Where should I go out to eat for my birthday this year?

Have you eaten at Valentino in Hotel Derek? It seems to be on the pricey side..was wondering if it's worth trying..

Their mac and cheese is the bomb!

 

Branch Water Tavern. Though may not be quiet depending on how late you are going to eat.

 

Nope, never been there and I really don't know anyone that has been yet.

 

This thread is in poor taste and I don't think you guys should be mocking Manny Ramirez this way.

 

Frank's chop house has a mean pork chop and a fantastic drum fish. also, Smoked salmon as an appetizer is a must

 

good call on patrenellas. The owner is a trip but in a good way. I got a good story but don't want the "good story bro" so i'll save it. ANyways, the shrimp pasta is awesome.

if you go there, don't forget the bar in the back.

 

Hey Man.

Cool Story Bro.

 

Killen's is probably my favorite steakhouse ever. Their scallop appetizer is to die for..........but it comes out to about six bucks per scallop, so they should be good. Their bread pudding was voted as one of the ten best DISHES is all of the US by Gourmet (or was it Food and wine?) a few years back, and although I'm not sure if it is the best dessert I've ever had, I can't readily think of one better. I seem to always get the kurobuta pork chop cooked medium rare. Nothing like a premium piece of pork still bleeding, but their steaks are awesome with a good selection of wet and dry aged prime as well as sometimes four or five different types of Kobe style steaks (I don't mean cuts here, but rather different ranches from which they source the meat). There is NOTHING pretentious about the restuarant at all; sure there are some expensive items, but you're geting top quality stuff here. You could get by with 25 bucks a person, but I'd hold out for when you can double that amount. Quadruple if you have your heart set on Kobe.

Catalan is probably my favorite restaurant in Houston for a nice meal. There are more expensive places, places that are more avant garde, places with better (if stuffier) service, but I just really like Chris Sheppard's food. If he is there, and you get the tasting menu (especially if it is a week night), expect an incredible experience. That being said, it is probably a bit more than $25 a person if you want a nice meal.

For the budget you specified, and if you are wanting something different than the every day, I'd suggest Dolce Vita http://www.dolcevitahouston.com/menu.htm

Marco Wiles doesn't do too many things wrong, and although this place is billed as a pizza joint, it truly is something special. Get the shaved brussel sprouts as a small side. Trust me.