Foods You’ll Want To Eat In Montrose This Fall

Fall is here and Montrose restaurants are ready to serve up some seasonal and comforting dishes to go with the season. Whether it’s pumpkin-spiced, hearty and filling, or only safe to eat during months that end in “r,” fall is one of the best times of the year when it comes to chowing down. Here are just a few dishes available in the neighborhood to get you in that fall spirit.

Green Peppercorn Beef: Mala Sichuan / 1201 Westheimer
Not all peppercorns are created equal. The green ones used in this dish at Mala are sourced directly from China (according to an article from CultureMap), and create an addictive, tingling sensation on the tongue. A cool evening sometimes calls for a little spice, and this is the dish to try.

Gumbo: Danton’s Gulf Coast Seafood Kitchen / 4611 Montrose
Fall is gumbo weather. That delicious Cajun dish made with a thick, brown roux is hard to make, and even harder to find in authentic form in the Houston area. Danton’s has made a name for themselves in the gumbo lover’s circle with their version, which comes with fresh seafood or chicken and sausage.

Chili Mac N’ Cheese: Jus’ Mac / 106 Westheimer
Though the name says otherwise, most of the dishes on this restaurant’s menu aren’t — in fact — “jus’ mac.” They’re much more than mac ’n’ cheese, with the addition of ingredients that elevate the comfort food to to an entree instead of just a humble side. One of those variations is topped with chili, colby jack cheese and Fritos.

Pear Flatbread: Backstreet Cafe / 1103 S. Shepherd
Backstreet Cafe can always be counted on for thoughtful, seasonal dishes. The whole menu gets revamped seasonally, and their fall menu is one of the best. The pear flatbread with blue cheese, arugula and balsamic glaze might capture your attention as a starter, though the rest of the updated menu will keep you coming back all season long.

Butternut Squash Soup with a Brie Grilled Cheese: Bowl Cafe / 607 Richmond
Soup and a grilled cheese is a classic combination when the temperatures start to drop, and there are plenty of options to mix things up at Bowl Cafe. There’s the traditional American cheese version of the sandwich and a tomato basil soup to dip it in, or there’s butternut squash soup with a hint of brown sugar and a brie grilled cheese (complete with roasted bell peppers and crushed pistachios). Any combination of their five grilled cheeses and five soups will be a win this fall.

Pumpkin And Fresh Masa Quesadillas with Chihuahua Cheese: Cuchara / 214 Fairview 
Cuchara really gets into the fall state of mind with a whole host of items made just for the cooler weather. A handful of hearty dishes include a spiced pumpkin tart with cheese and arbol pepper, corn and pumpkin tortillas, lentil patties in a spicy salsa, pumpkin enchiladas, white pozole with turkey and even pumpkin margaritas.

All Spiced Duck Breast: Just Dinner / 1915 Dunlavy
This dish is like Thanksgiving, only better. Sub deliciously seasoned duck breast for the turkey, and add a butternut squash puree, bacon Brussels sprouts, sage brown butter and roasted hazelnuts for a complete and wonderful fall meal. And if you’re not a duck fan, there are plenty of fall and winter-y dishes on the seasonal menu at Just Dinner to try instead. Best of all? It’s BYOB.

Butternut Squash Risotto with Chicken Livers: Vinoteca Poscol / 608 Westheimer
Don’t let the thought of liver scare you away from this perfectly prepared risotto. The fried chicken livers are the perfect match for the al dente, creamy risotto flecked with sweet butternut squash at the newly relocated Vinoteca Poscol. If it’s still too much to take in, opt for any one of their other risottos, which are just as delicious, perfectly prepared and guaranteed to warm you from the inside out.

Fresh Oysters: Pappas Seafood House / 3001 S. Shepherd
Cooler weather means oysters are in season. Though you’ll probably want to call ahead (oysters can be fickle), chances are the fat, creamy Gulf Coast oysters on the half shell will grace Pappas Seafood House’s menu this fall. Slurp them down with just a little bit of cocktail sauce and an ice-cold martini. Months that end in “r” are definitely something to look forward to when it comes to the Gulf Coast.

Sopa de Coliflor: Hugo’s / 1602 Westheimer
Soups are always a great option when temperatures drop, and Hugo’s offers one this fall that is creamy and rich, but still healthy. The roasted cauliflower and almond soup is garnished with goat cheese and Brussels sprouts for the big finish.