Best of 20 diners in Houston
Diners in Houston are a food lover's paradise, offering a diverse range of cuisines that reflect the city's rich cultural heritage. From classic American diners serving up comfort food to retro-style joints with a vintage atmosphere, there's something for everyone. Whether you're in the mood for a greasy spoon breakfast, a juicy burger, or a hearty plate of Southern-style cooking, diners in Houston have got you covered. So why not take a culinary journey through the city's diner scene and discover some hidden gems along the way?
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- 1. Avalon Diner
- 2. Yale Street Grill
- 3. Simos Diner
- 4. Black Bear Diner North Houston
- 5. Katz's
- 6. The Breakfast Klub
- 7. Nate's Diner
- 8. Lola
- 9. Tel-Wink Grill
- 10. House of Pies
- 11. Hanz Diner
- 12. Avalon Diner
- 13. Harry's
- 14. Traveler's Table
- 15. Lankford's Grocery & Market
- 16. Frank's Grill
- 17. Weights + Measures
- 18. Hungry Like The Wolf
- 19. Shandy's
- 20. This & That Diner
1. Avalon Diner
Open 24/7, iconic neon sign, and a popular spot for comfort food
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An American diner, established in 1938, situated in River Oaks is known for its classic diner food and traditional atmosphere. The menu offers a variety of options for both breakfast and lunch. Some customers have complimented the generous portion sizes, while others believe the prices are slightly steep.
The diner is specifically famous for its fresh-squeezed lemonade, made using homemade simple syrup and shaved ice. This refreshing beverage has received rave reviews from visitors. Although this review is based solely on the lemonade, the diner's menu seems to feature typical diner fare such as burgers, fries, sandwiches, omelets, and milkshakes. The service staff was described as friendly and unobtrusive.
An American diner, established in 1938, situated in River Oaks is known for its classic diner food and traditional atmosphere. The menu offers a variety of options for both breakfast and lunch. Some customers have complimented the generous portion sizes, while others believe the prices are slightly steep.
The diner is specifically famous for its fresh-squeezed lemonade, made using homemade simple syrup and shaved ice. This refreshing beverage has received rave reviews from visitors. Although this review is based solely on the lemonade, the diner's menu seems to feature typical diner fare such as burgers, fries, sandwiches, omelets, and milkshakes. The service staff was described as friendly and unobtrusive.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Dinner
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2. Yale Street Grill
Live music on weekends, Extensive wine list, Happy hour specials
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Yale Street Grill is a charming diner that provides a pleasant dining experience. During our breakfast visit, we noticed the staff were very attentive to customers. The place was bustling with activity, as many regulars frequented the establishment.
This diner successfully captures the essence of a classic dining experience. With its welcoming ambiance, Yale Street Grill takes diners back to a simpler time. Patrons have commended the excellent service, delicious food, and sizable portions served at the restaurant.
Yale Street Grill is a charming diner that provides a pleasant dining experience. During our breakfast visit, we noticed the staff were very attentive to customers. The place was bustling with activity, as many regulars frequented the establishment.
This diner successfully captures the essence of a classic dining experience. With its welcoming ambiance, Yale Street Grill takes diners back to a simpler time. Patrons have commended the excellent service, delicious food, and sizable portions served at the restaurant.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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3. Simos Diner
Family-owned business since 1984, serving Greek and American cuisine.
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Simos Diner provides customers with a welcoming and cozy atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for any occasion. The establishment is known for its delicious Greek cuisine, which is fresh, flavorful, and satisfying.
The food at Simos Diner is described as hearty comfort food, with generous portions that are sure to leave you full and satisfied. The menu features classic Greek dishes, all prepared with high-quality ingredients and a commitment to authenticity. Customers rave about the freshness and homemade quality of the food, which is always hot and bursting with flavor.
Simos Diner provides customers with a welcoming and cozy atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for any occasion. The establishment is known for its delicious Greek cuisine, which is fresh, flavorful, and satisfying.
The food at Simos Diner is described as hearty comfort food, with generous portions that are sure to leave you full and satisfied. The menu features classic Greek dishes, all prepared with high-quality ingredients and a commitment to authenticity. Customers rave about the freshness and homemade quality of the food, which is always hot and bursting with flavor.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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4. Black Bear Diner North Houston
Known for its rustic, bear-themed decor and comfort food
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Black Bear Diner is a charming and cozy restaurant with cute menus designed as newspapers. The food is impressive, especially the chicken fried steak, which is delicious and worth the price considering the portion size. This diner is a popular breakfast spot, known for providing excellent customer service.
During my visit, I had the pleasure of being served by Mrs. Rubio, who was incredibly kind and helpful. She went above and beyond to ensure I had a great dining experience, suggesting menu items and helping me place my order. The diner was clean and friendly, and despite being busy, the wait time was minimal. The food was excellent, making it an even more appealing breakfast spot. I look forward to my next visit to Black Bear Diner.
Black Bear Diner is a charming and cozy restaurant with cute menus designed as newspapers. The food is impressive, especially the chicken fried steak, which is delicious and worth the price considering the portion size. This diner is a popular breakfast spot, known for providing excellent customer service.
During my visit, I had the pleasure of being served by Mrs. Rubio, who was incredibly kind and helpful. She went above and beyond to ensure I had a great dining experience, suggesting menu items and helping me place my order. The diner was clean and friendly, and despite being busy, the wait time was minimal. The food was excellent, making it an even more appealing breakfast spot. I look forward to my next visit to Black Bear Diner.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Dinner
- Downtown Spots
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5. Katz's
Open since 1979, family-owned and operated, 24-hour service
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Katz's, a well-established Texas institution for the past 40 years, has earned the reputation of being a place that never closes, operating 24 hours a day. This enduring tradition gave rise to the slogan "Katz's Never Kloses."
The restaurant's menu boasts an extensive variety of delicious comfort foods, such as Matzo ball soup and French Onion soup. While some of these dishes have received high praise, others have fallen short of expectations, with small serving sizes and overpriced soups being notable drawbacks. Nevertheless, Katz's remains a popular dining destination, renowned for its welcoming atmosphere, featuring amiable staff and a kid-friendly environment.
Katz's, a well-established Texas institution for the past 40 years, has earned the reputation of being a place that never closes, operating 24 hours a day. This enduring tradition gave rise to the slogan "Katz's Never Kloses."
The restaurant's menu boasts an extensive variety of delicious comfort foods, such as Matzo ball soup and French Onion soup. While some of these dishes have received high praise, others have fallen short of expectations, with small serving sizes and overpriced soups being notable drawbacks. Nevertheless, Katz's remains a popular dining destination, renowned for its welcoming atmosphere, featuring amiable staff and a kid-friendly environment.
TOPICS
- Gluten-Free
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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6. The Breakfast Klub
Uses locally sourced ingredients, Featured on Food Network and Travel Channel
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The Breakfast Klub is a well-known spot for breakfast enthusiasts offering a satisfying and filling meal. One of its most popular dishes is the chicken and waffles, which many visitors rave about. The restaurant is also known for its excellent service, with staff who are not only friendly but also efficient, making it an ideal place for those in a hurry.
Diners looking for a quick yet delicious breakfast will find The Breakfast Klub to be an excellent choice. Despite the quick service, the food's quality is never compromised, and the staff remains consistently friendly. The restaurant is an ideal spot for those who want to start their day with a tasty meal without sacrificing time. Whether you're in a hurry or have time to spare, The Breakfast Klub is sure to provide a satisfying breakfast experience.
The Breakfast Klub is a well-known spot for breakfast enthusiasts offering a satisfying and filling meal. One of its most popular dishes is the chicken and waffles, which many visitors rave about. The restaurant is also known for its excellent service, with staff who are not only friendly but also efficient, making it an ideal place for those in a hurry.
Diners looking for a quick yet delicious breakfast will find The Breakfast Klub to be an excellent choice. Despite the quick service, the food's quality is never compromised, and the staff remains consistently friendly. The restaurant is an ideal spot for those who want to start their day with a tasty meal without sacrificing time. Whether you're in a hurry or have time to spare, The Breakfast Klub is sure to provide a satisfying breakfast experience.
TOPICS
- Vegetarian Options
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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7. Nate's Diner
Family-owned and operated since 1952, offering a retro diner experience.
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Nate's Diner is a small, family-owned restaurant that offers delicious and filling meals. The staff is friendly and always ensures the restrooms are clean. One of the highlights of this diner is its quick and efficient service, with the owner, Javier, often visiting tables to check on customers.
During our visit, we discovered that Nate's Diner is known for its welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant may be small, but it is packed with flavorful dishes that keep customers coming back for more. The staff's attentiveness and the owner's personal touch in checking on customers add to the overall positive experience of dining at Nate's Diner.
Nate's Diner is a small, family-owned restaurant that offers delicious and filling meals. The staff is friendly and always ensures the restrooms are clean. One of the highlights of this diner is its quick and efficient service, with the owner, Javier, often visiting tables to check on customers.
During our visit, we discovered that Nate's Diner is known for its welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant may be small, but it is packed with flavorful dishes that keep customers coming back for more. The staff's attentiveness and the owner's personal touch in checking on customers add to the overall positive experience of dining at Nate's Diner.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Suburban
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8. Lola
Cozy interior, dog-friendly patio, and delicious brunch options
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Lola's is a excellent choice for breakfast, known for its quick service and convenient parking. The Breakfast Lola option, which features eggs cooked to your preference, a choice of bacon or sausage, either potatoes or grits, and a bread selection between toast or pancake, is a hearty and satisfying meal.
The food at Lola's is delicious and flavorful, with generous portion sizes. A first-time visitor to the restaurant would be impressed with the quality of the food and the level of service provided. This warm and welcoming establishment has clearly won over the loyalty of its customers.
Lola's is a excellent choice for breakfast, known for its quick service and convenient parking. The Breakfast Lola option, which features eggs cooked to your preference, a choice of bacon or sausage, either potatoes or grits, and a bread selection between toast or pancake, is a hearty and satisfying meal.
The food at Lola's is delicious and flavorful, with generous portion sizes. A first-time visitor to the restaurant would be impressed with the quality of the food and the level of service provided. This warm and welcoming establishment has clearly won over the loyalty of its customers.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Hidden Gems
- Dinner
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9. Tel-Wink Grill
Serves breakfast all day, has a drive-thru window, and offers catering services
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Tel-Wink Grill is a well-known classic diner offering a cozy atmosphere and a variety of daily specials. One of the standout features of this establishment is the all-day breakfast menu, ensuring that early risers and late sleepers can both enjoy breakfast foods at their convenience. Despite the diner getting busy during weekends, the service remains efficient, although anticipate waiting for a table during peak hours.
As an old-school diner, Tel-Wink Grill provides a homey ambiance and constantly updates its specials to keep the menu fresh and exciting. The all-day breakfast is a customer favorite, and the quick service is especially commendable given the diner's popularity. However, it's worth noting that the diner can get crowded on weekends, leading to short wait times before being seated.
Tel-Wink Grill is a well-known classic diner offering a cozy atmosphere and a variety of daily specials. One of the standout features of this establishment is the all-day breakfast menu, ensuring that early risers and late sleepers can both enjoy breakfast foods at their convenience. Despite the diner getting busy during weekends, the service remains efficient, although anticipate waiting for a table during peak hours.
As an old-school diner, Tel-Wink Grill provides a homey ambiance and constantly updates its specials to keep the menu fresh and exciting. The all-day breakfast is a customer favorite, and the quick service is especially commendable given the diner's popularity. However, it's worth noting that the diner can get crowded on weekends, leading to short wait times before being seated.
TOPICS
- Breakfast
- American Cuisine
- Happy Hours
10. House of Pies
Open 24/7, serving homemade pies since 1967, offers vegetarian options
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I enjoyed the diner atmosphere during my visits. The French Toast stood out as a highlight, cooked to perfection and providing a delicious start to the meal. The scrambled eggs were also well-prepared, and the bacon had a satisfying crisp to it.
During my initial visit to this old-time diner, the food and service were both excellent, contributing to a pleasant dining experience. However, during my second visit, while the food was still acceptable, the service was not up to par. The waitress neglected our table for extended periods, which detracted from the overall experience.
I enjoyed the diner atmosphere during my visits. The French Toast stood out as a highlight, cooked to perfection and providing a delicious start to the meal. The scrambled eggs were also well-prepared, and the bacon had a satisfying crisp to it.
During my initial visit to this old-time diner, the food and service were both excellent, contributing to a pleasant dining experience. However, during my second visit, while the food was still acceptable, the service was not up to par. The waitress neglected our table for extended periods, which detracted from the overall experience.
TOPICS
- Personal Celebrations
- American Cuisine
- Lunch
11. Hanz Diner
Serving classic diner fare since 1996, a family-owned business with a loyal customer base.
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I had lunch today at a diner that was surprisingly not busy. It seems to be a well-kept secret, as the food, cleanliness, and staff were all excellent. I ordered the meatloaf and was served a huge portion, while my husband enjoyed some delicious fried okra and beef tips.
The diner was very clean, and the staff were extremely friendly. The menu offered a wide variety of breakfast options such as pancakes, french toast, hot chicken and waffles, omelets, skillets, and steak.
I had lunch today at a diner that was surprisingly not busy. It seems to be a well-kept secret, as the food, cleanliness, and staff were all excellent. I ordered the meatloaf and was served a huge portion, while my husband enjoyed some delicious fried okra and beef tips.
The diner was very clean, and the staff were extremely friendly. The menu offered a wide variety of breakfast options such as pancakes, french toast, hot chicken and waffles, omelets, skillets, and steak.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
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12. Avalon Diner
Long-standing diner with a vintage atmosphere and speedy service
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Dinner
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13. Harry's
Live music on weekends, locally sourced ingredients, extensive wine list
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Harry's, located at 318 Tuam Street in Houston, Texas, is a cherished establishment in the Montrose district, offering a combination of classic and innovative dishes inspired by Southern, Latin, and European flavors. Known for its high-quality and authentic food, Harry's has been a local favorite for years, delighting diners with its unique and delicious offerings.
The cafeteria-style restaurant is famous for its traditional American and Greek-style entrees, which are consistently yummy, very good, and held to a high standard. However, the service can be hit or miss, with some customers praising the speed and excellence of the service, while others find it slow and unprofessional. Similarly, some servers are described as pleasant, attentive, and friendly, while others have been criticized for their attitude. Despite these occasional inconsistencies, Harry's Restaurant remains a beloved institution in the Houston community.
Harry's, located at 318 Tuam Street in Houston, Texas, is a cherished establishment in the Montrose district, offering a combination of classic and innovative dishes inspired by Southern, Latin, and European flavors. Known for its high-quality and authentic food, Harry's has been a local favorite for years, delighting diners with its unique and delicious offerings.
The cafeteria-style restaurant is famous for its traditional American and Greek-style entrees, which are consistently yummy, very good, and held to a high standard. However, the service can be hit or miss, with some customers praising the speed and excellence of the service, while others find it slow and unprofessional. Similarly, some servers are described as pleasant, attentive, and friendly, while others have been criticized for their attitude. Despite these occasional inconsistencies, Harry's Restaurant remains a beloved institution in the Houston community.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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14. Traveler's Table
Unique fusion of Mexican and Lebanese cuisine
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As the restaurant returns to full staff and diners start to slow down, the initial chaos and long wait times will fade into the past. During the initial reopening phase, the restaurant faced challenges due to limited staff and high demand, leading to longer wait times for customers. However, as the restaurant returns to normalcy, these issues should subside.
The restaurant itself is a beautiful and intimate space. The atmosphere is both intimate and lively, making it a great spot for a date or a night out with friends. The restaurant's ambiance is one of its standout features, creating a warm and inviting environment for patrons to enjoy their meals.
As the restaurant returns to full staff and diners start to slow down, the initial chaos and long wait times will fade into the past. During the initial reopening phase, the restaurant faced challenges due to limited staff and high demand, leading to longer wait times for customers. However, as the restaurant returns to normalcy, these issues should subside.
The restaurant itself is a beautiful and intimate space. The atmosphere is both intimate and lively, making it a great spot for a date or a night out with friends. The restaurant's ambiance is one of its standout features, creating a warm and inviting environment for patrons to enjoy their meals.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
- Social Gatherings
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15. Lankford's Grocery & Market
Family-owned grocery store and deli with a hometown feel and catering services
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Lankford's Grocery & Market is a well-loved diner in Houston, known for its cozy atmosphere, friendly service, and delicious burgers. The classic diner vibe makes it an ideal spot for a casual meal.
This establishment, also known as Lankford's Hamburger Station, is a hidden gem in Houston with a diner-style setting and a reputation for serving some of the city's best burgers. The old-school diner feel, with its charming atmosphere, adds to its undeniable appeal.
Lankford's Grocery & Market is a well-loved diner in Houston, known for its cozy atmosphere, friendly service, and delicious burgers. The classic diner vibe makes it an ideal spot for a casual meal.
This establishment, also known as Lankford's Hamburger Station, is a hidden gem in Houston with a diner-style setting and a reputation for serving some of the city's best burgers. The old-school diner feel, with its charming atmosphere, adds to its undeniable appeal.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
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16. Frank's Grill
Uses high-quality ingredients and has a cozy atmosphere
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The diner, which has been a fixture in the community since the 1960s, has often been overlooked by passersby due to its rundown appearance. Many, like myself, might assume that the food inside would be less than satisfactory. However, after a friend recommended the place, I decided to give it a try and was completely won over.
What makes this mom and pop's diner so great is the fact that the food is cooked to order, and the quality is consistently high. The diner's timeless charm and delicious meals have kept it in business for several decades. Unfortunately, its exterior does not do justice to the excellent food that awaits customers inside.
The diner, which has been a fixture in the community since the 1960s, has often been overlooked by passersby due to its rundown appearance. Many, like myself, might assume that the food inside would be less than satisfactory. However, after a friend recommended the place, I decided to give it a try and was completely won over.
What makes this mom and pop's diner so great is the fact that the food is cooked to order, and the quality is consistently high. The diner's timeless charm and delicious meals have kept it in business for several decades. Unfortunately, its exterior does not do justice to the excellent food that awaits customers inside.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Breakfast
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17. Weights + Measures
Offers a cozy atmosphere with patio seating and live music on weekends.
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Weights + Measures is a Midtown restaurant that serves brunch and also has an attached bakery. The large windows allow for natural light to enhance your dining experience. The menu is extensive, making it suitable for groups or solo dining. The chilaquiles are a popular dish, and the plum martini is a recommended beverage.
I recently visited for lunch on a Sunday and had made a reservation in advance due to the restaurant's popularity. The service was average, with our server being helpful in describing the menu options. However, after the food arrived, we did not see her again until she brought the check. The chilaquiles were enjoyed by my husband, but I found my margherita pizza to be lacking in toppings. The crust was good, but there was minimal cheese and basil.
Weights + Measures is a Midtown restaurant that serves brunch and also has an attached bakery. The large windows allow for natural light to enhance your dining experience. The menu is extensive, making it suitable for groups or solo dining. The chilaquiles are a popular dish, and the plum martini is a recommended beverage.
I recently visited for lunch on a Sunday and had made a reservation in advance due to the restaurant's popularity. The service was average, with our server being helpful in describing the menu options. However, after the food arrived, we did not see her again until she brought the check. The chilaquiles were enjoyed by my husband, but I found my margherita pizza to be lacking in toppings. The crust was good, but there was minimal cheese and basil.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Affordable Nightlife
18. Hungry Like The Wolf
Late night dining, pet-friendly patio, live music
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Hungry Like the Wolf is a diner and bar in Houston that brings the '80s back to life. The atmosphere is fun, lively, and cool, featuring pictures of '80s and '90s fan favorites on the decor. Loud music from the decade plays in the background, adding to the nostalgic experience.
The menu and cocktails at Hungry Like the Wolf are also '80s themed, allowing customers to revisit the decade through their dining experience. The ambiance and decor are designed to transport customers back in time, creating a unique and enjoyable atmosphere for all who visit. Whether you're a fan of the '80s or just looking for a fun and lively place to hang out, Hungry Like the Wolf is the perfect spot.
Hungry Like the Wolf is a diner and bar in Houston that brings the '80s back to life. The atmosphere is fun, lively, and cool, featuring pictures of '80s and '90s fan favorites on the decor. Loud music from the decade plays in the background, adding to the nostalgic experience.
The menu and cocktails at Hungry Like the Wolf are also '80s themed, allowing customers to revisit the decade through their dining experience. The ambiance and decor are designed to transport customers back in time, creating a unique and enjoyable atmosphere for all who visit. Whether you're a fan of the '80s or just looking for a fun and lively place to hang out, Hungry Like the Wolf is the perfect spot.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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19. Shandy's
Handcrafted burgers made from scratch, daily specials, family-owned
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The salad sampler at this establishment is a delight for anyone who enjoys a variety of flavors and textures. It includes an assortment of soups that are both tasty and satisfying. In particular, the chicken salad sandwich stands out for its delicious taste.
Shandy's is a well-known and beloved eatery, particularly among those who plan to attend a performance at the Heights Theater nearby. The food is consistently good, with the burger being a particularly noteworthy item on the menu. Shandy's is a great place to grab a bite before a show, and its popularity is a testament to the quality of the food and the enjoyable atmosphere.
The salad sampler at this establishment is a delight for anyone who enjoys a variety of flavors and textures. It includes an assortment of soups that are both tasty and satisfying. In particular, the chicken salad sandwich stands out for its delicious taste.
Shandy's is a well-known and beloved eatery, particularly among those who plan to attend a performance at the Heights Theater nearby. The food is consistently good, with the burger being a particularly noteworthy item on the menu. Shandy's is a great place to grab a bite before a show, and its popularity is a testament to the quality of the food and the enjoyable atmosphere.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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20. This & That Diner
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Lunch
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