My spouse and I decided to try Agnes & Sherman for brunch after reading that it had earned the No…read more 12 spot on Yelp's Best New Restaurants of 2026 list. Being recognized among the 25 best new restaurants in the country certainly caught our attention, and we were curious to discover what made this Houston restaurant so special. We arrived with high expectations, and I can confidently say that the experience did not disappoint.
The first thing that stood out wasn't the food, but the people and the atmosphere. From the moment we walked through the door until we left, the hospitality was extraordinary. Our server, Jorge, was wonderful, but what truly impressed us was how that same level of warmth, professionalism, and attentiveness extended to the entire staff. Everyone made us feel genuinely welcome, something that speaks volumes about the restaurant's commitment to hospitality.
The atmosphere complemented the experience perfectly. The restaurant had a lively, welcoming energy, with great music playing at just the right volume, loud enough to enjoy but never interfering with conversation. It's those thoughtful details, combined with exceptional service, that make a dining experience truly memorable.
Then came the food, and this is where the experience became even more interesting.
We started with the Savory Scallion Waffle with Fried Orange Chicken, and what an incredible combination of flavors! The chicken was cooked to perfection, with a beautifully crispy exterior that reminded me of traditional Southern fried chicken. But what really elevated the dish was the orange sauce. Its sweet and tangy character complemented the savory chicken beautifully, creating a combination that felt both familiar and surprisingly different.
The scallion waffle was equally impressive. It had everything a properly prepared waffle should have: a lightly crispy, golden exterior, a soft and tender interior, and plenty of flavor. What made the dish exceptional was the perfect balance between savory and sweet. The richness of the fried chicken, the sweetness and acidity of the orange sauce, and the savory notes of the waffle worked together in complete harmony. Nothing overpowered anything else. Every component complemented the others, making this a truly memorable interpretation of chicken and waffles.
Next came the Chilled Noodles, a dish that immediately caught our attention because, unlike the noodle dishes we're accustomed to, these were served cold. It was an interesting change, but one that worked beautifully. The flavors were excellent, delivering everything you would expect from a great noodle dish, with the ginger and scallion adding a wonderful savory character.
However, what really stood out to both of us were the pieces of pickled shiitake mushrooms. Their earthy, rich flavor, combined with a subtle tanginess, added an unexpected dimension to the noodles. It's amazing how one ingredient can elevate an entire dish, and in this case, the mushrooms did exactly that. What initially seemed like an unusual choice turned into another pleasant surprise.
Of course, no brunch would be complete without a couple of good cocktails, so we ordered a Mimosa and a Bloody Mary. Both were very good, but the Mimosa particularly stood out. It was well prepared, refreshing, and had a generous pour of alcohol. They certainly didn't skimp on the champagne! It had just the right balance of flavor and strength, making it clear that Agnes & Sherman takes its cocktails just as seriously as its food. A great complement to an already excellent brunch.
Just when we thought we had experienced all the culinary surprises of the afternoon, dessert arrived.
We ordered the Pandan Nice Cream Sundae, and this was probably our most unexpected discovery. Nice cream is a plant-based alternative to traditional ice cream, and I wasn't entirely sure what to expect from a vegan frozen dessert. To our surprise, it was incredibly flavorful, wonderfully light, and refreshing. The pandan brought a delicate, distinctive flavor that made the dessert feel different from a traditional ice cream sundae. It was satisfying without feeling heavy or overly rich, making it the perfect way to finish brunch. Definitely a pleasant surprise and something we would happily order again.
The restaurant was packed during brunch, so I would strongly recommend making a reservation in advance. Also, be prepared for a little challenge when it comes to parking. There was no valet service available, and finding street parking can be difficult, especially during busy hours. My advice is to arrive a little early and allow yourself extra time to find a spot.
Looking back at our visit, what impressed me most was how everything came together. The extraordinary hospitality made us feel welcome from beginni