Chris Shepherd's Houston Favorites!

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

4.7

4.7 (646)

$50 and over

American

Heights / Washington

About the restaurant

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

AnnaVIP

Dined on Dec 24, 2024

Great place, incredible food, awesome service and amazing cocktails! The only thing my husband and I have issue with is the lighting. We had to use our phones to read the menu.

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Experience

Wine and Dine XV Lunar New Year Edition

Experience

Somm Series: Vive le Vin

Experience

Wine & Dine XVI: Valentine's Day Edition

Grace's

4.8

4.8 (4310)

$31 to $50

American

Upper Kirby / Shepherd Corridor

About the restaurant

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

Jaliyah

Dined 1 day ago

My sister and I had dinner at Grace’s, and it was such a great experience! We started with the Fried Green Tomatoes, which were so crispy and flavorful—a great way to kick off the meal. And we were complimentary cornbread with a sweet butter (delicious by the way). For my main dish, I had the Cajun Stuffed Chicken, and it was amazing. I upgraded to the Crawfish Mac and Cheese (so worth it!) and swapped the collard greens for seasoned green beans. Shoutout to our server, who was super helpful and suggested those upgrades—she really made the meal extra special. The vibe at Grace’s is warm and cozy, like being at your grandmother’s house. The dress is casual, but going business casual would feel fitting for this location—it has that polished yet inviting atmosphere. The only small downside was that the table next to us was a bit loud, but honestly, it didn’t take away from how much we enjoyed everything else. My sister and I both left happy and full, and we’ll definitely be back!

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Popular dish

Mia Gumbo

Popular dish

Southern Fried Pork Chop

Popular dish

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Uchi Houston

4.9

4.9 (4463)

$50 and over

Sushi

Montrose

About the restaurant

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

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Dec 23, 2024

Hudson is hands-down the best waiter we’ve ever had! He’s always courteous, friendly, and punctual with bringing out our food. His recommendations are spot-on, and he has a cheerful personality that makes every dining experience fun and memorable. Hudson goes above and beyond to ensure everything is perfect, and his positive energy truly enhances our visits. We always look forward to seeing him and appreciate his outstanding service!

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Pappas Bros. Steakhouse - Downtown

4.7

4.7 (2893)

$30 and under

Steakhouse

Downtown

About the restaurant

Elegant, award-winning steakhouse serving dry-aged prime beef, seafood & exceptional wines.

Top review

Donald

Dined 6 days ago

Fantastic dining experience. We took our daughter for her birthday. Her first time. Service from Jillian was top notch and the steak and sides could not have been any better. We will be back soon.

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Popular dish

Turtle Gumbo

Julep

4.3

4.3 (75)

$31 to $50

Cocktail Bar

Heights / Washington

About the restaurant

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

ChristyVIP

Dined on Dec 22, 2024

I have been coming to your bar since you opened and I have been constantly impressed by your attention to detail. Last night, we celebrated my son's birthday, and once again, you outdid yourself. Thank you for making an evening we will never forget.

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Experience

Dollar Gulf Oysters

La Lucha

4.8

4.8 (1381)

$30 and under

Seafood

Heights / Washington

About the restaurant

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

ROBERTVIP

Dined 5 days ago

ALWAYS TOP NOTCH SERVICE THEY NEVER DISAPPOINT. THE HALF BIRD WAS AMAZING, OYSTERS WERE ON POINT AND DEVILED EGGS

State of Grace

4.7

4.7 (3381)

$31 to $50

Contemporary Southern

River Oaks

About the restaurant

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

LiketoEat

Dined 7 days ago

The Manager Parwaan and servers Dominic & Essence went above and beyond to make sure our dining experience was excellent. The food was exceptional as always. We will be back soon.

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