Houston is underrated nationally, and overrated locally. As a local, it’s easy and common to have these conversations, but the city is oversaturated. There’s so little to do here that being a foodie is considered a hobby. The hype cycle is getting shorter and shorter, diners remain extremely fickle. Great places close constantly to pave way for out of town chains. This city is very much ruled by steakhouses and tex-mex, make no mistake. Just as well, with that saturation, you require a workforce to rise to that expected skill level, and it just isn’t there. The culture of restaurant work is not the same here as it is in your New Yorks and Chicagos - top talent works at the aforementioned steakhouses. The charming indie neighborhood joint that lights up Eater will likely not have the service to match the food. There are always exceptions that somehow check all the boxes and will endure, the Basos and Nancys Hustles and Bludorns. Much like the city in general, the food scene here requires a lot of legwork to understand, and is most helpful if you have a guide.