[Photo from visithoustontexas]

Tucked away on Shepherd Drive is the converted residence that is home to Backstreet Café. Ever-changing New American choices prepared by Chef Hugo Ortega include salads like goat cheese with pears, toasted walnuts and warm bacon dressing, or entree-size salads like lentils and feta in garlic vinaigrette. The meat loaf tower, a lunch and dinner favorite, comes with garlic mashed potatoes, sauteed spinach and mushroom gravy. Finish with warm apple tart topped with house-made vanilla-bean ice cream.

Backstreet's popular jazz brunch featuring the Bob Chadwick Trio is served on Sundays from 11am until 3pm.

For prime people-watching, request an umbrella-covered table on the front terrace. Or for a touch of romance, sit by the cozy fireplace.

Named one of 50 hot restaurants for summer by Nation's Restaurant News (2013).

Chef Hugo Ortega named James Beard Award Semifinalist for Best Chef: Southwest (2012).

Sean Beck named Rising Star Sommelier by StarChefs.com (2011).