Birraporetti's: A Houston Classic for Italian Dining and Live Music

Birraporetti's Introduce

For decades, Birraporetti's has been a Houston institution, an iconic Italian restaurant that offers a truly unique dining and entertainment experience. Located in the bustling heart of downtown, it's a place that masterfully blends classic Italian fare with a lively, welcoming atmosphere. More than just a restaurant, Birraporetti's is also a live music venue, a popular brunch spot, and a full-service bar, making it a versatile destination for any occasion. Whether you're celebrating a special event or simply looking for a delicious meal before a show, this establishment provides a setting that is both upscale and comfortably casual.

The restaurant prides itself on being a staple of the Houston community, a "timeless gem" that has served generations of diners. It's especially popular as a pre-theater dining spot, given its proximity to the city's major performance venues. The combination of its authentic Italian cuisine, warm ambiance, and a lively bar scene makes Birraporetti's a standout choice for those seeking an unforgettable night out.

Location and Accessibility

Birraporetti's is perfectly located at 500 Louisiana St, Houston, TX 77002, placing it right in the center of Houston's Theater District. This makes it an incredibly convenient choice for anyone attending a show at the Alley Theatre, Jones Hall, or other nearby venues. Its downtown location is easily accessible from all parts of the city.

The restaurant is committed to ensuring all guests have a comfortable experience. It features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking lot, restroom, and seating, making it a welcoming space for everyone. While parking in downtown Houston can be a challenge, Birraporetti's offers multiple options, including a paid parking garage, a paid parking lot, and paid street parking, providing a variety of choices for visitors.

Services Offered

Birraporetti's provides a comprehensive range of services, going beyond a traditional restaurant.

Dine-in, Takeout, and Delivery: Customers can enjoy the cozy atmosphere by dining in, or they can order takeout or delivery for a delicious meal at home. The flexibility of these options makes it easy to enjoy their food no matter the circumstances.
Full Bar Service: The restaurant has a bar on-site with a great selection of beers, cocktails, and wines. It is also known for a full-service liquor menu, making it a perfect spot for happy hour or a nightcap. The bar offers a wide range of beverages to complement any meal.
Catering and Banquets: Birraporetti's is also a banquet hall and a caterer, offering private dining rooms and professional event planning for various occasions, including weddings, corporate events, and parties. They can accommodate large groups and even provide off-site catering services.
Brunch and Late-Night Food: The restaurant serves breakfast and brunch, with reservations recommended for weekend brunch. They also offer late-night food, making it a great spot for a bite after a show or a late night out.

Features and Highlights

Birraporetti's is known for several key features that contribute to its timeless appeal.

Live Music: A major draw for this restaurant is the live music. The venue often features entertainment that adds to the ambiance, creating a truly unique and enjoyable dining experience. It's a great place to enjoy dinner while listening to some tunes.
Diverse and Upscale Atmosphere: The restaurant's ambiance is a major highlight, described as casual, cozy, romantic, trendy, and even upscale. It's a place that can fit a variety of moods and occasions, from a family dinner to a romantic evening. The beautiful decor and comfortable seating make it feel special.
Impressive Menu: The menu is extensive, featuring classic Italian dishes like Pasta Poretti, Lulu's Lasagna, and Lobster Ravioli. The seafood selection, including Grilled Jumbo Shrimp Scampi and Crab Cakes, is also a highlight. For non-pasta lovers, there are also classic American entrées like a Hand-Carved Ribeye and Grilled Beef Medallions.
Great Drinks and Desserts: The restaurant is praised for its "great beer selection," "great cocktails," and "great wine list." The homemade desserts, including Tiramisù, Cannoli, and Crème Brûlée, are a perfect way to end the meal and are a highlight for many customers.
Fast Service (when not busy): While some reviews note that service can be slow during peak times, especially on major event days, the staff is generally described as friendly, attentive, and efficient, ensuring a good experience on most visits.

Contact Information

For reservations, catering inquiries, or general information, you can contact Birraporetti's at:

Address: 500 Louisiana St, Houston, TX 77002, USA

Phone: (713) 224-9494

What is Worth Choosing

When you choose Birraporetti's, you're not just picking a place to eat; you're choosing a Houston tradition. The restaurant's longevity is a testament to its consistent quality and its ability to provide a special dining experience. The main reason to choose Birraporetti's is its blend of classic, comforting Italian food with a fun and lively atmosphere. The Lobster Ravioli and the Lulu's Lasagna are often highlighted as "to die for" dishes, while the fresh seafood and well-cooked pasta are also praised. The menu has something for everyone, from vegetarian options to hearty meat dishes.

The atmosphere is another compelling reason to visit. Whether you're looking for a cozy, romantic spot or a place to celebrate with a group, Birraporetti's fits the bill. The live music, coupled with a well-stocked bar, creates a sophisticated yet relaxed vibe that is hard to find elsewhere. Its proximity to downtown theaters makes it an ideal spot for a pre-show dinner, ensuring you have a great meal and still make it to your event on time.

While some reviews may point to inconsistencies, the majority of the feedback is highly positive, praising the excellent food, accommodating service, and unique ambiance. The staff's willingness to go above and beyond, as mentioned in customer testimonials, adds to the personal touch that makes this restaurant a true Houston gem. For a meal that feels both special and authentic, Birraporetti's is a timeless choice.

Birraporetti's Menu

Soups & Salads
Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad $18.00
Tuscan Bean Soup $8.00
Add pasta and Italian sausage for an extra charge.
Tortellini Florentine Soup $8.00
The Trio $17.00
Mixed greens with turkey, grilled chicken, bacon, provolone and mozzarella.
Strawberry Pecan Salad $16.00
Baby spinach, strawberries, candied pecans, feta, red onions, and balsamic dressing. Add grilled chicken for an extra charge.
Mediterranean Salad $16.00
Fresh greens, feta, tomatoes, cucumber, red onions, and black olives. Add grilled chicken or shrimp for an extra charge.
Grilled Chicken Almond Salad $18.00
Grilled chicken breast topped with sliced almonds, tomatoes, cucumbers, and mozzarella.

Sides
*Caesar Or House Salad $5.00
*Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness
Garlic Or Plain Bread $4.00
French Fries $6.00
Cheese Garlic Bread $5.00
Garlic Mashed Potatoes $8.00
Fettuccine Alfredo $8.00
With your choice of spinach or egg fettuccine. add italian sausage, shrimp, or grilled chicken for an extra charge. add mushrooms for an extra charge.
Vegetable $8.00

Daily Lunch Specials
The Downtowner Special $22.00
Lobster ravioli with pepper cream sauce and a house salad.
Chicken Milanese $17.00
Almond coated chicken breast topped with mushrooms, garlic, basil, and tomatoes, served with mashed potatoes or fettuccine.
Bowl Of Soup With House Or Caesar Salad $12.00

Fresh Seafood
Grilled Jumbo Shrimp Scampi $28.00
With linguine tossed in virgin olive oil and garlic.
*Grilled Or Almond Encrusted White Fish $28.00
With sautéed spinach or linguine tossed in virgin olive oil and garlic. *Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.
Crab Cakes $28.00
With fettuccine alfredo or linguine tossed in virgin olive oil and garlic.
*Grilled Salmon $28.00
With linguine tossed in virgin olive oil and garlic, and grilled asparagus. *Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.

Create Your Own Pizza
Create Your Own Pizza $20.00
With two toppings. Each additional topping for an extra charge. *Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.

Pasta
Manicotti With Italian Sausage $22.00
Topped with marinara and mozzarella.
Pasta Poretti $22.00
With penne pasta, grilled chicken, sun dried tomatoes, and spinach in a goat cheese sauce.
Linguine Primavera $17.00
With broccoli, tomatoes, basil, and garlic in a white wine sauce. Add shrimp or grilled chicken for an extra charge.
Straw & Hay $22.00
With spinach and egg fettuccine, peas, mushrooms, and parmesan in alfredo sauce. Add Italian sausage, shrimp, or grilled chicken for an extra charge.
Lulu's Lasagna $22.00
Layers of delicious lasagna spicy italian sausage meat sauce and three cheeses topped with marinara and mozzarella cheese
Cheese Ravioli $18.00
With pesto or alfredo sauce. Add Italian sausage or meatballs for an extra charge.
Lobster Ravioli $30.00
With aurora or pepper cream sauce.
Fettuccine Alfredo $20.00
With your choice of spinach or egg fettuccine. Add Italian sausage, shrimp, or grilled chicken for an extra charge. Add mushrooms for an extra charge.
Linguine With Clams $24.00
Sautéed in a white wine sauce.
Marco Polo $22.00
With linguine, shrimp, and grilled chicken in a spicy Thai sauce.
Spaghetti Or Rigatoni $18.00
With meatballs or Italian sausage.

Sides
*Caesar Or House Salad $5.00
*Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness
Fettuccine Alfredo $8.00
With your choice of spinach or egg fettuccine. add italian sausage, shrimp, or grilled chicken for an extra charge. add mushrooms for an extra charge.
Cheese Garlic Bread $5.00
Garlic Or Plain Bread $4.00
Garlic Mashed Potatoes $8.00
Vegetable $8.00
French Fries $6.00

Pasta
Linguine With Clams $24.00
Sautéed in a white wine sauce.
Straw & Hay $22.00
With spinach and egg fettuccine, peas, mushrooms, and parmesan in alfredo sauce. Add Italian sausage, shrimp, or grilled chicken for an extra charge.
Marco Polo $22.00
With linguine, shrimp, and grilled chicken in a spicy Thai sauce.
Fettuccine Alfredo $20.00
With your choice of spinach or egg fettuccine. Add Italian sausage, shrimp, or grilled chicken for an extra charge. Add mushrooms for an extra charge.
Lulu's Lasagna $22.00
Our renown classic lasagna
Lobster Ravioli $30.00
With aurora or pepper cream sauce.
Spaghetti Or Rigatoni $18.00
With meatballs or Italian sausage.
Manicotti With Italian Sausage $22.00
Topped with marinara and mozzarella.
Linguine Primavera $17.00
With broccoli, tomatoes, basil, and garlic in a white wine sauce. Add shrimp or grilled chicken for an extra charge.
Cheese Ravioli $18.00
With pesto or alfredo sauce. Add Italian sausage or meatballs for an extra charge.
Pasta Poretti $22.00
With penne pasta, grilled chicken, sun dried tomatoes, and spinach in a goat cheese sauce.

Sandwiches
*Cheeseburger $17.00
With American, swiss, or bleu cheese. Add bacon for an extra charge. *Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness
Turkey Bacon Club $17.00
Served with french fries or house salad
*Beef Eater $17.00
Steak with sautéed onions, mushrooms, and mozzarella. *Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness
Meatball $17.00
Slices of meatballs with pepperoni and basil.

Appetizers
Garlic Or Plain Bread $4.00
Seafood Sampler $20.00
Calamari, shrimp, and crab cakes.
Grilled Asparagus With Lump Crab Meat $20.00
Topped with white wine butter sauce and parmesan.
Stuffed Mushroom Caps $10.00
Mozzarella parmesan and ricotta combined with fresh sauteed chopped spinach whole eggs and spices.
Shrimp Cocktail $21.00
Homemade garlic bread topped with a mixture of roma tomatoes fresh basil minced garlic olive oil and spices
Appetizer Cheese Pizza $12.00
Each additional topping for an extra charge. *Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness
Bruschetta $12.00
Homemade garlic bread topped with a mixture of roma tomatoes fresh basil minced garlic olive oil and spices
Meatballs And Italian Sausage $13.00
Caprese Salad $12.00
Sliced tomatoes, red onions, fresh mozzarella, basil, and balsamic dressing.
Calamari $15.00
Spinach Artichoke Dip $12.00
Escargot $16.00

Stone Oven Pizzas
Vegetarian $22.00
Fresh mushrooms, red onions, green peppers, black olives and fresh tomatoes.
House Bianco $22.00
Virgin olive oil and two toppings. *Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.
The Special $22.00
Pepperoni, Italian sausage, bacon, fresh mushrooms and red onions.
Chicken Alfredo $22.00
Chicken, bacon, and alfredo.

Entrées
*Grilled Beef Medallions $36.00
With two grilled jumbo shrimp and fettuccine alfredo or mashed potatoes. *Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness
Grilled Chicken Alfredo $24.00
Chicken breast topped with mozzarella with spinach fettuccine alfredo.
Pollo Alla Griglia $21.00
Grilled chicken breast with mashed potatoes or linguine pesto and green beans.
Grilled Pork Chops $32.00
With mashed potatoes or pasta and green beans.
Pollo Poretti $22.00
Crepe-style with roasted chicken, herbed cheeses, and pesto or verde sauce.
Chicken Parmigiana $24.00
Mashed potatoes or linguine tossed in virgin olive oil and garlic.
Veal Piccata $30.00
Sautéed in white wine butter sauce with mashed potatoes or pasta.
Eggplant Parmigiana $21.00
With spinach fettuccine alfredo.
* Beef Filet Hand-Carved $39.00
With mashed potatoes or fettuccine alfredo. *Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.
Chicken Piccata $26.00
Sautéed in white wine butter sauce with mashed potatoes or pasta.
*Ribeye Hand-Carved $42.00
With mashed potatoes or pasta and asparagus. *Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness

Entrées
Grilled Pork Chops $32.00
With mashed potatoes or pasta and green beans.
Chicken Piccata $26.00
Sautéed in white wine butter sauce with mashed potatoes or pasta.
Pollo Alla Griglia $21.00
Grilled chicken breast with mashed potatoes or linguine pesto and green beans.
Pollo Poretti $22.00
Crepe-style with roasted chicken, herbed cheeses, and pesto or verde sauce.
Grilled Chicken Alfredo $24.00
Chicken breast topped with mozzarella with spinach fettuccine alfredo.
*Ribeye Hand-Carved $42.00
With mashed potatoes or pasta and asparagus. *Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness
Chicken Parmigiana $24.00
Mashed potatoes or linguine tossed in virgin olive oil and garlic.
Eggplant Parmigiana $21.00
With spinach fettuccine alfredo.
*Grilled Beef Medallions $36.00
With two grilled jumbo shrimp and fettuccine alfredo or mashed potatoes. *Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness
* Beef Filet Hand-Carved $39.00
With mashed potatoes or fettuccine alfredo. *Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.
Veal Piccata $30.00
Sautéed in white wine butter sauce with mashed potatoes or pasta.

Homemade Desserts
Tiramisù $8.00
Key Lime Pie $8.00
Chocolate Mousse $7.50
Cannoli $8.00
Crème Brûlée $8.00
Tres Leches $8.00

Homemade Desserts
Crème Brûlée $8.00
Key Lime Pie $8.00
Tres Leches $8.00
Cannoli $8.00
Tiramisù $8.00
Chocolate Mousse $7.50

Birraporetti's Details

Service options
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Great beer selection
Great cocktails
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great wine list
Live music
Sports

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

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
Late-night food
Private dining room
Small plates
Vegetarian options
Wine

Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Counter service
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Bar onsite
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Romantic
Trendy
Upscale

Crowd
Family-friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Tourists

Planning
Brunch reservations recommended
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations

Payments
Checks
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs

Parking
Paid parking garage
Paid parking lot
Paid street parking
Parking

Pets
Dogs allowed outside

Birraporetti's Photos

Birraporetti's Location

Birraporetti's

Texas Harris County Houston Theater District Louisiana Street

500 Louisiana St, Houston, TX 77002, USA

Birraporetti's Reviews

An average rating of ★4.1 from 2133 user reviews.

theaterlive musiccrab cakesballetstuffed mushroomsfinespinach fettuccine alfredomysteryirish pubgrilled shrimp

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

My partner and I came by to celebrate her birthday. Paco was our server and he was swell and very efficient with his services. We highly recommend the lobster ravioli and the lasaña is to die for. I enjoyed eating here last night.
May 28 · Nathalie Alarcon
Stuffed mushrooms weren't really stuffed, just soaked in a mushroom and very stringy cheese sauce.Food was pretty bland overall. Veal was tough. The best thing were the shrimps in the shrimp scampi - very meaty and tender. But the scampi sauce didn't do much of anything. Pasta was cooked well though. Side Ceasar salad was really good.Location is convenient, atmosphere is nice, service was good. But have had better quality Italian food at a much lower price point. Won't be coming back.
August 13 · Chelsey Broussard
Had lunch at this iconic restaurant. There’s a reason it’s been around for decades. The food is delicious, service is on point and the ambiance is lovely. I enjoyed the lunch special of Chicken Milanes which was seasoned and cooked to perfection. Parking was a little expensive in the garage next door but street parking is nearby. I didn’t see valet.
February 20 · Victoria Sledz
Been dining here for over 25 years. It's definitely a downtown staple for dinning around the theater district. It's walking distance to all forums. Attn customers: Please keep this restaurant nice and dress appropriately. Put on your best attire. Especially for dinner!!
August 23 · Elizabeth
We went there before our show. It was very crowded, and I politely asked our server, to rush if possible (it was not a demand but a request) and bring our appetizer with our main course together, since we were in a time crunch. His response was that everyone is going for a show. Fair enough, he wanted to share that thought. Then he said that he cannot promise how it will come out (I don't exactly know what he meant by that -- did he mean that the food will not be satisfactory).Then while deciding on the appetizer, we were looking at the asparagus with crab or escargot. I clearly told him that we wanted the escargot ....when our food came, it was the asparagus. I pointed that out to the person who had served the food. The manager was there, he was very gracious and he took the plate away to replace it with escargot. My daughter wanted them to leave the asparagus behind, but we are paying enough money and it is reasonable to expect the food we ordered. If it was a mom and pop place, then I would have let it go.The server later came by to tell me that I had ordered the asparagus. I know I was very clear about escargot and my daughter had heard me too. Mistakes can happen, it is restaurant everyone was rushed. The fact that the server thought it was okay for him to argue, was not right. An establishment like this, should do better.The food is alright. I liked the creme brulee....
July 25 · Sukanya Biswas