Paulie's has been a Montrose staple for about as long as I can remember, and after coming here countless times, I feel bad that I'm just now writing a review to show my appreciation. Unfortunately, Paulie's is closing on 12/31/25 so I had to come in 1 more time to get my pasta fix. I came here right at 1145am on a Thurs just before their major lunch rush came in. Their service is counter service, which is generally quick and efficient, but their food is definitely full service dine in quality. The casual ambiance makes this a popular spot for lunch everyday of the week. As far as the food goes, they have a variety of pasta, salad, paninis, entrees, and sandwiches to choose from. I generally rotate between getting their bucatini amatraciana and their canestri alla funghi. The half portion is already a ton of food especially if you add chicken or another protein. Get the full portion if you're looking to share or take home leftovers for sure. The pasta here always comes out piping hot, consistently delicious, and it comes with their perfectly buttered toasted bread to soak up all the sauce. Thank you Paulie's for being a neighborhood institution! You will for sure be missed! read more

See all

I came around 7 pm and the line was lengthy. It took about 45 minutes to get inside and then another 45 minutes to order. The food came out within 20 minutes of ordering but was disappointing. I ordered the creste de gallo (full portion), pesto (half portion), and rigatoni bolognese (full portion) to share. The portions looked pretty similar despite the price difference. The Creste de gallo was cold and had no flavor. I'd had this pasta in the past and remember it being spicy and yummy, but the dish I had on this visit was bland. There were also maybe less than 10 half thin slices of sausage in there and 3 slivers of onion, which seemed tiny for the $25 charge. The pesto was room temperature and was also bland ($15). The rigatoni bolognese was the only hot dish and had a little bit of flavor ($25). There was also no complimentary bread anymore which was a disappointment. They're closing soon, so that may be why the food was subpar. The interior was clean and the employees were nice enough. Parking was along the street. read more

See all

I'd heard this Houston institution was closing, so I suggested to some friends that we go try it out before it closed for good. We're glad we did, but if the place was going to remain open, I don't think we'd make another trip back. This Italian restaurant has been off Westheimer for decades and has had a stellar reputation for food and service. We'd called ahead to place a reservation but were told that it's first-come-first-serve. We were assured that they'd be slow and it would be easy to sit a big group (8-10) on a Wednesday night, but there was a line out the door, and, even once you ordered, a decent wait before a table came available to sit at. Thankfully, the kitchen was running behind, so there was plenty of time for people to clear out. My wife had the primavera aglio olio with shrimp added. She devoured the entire thing. I went for the canestra alla fungi with chicken. Again, a delicious dish. The odd thing is, they both were lacking a bit of salt that would have brought out a lot more flavor. I managed to get that salt from the parmesan cheese, but that shouldn't have been necessary given this place's reputation. They have a series of daily specials, but unfortunately, all the good stuff was on other days of the week, I wasn't feeling the idea of eggplant for dinner, and I'm always wary of a menu that doesn't list prices. read more

See all

Rumor has it - this place is closing (I hope it's just a rumor that never comes to fruition because this place is such a staple)! It's always packed but the vibes are cozy and the staff is very friendly & efficient. I have been here several times and always get my fave rigatoni bolognese which never fails to live up to the ultimate comfort food experience. You can choose from the half-size or full-size portions of the pasta. Pictured is the full-size portion which is a generous amount of food! We got a bottle of white wine that was recommended to use by the lady taking our orders. It was an amazing wine, crisp and balanced without being too sweet. Always get the bottle because one glass is never enough! I wish I ventured out to try other things from their vast menu but that just means I have to come back again soon read more

See all

Absolutely gutted that they are closing soon. I've lived in Houston for so long and never got to try but I've been twice this month and I absolutely loved it. The lines are long but service and turnover is quick with seating outside as well. The service is quick and the servers efficient, knowledgeable and friendly. The first time I ordered the bolognese with lamb and beef and the second time I got the spaghetti but subbed meatballs for grilled chicken with a vegetable soup on the side for later. The pasta on the bolognese had the perfect chew and the sauce flavorful and rich. The entrees come with grilled sourdough toast which was different but still tasty. The spaghetti noodles were a bit too soft but was delicious still. And the soup was perfect for a cool day paired with some rice. I am thankful for small, cozy places, especially ones like Paulie's. It's like eating with family. read more

Paulie's - Bolognese - Sandwiches Near Me - Houston, Texas

Paulie's is closing down by the end of the month, so I decided to bring my family here to try it before the Houston OG is gone. We were very lucky getting there at the perfect time. We were able to snag a table and the line was moving fast. When sat and waiting for our food, the line was out the door! Everybody is trying to visit Paulie's so beware that it's very busy. I don't want to say it, but perhaps that's why the quality fell off. The canestri alla funghi was delicious as always. If there's anything you should try, you need to order this one. Highly recommend. I decided to try Mediterranean Pasta Salad, and it did not disappoint. Great flavor and very refreshing. Now onto why this updated review is so disappointing. We ordered the Fusilli Pasta with Pesto and the Rigatoni Bolognese, with half chicken per order. Both of these pasta dishes were lacking in flavor, and both need to be salted quite a bit. The chicken was also dry. My sister said that it might be the most bland pesto pasta she has ever had. I have the tendency to overhype certain restaurants, and this is what happened here. My family and I were looking forward to this all day. My family members said that they most likely wouldn't return. read more

Paulie's - CANESTRI ALLA FUNGHI - Sandwiches Near Me - Houston, Texas

See all

So I know this place is closing down soon and it's been on my list forever, but unfortunately, the hype that I had in my head with the line out the door was not it for me. The food was not as tasty as I would've imagined with how packed it was on a Friday night. We were very shocked on how bland the food was. This place has been open for a while, so I understand it's closing down, but it was underwhelming. Very chill place. Street parking read more

See all

After years of waiting to try Paulie's, I finally went and I'm so sad I haven't been earlier. Some of the best pasta I've ever had, and portions are huge! Incredibly disappointing that it'll be closing soon. The restaurant is fairly casual, with a counter to order from and then you seat yourself. Tables are scarce for the amount of people that come! I went around 5:15 pm and that was the last time I saw an open table without people waiting to snag it. Fusilli with pesto - a warming, comforting bowl! Not quite as flavorful as I'd prefer, but the olives did contribute to the overall profile. The pesto was great but more aromatic than strong. Creste di gallo - absolutely amazing. This pasta alone will live in my memory forever. The sauce is so rich, tangy, and spicy; combined with the sausage and onions, every bite left me wanting more. I'd go back just to get this again! Overall, Paulie's is a truly memorable Italian spot that holds a special place in Houstonians' hearts for a reason. read more

Paulie's - Creste di gallo, fusilli with pesto - Sandwiches Near Me - Houston, Texas

Solid place for well priced pasta! This place seems to balance value and flavor well, with a bit more emphasis on value. I enjoyed the Rigatoni Bolognese the most - though for all their pastas, I wish there was more sauce. It felt a tad skimpy on the sauce. Portion sizes are fairly large! It was so busy when I came on a Thursday night. The line was slightly out the door when I arrived, and by the time I ordered food, the line was a good bit out the door. I did hear that this place is closing by the end of the year, so perhaps lots of people are coming before its gone. It took a while to find a table after ordering, but it should (magically) work out. By the time we found a table, our food was ready within a few minutes, so don't panic if you order and you can't find a table. Some indoor and outdoor seating, but it would've been easiest to take out in my opinion. With it getting colder, I think more and more people will be crowding the indoor seating. There's a small parking lot for Paulie's, but it seems like it's always full, so I ended up finding free street parking read more

Paulie's - Rigatoni Bolognese - Sandwiches Near Me - Houston, Texas

See all

Went because their special is the Cacio e Pepe which is my favorite pasta dish. But it had absolutely no flavor at all. I appreciate a more casual less expensive Italian spot, but the food is not great. read more

See all

One of my favorite places in Houston! Always friendly service. Always pumping food out as fast as they can. It's a very casual-elegant feel type of restaurant. Nothing fancy, but it has a comfortable feeling of a classy joint. Tonight I had the roasted salmon. Great char on it! It comes with broccoli and creamy potatoes, but I subbed sautéed spinach for the potatoes. And of course, I ordered a small side salad which is always delicious! Portions are a little on the small side for me....I have a Texan sized appetite. But the food is always great, fresh tasting, and hits the spot! Give Paulie's a shot if you actually like amazing food. read more

See all

I came during the closing period because I wanted to try this beloved Houston staple. Because it was 2 days before closing, the wait to order was over an hour and they had run out of the mushroom and bucatini, so my friend and I decided on sharing a large creste di gallo with additional chicken ($33!). The portion was prettt abysmal for $33. The pasta texture was good but the tomato based sauce was very one note. I wish there were more spices, herb, flavor?! The chicken was bland to complement the pasta however the smoky taste from the grill was a bit much. read more

Paulie's - Creste di gallo w chicken - Sandwiches Near Me - Houston, Texas

See all

A Houston iconic restaurant that has been here for 27 years as they open back in 1998 but set to close at the end of December 2025, so visit they one more time before it is too late. They are known for their home made pasta and other Italian food and a great wine list and the cookies. You order at the counter, then find your table, and when your food is ready your pager will go off and you get your food at the pick up food area. You will get your own water and utensils, it is a nice and clean neighborhood restaurant where if you live around here you may run into some what you know and I feel like that is a good feeling. read more

See all

I liked it, but it can't be a favorite cause only serving lasagna on Tuesdays? What if my inner Garfield needed lasagna today? I hate that they are closing, because it's an interesting Italian restaurant. I don't know why but calamari, lasagna, and chicken with angel hair type dishes are my go-to's and soup. I had a pasta dish that was like 60% pasta, 30% vegetables, 10% shrimp and for some reason it worked. It should not have worked. I was also starving and thought I could eat a sandwich, because the descriptions make it seem like they are tiny little plates. No, they are super huge. Do not make my mistake and order a second plate. You will not only not finish, but look ridiculous. Most of the desserts had citrus so I skipped that. My husband had a mushroom chicken pasta dish. His was okay. My pretend vegetarian dish was delicious though. I mean its not calamari or lasagna, but it's pretty good. I wish the developers were not stupid and didn't raise the rent so high, cause I would come again. Hopefully, they will find the strength to start again and if not, I hope Houstonians rebel cause we can't keep losing good restaurants to greedy people charging high rent. read more

I ordered the lunch special with a panini sandwich and mushroom soup. Very underwhelming. I thought the panini would have a nice sauce/spread and vegetables in it but it was just meat and cheese... the mushroom soup was also extremely bland and watery. I tried my friend's mushroom pasta in hopes that'd be a lot better but it was also quite bland... Overall, I was very disappointed. read more

Paulie's - Panini with Mushroom Soup - Sandwiches Near Me - Houston, Texas

Decided to try this place out, there was a line outside the door around 7:30pm. They had a special with cacio e Pepe that came with a salad and bread so we ordered that as well as the rigatoni. Service was fast and our food came out fairly quick. Very casual spot you order and pay then come up and grab your food. Our food was very bland unfortunately, we had high hopes it looked better than it tasted. They also ran out of bread. read more

Paulie's - Rigatoni and cacio e pepe with Cesar salad - Sandwiches Near Me - Houston, Texas

Paulie's in the Montrose area is a charming little Italian spot with a cozy, casual vibe. The ambiance is definitely one of its strengths--it's cute and laid-back, making it a potentially great pick for a first date or a relaxed lunch with friends. The location on Westheimer, across from Lanier Middle School, adds to the charm, and there's limited but pleasant outdoor seating if you want to people-watch while you eat. It's important to know going in: it's all counter service, no table service, and seating is limited. They also ask that you wait to claim a table until after you've placed your order, which makes sense given the small space, but can feel a bit rushed--especially with staff who seem eager to keep the line moving. As vegetarians, we didn't find many options, so we let the group behind us go ahead while we made up our minds. We tried the Pizzitola panini, the portobella mushroom sandwich with roasted red peppers, and the fettuccine alfredo. The alfredo was good, not outstanding, but my daughters enjoyed it. The panini was unfortunately bland and forgettable. The standout of the meal was definitely the portobella sandwich, which was flavorful and well-balanced. It came with an Italian potato salad, which I didn't personally care for, but others might enjoy the tangy, herb-forward profile. Prices are a bit high for what you get, especially considering the self-service format and the average quality of some dishes. That said, the food is fresh, the atmosphere is inviting, and it's worth a visit if you're in the area--especially if you're drawn more to the ambiance than the menu. With a few tweaks to elevate the flavors, Paulie's could really shine. read more

See all

ALL TIME FAVORITE family owned restaurant in Houston for decades serving tasteful, delicious sandwiches, entrees and desserts. I've never ordered anything from here that I didn't enjoy but their chicken salad sandwich and grilled salmon are unmatched. Salmon so perfectly cooked and seasoned that I always get a little sad when I'm done. Dishes served in generous portions. Counter style restaurant with exceptional service. Establishment is always clean. read more

The atmosphere in Paulie's was enjoyable. It is warm yet still fairly casual. We got the meatball sliders and bolognese. The bolognese was quite enjoyable but the meatball sliders were just ok. Prices are very reasonable here and service was great. Note- it can be difficult to find a place to sit at certain times. read more

Paulie's - Sandwiches Near Me - Houston, Texas

See all

Went to Paulie's on a Saturday night and had a great experience! The food was delicious with super large portions - I ordered a small plate and still had plenty left over. The service was a bit slow given how crowded it was. I would recommend coming a bit earlier in the day to avoid the line to order. However the food is definitely worth the wait. read more

Paulie's - Canestri Alla Funghi - Sandwiches Near Me - Houston, Texas

I was craving some pizza and pasta and Paulie's really came through! The parking lot is limited and we had to park on the street but there were plently of spot across the street to park. You place your order before finding a place to sit. It was pretty busy on a Thursday night and only 2 tables open at first but we were able to find a spot. We got our salad and pizza first. The large italian family salad was a good portion for sharing. The vegetables were all very fresh and was a great start to the meal. Next was the pizza, which is a nice small personal size that is also perfect for sharing. The rocco pizza has a good flavor with the sauce and fresh tomatos on top. It reminded me of almost a margharita pizza without the cheese. I didn't love the crust on the pizza since it was a little soggy and didn't hold up too well on its own but I'd definitely still try the other salads and pizza flavors. The star of the show is definitely the pastas. They were ready 5-10 mins after the salad/pizza. They were both DELICIOUS and the small portions were huge and again perfect for sharing. The first was the creste di gallo. The marinara sauce is divine. It had a little bit of spice to it that was perfectly delicious and the sausage was so delicious and cooked to perfection. The dish as a whole is so good and the texture of the pasta is so chewy and bouncy. The canestri alla funghi suprised me the most. It was soo creamy and almost tasted like a truffle pasta with all of the mushrooms. It is VERY mushroom heavy so be prepared for an explosive mushroom flavor. It really captures that flavor so well and is so creamy and good. Again the pasta has a great chew and WOW these pastas are amazing. I will definitely be coming back to try their other pastas and daily specials!! read more

See all

The atmosphere was quite casual, and the staff matched that vibe, pleasant enough, though they didn't seem particularly enthusiastic about assisting us. That said, they did provide good service, whether reluctantly or not. The food was very enjoyable, the wine was excellent, and the carrot cake was truly outstanding. The restaurant also seems to be very family-friendly, as nearly every other table had children. We plan to return and look forward to trying something different next time. read more

It's busy and for good reason! My favorite casual place for pasta in Houston. I have noticed the prices slowly increase through the years but $23 for the large portion is still a great deal, I usually eat half and take the rest home. The service is good, basically order at the counter and get your food when your pager goes off. But food comes out fairly quickly. The canestri alla funghi is a perfect savory pasta dish, the pasta is always al dente and the mushrooms are the perfect quantity for someone who isn't even a huge mushroom fan. I have never had a bad dish here. read more

Paulie's - Sandwiches Near Me - Houston, Texas

See all

It was a great experience to meet with friends from college at the establishment, as it being everyone's first at it! The food was well priced for the portions given. The menu on the wall made it easy to order with a supplemented buzzer. The staff were very friendly, especially with one I've met that helped me find a nice wine pairing with my meal as I contemplated. She even gave me a small sample of two wines to help me decide, which was really helpful! I went with a chicken piccata paired with a Savion Blanc, which was savory and light for the evening. And to top it all, the ambiance was just right, not too loud or quiet with just enough lighting for the night out. I would most likely come back again! read more

I got their carbonara, a side salad, and bread for their dinner special. The carbonara tasted more like cheese and cream than egg yolk. It was white and a little stringy. I prefer a yellow, yolk-heavy carbonara. Just not my favorite. Would not get this again. The salad was decent. The bread was a little hard and cold. Service was incredibly fast, however, making up for the otherwise average food experience I had. I went with a group of 6 people and others seemed to enjoy what they got, so I'd definitely be open to trying something different next time. The portions, however, are MASSIVE. My leftovers fed me for 3 more meals, so it is absolutely a good value for what you get. read more

Paulie's is a casual Italian place with generous portion sizes, with options for vegetarians and non vegetarians. They have a variety of options including salads, pizzas, and pastas, as well as daily specials. Pastas are available as a half of full portion, but even the half portions are generous. I got the mushroom pasta, which was deliciously garlicky although probably could've used acid, salt, or spice to cut through the richness of the sauce. Their dessert selection is envious, with beautiful cookies and other selections. I got the tiramisu to go ($6), which was decent not quite soaked enough for my liking. Overall, this would be a restaurant i would find myself frequenting often with friends. read more

Paulie's - Mushroom pasta - Sandwiches Near Me - Houston, Texas

If consistency had a name, Paulie's would be it. A long time Montrose haven for comfort food, this casual eatery has never been a more fitting place for group outings, lunch dates, and carb-loading encounters. They run a lovely operation and have solidified their status as a neighborhood favorite. For those dining in, order at the counter, pick a number and then have a seat. The food will be either brought to the pickup counter or directly to the table. They're busy every night and I appreciate the robust staff handling everything from start to finish. The crowd is always a nice mix of families, college students, and Montrose locals, feasting away together. The main draw is for their selection of Italian inspired foods that include pastas, salads, panini, sandwiches, and pizza. Whether it's a personal size or a large one to share, the pastas are a hit with the people. Among the more underrated options are their panini and especially the burger, which is only served during lunch. Parking is through their own lot and streetside. Lots of folks also go the takeout route but I think dining in with good company and big appetites is the best way to enjoy what Paulie's has to offer. read more

See all

What a gem! Frequently in the Montrose area and have always wondered what Paulie's was about, stopped in for a date night and loved everything. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. The food is fresh, filling, and huge portions. We ordered a panini and the 1/2 Alfredo pasta. Everything was delish! Topped our meal off with tiramisu and cream cheese brownie. Of the two the tiramisu takes the cake. read more

See all

Unfortunately this was the worst meal I've ever had at a restaurant and do not understand the high rating. We were a group of 6 so I tried multiple dishes. The pasta tasted like it came out of a can and was worse than cafeteria food or lunch pasta in elementary school. The Cesar salad was so off, dressing was basically vinegar. I will say it is affordable and is a great portion for the price. Pictured is the half portion and it is a lot. But if it's not good food then is it really a good deal? I had 2 bites and left my plate. It's an order and sit restaurant so the service was fast and friendly. Unfortunately there is SO much better Italian food in Houston and this place really missed on all fronts. Maybe other dishes than the pasta are better. read more

Paulie's - Sandwiches Near Me - Houston, Texas

See all

Hearing about Paulie's for years, we got the chance to come by to try out a carb heavy meal. They're known for their homemade pasta options but they also have pizza and Italian sandwiches and salads. Parking is available streetside or in one of the open lots behind the building. Service is minimal/ none, you order up front and get your own drinks and food is ready for pickup when ready. There's interior seating available with a good view of the street. I got their canestri alla funghi (mushroom pasta). The portions were solid for a full portion and the texture in the pasta was cooked correctly. The mushroom sauce had plenty of garlic and EVOO and after tasting it, I'm tempted to try out more of their other pasta and pizza options on the next visit. Even though prices looked like they have increased quite a bit in the past year or two, the portions and value is still reasonable compared to other Italian spots where you expect similar quality. read more

Paulie's - Sandwiches Near Me - Houston, Texas

See all

I've heard many good things about this place and went here to try it out. The place has a cute and clean environment and have variety pizza, pasta, and salad options. The service was fast, and people there are friendly. I got the bolognese and nonna pizza. The pasta is pretty good, but the pizza was alright. The tomatoes could've been softer and more roasted - so u would recommend trying other pizza options. read more

Paulie's - Bolognese, ronni pizza - Sandwiches Near Me - Houston, Texas

Friendly staff and pleasantly designed interior. Parking is available in the back but expect it to occasionally be full during peak hours. I got the canestri alla funghi per the staff's recommendations. It blew me away. They nailed the cooking time of the noodles. Just soft enough, and the sauce on top was not overdone. I liked combining the chicken and pasta with the two pieces of bread they give you -- best Italian toast I'll probably ever have. The portion sizes are massive and you'll likely end up taking some home with you. My only complaint is the portion of grilled chicken. For $6 ($8 if you're ordering a large) to add on to the pasta, I expected a bit more. It felt like I was mostly just eating carbs relative to the size of the pasta. I'd give this place 4.5 stars instead of 4 if I could. read more

Paulie's is a cozy, date night, mom and pop shop. I had a great night while eating here at Paulie's. There pasta were amazing and cook to perfection along with sauce. The soup was very rich in flavor and perfect. The staff were very friendly and the food came out quickly even on a busy night. read more

See all

Wow it's time to update my review! This is a fabulous place for great value and tasty home made pasta. Order at the front and you get a light buzzer for pickup. Casual place. Indoor and some outdoor seating. I can't recall if there is WiFi. They have daily specials . Pluses: Osso bucco with gnocchi is my favorite meal here so tender and juicy and only on Thursdays I think it is the best in Houston. Creste de gallo with sausage Spaghetti carbonara special on Saturdays Rigatoni bolognese Pesto pasta with olives and pine nuts Home made cookies especially the peanut butter and chocolate, oatmeal, and Linzer tarte. Salads are great especially summer salad and fruit. Areas to improve The chicken piccata small portion was very small and just okay. Pizzas are more breadlike for my taste but the kids seem to like it. Highly recommended for home made pasta. And it's just great value. We usually get the small portions but buy several to try. We order at off peak times so we can park quickly and leave. read more

One of my favorite Italian pasta spots in the city. Super affordable, with decent portions. Ordering the large = food coma, no joke. My go-to is the 'creste di gallo', which is marinara, sausage, basil, chili, pickled onion. Very balanced and the heat packs a punch. Parking can be tight but you can find parking a block away. If you come at busiest times, you might have to wait for a table to open up. Come for the pasta, stay because you can't move because you're too full. read more

See all

I have officially found my favorite Italian restaurant so far in Houston. Paulie's is a casual Italian restaurant where you order at the counter first then pick out your table with a buzzer for your order. They have pastas, pizzas, and sandwiches. I got their most popular item, the canestri alla funghi, and I can see the hype. Before I even took a bite I could smell how insanely good this pasta was going to be. The pasta was cooked perfectly, topped with chopped mushrooms and a light cream sauce and some crumbles. I got the half size for only $13 and it comes with a huge portion size with some toasted bread, insane value. The pasta was so addicting I wanted to order more of it. My friend got the bucatini amatraciana and although it looks like spaghetti, it was pretty good. It had some spice to it too. The mushroom pasta is probably one of the top 3 things I've eaten in Houston so far read more

Paulie's - Canestri alla funghi and bucatini amatraciana - Sandwiches Near Me - Houston, Texas

See all

One of our fave spots. Always chill and great service! The food is very good! We usually go for pasta and pizza but today we opted for sandwiches. The Italian hoagie is delish!! Don't forget dessert! We love the chocolate chip and raspberry filled! read more

Paulie's - Sandwiches Near Me - Houston, Texas

See all

Paulie's is a staple in this neighborhood and the food is consistently delicious. Great casual dining with some good options for lunch or brunch. read more

Paulie's - Panini - Sandwiches Near Me - Houston, Texas

See all

THIS PLACE IS SO UNDERRATED. Best place for a quick bite for lunch with deals or dinner. Casual and cozy place with great prices. Wish this place wasn't closed. read more

Paulie's - Sausage pasta - Sandwiches Near Me - Houston, Texas

See all

Really good food & service. Always busy when gone there but still worth the wait. I was going to bring a friend here for dinner on a Fri night but decided on another place. However, I was so craving them that I decided I would come get some to go the following Tue only to find out they were permanently closed. Absolutely dumbfounded & so saddened to find out they closed. This is why Houston doesn't have really good & great affordable food places. Leasing & locations too high priced. read more