Benjy’s. Location: Upper Washington or Rice Village. Scene: Casual Fine Dining. Comfortable. Greenery. Food: Crunchy Chicken. Crab Cakes. Salt + Pepper Calamari. Mushroom Pizza. Burger.
Chek Recs:
- Potato Dumplings: Texas Wilde Boar. Thyme au Jus
- Red Wine Braised Beef Short Ribs: Jalapeño-Potato Cream + Warm Brussels Sprout Salad
- Fried Brussels Sprouts (above)
- Mom’s Chocolate Cake with Amy’s Vanilla Ice Cream (above)
Benjy’s is a fun, hip Houston restaurant serving an array of small plates, pizzas and yummy Southern-inspired entrees. The tall, oversized green plants and wooden fence structures create an earthy environment while still proving a stylish atmosphere. The staff is very friendly and personable (hello this is Texas!), and the menu suits those looking for a trusted home cooked meal. The Fried Brussels Sprouts topped with parmesan cheese are so crisp and magical – I would order them for dessert. However, Mom’s Chocolate Cake is a Texas-sized champion with melted, chocolate icing oozing off the plate and some pecans to throw some texture in there. It’s delectable, delicious and delightful and beats your grandmother’s secret recipe any day! The happy hour in the lounge is a straight up steal offering: $6 appetizers such as pistachio crusted goat cheese cakes and roasted beets with pears and sour apples, $6 signature cocktails and martinis and $5 glasses of wine. This is one of the Houston restaurants that I think could definitely survive in New York City. Benjy’s is the all-purpose restaurant: great for celebrations, dates and anniversaries!