Recent social media posts
05/12/2025
Are you missing us as much as we miss you? About now we would be doing our seasonal tomato dishes on the menu, so we thought we'd post our recipe for Heirloom & Cherry Tomato Cocktail so you can make something delicious with your tomato crop!
YUM!
Official Site of Chef Hugo Ortega - award-winning chef of Backstreet Cafe New American Cuisine, Hugo's Authentic Mexican Cuisine, and Caracol Coastal Mexican Kitchen. Site includes event information, press and information about his cookbooks.
04/20/2025
From our family to yours — Happy Easter!
Today we celebrate the joy of family, the gift of togetherness, and the beauty of tradition. Wishing you a day filled with love, laughter, and meaningful moments around the table.
03/21/2025
Backstreet’s beloved Kale Salad has made its way to Caracol—now available for dinner!
02/19/2025
Attention wine lovers: On March 6, our sister restaurant Hugo's is hosting a Backstreet Pop-up Wine Dinner Featuring Turley Wine Cellars!
While we are closed for rebuilding, we are keeping our popular wine dinners alive with a series of pop-ups, and the next one is March 6! Chef Hugo is creating a special Backstreet-inspired menu to pair with the amazing wines from Turley Wine Cellars. The event is just being announced and will sell out quickly, so get your tickets today! Cheers!
https://www.hugosrestaurant.net/news-item/backstreet-pop-up-turley-wine-dinner/
01/23/2025
Happy Birthday, Chef Hugo Ortega!
01/22/2025
While we are closed for rebuilding, we want to keep our amazing wine dinners going and so we will be having pop-up wine dinners at our sister restaurants throughout the year The first one will be held at Hugo's on January 29 and will feature the Argentinian wines of Catena Zapata! You can find the menu for the dinner and link to make reservations on the Hugo's website. Click here and reserve your seats today! Salud!
Authentic Mexican cuisine by award-winning chef Hugo Ortega, hand-shaken margaritas and a festive atmosphere make this one of Houston’s don’t-miss dining experiences.
01/16/2025
Happy new year! Hope your holidays were wonderful and the year has started out well - we sure do miss you! We are feeling a bit nostalgic today and wanted to share something about someone special.
Today is the birthday of Gloria Ware, whom we call Glo, who has the distinction of being the first employee Tracy hired in 1983. She worked for us for almost 35 years before she retired in 2016. We stay in touch with Gloria regularly and she will always be a part of the Backstreet family.
Happy birthday, Glo, we love you!
01/03/2025
12/25/2024
Wishing festive day to all, from our family to yours...
12/20/2024
Join us now through New Year’s Day Brunch and enjoy one last meal in our little house before renovations start on January 2. We will be demolishing and rebuilding Backstreet on the other side of our lot, with the hopes of reopening in the fall of 2025. For the past several years, our little house has started to fail us with crumbling foundations and constant repairs. The home was built in 1935 and converted into a restaurant when Backstreet opened in 1983. The building has done its best to withstand high traffic, heavy kitchen equipment, and constant damage, but its time has come, and it’s given all it has to give. For Backstreet to continue for the next 41 years, it needs a strong and shiny new home. We realize this is bittersweet as many of you have many memories with us, celebrated life milestones, and enjoyed many pecan chickens over the years, but don't fret! This is not the end, it's the beginning of a new chapter. We love and appreciate all of you and, we hope to see you over the last few days of 2024, and again in the fall of 2025. Cheers! 🥂
12/17/2024
As we have announced, we are currently celebrating our final holiday season in our current location...we are closing in January to build a new Backstreet Cafe on the other side of our parking lot! So come and enjoy a few more meals at your favorite Houston landmark! :)
* Holiday Lunch * Available tile Dec. 20
Looking for a fun, affordable option for office parties and holiday get-togethers? We're offering an optional 3-course lunch menu thru December 20, filled with Backstreet classics for you and your guests to enjoy. The restaurant is decorated for the holidays, so bring your co-workers, friends, and family for some delicious food, great drinks, and holiday cheer. Reservations recommended.
* Holiday Takeaway *
Let Chef Hugo and team do the cooking this holiday season! For Christmas, place your order by December 22 for pickup on Tuesday, December 24. If you want food for your pre-Christmas Day celebrations, we need 2 days' notice, please. https://www.backstreetcafe.net/holidaytogo/
* Christmas Eve *
Before Santa comes down the chimney, join us for dinner at the restaurant! https://www.backstreetcafe.net/event/christmas-eve/
* New Year's Eve *
What are you doing New Year's Eve? Ring in 2025 with us! https://www.backstreetcafe.net/event/new-years-eve/
*New Year's Brunch* - last day to dine at 1103 S. Shepherd!!
This is our last shift open before our big renovation starts. We are very excited to celebrate with all of you. Cheers to new beginnings!
https://www.backstreetcafe.net/event/new-years-day/
Houston’s first and foremost al fresco restaurant serving seasonal American bistro fare by award-winning chef Hugo Ortega in a 1930s home in the city’s historic River Oaks neighborhood.
12/04/2024
Make your list and check it twice, then log onto our website and start your holiday shopping! We have our amazing housemade fruitcake, our annual holiday gift card sale, and cookbooks! There's something for everyone!
https://www.backstreetcafe.net/store/
11/23/2024
H Town Restaurant Group gift cards are a perfect fit for everyone! And, they can be used at any of the restaurants in the group – Backstreet Cafe, Caracol, Hugo’s, Xochi and URBE.
This holiday season, for each $100 purchased in gift cards before December 31, 2024, the buyer will receive a bonus $20 gift card as a gift to them! (The bonus e-cards are redeemable after January 1, 2025). Cards can be purchased online or at the restaurants. When purchasing online, delivery options include a physical card mailed to the provided address, or virtual card that can be emailed. The gift card special is offered November 1 to December 31, 2024.
11/21/2024
Holidays are all about traditions, old and new, and we have another H Town Restaurant Group tradition to remind you about - HOLIDAY LUNCH!
Looking for a fun, affordable option for office parties and holiday get-togethers? Four of our H Town Restaurant Group locations are offering an optional 3-course $39 lunch menu from December 1-20, filled with delicious dishes for you and your guests to enjoy. The restaurants will be decorated for the holidays, so bring your co-workers, friends and family for delicious food, great drinks and plenty of holiday cheer. Reservations recommended.
Backstreet Cafe is open for lunch Tuesday - Friday, 11:30am - 3pm
Hugo’s is open for lunch Thursdays & Fridays, 11:30am - 3pm
Caracol is open for lunch Monday - Friday, 11:30am - 3pm
Xochi is open for lunch Monday - Friday, 11:30am - 3pm
Find menus for all locations and make reservations at https://www.htownrestaurantgroup.com/restaurants/
11/14/2024
Santa Claus has already made his holiday plans and checked them twice, and that includes his visits to Backstreet Cafe on Sundays, December 8 & 15 from 6 - 8 pm.
As is our holiday tradition, Backstreet Cafe will transform into a night-time holiday wonderland with all things Christmas on these special nights. We will have Victorian Carolers and Santa, himself, will take a break from his busy holiday schedule to meet and take photos with families on the patio amongst festive décor and twinkling Christmas lights.
We will be serving our a la carte dinner menu, and offering a special 3-course kids menu for $20 per child.
This will be our last holiday season in our current location, so make your reservations today! 713-521-2239 or www.backstreetcafe.net
11/11/2024
Stress less this turkey day with our Thanksgiving to-go menu! Order a little, order a lot - you can order full meals or a la carte items! There are lots of great dishes on the menu, but you definitely dont want to miss out Stuffed Poached Pears, Corn Pudding and Sweet Potato Gratin - 3 Backstreet classics!
Check out the full menu at https://www.backstreetcafe.net/thanksgiving/
Order deadline is November 24!
11/08/2024
You won't want to miss our next wine dinner on November 13, featuring the amazing wines of Far Niente Winery, Nickel & Nickel Winery, EnRoute and Dolce. Reserve your tickets today!
Houston’s first and foremost al fresco restaurant serving seasonal American bistro fare by award-winning chef Hugo Ortega in a 1930s home in the city’s historic River Oaks neighborhood.
Address
1103 S Shepherd Drive
Houston, TX
77019
To get to the restaurant located on S Shepherd Drive in Houston, visitors can take the METRO Bus 27 which stops close to the venue. Alternatively, for those driving, they can take the I-69 and exit at Greenbriar Drive before turning onto Buffalo Speedway. There is parking available on the street next to the restaurant.
Opening Hours
| Tuesday |
11:30am - 9pm |
| Wednesday |
11:30am - 9pm |
| Thursday |
11:30am - 9pm |
| Friday |
11:30am - 10pm |
| Saturday |
10am - 10pm |
| Sunday |
10am - 3pm |
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What people say
New American restaurants are known for their innovative and diverse menus that blend traditional American cuisine with international flavors. Backstreet Cafe, located on S Shepherd Drive in Houston, is a prime example of a New American restaurant that has been delighting diners for almost 40 years.
One of the standout features of Backstreet Cafe is its charming New Orleans-style patio, which provides a cozy and inviting atmosphere for diners to enjoy their meals. The seasonal bistro menu, crafted by James Beard Award-winning Chef Hugo Ortega, is another highlight of this restaurant. The menu features an array of dishes made with fresh Gulf Coast ingredients that are sure to satisfy any palate.
In addition to its exceptional food, Backstreet Cafe also boasts one of the best wine and spirits programs in the city. Whether you're looking for a classic cocktail or a unique wine pairing to complement your meal, the knowledgeable staff at Backstreet Cafe will be happy to assist you.
Overall, Backstreet Cafe is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for delicious food, great drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a memorable dining experience, this Houston classic is sure to exceed your expectations.
