Houstonist Bites: Blanco's Bar & Grill

Blanco's, located at the corner of Buffalo Speedway and W. Alabama, is known more as a honkytonk, serving up the likes of Gary P. Nunn and Alvin Crow, both of whom we've seen there. However, Houstonians may not be aware of the lunch specials, burgers, quesadillas and other offerings they serve up. Recently, Houstonist went in for lunch to get the standard bacon cheeseburger and onion rings. Difficult to pass up, are the red beans and rice on the Wednesday special, but, the burgers are very good. A thick homemade patty, almost what the Texas Burger Guy would call a "herd-killer", but, not quite, with plenty of good, rather thick bacon and all of the fixings. This burger almost has that "run down your arm" appeal, you know, the one where you have to use a napkin to get the grease off of your forearm. The onion rings were hot and crispy - and slightly on the greasy side - yet really good.

The whole meal, with iced tea, was just over $8 (don't forget to tip!), not too bad for a burger that did not begin it's life as a "hockey puck", at least not by all appearances. Houstonist has sampled most of the lunch specials over the years and they are all good country cooking (that means the vegetables have bacon and probably bacon grease in them - what's not to love). The quesadillas and nachos are also quite tasty, and great for a dinner on the fly if you're there for some music. Houstonist would also like to mention, for you local music buffs or musicians, that Wednesday night is open mike night - bonus - admission is free!

Bottom Line: The burgers are very good and somewhat reasonable, as are the lunch specials. The atmosphere is shabby honkytonk meets energy industry (the memorabilia abounds) meets taxidermist (there is a stuffed buffalo and what looks to be a coyote, the monkey is gone, for you old-timers). Where else can you have lunch, play a good jukebox and shoot pool or play shuffleboard all at once? (Okay, there are a few places, we have been actively seeking them out!). Here's a list of upcoming entertainment. Sunny Sweeney plays this Thursday, October 19th - we saw her open for Raul Malo, it should be a good show.

Blanco's Bar & Grill
3406 W. Alabama
713.439.0072