When you think of food in Houston, Texas, the image that likely comes to mind is rib-sticking comfort food like barbeque rather than healthy dining alternatives. However, several restaurants in the city are trying to change that perception. Along with local healthy take-out options such as My Fit Foods and Smart Meals, there are a growing number of sit-down restaurants in Houston for people looking for low-fat, organic or vegetarian options that still taste great.
Named Houston's "Best Vegetarian-Friendly Restaurant" in 2009 by the "Houston Press," the Hobbit Cafe offers a mixture of basic meals and more refined fare. Vegetarians can enjoy simple meals suc h as black beans and rice or a Vegetilla-flour tortillas stuffed with steamed vegetables and pico de gallo and covered in melted Monterey Jack cheese. The restaurant is also well-known for its burgers: diners can choose Angus beef, leaner meat choices such as buffalo or turkey, or a vegetarian black bean or soy patty.
Hobbit Cafe
2243 Richmond Avenue
Houston, TX 77098
(713) 526-5460
thehobbitcafe.com
As the first restaurant in Houston to become certified green by the Green Restaurant Association, Ruggles Green is at the forefront of the city's healthy dining movement. The restaurant specializes in healthy comfort food thanks to the use of organic and all-natural ingredients. Many of the salads such as the Ruggles Green Salmon Salad and the Hydroponic Butter Lettuce Wedge can be ordered gluten-free, as can pizzas such as the Organic Vegetable Pizza with charred tomatoes, eggplant and zucchini.
Ruggles Green
2311 West Alabama Street
Houston, TX 77098
(713) 533-0777
Ziggy's Bar and Grill offers healthy choices for dining as well as a place to relax and enjoy a drink. There are two locations in Houston, including a downtown location blocks away from both Minute Maid Park and the Verizon Wireless Theater. The menu is free from trans fats and features organic beef and eggs from a local farm. Healthy appetizers range from hummus with whole wheat crackers to "Ziggy" snacks-spicy, salted shortbread cookies. Entrees include meat loaf made from either turkey or beef (with a veggie option made from lentils, rice, veggies and herbs) and quesadillas made with whole wheat tortillas and low-fat cheese.
Ziggy's Bar and Grill
702 Main Street
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 527-8588
ziggysbarandgrill.com
As the name suggests, Field of Greens caters to vegetarians and vegans, offering a diverse menu that includes salads along with vegetarian burgers and dinner entrees. One of the restaurant's signature courses is its Macrobiotic Platter, which includes sautéed vegetables, kale with miso sauce, brown rice and beans, tofu quiche, pickled daikon and seaweed and a cup of soup.
Field of Greens
2320 W. Alabama Street
Houston, TX 77098
(713) 533-0029
fieldofgreenscuisine.com
