I think Los Cucos is good tex-mex and there are actually 2 locations close to where you are staying... not expensive either.....

http://www.loscucos.com/

I will also second Canyon Cafe - not Cafe Annie but not near as expensive either.

I also like magginanos...

these are all close to the Omni but you will need to take a cab!

I will second Tony's on Ella close to the Heights but I actually prefer Tecate right down the street! It isn't nearly as crowded, cheaper and the food is awesome.

I second Sushi King on Kirby.... really good. Also, Azuma in Rice Village is wonderful. Blue Fish on Richmond is super casual and good.

I know of several small ones around the area but I am looking for one that has alot of fresh veges and fruit... not just locally made sauces, jams, etc

Pappas BBQ on 59 at Bellaire is really good and I second Goode Co. because you can go into the Armadillo next door for some music.

No good BBQ in Houston? I haven't heard that one!

I like the BBQ at Goode Company.

For Tex-Mex I like El Tiempo and Molinas on Washington. They also have nice atmospheres. For something even more casual try Tecate or Tony's on Ella Blvd

And another in New Braunfels... again, I haven't been but a friend said it is a sports bar there:

http://www.scoressportsbar-nb.com/

Floating the river is fun... not sure if you are planning that. As far as bars in Grune, it is pretty slim pickings! It's a drink during the day type of place! However, depending on the weekend Gruene Hall will have some really good bands. There is a sports type bar by the river but I can't think of the name of it. It's right at the end of the river when you get off.

I have also heard this place has some good music but I have never been:
http://www.taverninthegruene.com/

Here is another I haven't been to but heard about it.
http://www.riverroadicehouse.com/

Keep in mind Texas State is in San Marcos so these places might have alot of college age kids.

Also, here is the website for Gruene Hall

http://www.gruenehall.com/

The Gristmill in Gruene is a good lunch place since it is right there on the river. It has a huge deck and pretty good menu. It is located right behind the Legendary Gruene Hall which is alot of fun to pop into for a cold beer and they usually have good bands on the weekends.

Here is their website:
http://www.gristmillrestaurant.com/tour/index.htm

Across the street is a wine store that has wine tastings and an area outside where you can buy a bottle and sit outside and enjoy... http://www.grapevineingruene.com/

The testing room in uptown park is probably the closest. A little far to walk but a very short cab ride. Another one the is fairly close but you would also need a cab is the wine bucket. Here is their website. http://www.thewinebucket.com/

If you want to stay in the Galleria there is Kona Grill which I have heard good things about but I haven't bee there. I heard they have a nice bar for drinks.

I second the trip to Becker. We had a great time there and the wine was delicious!

Well, you already said it but I love the ones at Berryhills. I also like the ones at Terlingua on Studemont. Small place in a strip center but the food is pretty good. Love their Sangria!

It's a hole in the wall but Tecate on Ella Blvd has great Mexican!! It is right down the street from the popular Tony's but I think Tecate is alot better!

I am having a BBQ/Birthday party on Sat. Very casual. I will have beer and wine but wanted to have a fun cocktail to serve as well but don't want to be in the kitchen making them the entire time. Suggestions?

Does anyone know of any here in Houston? I have been in Dallas but no luck here in Houston.

I think Pappas is really good but over priced. I have heard wonderful things about the Strip House. I haven't been but it is next on my list. I also like the original Perry's Steakhouse in Clear Lake.

I like Lankfords Grocery, Pappas Burger and Southwells here in Houston. BUT my very favorite is Miller's Cafe on N. Shepherd right now the road from me. YUM

Any suggestions? I love to go have Sangria

I just have to second Bhutani. I love Rickshaw! Food is awesome. I haven't personally been to Indika but I have friends who love it and say is is fantastic!

Casual and patios are easy to find in Austin.... head to 5th and 6th street and I am sure you will find what you are in the mood for.

I went to college in San Marcos and we went to Luling all the time for the BBQ! Soooo good. The Houston Luling city market doesn't compare!

I can't really think of an "upscale" one although I am sure there is. I like Mo Mong on Westheimer and it is a fun place. Golden Room is also good and more quaint. Both are located in the Montrose/Upper Westheimer area. Azuma is sushi and really good... the one in the Rice Village seems better than the downtown location in my opinion. Just some ideas.......

I think Chuys in Austin is always a fun time with great Mexican food. Chuy's Restaurant
1728 Barton Springs Rd Austin, TX 78704 (512) 474-4452 Good patio too.........

Have you tried Woodrows on Chimney Rock? I went the other night and most were pretty large......... Let me know how Goode Co is!

Not sure if you have made your trip yet but here are my suggestions:

El Tiempo for good Mexican food
The Fish on West Gray for good sushi
Farrago on West Gray is good and fun
Not sure of your age range but I heard Sammy's downtown is a fun dance spot
Ruggles on Westheimer is good food and usually a good time

Again depending on your age range la Strada is crazy for brunch and good food. I love Baba Yega for brunch. All of these have websites.

Hope you have fun!

Has anyone tried the crawfish at Vito's? Someone here at work suggested them. Off Richmond close to Chimney Rock............

Nga is great. http://houston.citysearch.com/profile/11642344/houston_tx/nga_s_vietnamese_restaurant.html

I also like Cali Sandwich. I love their Pho and they have $2 viet sandwich's that are awesome!

http://houston.citysearch.com/profile...

I love Pho and ate it all the time when I worked downtown. I haven't found anywhere that I like over here by the Galleria. Anyone know of a place without having to go downtown or over to Bellaire?

I like Beck's Prime but for a good burger in Houston try Pappas Burger which I think is great! For good Thai in Houston try Thai Restaurant or Thai Gourmet - both are great!