5 Montrose Experts Dish on Their Favorite Local Spots

Now that I’m officially a Montrose resident, I find myself giddy with all the options for things to see and do (and EAT) in Houston’s Montrose neighborhood. Montrose is without a doubt one of the most unique sections of Houston. Since I already shared my Montrose hidden gems, I asked a few Montrose experts what their absolute favorite things to do in Montrose were. Here’s what they said:

Eric Sandler is the go-to guy with all the insider knowledge on Montrose: 

Eric Sandler, Writer + Foodie

“Generally, I think Montrose’s restaurant options are pretty well documented, but I do have a couple of picks that are a little under-the-radar. The first is 369 Oriental Bistro; I just need a certain amount of Chinese-American food in my life, and this unassuming spot fits the bill thanks to its top-tier fried pork dumplings, General Tso’s chicken, and hot and sour soup. When other restaurants are slammed, I can always count on grabbing a table at 369 for a quiet dinner.

I’m also a fan of La Sicilia Italian Bakery & Cafe. A couple of cookies, a filled-to-order cannoli, or a flaky croissant will satisfy just about anyone’s sweet tooth. Family-owned and operated, the savory and breakfast options are good, too.”

Houston Blogger, Anastasia Hansen

Anastasia Hansen, Houston blogger at It’s Not Hou It’s Me:

“Montrose is a super quirky neighborhood with excellent nightlife, food and cultural gems. When I have friends visit me, I like to take them to Emerson Rose [Montrose location] for shopping, Present Company for insta-worthy pics, La Grange for drinks, and Goodnight Charlie’s for live country music! Also, you can’t beat Riva’s heavy $5 wine pours and massive bowls of pasta. The flamboyant and sassy servers are hilarious and spice up any dinner. For more Montrose and Houston recommendations, check out the Newstonian neighborhood guides on It’s Not Hou It’s Me.”

Craig Hlavaty, writer and part of Houston Museum of Natural Science: 

Craig on the left, Nick on the right

“When it comes to hidden gems in Montrose I am scared to give mine away. I don’t want everyone showing up and crowding the place! But if I have to share anything it would be the cool little corner of Hawthorne and Stanford. I love Mercantile Montrose’s iced coffee, fresh pastries, and relaxed ambiance. It’s next to the Stanford Laundromat, which is a great place to knock out one of my favorite chores, laundry. Pro tip: the Wi-Fi from the coffee shop works at the laundromat so you can get some work done or listen to a podcast while your unmentionables toss and turn in the drier. The laundromat’s owner, Duc, is always fun to talk to as well. He’s seen some stuff.”

Lisa Gochman, the PR Santa

Lisa Gochman, Houston Media Consultant & PR:

“Some of my favorites in Montrose are The Pit Room for BBQ, love getting a Feast which offers a little bit of everything and then I usually add on a chicken or brisket taco. I usually get my bbq and go sit at the The Patio at the Pit Room, when the weather is nice.

BuffBurger – did you know they serve breakfast seven days a week from 7am – 11am (all sandwiches come with homemade tater tots – life changing). If you can’t make breakfast, grab a burger, they make everything in house from the buns to the jalapeño ketchup (my fave ketchup in town). The Montrose location has a FULL bar and great classic craft cocktail menu.

[The Blonde Side note: both BuffBurger and The Patio at the Pit Room were listed in my favorite Montrose Houston spots, so now you have two people telling those are good spots!]

LES NOO’DLE is another good one in Montrose – spring roll and Chicken Pho!

Hot Bagel Shop – mini bagel dogs, lox and cream cheese bagel loaded on an everything bagel (that’s when I am eating carbs, ha)”

Nick Scurfield, @scurfieldgroup and @welcometohou Podcast: 

Nick on the right, Craig on the left

“I used to live near the intersection of Westheimer and Dunlavy, and I spent a lot of time at Brasil. A great place for coffee, breakfast, lunch or anything in between. You can hop across the street to Agora and next door to Common Bond for the coffee shop trifecta. Nearby are my favorite stores, Space Montrose (name-drop Craig Hlavaty and it’ll score you some points); my go-to bike shop, Ham Cycles; and a great new ‘Viejun” restaurant, Kau Ba. It’s all within short walking distance of bars like Camerata, Poison Girl, La Grange and Goodnight Charlie’s. Two of my favorite restaurants are Riel, where chef/owner Ryan Lachaine’s pierogies are a must, and Cuchara, whose mole verde is out of this world.”

Big thanks to these five Montrose Houston experts for dishing on their favorite places (and actionable pro tips) of where to eat and what to do in this fun Houston neighborhood. There were at least six places I haven’t tried, but now I have plans for the New Year…

This is part of a sponsored blog series with Encore Montrose. I am sharing what I love about Houston, and specifically Montrose, plus all the unique spaces and food options in the neighborhood. These brand-new Montrose apartments are currently offering major leasing specials, including look and lease gift cards and a few weeks of prorated rent free, so don’t miss out. Drop a comment or an email if you’re interested in touring (they do champagne tours!) or stop by Encore Montrose and tell them Jayme (or The Blonde Side) sent you!