By Chef Chris Shepherd

If you want to fit in like a local in Houston, don't: say you're from Dallas.
But make sure you: know the best pho shop within a 5-mile radius of your house.

“Underbelly is the story of Houston food. We want to tell the story of this city, how we feel about it, showing all the different diversities of this place.”

— Chef Chris Shepherd

UNDERBELLY

Underbelly is the story of Houston food. We want to tell the story of this city, how we feel about it, showing all the different diversities of this place. With an ever-changing menu, we highlight different things everyday.

The food has become more in tune with Houston and more culturally driven. When we first opened in 2012, we weren't sure the farmers in the area could support all of our demands, but the farming community has grown substantially and sustains our restaurant. We've enhanced our relationships through projects designed specifically for us--feeding programs, growing produce for specific dishes, breeding our own pigs.

1100 Westheimer Road Houston, TX 77006
T: 713.528.9800 | www.underbellyhouston.com

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MY HOUSTON GUIDE

Morning Coffee

Blacksmith

The best baristas in town. They're so happy and cordial, they pour a mean cortado, and it's next door to Underbelly.

1018 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77006
T: 832.360.7470

Breakfast

Kolache and coffee | Photograph courtesy of Revival Market

Kolache Saturday at Revival Market

Get there early because there's always a line.

550 Heights Boulevard, Houston, TX 77007
T: 713.880.8463 | revivalmarket.com

Market & Late Morning Snack

H Mart

We use a lot of Korean flavors in our food, so we go to H Mart a lot. Plus, there is a killer food court if you need a snack.

1302 Blalock Road, Houston, TX 77055
T: 713.468.0606 | www.hmart.com

Lunch

Cali Sandwich

They have the best banh mi in Houston. Ask for a fried egg on your sandwich.

3030 Travis Street, Houston, TX 77006
T: 713.520.0710

Afternoon Snack

Mala Sichuan

Come here for red oil dumplings or garlic cucumbers. I'm pretty excited they opened their second location across the street from Underbelly. It makes afternoon snacking really easy.

9348 Bellaire Boulevard, Houston, TX 77036 | T: 713.995.1889
1201 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77006 | T: 832.767.0911

Cocktails

Anvil Bar & Refuge

I love the bartenders and their bourbon selection is stellar. Little known fact: Underbelly was conceived on a napkin at Anvil.

1424 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77006
T: 713.523.1622 | www.anvilhouston.com

Dinner

Coltivare

Hands down, one of the best restaurants. Ryan Pera is one of the smartest chefs I know. Food is always driven in local styles--a lot of the ingredients come from the garden out back. The cacio e pepe is on point.

3320 White Oak Drive, Houston, TX 77007
T: 713.637.4095 | coltivarehouston.com

Late Night

Pho Binh | Photo Credit: Julie Soefer Photography — Pho Binh | Photo Credit: Julie Soefer Photography

Pho Binh by Night

They have the best broth around. There are a few locations around Houston, but this one is open late. Ask for the bone marrow on the side.

Open until 3am on weekends
12148 Bellaire Boulevard #101, Houston, TX 77072 | T: 832.351.2464 | www.phobinh.com/by-night

Tacos Tierra Caliente

Arguably the best tacos in town. They have a food truck outside the West Alabama Ice House, which is conveniently located on my way home from work.

Open until 11pm on weekends
1919 W Alabama Street, Houston, TX 77098 | T: 713.584.9359

Camerata | Photo credit: Matthew Borgerding & Kirsten White

Camerata at Paulie's

I come here for a night cap. David Keck and Felipe Riccio are wine geniuses and they know what style of rosé I like.

Open until 2am
1830 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77098
T: 713.522.8466 | www.pauliesrestaurant.com/camerata

Houston Souvenir to Bring Home

Big Daddy's Ass Burn Hot Sauce

Bring home a few bottles of Big Daddy's Ass Burn Hot Sauce. I buy it by the case.

Website | Where to Buy

Chef Chris Shepherd

James Beard Award-winning chef Chris Shepherd opened Underbelly in 2012 and focuses on featuring locally-sourced food inspired by the ethnic diversity of Houston. He also has an in-house butcher to support his passion for making charcuterie.

The former executive sous chef-turned-sommelier for Brennan's was the recipient of the 2014 James Beard Award winner for Best Chef: Southwest and was also named one of the Top 10 Best New Chefs in America by Food & Wine.

In his free time, Chris seeks out hard-to-find bottles for his ever-growing bourbon collection and explores the city for new restaurants.

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