flavor. Customers are sure to be amazed by the quality and taste of the meals.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Mexican Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
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6. FM Kitchen & Bar
FM Kitchen & Bar offers a unique blend of modern comfort food and craft beers in a retro-inspired setting

FM Kitchen and Bar is a establishment that offers quality food, drinks, and a sports-friendly atmosphere. While there was a wait during a busy hour, the overall experience was positive. The restaurant is suitable for those who enjoy a lively ambience and hearty meals.
I have personally tried their burger bowl on two separate lunch outings and found it to be exceptional. The combination of the burger, bacon, cheese, jalapeños, red onions, queso, sauce, tater tots, and greens creates a delightful symphony of flavors. The service has been consistently friendly, and the outdoor seating provides a comfortable and enjoyable dining experience.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Happy Hours
- Lunch
- Dinner
7. Piada Italian Street Food in Washington Avenue Coalition
Handmade pasta, signature sauces, and build-your-own options

The service at this establishment is quick, friendly, and exceptional. Customers have praised the employees for their outstanding customer service. One visitor, having never been there before, was helped by an employee named Andi to choose the ideal meal.
The menu offers a wide variety of options, including salads, wraps, and pasta. Customers also have the choice to create their own meal. The BlackBerry Hibiscus lemonade is a must-try. Overall, the food and drink options are diverse and delicious.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
8. Brenner's on the Bayou
Offers Cajun-Creole cuisine, Texas charm, and pet-friendly patio

Brenner's, a popular establishment, has received high praise from customers for its attentive and exceptional service. The staff are commended for their dedication to providing a top-notch dining experience. One customer, a regular at the establishment, expressed virtually unwavering satisfaction with the food and service provided.
The customer, who enjoys dining at Brenner's regularly, consistently reports a high level of satisfaction with the food and service. The establishment has established a reputation for excellence, with the staff demonstrating a consistent commitment to providing attentive and exceptional service. The customer's positive experiences are a testament to the quality of the dining experience at Brenner's.
TOPICS
- Personal Celebrations
- American Cuisine
- High-End
- Waterfront
9. Big Bite
Offers catering and delivery services

The food establishment provides great tasting food and amazing customer service. Customers have reported receiving discounts and quick service. One customer experienced shawarma for the first time and found it to be delicious.
Another customer enjoyed the zinger and gyro, accompanied by fries. The food was described as fresh, flavorful, and filling. It is recommended to try the food at this establishment based on the positive feedback and enjoyable dining experience.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Asian Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
10. Elliot's Table
Family-owned restaurant serving contemporary American cuisine

Elliot's Table offers a delightful dining experience with delicious smoked ribs and perfectly cooked pesto salmon. The restaurant stands out for its cozy atmosphere, friendly staff, and excellent wine list. One of the highlights of the menu is the Brussels sprouts, which are cooked to perfection and are arguably the best ever tasted.
The menu at Elliot's Table changes seasonally, providing a variety of fresh dishes to enjoy. From fresh fish to amazing fried chicken, there is something for every taste. The intimate setting of the restaurant makes it an ideal spot for a romantic date night. Overall, it is a highly recommended spot for anyone seeking a great neighborhood restaurant.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Hidden Gems
- Happy Hours
11. Soma Sushi
Fresh fish flown in daily from Japan, unique specialty rolls, and inviting atmosphere.

The service at this establishment is generally considered good, with reviewers praising the attentiveness and efficiency of servers. However, some reviewers note that the service can be inconsistent.
The food at this establishment is exceptional, with reviewers raving about the combination of flavors and textures in every dish. The hand-crafted meals are delicious, and reviewers highly recommend trying the dishes from the menu.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
12. Tío Trompo in Washington Avenue Coalition
Authentic Mexican street food in a casual setting

Upon entering Tío Trompo in the Washington Corridor neighborhood, the most striking feature is the large trompo spinning, surrounded by the enticing aroma of grilled meat. The interior is cozy, adorned with floral tablecloths, providing a pleasant atmosphere to enjoy a meal while watching a game on the television. Tacos are a customer favorite, with the pastor taco and taco arabe being particularly popular.
The food served at Tío Trompo is renowned for its flavor, authenticity, and delicious taste. The tacos, in particular, have earned high praise from customers, who rave about the quality of the meat and the salsa verde that accompanies it. The taco arabe is a unique offering, featuring spiced pork enveloped in a soft piece of pita bread.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Breakfast
- Budget-Friendly Eats
13. Hi Trendy Dumpling
Features authentic soup dumplings and an extensive dumpling selection

Trendy Dumpling is a restaurant that offers delicious food with a trendy atmosphere. Their menu features signature dumpling and bao options that are not to be missed. One standout menu item is their lunch bento boxes, which come highly recommended. The green beans served in the bento box were particularly noteworthy, with a bold and fiery flavor.
The mapo tofu dish at Trendy Dumpling is also worth trying. It is a solid and satisfying option that showcases the restaurant's ability to balance flavors and textures in their dishes. Overall, Trendy Dumpling is a great choice for those looking for trendy vibes and delicious food.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
- Vegetarian Options
14. Polanquito in Washington Avenue Coalition
Authentic Mexican cuisine in a vibrant, colorful atmosphere

Polanquito is a Mexican restaurant that may go unnoticed from the exterior, but inside, it is spacious and clean with an authentic Mexican menu. The dishes are made fresh in-house, with options such as cochinita tacos, carnitas, enfrijoladas, and even vegetarian options like the Nopales dish. The atmosphere is cozy with a vibrant color scheme, and the service is attentive to customers' needs.
The food at Polanquito is authentic, fresh, and reasonably priced for the area. The quality of the dishes is impressive, with the Swizas enchiladas having a perfectly seasoned sauce. The restaurant is family-friendly and has a casual dining experience with a cozy establishment. Overall, Polanquito offers an enjoyable and satisfying dining experience with its authentic Mexican dishes, fresh ingredients, and welcoming atmosphere.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
15. comatl

TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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