12 Iconic Katy Restaurants You Must Try at Least Once

KATY MAGAZINE l SEPTEMBER 2019

By April Carroll

Too many restaurants to choose from? Here are a handful of local faves every true Katyite has been to at least once.

Katy residents have their favorite dining establishments. They know the menu, the owners and even have a regular seat. Our list of popular Katy eateries have a long history in the town - some will greet a second generation of customers soon. (Listed in no particular order.)

1. TEXAS TRADITION

5321 Highway Blvd.

Since 2002, patrons have been greeted with a warm welcome at Texas Tradition, a rustic family restaurant. Residents feel at home with the Katy memorabilia and photographs decorating the wall.

Texas Tradition features a variety of comfort foods, just like mom used to make. Make sure to order their award-winning chicken fried steak, a local favorite.

HOURS: Open: Monday - Thursday 10:30 am- 9:00 pm, Friday 10:30 am - 10:00 pm, Saturday 7:00 am -10:00 pm, Sunday 7:00 am - 9:00 pm

2. SNAPPY'S

5803 Highway Blvd.

Voted the Best Breakfast spot in Katy multiple times, Snappy's represents the quintessential small town, family restaurant. Regular customers have their favorite dishes, and Snappy's pancakes have been described as the best in town. Traditional Texas comfort food is the best way to describe it.

Patrons, some who have been dining there since Snappy's opened in 2002, say the owners treat them like family. Snappy's successful combination of great food and relationships, guarantees repeat customers and always draws a crowd.

HOURS: Sunday 6:00 am - 2:00 pm, Monday - Saturday 6:00 am - 3:00 pm

Photo by Zenon Yracheta on Katy Magazine Foodies

3. LANDRY'S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

22215 Katy Fwy.

Established in 1947, Landry's brought its seafood restaurant to Katy in 1980. Although there are more than 300 Landry's locations around the world, Landry's Seafood here in Katy is their flagship location. Patrons love their Snapper Hemingway and have made the entree Landry's best selling dish.

HOURS: Sunday - Thursday 11:00 am - 9:30 pm, Friday - Saturday 11:00 am - 10:00 pm

4. LOS CUCOS MEXICAN CAFE

5831 Highway Blvd.

Los Cucos opened in 1991 and quickly became a local favorite in Old Katy, known for authentic Mexican food in a casual atmosphere. The restaurant soon opened a second location near Katy Mills Mall. Fajitas and the stuffed avocados are regular favorites among customers, plus their margaritas are hard to beat!

HOURS: Monday - Sunday 11:00 am - 10:00 pm

5. PAPPA GYROS

23255 Kingsland Blvd.

Pappa Gyros, Katy's original Greek-American restaurant, has gained nationwide attention. The tiny restaurant, attached to a gas station, has been voted the #12 best place to eat in the United States. They have also claimed the distinction of the #2 place to eat in Texas, and the #1 place to eat in Katy!

Customers can't get enough of the authentic Greek food and their specialty Chicago Dogs! Plus, owner Christos Batsios draws guests into his restaurant with his welcoming smile and a quick explanation of every dish.

HOURS: Monday - Saturday 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

6. CAPTAIN TOM'S SEAFOOD AND OYSTER BAR

20525 Katy Fwy.

Anyone who has driven I-10 East from Katy has noticed "the boat." Locals know the Katy nautical landmark docked on the Katy Freeway as Captain Tom's Seafood and Oyster Bar. You can always find a fun crowd at this casual seafood bar, so make plans to meet up with friends after work. Try one of their Micheladas, a Mexican beer prepared with lime juice, spices, tomato juice, and chili peppers.

Guests claim the gumbo at Captain Tom's is the best outside of New Orleans, and the oysters are a must. Captain Tom's fresh, delicious seafood definitely keeps this boat afloat!

HOURS: Monday - Sunday 11:00 am - 11:00 pm

7. EPHESUS MEDITERRANEAN GRILL

510 S Mason Rd.

Ephesus Mediterranean Grill is a family-owned authentic Turkish restaurant that features Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. Menu items are prepared from scratch with fresh ingredients and Halal meats.

Customers enjoy the authentic atmosphere and specialty dishes such as the stuffed cabbage rolls and the vegetable stew.

HOURS: Monday - Thursday 11:00 am - 9:00 pm, Friday - Saturday 11:00 am - 9:30 pm, Sunday 11:00 am - 8:00 pm

8. MIDWAY BBQ

6025 Highway Blvd.

Beef rib plate at Midway BBQ

Midway BBQ opened in the mid-90s when the owners realized their meat market customers had no where to get great BBQ. Since then, Katy residents have made Midway their top choice for brisket, ribs, and all the fixin's. On weekends, customers enjoy great live music while they eat, and are always welcomed as a part of the family.

HOURS: Monday - Thursday 10:30 am - 8:00 pm, Friday - Saturday 10:30 am - 8:30 pm, Sunday 11:00 am - 8:00 pm

9. TEXAS BORDERS BAR AND GRILL

20940 Katy Fwy.

Since 1996, Texas Borders Bar and Grill has welcomed patrons to their casual restaurant. The menu features standard American and Tex-Mex fare, and they keep customers coming back with daily specials, happy hours, and drink specials.

In 2015, Texas Borders Bar and Grill was voted "Best Wings" for their customer-favorite blackened wings. This well-known Katy establishment appreciates their customers and they "build relationships with them every step of the way."

HOURS: Monday - Thursday 11:00 am - 10:00 pm, Friday - Saturday 11:00 am - 11:00 pm, Sunday 11:00 am - 9:30 pm

10. HASTA LA PASTA

1450 W Grand Pkwy. South

Hasta La Pasta opened its first location in Humble in 1999, and soon added two more locations, in Katy and Champions. Each restaurant offers a menu customized to suit the tastes of the locals. Stop in for lunch or dinner to enjoy Hasta La Pasta's assortment of delicious appetizers and small plates, or a pizza. Their menu also features wonderful signature dishes like the Chicken Hasta La Pasta (pictured).

HOURS: Monday - Thursday 11:00 am - 9:00 pm, Friday - Saturday 11:00 am - 10:00 pm, Sunday 10:00 am - 8:00 pm

11. ROSA'S PIZZA RISTORANTE ITALIANO

510 S. Mason Rd.

Rosa's features delicious Italian subs, traditional New York-style pizza, and classic Italian entrees like fettuccine Alfredo. Nestled in a strip mall on Mason Road, regular customers return for the great food. But the cozy restaurant also features a relaxed atmosphere and friendly service.

If you haven't been to Rosa's, stop in and tell them Katy Magazine told you where to find them!

HOURS: Tuesday - Thursday 11:00 am - 9:00 pm, Friday - Saturday 11:00 am - 10:00 pm, Sunday 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm

12. EL JARRITO

21724 Highland Knolls Dr.

El Jarrito opened in 1998, but moved to its Katy location in 2005. The owners describe their restaurant as a big fiesta where "everyone wants to sing and smile." At El Jarrito, they believe their success can be attributed to the great food, staff and the fun their customers have when there.

HOURS: Sunday - Thursday 11:00 am - 9:30 pm

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