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Alto started driving in Houston in late 2020, and it has quickly become a favorite way to get around. The experience is unparalleled. Think luxury SUVs with leather captain chairs, thoughtful amenities like complimentary water and umbrellas, and even curated playlists to choose from in the Alto app. Those who have ridden know that Alto is more than a ride from point A to B, but a journey to be enjoyed — because the recap of every dish on the ride home should be just as good as the dinner.
Community is at the heart of Alto. Rather than hiring independent contractors, Alto has hired W-2 employee drivers who are trained and supported by a local Houston team. The service also offers a Membership that unlocks Alto benefits as well as unique offers from Houston partners. Those who join Alto’s exclusive Membership gain full access to the Alto fleet during the busiest "Members Only" hours, savings on every ride, and Alto’s prescheduling feature for booking rides in advance (Pro tip: Lock in your ride when you lock in your dinner reservation!). Join a community of adventurous, in-the-know Houstonians, at only $12.95 a month.
Alto shared the top pick-up and drop-offs that make up their Members most recommended spots — and also happen to be celebrating Houston Restaurant Week! — so you can plan the perfect night out.
Trattoria Sofia A top drop-off among Alto Members, we recommend Trattoria Sofia for authentic Italian with the perfect atmosphere.
The Annie Cafe Another frequent destination, The Annie Cafe and Bar serves classics, totally reimagined.
MAD Houston A spot as innovative as your Alto. Book a ride to MAD for a night of tapas with a twist that are sure to be a new adventure.
Ouzo Bay The Alto team’s go-to modern Mediterranean spot for a perfect night out.
B&B Butchers and Restaurant This upscale steakhouse and traditional butcher shop is a classic Alto favorite.
FLORA A must try this month — FLORA is a culinary journey through the small towns of Mexico with a Texas touch.
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Rendering courtesy of Rice Nexus
The Ion, which debuted in 2021 in the blocks of Main Street previously home to the 1939-built Sears, already has several startup incubators and climatech companies under its roof. Now, Rice University has unveiled renderings of its forthcoming Rice Nexus, which it calls a "groundbreaking innovation factory within the Ion that will transform ideas from Rice faculty and students into market-ready technology."
It will span two floors within the Ion building, with prototyping tools, entrepreneurial support, lab space and funding to bring big ideas to life — and fast. “We are thrilled to introduce the Nexus so that our faculty and students can rapidly develop, derisk and deploy solutions into the world by harnessing the full resources and capabilities of the Ion District,” said Paul Cherukuri, Rice’s chief innovation officer, in a statement. “Houston is a grand city of innovation, and the Nexus at the Ion further amplifies Rice as a global leader in inventing and commercializing world-changing technology at both speed and scale.”
There will be a particular emphasis on clean energy and sustainability among the first companies to utilize the Nexus space: Those already confirmed to incubate at Nexus include ones founded by Rice professors, like Solidec and Coflux Purification. There will also be space for students and faculty to office, network, and show off their developing technology.
Nexus workspace and break room (courtesy of Tramonte Design Studio)
Nexus work space and lounge (courtesy Tramonte Design Studio)
First-floor rendering (courtesy Tramonte Design Studio)
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A delicious spread at 1891 (photo by Andrew Hemingway)
1891 American Eatery & Bar
Curried muscles at 1891
This still-new spot in the Heights serves elevated pub fare with something for everyone. Come hungry for brunch, lunch and dinner menus, plus to-go! Dinner ($39) options are many like salmon tartare, grilled flat iron steak, and summer spaghetti. Four desserts are on tap, including Key lime cheesecake.
Auden
Tres leches at Auden (photo by Jordan Hughes)
This stylish haunt in bustling Autry Park has a following for its eclectic menu. Husband and wife chefs Kirthan and Kripa Shenoy are crafting punchy Indian-inspired dishes on their two-course $25 brunch and $55 dinner HRW menus. We have our eye on the beef short ribs and grilled asparagus, Masala shrimp with curry velouté, and beautiful tres leches.
BCN
Dine decadently on this Spanish restaurant’s three-course $55 dinner menu with dessert. Chilled cherry gazpacho and burrata salad with watermelon are just right for summer. Grilled entrée options include salmon, duck breast and filet mignon, each served with “bomba” rice.
Belly of the Beast
This popular Spring eatery is dishing bold new American cuisine prepared through the lens of Mexican-American chef Thomas Bille. Dramatically presented dinner dishes on the three-course menu ($39) start with choices like grilled peach burrata toast and segue to crispy pork belly tacos and gussied-up carne asada.
Bludorn
Choose from dishes such as chilled corn soup, duck terrine, Scottish salmon and roasted pork loin with polenta on the three-course $55 menu. Chef Aaron Bludorn’s Montrose-area restaurant also offers scratch-made desserts with the special menu including pavlova with mixed berries.
Duchess
A seafood entree at Duchess
Dine like royalty at this newcomer in Uptown Park offering three-course brunch, lunch and dinner menus. Dinner ($55) sports grilled shrimp sliders and lots of juicy salads for starters. Second-course options highlight Mediterranean specialties like chicken Keba, blackened snapper, and bucatini pasta with chorizo and mussels.
HiWay Cantina
Tex Mex at HiWay Cantina
Pozole verde, Adobe grilled shrimp, watermelon salad, and enchiladas headline the lunch ($25) and dinner ($39) three-course menus. Add-ons like glazed quail and smoked sausage links are on offer as well at this EaDo newcomer from Agricole Hospitality.
Late August
Late August
Lunch ($25) on two courses of southern favorites including gumbo, chili relleno, or a smash burger. The three-course dinner ($55) brings on the rack of ribs, LA BBQ seafood, and more.
Le Jardinier
Le Jardinier's summery burrata (photo by Emily Chan)
Here’s your chance to dine delightfully in an artful museum setting. Brunch, lunch and dinner menus are on offer. Highlights include salmon Benedict, risotto with charred peppers, Heritage chicken and strawberry mousse.
Navy Blue
Branzino at Navy Blue (photo by Caroline Fontenot)
Heads up seafood lovers! Three-course lunch ($25) choices range from tuna crudo to Scottish salmon and chicken Milanese. Tomato gazpacho, chilled shrimp, branzino and tagliatelle are a few dinner ($55) options.
Thirteen Restaurant by James Harden
For dinner ($55), start with lobster and prawn dumplings or avocado salad. Main plates like filet mignon and herb crusted lamb chops are followed by scrumptious desserts — think white-chocolate-cheesecake brulee.
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