Goode Company's tortilla soup
FROM SOULFUL SOUPS to chili and other warm bowls, seek out these winter necessities to melt down the chill Houston weather has cursed us with. We’ve included options for pick-up as well as a few hot toddy cocktails in case you need a quick excuse to get out of the house.
Goode Company Armadillo Palace
Goode Co.'s chili
Chile con carne, Goode Co.’s signature beef chili, is served piping hot topped with shredded cheddar cheese, jalapeños, onion, along with Fritos for a nostalgic touch.
Goode Company Kitchen & Cantina
At all three locations, chicken tortilla soup gets the Goode treatment with a red chile and roasted chicken stock, hand-shredded chicken, avocado, and cilantro.
Kata Robata
Lobster ramen at Kata Robata
Nothing satisfies like a deep, spicy vessel of piping hot ramen. Choose from lobster and crab; spicy soy ramen with braised ground pork; or Nagasaki Chanpon ramen with clams, shrimp, cabbage, pork, onion and ginger. Take-out available daily.
Katami
Katami's sake collection
Wrap your cold fingers around a hot glass of sake at this new Japanese destination from chef Hori of Kata Robata. Hori’s Younger Days (Kiku-Masamune Kimoto) and Gunman Izumi Yamahai sake are both rustic and earthy. Check out the special shabu-shabu Kagoshima wagyu served with tableside “hot pot” style broth over live fire to cook the beef in.
Little's Oyster Bar
For the uninitiated, Little’s, from the Pappas Restaurant group, doesn’t do anything little. Humble sounding dishes like creamy chowder with tender scallops, pureed parsnips and smoked bacon, and mashed potatoes crowned with fresh shaved truffles, are big show-offs.
Local Foods
Chicken posole at Local Foods (photo by Julie Soefer)
This Houston favorite is a handy stop for sandwiches and great soup, like the chicken posole with cilantro, lime and a little kick of heat. If you have the book, Eat Like a Local, you have the recipe. Settle in, take it home, or order online for delivery.
Ouisie's Table
Brandied oysters at Ouisie's
Today through Wednesday, toasty menu choices worth exploring will be posted on the giant chalkboard in the dining room. Ouisie’s classic seafood gumbo, brandied oysters, and Bolanos Texas chili will be warm and ready. Also on offer are winter cocktails including hot spiced cider and spiked hot lemonade… Mmm, mmm good.
Ramen Tatsu-Ya
Ramen Tatsu-Ya
Come for several varieties of tonkotsu — a rich pork-bone broth with pork, noodles and veggies. Vegan options, extra toppings and flavor bombs available as well.
Relish Restaurant & Bar
Butternut squash soup at Relish
Expect several homemade soups daily at this River Oaks mainstay, but order up, as they run out! Tomato basil served with croutons and shaved Parmesan is a perennial favorite or consider the seasonal butternut squash soup or Tuscan white bean with sausage.
State of Grace
Chicken gumbo at State of Grace
Smoked chicken gumbo with sausage and a righteous roux is the perfect lunch when Houston temps drop. Topped with rice and served with saltines, optionally take it to-go for dinner at home.
Sylvia's Enchilada Kitchen
Cozy up with a rustic bowl of caldo de pollo at this Houston institution with two locations. The homemade concoction includes chicken broth, chicken breast, carrots, onions, fresh corn and avocado.
Wild Oats
Wild Oats' chili
It’s rather “chilly,” so why not head over to this family-friendly newcomer in Spring Branch for a bowl of red? Also on offer: butternut squash soup with goat cheese and pepitas and tortilla soup with all the fixings.
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Organist Brett Miller 
