I've been a huge Backstreet fan for over 30 years and have never had a dish that wasn't outstanding, until last night and I had an entree that I thought was mediocre at best. One of my food passions is Cioppino, whenever and wherever it's on the menu I order. I've had Cioppino at 15+ restaurants in San Francisco (the birthplace of Cioppino) and the Bay Area since the mid 80's, and many in other cities across the US. Last night I had the Cioppino at Backstreet, and it was "OK", but no something I'd order again. The broth was very thin and didn't have the robust tomato flavor given by San Marzano tomatoes, and I didn't get much Fennel or Saffron flavor. The white fish was in small "chunks" (check out the photo and compare it to the shrimp) rather than a nice large piece and didn't have the flakiness normal found. The shrimp were cut into smaller pieces, rather than cooked whole in the broth. Mussels and Claims were nestled under the other sea food as well a couple of small Scallops. Most disappointing was It was missing the star ingredient of classic Cioppino, CRAB, as well as calamari! I still give Backstreet 5 stars as this was an anomaly as EVERYTHING else I had at Backstreet over the years has been stellar. read more

Ambiance: Upscale restaurant with an amazing menu perfect for a date night, formal dinner with friends/family, or any celebratory occasion. My friends and I attended Backstreet's 41st anniversary dinner, which included a 4-course meal and wine pairings. I loved every single dish! The crab salad was the best I've ever had. The service was excellent and staff is incredibly knowledgeable on the dishes/wine. Clean bathrooms, parking onsite and valet available. They have a really nice patio area with string lights as well as a bar and nice dining area. Highly recommend, a must visit in Houston! read more

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An excellent Houston brunch spot with plenty of patio space. I was completely blown away by the smoked chicken hash. I usually don't order chicken because I'm wary of dry overcooked chicken. But this chicken was moist, smoky and incredible. I considered upgrading to brisket but am very glad I tried the dish as intended. I was disappointed that there were no potatoes in the hash but the chicken made up for it. Fried green tomatoes were also up there in terms of our favorites. The seafood salad had a delicious mix of options and the risotto was dense and delicious. Service was excellent. Our server Nicholas was attentive and went above and beyond adjusting umbrellas for sun coverage without being asked. Much appreciated! read more

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Stopped by here for Father's Day and was pleasantly surprised. We arrived around 10:30am and it was before the herd came in, so that was nice. Ambiance was great, we chose to sit inside, but the patio looked very inviting. Staff was friendly and efficient. We were seated upstairs, where it is a bit chilly, but I brought a jacket. Apps: Rolls w/garlic butter, Fried Green Tomatoes (Best Bite) & Gazpacho Entrees: Sea Bass & Brisket Hash w/scrambled eggs We loved the Fried green tomatoes served w/ lump crab and the Gazpacho was very refreshing. There was a prefixed menu for $56 pp, so we were able to try multiple dishes. We will definitely return whenever they have another prefixed menu. Enter freely they've been approved. P.S. Complimentary Valet read more

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Big Kudos for the Deserts! they are beautiful, and they just make you feel happy. I tried the flan, my crew tried the carrot cake, Bread pudding and Nutella banana pudding. Next, the food; I tried the gumbo and the shrimp and grits. Both delicious and nicely prepared. The service was really good. There about 12 people in my party. The server took good care of us. There was a storm happening while we were there, so the staff allowed us to just leisurely enjoy our meal. No rush. The dining room was nicely furnished. This restaurant is in a pretty old building. It has that old school charm, but it's a little musty. Thats all I am saying. I will definitely return to try some other dishes. read more

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Great spot! We came for an event for our friends rehearsal dinner and had an excellent time. It is a beautiful space that is so cozy and intimate. The service was excellent throughout! We got potatoes and spring rolls to start and they were excellent! We then got a salad which was good as well. For the main course- we got the bolognese! The bolognese was absolutely OUTSTANDING! Such An amazing flavor that rivaled many Italian restaurants. Then we got the sorbet of the day, which was guava. I liked it but may not order again. Still was great! Would highly recommend this place! We will be back for sure :) read more

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Loved the old Backstreet. Can't wait to be here once the rebuild opens. A hands-down Houston favorite.

Backstreet is the perfect place for a special occasion brunch with friends or a date. The outdoor patio is also welcoming for kids. Dishes and drinks are consistently good. Order the brioche buns to share. The chicken hash is also a standard for me. read more

If you have not been to Backstreet Cafe yet, you should make a reservation right now because it is absolutely worth it! We came for a Sunday brunch and we were seated upstairs. Our waiter was at our table shortly and we started off with mimosas. The complimentary mini muffins are so cute. We ordered the seafood beignets with the remoulade sauce which were delicious! For my entree, I split the Skirt Steak and Eggs and they were kind enough to serve it on separate plates for us! The steak was cooked and seasoned well! I loved the peppers, guacamole, and black beans! This food was amazing!!! Especially the spicy salsa, a real show stopper! I honestly wished I lived here just so I could come back! The food and service were 5 stars and the restaurant had such a warm atmosphere! Also, this cafe is so cute and chic and really cozy! It was the perfect spot for a girls brunch or a bridal shower in their private room! read more

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Great Houston Restaurant Week menu. Nice to be able to mix and match. Our party of four started with the Duck Spring Rolls. Perfect to dip in the ginger scallion soy sauce. So delicious! For mains, the striped bass was perfectly crisp served with a summer vegetable orzo. My husband ordered a red corn chicken enchiladas which he devoured. Our friend enjoyed his steak. The Blockbuster dessert lived up to its name. A molten chocolate lava cake with salted caramel, peanut butter ice cream and kettle corn. So good. The most delicious way to end a great meal with friends. Service was great. Parking is by valet or limited street parking in the neighborhood. Hard to believe that it has taken so long to dine at this James Beard Award winning Hugo Ortega gem. Make a reservation as the place was packed on Saturday night. Would love to try the patio dining under the stars and live oaks in the fall or spring when it is not in triple digits in Houston. read more

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A friend from out of town was visiting and I was recommended by multiple people to try Backstreet Café since it is a Houston staple brunch spot. We were not disappointed at all! I would come back for sure, perhaps to try dining outdoors when the weather isn't scorching hot. Made an online reservation for Saturday brunch, highly recommend doing that since they do get busy. Complimentary muffins were given to us to start while waiting for our food. Our server, Sergio, was great. He was quick & attentive, gave recommendations, and was overall pleasant. I highly praise him for his service. Duck spring rolls: they tasted delicious and the ginger scallion soy sauce complimented them well. a little oily after being deep fried, wouldn't hurt for them to lightly dab them once out the fryer. Corn pudding: first time trying this, was told it was like a soufflé and it really was. I'm more of a corn bread type of person so this wasn't my preference, but my friend really enjoyed it! Crab cake Benedict: I knew I wanted a benedict but I wanted to try their crab cake so I was fortunate that they had this off the menu special. It was absolutely filling and could definitely be shared among two people. The cheddar chive biscuits and crab cakes just blended so well together.. and to top it off with poached eggs? Ugh.. melt in your mouth. I would definitely recommend this but would probably not want to order additional food due to this entree being heavy already. Brisket migas: I can't personally comment on this since this was my friend's order, but she ate the whole plate up. So that speaks for itself. Lol. Parking - valet only in their private lot, however there is street parking nearby if you don't mind walking. I would definitely recommend trying Backstreet Café! It's no wonder it's been around a long time. I look forward to coming back and enjoying their patio dining. read more

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Nut allergy friendly; there are dishes with nuts but the servers are very considerate. We stopped in and sat at the bar for a quick drink and dessert. The restaurant seems very popular for brunch and dinner. Valet parking is available but we parked on the street nearby and walked a block without any issue. The desserts here are made in-house. The chocolate truffle cake was rich and creamy, perfect after a meal. I had a mezcal based drink that was excellent - Luis at the bar really knows his stuff. Ask for Thomas as a server, he's great and knows his wine! read more

Backstreet Cafe - Chocolate truffle cake - New American Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Lovely spot for a nice dinner! Valet parking is really the only option (some street spots but not many available). Didn't do the HRW menu but it did seem like a nice option. The seafood beignets were yummy, very flavorful and the sauce was lovely. I had a snapper special that wasn't on the menu. Fish was flaky and soft, cooked nicely. Potatoes were smooth and the sauce was lovely paired with the fish. Indulgent but didn't feel too heavy. Service was really excellent! Definitely a nice spot for date night or a celebratory dinner. I'll have to come back to try brunch! read more

Backstreet Cafe - Seafood beignets - New American Near Me - Houston, Texas

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I've been to Backstreet Cafe several times for brunch after Sunday service and it's always a delight! I love the comfy, quaint look of the restaurant with it being in a traditional home like building however the ambiance is still chic and elegant. The restaurant always gives a variety ( like 2-3) of complimentary mini muffins for the table which is a nice touch! On my most recent visit, I ordered an aperol spiritz for my drink which was perfect! My bf loves getting the Irish coffee here and dubs it the best one he's had in Houston! For my meal, I first ordered the roasted oysters which I loveeedd! The flavor was so savory with the fresh Parmesan and anchovy butter. The oysters also come with a side of bread which was warm and very soft. For my meal, I ordered the steak and eggs which isn't the traditional meal with just the meat, eggs and potatoes. This version has a Mexican twists with sautéed veggies on top of the steak, eggs (however you like, I chose scrambled) tortilla, refried beans, guacamole and salsa. Everything was absolutely delicious and so filling! If you haven't been to Backstreet Cafe, I would definitely recommend checking it out! read more

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Pretty tasty overall with a minor hiccup. Yummy short rib and duck egg rolls. Disappointing Brussels sprouts. Soggy! No crisp. I can make better ones in the air fryer. They weren't shaved (just halved) so maybe that can be adjusted. No clue about the ambiance or service since we got take-out (we live nearby). I will say that our order was prepared quickly. read more

Service was really good. Parking is limited Complimentary mini muffins Outdoor seating was also good. Pet friendly outside All of our food was cooked well and was very good. Recommend place for brunch read more

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This is my favorite brunch spot in Houston. Dinner is also good! They accept reservations, have valet parking, the service is always good, the people are nice, and the food has always been excellent. They have multiple vegetarian options. If you indicate with your reservation that you're a vegetarian, they will automatically provide you with a vegetarian menu. If not, just ask them for one. I LOVE that they have that! I like the veggie enchiladas, which are prepared with asparagus, potatoes, broccolini, corn pudding, green beans, crème fraiche, and tomatillo salsa. The Backstreet Benedict is another good one; you just have to ask them not to add the ham. That has never been a problem there. My daughter and I shared Chef Ruben's chocolate cake, which is a vegan chocolate cake with cherries. I would have never known it was vegan, if it hadn't been identified as such on the menu. I also had the TLV margarita, and it was good. Everything we've had here has been excellent. I highly recommend it! read more

Ok I have a goal to go to every Hugo Ortega's restaurant , you'll se my review of caracol soon! This place is so cute inside it feels like a ver y old restaurant apparently it is. We ordered the enchiladas and the server told me the day's special: red snapper with risotto , we're doing "dry January" so my friend ordered mocktails it was so yummy, and since we're doing the dry I ordered a glass of Chardonnay with my fish. The food was delicious let me tell you something about going for the special menu at a restaurant if they offer me something that's not in the menu in gonna take it because usually they're trying a new recipe to add the menu and I love to feel special having something you would not have on the regular basis. With that being said the ambience and place was also very quiet nice and chic. read more

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I loved this place! The courtyard is beautiful. All the employees were so friendly. The food presentation was beautiful and it all tasted delicious. 10/10 on everything! I will definitely be returning and that says a lot because I usually don't travel almost an hour 1 way for food but for this place, I will make an exception. My whole family enjoyed it. And we celebrated a great early Mother's Day. Thank you for the amazing food and excellent service. read more

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Came to Backstreet Café for a friend's birthday brunch and had a pretty decent experience. The service did not take too long. The food was delicious--the spaghetti carbonara was rich and creamy, and the duck spring rolls were so incredible, definitely my favorite dish of the occasion. The ambiance was also nice. I would recommend dressing up a little bit, but you definitely don't need to go all out. My biggest issue with the café came after we finished our meal. Once we paid and left the establishment, it took forever to get my car from the valet. Having a valet-only parking situation is bad enough as it is (I really just want to park my own car when I go somewhere--but at least it's complimentary valet). But this valet service in particular was super hectic and disorganized, and it ended up taking 15-20 minutes just to get my car back. Definitely left a sour impression after the nice meal I had just finished. Overall though, I would recommend this place. I just suggest parking in the nearby residential area if possible--avoid the valet. read more

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Need a nice, reputable place for a weekend brunch? Backstreet Café is where it's at. I definitely let this one sit way to long on my must try list. My friends and I came on a Saturday for brunch with reservations. As soon as I turned on to the street, an officer/security asked stopped me and asked if I was going to valet or street park. The lot is not self park and is used for their valet. I chose to valet and they work on tips. Slightly early, they had no issue seating us while we waited for the rest of our party. This seems to be a house converted into a restaurant. Lots of charm and character. We were seated upstairs in a sun filled room which I loved. Customer service was good. As soon as we were seated, we were served a plate of complimentary muffins. Nice touch. It went well with the Nutella Iced Coffee I ordered. I already anticipated everything on the menu was going to be absolutely delicious since this is a Hugo Ortega restaurant. His brunch at Hugo's is one of the best in town and Backstreet definitely belongs in the same tier. I was torn between a traditional breakfast or a lunch item. The Backstreet Benedict seems like the best of both worlds, but our waitress said she could kick it up a notch and substitute the ham for crab cakes. That was definitely the move because it was very delicious. The crab cakes were seasoned to perfection and sat on top of cheddar chive biscuits then drizzled with tasty Hollandaise. The sides of asparagus and grits was also above average. My only complaint was that I wished the dish was hotter. I don't know if it was intended to be just warm, but I would have preferred a hotter dish. We shared some of the Brioche French Toast which was awesome too. Overall, this place did not disappoint. The high rating and high number of reviews do not lie. It will for sure go into my rotation of brunch spots to return to. read more

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Favorite! Always solid choice. Ordered the red fish Ciopino seafood stew with toast - would order this again. Dessert: blueberry, peach cobbler - not something I would order again. Wish they had key lime pie. read more

How o love this place! What a hidden gem! Such a cute entrance, and a beautiful atmosphere. The first time I came here, was a friend who brought me for my birthday and we had two amazing pastas for dinner. I kind of forgot of the place unfortunately, and recently I remembered of it and took my hubby there! We loved everything from the food that was served for brunch to the live music and the excellent service! Would definitely recommend it to anyone! read more

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Unique upscale food combined with a comfortable atmosphere makes for a great lunch spot! Lots of great menu options, but the Steak Salad is my recommendation due to it's perfect portion size and mix of flavors. Definitely check it out for dinner for more formal entrée choices! read more

Backstreet Cafe - Steak Salad - New American Near Me - Houston, Texas

This is place is so good! Decided to eat here for breakfast and I ate on the second floor. It has a very homey feel to it. I would recommend this place for brunch! It wasn't too busy and my waitress Diana P. was awesome! I was greeted by Diana and was given mini blueberry muffins. I ordered a wild berry mimosa which had fruit in it! I started with the peach flatbread and my goodness the flavors of goat cheese, grilled peach, arugula and prosciutto I believe! I almost inhaled all 4 slices (managed 3.5) Then I ordered the brioche French toast and I loved the almond brittle with fruits and the French toast. It definitely had the tanginess from the fruits with the sweetness from the syrup. So good. 10/10 would recommend! read more

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Great service. Very chill atmosphere. Delicious food. Knowledgeable staff. Everything you'd want from a brunch place. read more

Backstreet Cafe - Brisket Migas - New American Near Me - Houston, Texas

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A group of us came here for brunch on a Sunday. They were last minute plans, but we were still able to get same-day reservations. Parking was very easy as they have complimentary valet parking that was pretty quick and efficient. It was a beautiful day outside so we decided to sit outside on their large patio area. While it was a very nice outdoor seating area, there were so many flies that were landing on our food and made it a bit challenging to enjoy the meal. The drinks were very good and probably one of the best parts of the meal. The sangrias were pretty sweet so I would avoid those if you are not a fan of sugary/sweet drinks. The pecan muffins were the star of the show. They were delicious and came out warm, we could not get enough of them. The rest of the food was pretty good, but I would not rave about it. Our server was pretty standard and checked on us frequently, but was pretty straight to business and was not very helpful when it came to recommendations. read more

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I love this place. They have a really nice ambiance and lots of outdoor seating options to enjoy in the cooler months. I had the sangria and backstreet benedict. Both were amazing! The service was also attentive and fast. read more

I was really pleased with the food and ambience but the service was the best. We will come back for sure when we eat out with friends who are less food adventurers. Backstreet only has Valet parking so be warned. The menu was solid and interesting. We had a couple of dishes from the brunch menu. The Tortilla soup was tasty with a great smoked chicken that my added a nice additional flavor profile. However don't expect traditional tortilla soup.. as it had chicken. Spice level was also very low. My wife had a really tasty salad with salmon and advocation. Fresh and good. read more

I've waited for awhile to try Backstreet but finally made it with a friend to have brunch. As stated in other reviews, reservations and smaller crowds is highly recommended as it's very popular to attend. The parking lot only gave valet options so I did street parking. The food was excellent I will say it's the service that was lacking. Our waiter came by and immediately asked our drink order. Luckily we knew what we wanted so we ordered. She brought complimentary muffins that were great. We ordered the Backstreet Benedict and the Chicken Hash. The chicken was the best chicken I've ever had and I wish I had one more tortilla with my food to enjoy. The eggs were fine and the sauce over it was well flavored. My friends Benedict we're good but the biscuit was what we were most excited about and underwhelming. We were going to order another drink when our waited came by and gave us the check and said "thank you for coming". We were really disappointed about that but decided to leave and grab more drinks else where. All in all the four stars is for the food but the parking lot and mediocre service was a let down. read more

Backstreet Cafe - Backstreet Benedict and Smoked Chicken and Potato Hash - New American Near Me - Houston, Texas

My friends and I were lucky to find this hidden gem! Not even sure where to begin because everything was amazing. Upon arrival we were greeted and seated quickly. We did make a reservation the day prior to. Our server, I wish I remembered his name was awesome. Well knowledgeable about the menu as well as the establishment itself. The place is very cute and cozy and you can tell it use to be a home. The food was amazing, everything was good. The food came out hot and quick, it was very flavorful, seasoned to perfection. The mimosas were good as well but they were already pre made and served in a bottle, but still good. Overall great visit. Will definitely return when I'm back in Houston. read more

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We came for a weekday lunch date. It was rainy so we couldn't sit on the patio but it was pretty, even in the rain. The service was very friendly and helpful. We ordered off menu meals that were both delicious. read more

One of my new favorite places in the montrose/river oaks area! Let's start off with the chocolate orange brioche bun. This was SO GOOD. We ordered one to share amongst three and didn't finish it. It was huge! So decadent and fresh from the oven. The Niçoise salad was amazing! The tuna was perfect and the dressing was delicious. The oxtail French onion soup was also really good. My boyfriend loved it! We also had the chicken and that was perfectly cooked. The service was also fast and attentive. The place was clean and the ambience was great. I am definitely coming back here again! read more

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Booked reservations for brunch a month in advanced. Received a reminder for my reservation a day beforehand and realized I booked the wrong date. I meant to book for Sunday but the reservations were for Saturday. I called hem shortly after receiving the reminder text and they were so accommodating for my mistake! They switched from Saturday to Sunday within seconds. They are not strict about seating your party if some arrive earlier than others aka you don't need the full party there before seating. They only have valet parking. We sat upstairs and the service was phenomenal. We ordered the smoked chicken and potato hash, Crab cake Benedict, regular ham Benedict, and steak and eggs. While waiting for our food, we were served an assortment of mini muffins - free! They were delicious and a very generous start to our meal. I also ordered some mocktails which were grand. The food came out so fast! The portion size were huge! It's equivalent to the price of the dish (above average brunch prices). The best dish was the smoked chicken. Everything else was okay as in good for an average dish on the menu. Great menu, great service, good food and clean facility! read more

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I was pleasantly surprised by Backstreet. It feels like it could be good for several occasions. The inside feels more upscale and white table cloth while the sun room is a good afternoon lunch/brunch vibe and the patio is perfect for happy hour or a date night. I just wish there weren't so many bug visitors in the sunroom. It wasn't packed so our waiter was super attentive and almost felt bad we were the only ones really there still around 4 pm before the dinner rush on a Friday. Happy hour does begin at 3 tho. I got the backstreet Benedict but subbed the ham for bacon. Each item separately was really good but all together it was very rich. Some of the tastier grits I've had in houston and would honestly just get those as a side which is an option. read more

There is very limited parking; you'll have to go up W. Clay street (sometimes for quite a while) in order to find free neighborhood parking. Especially on the weekends it's quite busy and even harder to find a spot. This is not helped by the fact that it's right across the street from the Rice Box which is also quite popular. They do offer valet parking but I've never partaken in this offer so can't say if it's tip only or otherwise. There are 2 floors to this building. It's an old rickety building which gives it a quaint sort of charm. The second floor overlooks the outside patio which is strung with lights and I highly recommending trying to get up to the second floor for the best view. You might need reservations especially for large parties on the weekends. Is this popularity deserved? I believe it comes mostly from the ambiance. The food itself (at least the brunch food) is decent and innovative, but nothing amazing. Wood-Grilled Hugo's Burger Very mushy and difficult to eat and not flavorful at all. The fries aren't crispy either. I would forgo this. Duck Spring Rolls Interestingly better than the burger for an American style restaurant. But again, nothing mouth wateringly amazing. The bathrooms upstairs are very small and hold only 1 person; they're hard to get into and especially awkward to wait for since there's really no place to wait in the crowded area. There are so many patrons and only 1 restroom; it's hard to keep it clean as well I imagine. read more

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First off, the food . Not an experimental menu, which was perfect for last night. Had crab cakes and duck confit, finished with chocolate cake. It was all great. The service was great (obviously used to a crowd that ignores the servers, but I still like to say thank you when my water is refilled). My only complaint: you have to valet because parking is sparse. The ambiance is simple and cozy. read more

The ambiance was really nice. However, was not a fan of the food. If you are a picky eater, would not recommend. Omar was an amazing server. The mimosas were on point. read more

Backstreet is a homey and delicious restaurant, I went on a Sunday afternoon. It was pretty busy when I first arrived, parking is very limited but they have complimentary valet parking which is a GREAT help. They serve complimentary little banana muffins to start with that are warm and fresh. I started with the cauliflower and shishito peppers that were very tasty. The creamy feta layer pairs amazingly with the charred veggies. The portion is small for the price but you can tell it's quality food. For entrees we got the Hugo burger and the brioche French toast. The burger was so juicy and flavorful with crispy French fries. The French toast was out of this world, not overly sweet at all and so dense. The fruit on topped it all off for a better dish. Backstreet cafe had great service and food and definitely recommend it to others who need some delicious tasting food! read more

Backstreet Cafe - Wood-Grilled Hugo's Burger and Brioche French Toast - New American Near Me - Houston, Texas

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I almost want to gatekeep this place but that isn't fair lol babyyyy when I tell you this is me and my wife's SPOT. Service & vibes on point. Drinks = on point Oysters = yes please The little carrot cake muffins they give you = it's giving I need the recipe The food = made with love and skill I love visiting Backstreet. Truly read more

Backstreet Cafe - Charbroiled oysters - New American Near Me - Houston, Texas