AustinJohn

Felix on Westheimer was "our place" in the 50's and still is when we assemble the "old gang" back in Houston. There's so much to capture about the place I don't fault your selection but our fav was and is the chile con queso which we still buy and cart off by the quart. Many's the time I've sat down for lunch with friends but after ordering a couple of bowls of that magic stuff just don't get to the rest of the menu so really appreciate your bringing it back in words and pics. My last get together in Houston a couple of weeks ago we met at Cafe Montrose (which was divine) but I feel a need for a Felix Fix coming on. Unfortunately it's no longer just down the street as it was for us when we at St. John's; in fact for me it's a long trek down 71 and IH10 from here in Austin but worth every hassle. Thanks again!

We have been there a number of times, although not probably in the last six months. (Don't read anything into our absense; there are just lots of good choices in Austin). Although we've been both for the lunch buffet and a la carte dinner I prefer lunch, not because I'm a "how much food can you get for your $$" but because I like all the choices at lunch. Our verdict is very pleasant, good value, good but not great food and a place we wouldn't hesitate to recommend.

Franktex introduced me to eGullet. We stood in line together at SXSW waiting to get in to see Little Richard, got talking about Texas food (including his microbrewery), I mentioned the Chowhound's Texas Message Board and he suggested I should check out the eGullet board. Then our paths crossed again several times at the Hill Country Wine & Food Festival, meanwhile I did look at the Egullet board and was really impressed and here I am. Now if I can just make my available meals match all I'm reading about!

Although this thread is now a "classic" someone asked about DiBella's and as I have some personal experience I'd like to add it in. For those of you who can relate, DiBella's is the classic New Jersey/Connecticut "Italian joint". For those of you who can't, here's what that means. Lots of pix on the walls of parochial school graduating classes, small tables pushed very close together, waitstaff that stops and talks with the babies and children (and there are always lots and lots) and food that isn't nuvo but is a lot of fun. In other words, it's what Macaroni Grill and Buco di Beppo try to be. We put it high on our list every time we're back in Galveston.