Throughout all of Tanji’s travels across Texas and beyond, her husband, Mike, is always by her side. The two have shared countless meals together at some of the best and finest restaurants. After well over three decades of wining and dining together, they’ve gathered a few date night spots that they return to time and again. Here, Tanji and Mike’s favorite restaurants in Austin, Houston, and San Antonio for a romantic evening with your sweetie.
HOUSTON
Anthonie’s Market Grill
9108 FM 1489, Simonton
Anthonie’s is an incredible, one-of-a-kind find tucked between lazy farm roads and sprawling ranchland in Simonton. The warm ambiance and massive outdoor patio make this the perfect spot to watch the sunset during a romantic dinner. We promise this place is well worth the drive!
Pearl & Vine
26151 Nelson Way, Katy
In the Houston suburb of Katy, diners are discovering Pearl & Vine—a dazzling, impeccably designed restaurant with something for everyone. The menu includes a variety of indulgent items, from Wagyu Beef with Fried Lobster to Apple Pie Bread Pudding. Plus, for you wine lovers, Pearl & Vine has an extensive bottle list and hosts monthly wine dinners with specially curated menus and pairings.
Backstreet Cafe
1103 S. Shepherd Dr.
For over 40 years, Backstreet Cafe has been Houston’s first and foremost alfresco restaurant, serving up seasonal bistro dishes that reflect the city’s diversity. Situated in a cozy ’30s-era house, guests can enjoy an intimate meal here, whether it’s at the bar, on the front or back patio areas, or in the solarium dining room. Chow down on such dishes as roasted oysters, grilled ribeye, or crab cakes and eggs.
Masraff’s
9655 Katy Fwy., Suite 190
It’s always a stellar experience in Uptown at Masraff’s! One of Tanji’s favorites for incredible seafood, her must-order dishes are the Garlic Seared Calamari and the Baked Jumbo Lump Crab Cake.
Jonathan’s The Rub
12505 Memorial Dr., #140
Once Tanji found Jonathan’s The Rub at Memorial Green, it quickly rose in the ranks as a favorite. The beautiful setting and fantastic food (her order: the butter-soaked Chilean sea bass and gorgonzola mashed potatoes) are what make this such a cozy date night spot.
Da Marco Cucina e Vino
1520 Westheimer Rd.
If you’re looking to spend a little extra on authentic Italian food, make your way to Da Marco Cucina e Vino for a special meal. One of Tanji’s favorite dishes is the veal chop and a starter pasta—it’s rich, decadent, and worth every penny.
AUSTIN
Loro
2115 S. Lamar Blvd.
Craving Asian food and barbecue? Why not get both at Loro! This restaurant is a partnership between James Beard Award winners Chef Tyson Cole of Uchi and Aaron Franklin of Franklin Barbecue. Stop by to enjoy dishes like grilled and smoked meats with Southeast Asian and Japanese-inspired sauces, classic BBQ sides, and a bar that boasts craft beer, boozy slushees, and batch cocktails.
Clark’s Oyster Bar
1200 W. 6th St.
Tanji loves a good oyster bar, and Clark’s is one of her favorites. This chic West Austin neighborhood spot is extremely intimate and will transport you to the Texas coast without leaving the Austin city limits!
Fonda San Miguel
2330 W. North Loop
Fonda San Miguel is an Austin staple that’s been around for over 40 years—an oldie but a goodie! One of the finest authentic Mexican restaurants in the country, Tanji loves to split the ceviche with her husband and the Pollo en Mole Poblano and Tortilla Soup.
Sway
3437 Bee Caves Rd., West Lake Hills
The first time Tanji went to Sway, she was immediately hooked. It’s now one of her all-time favorites. The modern Thai food is meant to be shared at the huge communal tables. It’s vibrant in flavor and presentation. Tanji’s a big fan of the Prawn Miange with betel leaf, toasted coconut, cashews, lime, fresno chile, and grapefruit.
SAN ANTONIO
Nonna Osteria
2 Locations:
Nonna Downtown: 401 S. Alamo St.
Nonna 1604: 434 N. Loop 1604 W., Bldg. 1, Suite 1106
Nothing says “amore” quite like authentic Italian food. When you visit this restaurant’s downtown location that’s housed in the historic and luxurious Fairmont Hotel, don’t miss the delicate ribbons of homemade pasta tossed in butter and Parmesan cheese and topped with shaved truffles. But if you’d prefer to avoid the tourist-filled part of the city, you can enjoy the same experience at Nonna’s new 1604 location!
Silo Elevated Cuisine
4 Locations:
Silo Alamo Heights: 1133 Austin Hwy.
Silo 1604: 434 N. Loop 1604 W.
Silo Terrace Oyster Bar: 2211 IH 10 W. Access Rd.
Silo Prime: 401 S. Alamo St.
Some of Tanji’s favorite foods are oysters and prime steak, and both can be found at the Silo restaurants around town. Whether you’re located in the heart of downtown, Alamo Heights, Stone Oak, or the Dominion, you and your date can order a dozen oysters on the half shell and split a ribeye for a perfectly balanced date night!
The Creek Restaurant
119 Staffel St., Boerne
The Creek’s enchanting natural surroundings and fabulous food make this Victorian hideaway overlooking Cibolo Creek quite the dining destination. It’s one of Tanji’s favorite places in the Hill Country and it’s one of Boerne’s best-kept secrets. When you’re there, grab surf and turf and a couple of handmade, in-house desserts!
Signature
16401 La Cantera Pkwy.
There’s no other setting like Signature. At one of the highest points in San Antonio and located at the La Cantera Resort & Spa, it’s perfect for a weekend getaway to escape and relax. The food matches the beautiful restaurant. Tanji always orders the Pan-Seared Diver Scallops with braised fennel and orange broth.
Boudro’s Texas Bistro
421 E. Commerce St.
If you’re looking for a romantic evening downtown on the famous River Walk, Boudro’s is just the spot for you. This is one of Tanji’s favorites for so many reasons: warm ambiance and a killer cocktail and wine list. A few of her favorites are the Mesquite-Grilled Salmon Salad and the tableside guacamole. Plus, if you want an even more memorable evening, you can rent one of their dinner barge cruises for an absolutely unique dining experience in San Antonio.
Aldaco’s Stone Oak
20079 Stone Oak Pkwy., #4100
Make sure to ask for a seat on the patio at Aldaco’s. Another spot at one of the highest points in San Antonio, this scenic restaurant offers a sweeping view of the city. Don’t miss out on the award-winning margaritas, and end your meal with a slice of Pastel Tres Leches. Blanca Aldaco, the owner, is credited for bringing this famous dish to the city!
DALLAS
B&B Butchers & Restaurant
5212 Marathon Ave., Fort Worth
Treat your sweetie to a date night that’s fit for celebrities like LeAnn Rimes, Blake Shelton, and Fort Worth native Kelly Clarkson. No matter what you order, every dish—such as the over-the-top tomahawks, juicy sirloins, and bacon-wrapped filets—is a winner, and you’ll have an incredible evening.
Rick’s Chophouse
107 North Kentucky, McKinney
Rick’s Chophouse is McKinney’s first four-star restaurant. It has all the amenities and first-class service you’d expect from a premier dining room, yet it feels as comfortable as your own living room. To make your evening even more special, book a room at the Grand Hotel where Rick’s Chophouse is located so you can have a little staycation!
The Woolworth
1520 Elm St., Suite 201
Find romantic, big-city vibes in downtown Dallas at The Woolworth, a landmark that now houses a spacious bistro and bar. This impressive spot offers amazing handcrafted cocktails and elevated food. Not only can you grab brunch, lunch, or dinner here, but the space also hosts weddings!
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