Money Cat, Katsu Sando
Upper Kirby's Japanese restaurant darling, Money Cat, has been known for its thoughtful and whimsical approach to Japanese dining since it opened its doors last year. Chef and owner, Sherman Yeung has a pedigree of heavy hitters, including Tobiuo Sushi & Bar, Uchi, Yuatcha, and Izakaya Wa. At Money Cat, customers can enjoy hot and cold options, including tempura, milk buns, hamachi, robata, and desserts. New to the menu are its ice cream and sorbet offerings.
Since opening its doors last year, one of the standout menu items has been the Katsu Sando. Chicken katsu (breaded chicken cutlets), Japanese tartar sauce, and tamari caramel are layered between two perfectly toasted milk bread slices. The mix of flavors and textures makes this sandwich a must with each visit. moneycathtx.com
Kenny & Ziggy's New York Delicatessen, Brisky Business
Located on Post Oak, Kenny and Ziggy's is a mix of traditional and modern; its massive menu caters to all sorts and has a serious local following. Conventional portion sizes are out the window at the New York-style delicatessen, exemplified perfectly by the triple-decker Brisky Business. The sandwich is made with generous stacks of thinly sliced brisket and turkey served on rye bread with onion, lettuce, tomato, and Russian dressing. Diners can choose from various sides, including coleslaw, potato salad, macaroni salad, and cucumber salad. kennyandziggys.com
The Pit Room, BBQ Burger
Renowned for its Central Texas-style barbecue, The Pit Room recently opened its second location in Memorial City with an expanded menu of family-friendly favorites, including the BBQ Burger. A traditional cheeseburger patty is given a barbecue upgrade and topped with a heaping serving of chopped brisket and onions. The BBQ Burger is served with housemade pickles and golden fries. Other new favorites include pulled pork nachos, fried pickles, grilled hot dogs, and specialty cocktail and dessert menus. thepitroombbq.com
Stuffed Belly, Belly Melt
MasterChef winner and three-time James Beard Award nominee Christine Ha's newest concept, Stuffed Belly, opened in Spring Branch in 2023. The pared-down menu offers diners a taste of several classics, including Ha's take on a smash burger. The Belly Burger is made with two smashed beef chuck patties, topped with caramelized onions, American cheese, pickles, and the restaurant's signature Stuffed sauce served on toasted potato buns. Diners can add tater tots or chips, and new to the menu are the Stuffed Sippers. Guests can wash down their meals with a Dirty Dr. Pepper, Blackberry Lemonade, Strawberry Fizz, or Strawberry Cream Soda – each made with housemade syrup. stuffedbelly.co
Dish Society Texas Hot Chicken
With several Houston-area locations to choose from, Dish Society is always a consistent choice for a great-tasting and locally sourced meal. The all-day cafe serves menu favorites for the whole family, including its Texas Hot Chicken Sandwich. An instant favorite since it hit the menu, this spicy sandwich features buttermilk-brined fried chicken breast tossed in Houston hot sauce, drizzled with local honey, and topped with pickled onions and dill ranch slaw on a pretzel bun. dishsociety.com