Houston’s Best Restaurants for a $250 Date Night: Reddit’s Top Picks with Menus
Got $250 to drop on an awesome dinner date in Houston? You’re in for a real treat! H-Town’s food scene is packed with spots that’ll make your night one to remember. A Reddit thread on r/houston got locals buzzing when someone asked for amazing restaurants to splurge on, and they delivered with some killer picks for a special night out. Here’s the full scoop on each restaurant, with menu highlights and priceS, so you can plan a date night that hits all the right spots
1. Uchi
Why It’s a Hit: Redditors can’t get enough of Uchi’s omakase-style dining, where dishes keep coming until you wave the white flag. One user said their wife planned a birthday dinner here, and it was a total blast—perfect for sushi fans!
Menu Highlights: Omakase tasting menu (10-12 courses with toro, amberjack, uni, and creative twists like makrut lime, $100-$150). A la carte options include hama chili (yellowtail sashimi, $20) and wagyu beef nigiri ($12/piece). Sake or cocktails ($15-$20).
Price Estimate: Omakase runs $100-$150 per person; a la carte for two with drinks hits $200-$250. Your budget’s perfect!
Details: Located at 904 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77006. Sleek, lively vibe; book reservations early.
Website: www.uchihouston.com
2. Nancy’s Hustle
Why It’s a Hit: This EaDo gem got tons of love for its cozy vibe and unreal food. One Redditor swore their ribeye was one of the best ever, making it a go-to for a romantic but laid-back date.
Menu Highlights: Nancy Cakes (corn cakes with butter and trout roe, $22), dry-aged ribeye ($48), lamb tartare ($18). Cocktails ($12-$16) or natural wines ($40-$80/bottle).
Price Estimate: $50-$80 per person; $150-$200 for two with drinks, fitting your $250 budget.
Details: At 2704 Polk St, Houston, TX 77003. Super popular, so reserve ahead!
Website: www.nancyshustle.com
3. Clark’s Oyster Bar
Why It’s a Hit: Seafood lovers, this is your spot. Redditors gave Clark’s props for its fresh oysters and coastal charm, perfect for a classy date night.
Menu Highlights: Oyster platter (half-dozen, $18-$24), lobster roll ($38), pan-roasted redfish ($42). Clark’s Martini ($16) or wines ($40-$100/bottle).
Price Estimate: $60-$100 per person; $150-$220 for two with drinks, leaving some budget room.
Details: At 5171 San Felipe St, Houston, TX 77056. Book a table in advance.
Website: www.clarksoysterbar.com
4. Le Jardinier
Why It’s a Hit: A Redditor’s wife loved this Michelin-starred French spot for its elegant dishes and artsy vibe (real Picassos on the walls!). It’s a fancy pick for a refined night out.
Menu Highlights: Heirloom beet salad ($22), Dover sole Grenobloise ($58), wagyu beef cheek bourguignon ($46). Gin and tonics ($16-$20) or wines ($50-$150/bottle).
Price Estimate: $80-$120 per person; $200-$250 for two with drinks, maxing out your budget.
Details: At 5500 Main St, Houston, TX 77004 (Museum of Fine Arts Houston). Reservations a must.
Website: www.lejardinier-houston.com
5. BCN Taste & Tradition
Why It’s a Hit: Redditors swooned over BCN’s Spanish dishes and killer gin and tonics. One said it turned them into a gin and tonic fan, and another called it a no-brainer for $250.
Menu Highlights: Tapas like Spanish Iberico ham ($28), crispy baby artichokes ($18), paella ($45/person). Gin and tonics ($16-$20) or Spanish wines ($40-$100/bottle).
Price Estimate: $80-$120 per person; $180-$250 for two with drinks, right on budget.
Details: At 4210 Roseland St, Houston, TX 77006. Elegant Montrose spot; book early.
Website: www.bcnhouston.com
6. Doris Metropolitan
Why It’s a Hit: This steakhouse got love for its Jerusalem salad and top-tier steaks. A Redditor said they dream about the flavors, making it perfect for meat lovers who want upscale without the stuffiness.
Menu Highlights: Jerusalem salad ($16), 12-oz ribeye ($52), wagyu filet ($68). Cocktails ($15-$18) or wines ($50-$120/bottle).
Price Estimate: $70-$100 per person; $160-$220 for two with drinks, leaving budget wiggle room.
Details: At 2815 S Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77098. Reserve a table ahead.
Website: www.dorismetropolitan.com
7. Trattoria Sofia
Why It’s a Hit: A Redditor called this Heights Italian spot “amazing,” saying $250 is perfect for two. It’s great for cozy, shareable Italian dishes with a warm vibe.
Menu Highlights: Whipped ricotta ($16), cacio e pepe ($24), veal Milanese ($42). Wines ($40-$90/bottle) or cocktails ($14-$18).
Price Estimate: $60-$90 per person; $140-$200 for two with drinks, well within $250.
Details: At 911 W 11th St, Houston, TX 77008. Lovely patio; book a table.
Website: www.trattoriasofia.com
8. Guard and Grace
Why It’s a Hit: The filet mignon sampler got a “really fun” nod from a Redditor, making this downtown steakhouse a lively pick for a modern date night.
Menu Highlights: Filet mignon sampler (three cuts, $58), oak-grilled octopus ($24), Gulf shrimp ($28). Cocktails ($15-$20) or wines ($50-$150/bottle).
Price Estimate: $70-$100 per person; $160-$220 for two with drinks, fitting your budget.
Details: At 500 Dallas St, Houston, TX 77002. Vibrant vibe; book early.
Website: www.guardandgrace.com
9. Traveler’s Table
Why It’s a Hit: Redditors loved the global menu and bold flavors, saying you won’t need all $250 but will still have an awesome meal. Perfect for eclectic, shareable plates.
Menu Highlights: Cumin lamb dumplings ($16), Thai beef short rib ($34), jerk chicken skewers ($18). Cocktails ($12-$16) or wines ($40-$80/bottle).
Price Estimate: $40-$70 per person; $100-$160 for two with drinks, leaving budget for extras.
Details: At 520 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77006. Fun, global vibe; reservations recommended.
Website: www.travelerstable.com
10. Triola’s Kitchen
Why It’s a Hit: This Heights Italian spot got props for high-end dishes and a BYOB policy ($10 corkage fee). A Redditor loved the boisterous chef, though some prefer quieter vibes.
Menu Highlights: Pappardelle Bolognese ($24), osso buco ($38), tiramisu ($12). Bring your own wine or buy beer/wine on-site.
Price Estimate: $40-$60 per person; $100-$150 for two with BYOB, well under $250.
Details: At 4000 N Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77018. Cozy and lively; call for reservations.
Website: www.triolaskitchen.com
Why These Spots Are Perfect
Houston’s Reddit crew dropped a goldmine of restaurants that nail the upscale date night vibe. Prices were double-checked using restaurant websites, OpenTable, and Eater Houston, but check menus online or call ahead, as costs (especially drinks) can vary. Book reservations early—most of these places are hot tickets!
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Credit: Big thanks to the r/houston community for these drool-worthy recs, shared in the thread “I have 250$ to spend and want to go to an amazing restaurant where would you recommend”: Reddit Thread