1. Doozo Dumplings & Noodles
This is my absolute, all-time favorite downtown lunch spot. I am literally obsessed with these dumplings. About once a week, I walk approximately 15 blocks from my building to the Park Shops just for these dumplings (I even leave a pair of flats in my desk to change into just for the walk). Doozo is famous for its tasty dumplings served by the Dumpling Lady -- a terrifying woman who is about 95 lbs soaking wet, affectionately know as Houston's own Soup Nazi (for more info on the Dumpling Lady, check out Lords of the Loop blogger Ed Wrath's post:
Because the Dumpling Lady expects the line to move efficiently, it is important to know how to order at Doozo. First, you have to decide what kind of dumplings (made fresh everyday) you want: pork, chicken, veggie, or fish. Hands down, the crowd favorite are the pork dumplings -- they are extremely flavorful and packed with a mixture of pork and spinach. Her veggie dumplings are universally regarded as the best veggie dumplings in town (and are my personal favorite). She stuffs them full of fresh spinach and a little bit of tofu. While the chicken are my least favorite, they are also good -- they have a sweet kick to them. I don't even really acknowledge the fact that she serves fish dumplings, so I will just move on. You can place a full order (1o dumplings) of any kind, a combo (5 and 5) of any two kinds, or a half order (5) of one kind.
Second, you have to specify which sauce you want: mild, spicy, or extra spicy. The sauce is similar to a soy or ponzu sauce. I always go for extra spicy, but if you don't like spicy things, get the mild sauce because even it has a little kick. Doozo also serves a couple Asian soups, soft spring rolls, and some dubious sushi rolls. Personally, I avoid everything but the dumplings -- some of my friends get the soft spring rolls, which are passable but not great. If you want more food than just a full order of dumplings, get 1.5 orders instead of wasting your time with the spring roll or anything else for that matter.
Whatever you decide, make up your mind before you get to the front of the line, and boldly state your order when you are greeted by the Dumpling Lady. Historically, the Dumpling Lady only accepted cash, but since she upgraded her Park Shops' space, she now accepts credit cards, which is a drag because it slows down the super long line. To avoid a stern talking to, I advise bringing cash: it is $6 for a full order of 10 steamed dumplings. If you are wondering why I am spending so much time instructing you on how to make it through the Doozo process, go ahead and ignore my advice: stumble through a decision about which dumplings to order and give her a credit card...let me know how it goes.
2. Droubi's Brothers Mediterranean
This Mediterranean spot is consistently good and reasonably priced. My favorite dish is the chicken kebab plate -- I substitute hummus for the rice because Droubi's has some of the best hummus in town. The chicken is juicy and flavorful but still a lean cut. If you are into sandwiches and wraps, I recommend the chicken kebab sandwich or the chicken shawarma sandwich. They are essentially about the same thing -- the kebab pieces are bigger, almost cube-like while the shawarma pieces are in small strips. If you aren't into sauces covering your sandwich, ask for the sauce on the side -- it is great for dipping. The vegetarian platter is also impressive: it comes with hummus, tabouli, grape leaves, and falafel, and Droubi's does all of those items well. Droubi's also serves great gyros and salads -- in short, you can't go wrong at Droubi's.
http://www.b4-u-eat.com/houston/restaurants/reviews/rsv1151.asp
3. Corner Bakery Cafe
If you are looking for a quick, light lunch, Corner Bakery Cafe (1000 Main) is a solid choice. It has excellent signature sandwiches (e.g., Turkey Frisco and Tomato Mozzarella), tasty paninis (e.g., Chicken Pomodoro and California Grille), and a variety of entree salads (e.g., Harvest Salad and Chopped Salad). I know this review is not at all descriptive, but there really isn't anything unique to say about these sandwiches and salads. I could go on and on about all of the great veggies in the California Grille panini or ramble about the different ingredients in the Chopped Salad, but why waste your time? You know what you like in a sandwich or salad, so check it out for yourselves. You won't be disappointed.
http://www.cornerbakerycafe.com/
4. Beck's Prime
If your craving a burger for lunch, go to Beck's (910 Travis in the tunnel). Beck's serves its burgers on a very tasty egg bun (you can ask for wheat if you prefer), and offers eleven different burger options. In my judgment, you can never go wrong with a bacon cheeseburger, and that is certainly the case at Beck's. The bacon isn't overwhelming, and the cheddar cheese is melted just right. But since I'm usually trying to eat healthy at lunch, my favorite thing to order is the Ahi Tuna Sandwich. It comes on a wheat bun with feta, cucumber, red onion, and tomato. Ask for the Ginger Wasabi Spread on the side, otherwise it takes over the sandwich (plus, you keep down the calories this way, especially if you use mustard instead). You can order any of Beck's sandwiches as a basket with fries, which are well-seasoned and very tasty (in fact, it's hard to stop once you start, so I usually opt for a side salad instead). And one of my favorite things about Beck's is that it serves Diet Dr. Pepper, which is my favorite soft drink!
http://www.becksprime.com/
5. Otto's Barbecue & Hamburgers
Most people know about the Otto's on Memorial because it is George H. Bush's favorite BBQ spot. But Otto's has another location at 500 Dallas in the Allen Center Tunnel, which is a great place to go for lunch and avoid the unbearable summer heat. Otto's serves great, traditional BBQ, such as brisket and sausage. But I like to go to Otto's for its turkey sandwich. Otto's turkey meat is lean but still flavorful, and I ask for no butter on the bun. I load up on BBQ sauce, onions, and jalapenos, and I've got myself a healthy, tasty lunch (with Baked Lays). If you are a burger person, I really like Otto's burgers too. They aren't as thick as the ones at Beck's but are equally flavorful.
http://www.b4-u-eat.com/houston/restaurants/reviews/rsv0085.asp
I also recommend Bewiched, which is just down the way from Beck's in the tunnels. Great salads and sandwiches. Brown Bag Deli is another favorite at 810 Capitol St. Really fresh bread and ingredients.
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