A while back, I shared my personal list of must-visit restaurants in Houston, highlighting the places I go back to again and again.

On that list was Theodore Rex, which for a long time was one of my absolute favorites. However, the Houston food scene is always evolving, and a recent visit showed me just how quickly things can change.

This time, I'm diving into two recent experiences: a disappointing update on an old favorite and the exciting arrival of a new contender that has already shot to the top of my list.

Disappointing Change

Theodore Rex used to be a top-three restaurant in Houston for me and a staple on my recommendation list. It was a place I would recommend without hesitation.

However, they recently did a big overhaul of their menu, and unfortunately, it's just not good anymore. The new dishes lack flavor and aren't memorable at all.

It's a real bummer to see a once-awesome restaurant go from a definite go-to spot to a place I probably won't return to, especially considering it’s not a cheap meal.

New Contender

On the other hand, a new restaurant called Baso has been an amazing experience. It immediately rocketed into my top three in Houston.

Baso serves Basque food, a unique style from the region between Northern Spain and Southern France.

The chefs use local Spanish ingredients but cook them with French techniques, with a big emphasis on cooking over a fire. The food was incredible and memorable.

Some standout dishes were:

  • Grilled Oysters
  • Fire-roasted Prawns
  • The best pork chop I have ever had in my life

Baso is a smaller place, perfect for a special occasion. Just be sure to make a reservation, as you'll definitely need one to get a table.

Conclusion

This experience shows how a restaurant's reputation is always on the line. Theodore Rex, once a personal favorite, fell short with a single menu change. In contrast, Baso arrived with a strong concept and excellent food, quickly earning a top spot.

It is a reminder that in a competitive food city like Houston, consistency and quality are everything. While it's sad to see a favorite decline, it's also exciting to discover new places that raise the bar.

Thanks for reading!

If you enjoyed this, read more of my thoughts on the Houston food scene.