The Beat on Dharma Cafe

9/22/08

The review on this restaurant really is very long overdue.  I knew they were moving so I decided to wait until after they had moved to write up my review.   Dharma Cafe has become my favorite restaurant in Houston. 

When I initially discovered them they were located in Houston's warehouse district off of Nance Street.  Getting to it was not always so easy.  Part of the tradition of our brunch was spending at least 10 minutes on the cell phone explaining to members of our party just exactly how to find it.  And in the end, it was so worth it.  The cozy little restaurant had such a nice earthy charm to it and the food was wonderful.  I think we had brunch there at least on three separate occasions before they left that part of the city.

Not surprisingly, Dharma outgrew its location and moved to its new home at Houston Ave. and Crockett.

Susan and John, the proprietors, maintained that wonderful welcoming, earthy, charm and even managed to add a bar.  And a beautiful bar indeed.  Built by John himself, it is constructed from ancient temple doors imported from Indonesia.   

Brunch is served buffet style and includes eggs cooked to order, a mix of breakfast items (pancakes, waffles, bacon, gravy etc.) and lunch items (pasta, steamed veggies, squash etc.). Scones, biscuits, fruit and apple cobbler add a eally nice touch. The Mimosas are bottomless.  And though I didn't have one myself, the Bloody Mary's looked absolutely sinful. 

Primarily, seating is indoors and the dining room is very open.  The concrete floors and high ceilings allow for a really nice relaxed loft feel.   For those who love sitting outside, some tables and chairs are available outside at the front of the restaurant.  Reservations are not required so come early. 

Finally, the staff is wonderful and they really do make you feel at home. 

Be forewarned though, it's very easy and just about inevitable to become a regular at Dharma Cafe.