Backstreet Cafe: A Culinary Gem in Houston, TX

Backstreet Cafe Introduce

Welcome to Backstreet Cafe: A Houston Institution

For decades, Backstreet Cafe has been a cornerstone of Houston's culinary scene, offering a warm and inviting escape with its celebrated American cuisine. Tucked away in the city's charming River Oaks area, this restaurant has become a beloved institution, known for its exceptional food, friendly service, and a serene, tree-shaded patio that feels like a hidden garden. More than just a place to eat, Backstreet Cafe is a destination where friends and family gather to create lasting memories, whether it's for a relaxed weekend brunch, a sophisticated dinner, or a special celebration.

The menu at Backstreet Cafe is a testament to its dedication to quality and flavor. It features a diverse selection of dishes that blend classic American comfort food with creative, modern twists. From their famous weekend brunch to their elegant dinner entrees, every plate is crafted with care, using fresh, high-quality ingredients. The restaurant’s commitment to providing a top-notch dining experience is evident in every detail, from the beautifully presented dishes to the attentive and knowledgeable staff. It's this combination of delicious food and a welcoming atmosphere that has earned Backstreet Cafe a loyal following and a reputation as one of Houston’s premier dining spots.

Location and Accessibility

Backstreet Cafe is conveniently situated at 1103 S Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77019, USA. Its location in the bustling River Oaks area makes it easily accessible for residents and visitors throughout Houston. Despite being on a busy street, the restaurant’s setting feels secluded and peaceful, providing a perfect retreat from the city's hustle and bustle.

The restaurant prioritizes accessibility for all guests. The premises feature a **wheelchair-accessible entrance**, a **wheelchair-accessible parking lot**, and **wheelchair-accessible restrooms and seating**. For parking, guests have a few convenient options. There is **valet parking** available, which is particularly helpful given the area's popularity. Additionally, there is **free street parking** nearby for those who prefer to park themselves. The combination of valet and street parking ensures that finding a spot is a hassle-free experience.

Services Offered

Dining Options: Backstreet Cafe offers a variety of dining services to suit any occasion. Whether you're looking for a leisurely lunch, a romantic dinner, or a special weekend brunch, you'll find a welcoming table. The restaurant also provides **catering** services for events and parties.
Takeout and Delivery: For those who prefer to enjoy their meal at home, Backstreet Cafe offers convenient **takeout** and **delivery** services. They also provide **curbside pickup** and **no-contact delivery**, ensuring a safe and seamless experience.
Reservations: The restaurant **accepts reservations**, which is highly recommended, especially for weekend brunch and dinner, to secure your spot.
Private Dining: A **private dining room** is available, perfect for hosting business lunches, family gatherings, or intimate celebrations.
Family-Friendly: Backstreet Cafe is a **family-friendly** establishment. They provide a **kids' menu** and **high chairs** to accommodate younger guests, making it a great choice for a family outing.

Features and Highlights

Live Music: Enhance your dining experience with the beautiful ambiance of **live music**, a regular feature at the cafe. The music adds a special touch, making your visit even more memorable.
Outdoor Seating: One of the most beloved features is the **outdoor seating** on the charming, tree-shaded patios. It’s an ideal setting for a relaxed meal, whether you're enjoying the Texas sunshine or a cool evening breeze. They also have an outdoor seating area that allows **dogs**, so you can bring your four-legged friends along.
Diverse Menu Offerings: The menu is packed with delicious options, including **comfort food**, **organic dishes**, and a variety of **small plates** perfect for sharing. They also cater to different dietary needs with extensive **vegan options** and **vegetarian options**.
Drink Selection: Backstreet Cafe has a full **bar onsite** and a great selection of beverages, including **beer**, **wine**, **cocktails**, and **hard liquor**. Don't miss their **happy hour drinks** and **happy hour food** for great deals.
Desserts and Coffee: No meal is complete without dessert. The dessert menu is varied and tempting, and you can pair it with a freshly brewed **coffee** or espresso.

Contact Information

Address: 1103 S Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77019, USA

Phone: (713) 521-2239

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing Backstreet Cafe means opting for a complete sensory experience, not just a meal. From the moment you step onto the property, you're enveloped in a welcoming atmosphere that feels both elegant and comfortable. The restaurant’s unique charm lies in its ability to transport you to a tranquil, garden-like setting, even though you’re in the heart of Houston. This is a place where every detail is considered, from the carefully curated decor to the impeccable table service.

The menu itself is a major draw. For brunch, the **Broccoli and Cheddar Quiche** is a standout choice, as noted by a recent visitor who described it as “absolutely delicious,” topped with a creamy Sottocenere sauce. Another must-try is the **Pecan Chicken**, which has been praised for its juicy and tender texture, uniquely enhanced with bits of pecans and served beautifully with mashed potatoes and sautéed spinach. The **Crab Cakes & Eggs** and **Backstreet Benedict** are also popular brunch items that consistently receive rave reviews.

Appetizers like the **calamari** and the fresh **Seafood Beignets** are perfect for sharing, and they set the stage for a fantastic meal. The dinner entrees are equally impressive, with options like **Strip Steak**, **Duck Confit**, and the flavorful **Texas Red Corn Chicken Enchiladas**. For seafood lovers, the **Crispy Seared Red Fish** and **Gulf Shrimp & Stone-Ground Cheese Grits** are highly recommended.

Beyond the food, the service is a highlight. Staff members are known for being attentive, friendly, and professional without being intrusive. As one guest mentioned, “We were well attended and never felt rushed.” This allows you to truly relax and savor your meal. The combination of exceptional cuisine, a beautiful setting, and attentive service makes Backstreet Cafe a standout choice for any dining occasion in Houston.

Backstreet Cafe Food & drink

FOR THE TABLE
Saturday & Sunday
GLAZED ORANGE-CHOCOLATE BRIOCHE BUNS $11.00
cream cheese icing
BACKSTREET BRUNCH BOARD $30.00
ham biscuit sandwich, crab dip, deviled eggs, hummus, spinach quiche, pickled vegetables
BUTTERMILK BISCUITS $10.00
served with butter and jam

HALF-DOZEN OYSTERS
ROASTED OYSTERS $21.00
anchovy butter, Parmesan
FRESH GULF OYSTERS $18.00
(GF) mignonette & cocktail sauce

SMALL PLATES
Bruschetta $14.00
prosciutto, piquillo pepper, arugula, tomatoes, Parmesan, romesco
SEAFOOD BEIGNETS $17.00
shrimp, crab, andouille sausage, remoulade
CALAMARI $20.00
fried squid, chipotle mayo
AVOCADO TOAST $13.00
spiced avocado, arugula, heirloom tomatoes goat cheese, lemon vinaigrette
DUCK SPRING ROLLS $15.00
ginger-scallion soy sauce
ROASTED WHOLE CAULIFLOWER $19.00
(GF) whipped feta, romesco, roasted red pepper butter
Hummus $14.00
tomato, olives, cucumber, herbs, pita

SOUPS & GREENS
STEAK SALAD* $29.00
(GF) little gem lettuce, creamy basil dressing, bacon, avocado, boiled egg, tomatoes, red onion
VIETNAMESE CHICKEN SALAD $20.00
(GF) shredded chicken, cabbage, carrot, cucumber, cilantro, lime, chile dressing, crushed peanuts
SALMON SALAD* $24.00
(GF) arugula, rustic croutons, avocado, mint, cucumber, amaranth, lemon vinaigrette
GRILLED CHICKEN SALAD $20.00
(GF) kale, Brussels sprouts, avocado, feta, dried cherries, almonds, lemon vinaigrette
TORTILLA SOUP $16.00
(GF) smoked chicken, roasted tomato, cream, avocado, tortilla strips
SEAFOOD GUMBO $19.00
shrimp, gulf fish, crab, okra, green onion, rice

EGGS & SUCH
Crab and Shrimp Salad $30.00
(GF) greens, avocado, lemon vinaigrette, creamy basil
Chicken Milanese $25.00
sauteed breadcrumb crusted chicken breast, pounded thin, arugula salad
STEAK & EGGS* $38.00
(GF) strip steak, eggs, refried beans, sautéed peppers and onions, guacamole, salsa, flour tortilla
Broccoli and Cheddar Quiche $20.00
arugula salad, roasted potatoes, Sottocenere sauce
SALMON TACOS* $24.00
(GF) black beans, creme fraiche, tomatillo salsa
WOOD-GRILLED HUGO'S BURGER* $19.00
avocado, Chihuahua cheese, chipotle aioli, lettuce, tomato, red jalapeño, fries
Backstreet Hash * $22.00
smoked chicken, poached eggs, avocado, tomatillo salsa
BRIOCHE FRENCH TOAST $19.00
roasted bananas, vanilla mascarpone, almond brittle, caramel, syrup
BRISKET MIGAS* $25.00
(GF) scrambled eggs, tortilla chips, jalapeño, tomato, queso blanco, black beans, flour tortilla
BACKSTREET BENEDICT* $24.00
cheddar chive biscuits, poached eggs, aged Virginia ham, Hollandaise, grits, asparagus
CRAB CAKES & EGGS $32.00
crab cakes, eggs over-easy, roasted potatoes, grilled vegetables
MEDITERRANEAN BOWL $25.00
(GF) grilled shrimp, Israeli couscous, hummus, cucumber, tomato, feta, olives, onion, parsley, spinach, lemon oregano vinaigrette, pita bread

SIDES
BACON $6.00
CORN PUDDING (GF) $10.00
CHARRED BRUSSELS SPROUTS $10.00
MACARONI AND CHEESE $10.00
CREAMY CHEESE GRITS (GF) $9.00
FRENCH FRIES $9.00

DESSERTS
Dark Chocolate Cake $10.00
peach compote, coffee ice cream
Lemon Ricotta Cake $10.00
roasted strawberries, lemon mousseline
Peach & Blueberry Cobbler $12.00
vanilla ice cream
BUTTERSCOTCH BRIOCHE BREAD PUDDING $10.00
butterscotch sauce, vanilla ice cream
Classic Mexican Flan $10.00
dulce de leche whipped cream
THE BLOCKBUSTER $12.00
dark chocolate cake, salted caramel, peanut butter ice cream, kettle corn
SORBET (GF) $8.00
ask server for today’s selection

FOR THE TABLE
ROASTED OYSTERS $21.00
fresh herb butter, Parmesan
FRESH GULF OYSTERS $18.00
(GF) mignonette & cocktail sauce
Charcuterie Board $30.00
two cheeses, pickled vegetables, prosciutto, marcona almonds, grilled bread

STARTERS
Mussels $21.00
chorizo, red onion, marinara
Bruschetta $14.00
prosciutto, piquillo pepper, arugula, tomatoes, Parmesan, romesco
CALAMARI $20.00
fried squid, chipotle mayo
CRAB CAKES $25.00
remoulade, slaw
SEAFOOD BEIGNETS $17.00
shrimp, crab, andouille sausage, remoulade
HUMMUS $14.00
(GF) tomato, olives, cucumber, herbs, pita
ROASTED WHOLE CAULIFLOWER $19.00
(GF) whipped feta, roasted red pepper butter, romesco
DUCK SPRING ROLLS $15.00
ginger-scallion soy sauce

SOUPS & GREENS
Crab and Shrimp Salad $21.00
(GF) greens, avocado, lemon vinaigrette, creamy basil
Mushroom Soup $16.00
cream, sherry, bleu cheese crostini
SEAFOOD GUMBO $19.00
shrimp, red snapper, crab, okra, andouille sausage, rice
PEAR SALAD $17.00
red lettuces, bleu cheese, dried cherries, pomegranate, balsamic vinaigrette, walnuts
TORTILLA SOUP $16.00
(GF) smoked chicken, roasted tomato, cream, avocado, tortilla strips
LITTLE GEM SALAD $16.00
(GF) creamy basil dressing, bacon, Parmesan, tomatoes, red onion

ENTREES
Strip Steak * $38.00
(GF) green peppercorn-cognac sauce, fries
Duck Confit $34.00
butternut squash puree, melted leeks, fig-cognac sauce
Pan-Seared Scallops * $37.00
wild mushroom risotto
CIOPPINO $31.00
fish, scallop, shrimp, clams, mussels, tomato-infused seafood broth, toasted bread
BRAISED SHORT RIB $37.00
(GF) creamy mashed potatoes, roasted mushroom sauce
Crispy Seared Red Fish $35.00
(GF) dirty rice, andouille sausage, roasted pepper butter
PAN-ROASTED HALF CHICKEN $27.00
half crispy chicken, savory mushroom-spinach bread pudding
TEXAS RED CORN CHICKEN ENCHILADAS $23.00
(GF) smoked chicken, corn pudding, cream, green beans
GULF SHRIMP & STONE-GROUND CHEESE GRITS $32.00
(GF) green onion, crispy leeks

PASTAS
JALAPEÑO FETTUCCINE $23.00
chicken, tomatoes, black beans, cilantro
TAGLIATELLE BOLOGNESE $23.00
slow-simmered tomato meat sauce, Parmesan cheese, pancetta, ricotta
LOBSTER LINGUINE $33.00
5-oz Canadian lobster tail, lobster cream, shallots, parsley

SIDES
CONFIT POTATOES $10.00
basil aioli
CORN PUDDING $10.00
(GF)
CHARRED BRUSSELS SPROUTS $10.00
MACARONI AND CHEESE $10.00
FRENCH FRIES $9.00
CREAMY MASHED POTATOES $9.00

BOARD + BOTTLE
Choose between a Cheese Board or a Bruschetta Board and pair with a Happy Hour Bottle of wine for $38
CHARCUTERIE BOARD
salami, prosciutto, pickled veggies, cheddar, Cambozola, walnuts, olives, jam, mustard. ask server for the half bottle of the day

COCKTAILS & SPIRITS
OLD FASHIONED $8.00
bonded bourbon, bitters, orange zest
GARDEN MULE $7.00
vodka, ginger beer, lime, mint & cucumber
Backstreet G&T $8.00
gin, lime, tonic, St. Germain, seasonal garnish
CLASSIC MOJITO $8.00
rum, lime, fresh lime juice, soda
THE ORIGINAL HUGORITA $8.00
tequila, triple sec, fresh lime, simple syrup
SIGNATURE RED WINE SANGRIA $7.00

TEXAS BEERS
SAINT ARNOLD AMBER ALE $4.00
Houston
SAINT ARNOLD ART CAR IPA $4.00
Houston
SOUTHERN STAR BOMBSHELL BLONDE $4.00
Conroe

STARTERS
Charcuterie Board $30.00
two cheeses, prosciutto, pickled vegetables, marcona almonds, grilled bread
ROASTED OYSTERS $21.00
anchovy butter, Parmesan
GULF OYSTERS $18.00
mignonette, cocktail sauce
Bruschetta $14.00
prosciutto, piquillo pepper, arugula, tomatoes, Parmesan, romesco
SEAFOOD BEIGNETS $17.00
shrimp, crab, andouille sausage, remoulade
CALAMARI $20.00
fried squid, chipotle mayo
HUMMUS $14.00
(GF) tomato, olives, cucumber, herbs, pita
ROASTED WHOLE CAULIFLOWER $19.00
(GF) whipped feta, roasted red pepper butter, romesco
DUCK SPRING ROLLS $15.00
ginger-scallion soy sauce
CRAB CAKES $25.00
remoulade, slaw

SOUPS & GREENS
STEAK SALAD* $29.00
(GF) creamy basil dressing, avocado, boiled egg, bacon, tomatoes, red onion
VIETNAMESE CHICKEN SALAD $20.00
(GF) shredded chicken, cabbage, carrot, cucumber, cilantro, lime, chile dressing, crushed peanuts
SALMON SALAD* $24.00
arugula, rustic croutons, avocado, mint, cucumber, amaranth, lemon vinaigrette
GRILLED CHICKEN SALAD $20.00
(GF) kale, Brussels sprouts avocado, feta, almonds, dried cherries, lemon vinaigrette
TORTILLA SOUP $16.00
(GF) smoked chicken, roasted tomato, cream, avocado, tortilla strips
SEAFOOD GUMBO $19.00
shrimp, red snapper, crab, andouille sausage, okra, green onions, rice

SIDES
CORN PUDDING (GF) $10.00
CHARRED BRUSSELS SPROUTS $10.00
MACARONI AND CHEESE $10.00
CREAMY MASHED POTATOES (GF) $9.00
FRENCH FRIES $9.00

FRIDAY BRUNCH
Select brunch items available Fridays 11:30am - 3pm
BRISKET MIGAS* $25.00
(GF) scrambled eggs, tortilla chips, jalapeño, tomato, queso blanco, black beans, flour tortillas
Broccoli and Cheddar Quiche $20.00
arugula salad, roasted potatoes, Sottocenere sauce
STEAK & EGGS* $38.00
(GF) strip steak, eggs, refried beans, sautéed peppers and onions, guacamole, salsa, flour tortilla
CRAB CAKES & EGGS* $32.00
crab cakes, poached eggs, roasted potatoes, grilled vegetables
Backstreet Hash* $22.00
(GF) smoked chicken, poached eggs, avocado, tomatillo salsa
BACKSTREET BENEDICT* $24.00
cheddar chive biscuits, aged Virginia ham, Hollandaise, grits, asparagus

ENTREES
Crab and Shrimp Salad $30.00
(GF) avocado, lemon vinaigrette, creamy basil, greens
Strip Steak $38.00
green peppercorn-cognac sauce, fries
Grilled Salmon $26.00
Beluga lentils, roasted root vegetables
RED CORN CHICKEN ENCHILADAS $23.00
(GF) smoked chicken, corn pudding, crema, tomatillo salsa, green beans
SALMON TACOS * $24.00
(GF) black beans, creme fraiche, tomatillo salsa
WOOD-GRILLED HUGO'S BURGER* $19.00
avocado, Chihuahua cheese, chipotle aioli, lettuce, tomato, red jalapeño, fries
PECAN CHICKEN $27.00
mashed potatoes, spinach, red pepper sauce
MEDITERRANEAN BOWL $25.00
grilled shrimp, Israeli couscous, hummus, cucumber, tomato, feta, olives, onion, parsley, spinach leaves, lemon oregano vinaigrette, pita bread

PASTAS
TAGLIATELLE BOLOGNESE $23.00
slow-simmered tomatoes meat sauce, Parmesan cheese, pancetta, ricotta
JALAPEÑO FETTUCCINE $23.00
chicken, tomatoes, black beans, cilantro
Eggplant Pappardelle $23.00
roasted tomatoes, basil pesto, Parmesan

SMALL PLATES
ROASTED WHOLE CAULIFLOWER $19.00
(GF) herb whipped feta, romesco, roasted red pepper butter
HUMMUS $14.00
(GF) tomato, olives, cucumber, herbs, pita
BRUSCHETTA $14.00
piquillo peppers, tomato, arugula, Parmesan, romesco

SALADS
LITTLE GEM SALAD $16.00
(GF) creamy basil dressing, Parmesan, tomatoes
PEAR SALAD $17.00
red lettuces, bleu cheese, dried cherries, pomegranate, balsamic vinaigrette, walnuts

ENTREES
Vegetable Risotto $22.00
(GF) asparagus, baby vegetables, green peas, Parmesan
VEGETABLES & BURRATA $25.00
(GF) asparagus, carrots, eggplant, zucchini, roasted red bell pepper, rustic bread, romesco, chimichurri
VEGGIE ENCHILADAS $21.00
(GF) asparagus, potatoes, broccolini, corn pudding, green beans, crème fraiche, tomatillo salsa
MEDITERRANEAN BOWL $25.00
(GF) Israeli couscous, hummus, cucumber, tomato, feta, olives, onion, parsley, spinach leaves, lemon oregano cinagrette, pita bread
BLACK PEPPER TAGLIATELLE $19.00
grilled kale pesto, rainbow carrots, spinach, goat cheese crumbles
GRILLED EGGPLANT TACOS $19.00
(GF) (V) black beans, fire-roasted bell pepper, pickled red onion, tomatillo salsa

SIDES
CORN PUDDING (GF) $10.00
FRENCH FRIES $9.00
CHARRED BRUSSELS SPROUTS (GF) $10.00
MACARONI AND CHEESE $10.00

Backstreet Cafe Details

Service options
Outdoor seating
Curbside pickup
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Live music

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Happy hour drinks
Happy hour food
Hard liquor
Organic dishes
Private dining room
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Wine

Dining options
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Bar onsite
Restroom
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi

Crowd
Family-friendly

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu

Parking
Free street parking
Parking
Valet parking

Pets
Dogs allowed
Dogs allowed outside

Backstreet Cafe Photos

Backstreet Cafe Location

Backstreet Cafe

Texas Harris County Houston Montrose South Shepherd Drive

1103 S Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77019, USA

Backstreet Cafe Reviews

An average rating of ★4.6 from 1621 user reviews.

brunchpatiovalet parkingshrimp and gritswine listduck spring rollsmigasfountainroasted cauliflowerhugo's

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

My girlfriends & I chose the Backstreet Cafe for our weekly girls lunch this week. What a pleasant surprise! The restaurant is cozy and very nicely decorated. We had a very good and attentive waiter. We all chose different entrees and we all expressed complete satisfaction with flavors and portion size. I had the Pecan Chicken beautifully plated with mashed potatoes, sautéed spinach with a red sauce. The chicken was juicy and tender with a unique bits of pecans. My girlfriends had the chicken enchiladas and the steak salad respectively . I’ve included pictures of their plates as well. We shared the calamari appetizer with a delightful sauce and finally for desert a chocolate cake with our cappuccinos. They offer valet which makes it quite convenient to park on an otherwise busy street. Overall our visit was wonderful. It was a tad cool today so we opted to eat inside but we look forward to returning to have lunch out on one of their lovely patios - out front or rear of the restaurant.
October 18 · Victoria Sledz
This is the perfect place for a weekend brunch!Our meal started with complimentary muffins that were so yummy, and we ate so quickly, I forgot to take a picture.The menu has many tempting choices, but I ultimately chose the Broccoli & Cheddar Quiche, topped with a creamy Sottocenere sauce and served with anarugula salad and roasted potatoes…absolutely delicious! My friend really enjoyed the salmon tacos. The portions are very generous.The service was excellent. We were well attended and never felt rushed, so we were able to enjoy the relaxing outdoor patio. We will definitely be back!
September 13 · thelamberts12
Nice patio and service, complimentary bread was delish, but food was subpar. The gumbo was borderline tasteless, chicken was greasy and under seasoned, enchiladas was not flavorful. Verdict: won’t be back
February 25 · ml
It's a cute house style restaurant.We got the calamari, smoked chicken hash and salmon. The calamari was tasty as well as the salmon but Everything else was pretty basic.Apparently their weekday brunch is different from the weekend so may check out the weekend one sometime and see if it's better.
December 08 · Chioma Okafor
Super crowded on Saturday brunch hour. There to celebrate a special occasion. The service was good, the food temp was perfect; but the food was just not good. We had 6 people at our table, got appetizers and other items. I don't really think anyone enjoyed their meal. Including a burger, because the bun was too thick. The tortilla soup was not very flavorful, the duck spring rolls were overfried. The eggs Benedict had too much going on. Will not return. It was extremely noisy in the room. This place used to be better. Way better meals in Houston.
June 09 · Kat Spofford