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    Paulie's

    4.1 (1.1k reviews)
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Paulie's Photos

    Business Info

    PAULIE'S ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Paulie's

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    Reviews With Photos

    Interior
    David C.

    Paulie's has been a Montrose staple for about as long as I can remember, and after coming here countless times, I feel bad that I'm just now writing a review to show my appreciation. Unfortunately, Paulie's is closing on 12/31/25 so I had to come in 1 more time to get my pasta fix. I came here right at 1145am on a Thurs just before their major lunch rush came in. Their service is counter service, which is generally quick and efficient, but their food is definitely full service dine in quality. The casual ambiance makes this a popular spot for lunch everyday of the week. As far as the food goes, they have a variety of pasta, salad, paninis, entrees, and sandwiches to choose from. I generally rotate between getting their bucatini amatraciana and their canestri alla funghi. The half portion is already a ton of food especially if you add chicken or another protein. Get the full portion if you're looking to share or take home leftovers for sure. The pasta here always comes out piping hot, consistently delicious, and it comes with their perfectly buttered toasted bread to soak up all the sauce. Thank you Paulie's for being a neighborhood institution! You will for sure be missed!

    Bolognese
    Tiffini D.

    Absolutely gutted that they are closing soon. I've lived in Houston for so long and never got to try but I've been twice this month and I absolutely loved it. The lines are long but service and turnover is quick with seating outside as well. The service is quick and the servers efficient, knowledgeable and friendly. The first time I ordered the bolognese with lamb and beef and the second time I got the spaghetti but subbed meatballs for grilled chicken with a vegetable soup on the side for later. The pasta on the bolognese had the perfect chew and the sauce flavorful and rich. The entrees come with grilled sourdough toast which was different but still tasty. The spaghetti noodles were a bit too soft but was delicious still. And the soup was perfect for a cool day paired with some rice. I am thankful for small, cozy places, especially ones like Paulie's. It's like eating with family.

    CANESTRI ALLA FUNGHI
    Tiffany K.

    Paulie's is closing down by the end of the month, so I decided to bring my family here to try it before the Houston OG is gone. We were very lucky getting there at the perfect time. We were able to snag a table and the line was moving fast. When sat and waiting for our food, the line was out the door! Everybody is trying to visit Paulie's so beware that it's very busy. I don't want to say it, but perhaps that's why the quality fell off. The canestri alla funghi was delicious as always. If there's anything you should try, you need to order this one. Highly recommend. I decided to try Mediterranean Pasta Salad, and it did not disappoint. Great flavor and very refreshing. Now onto why this updated review is so disappointing. We ordered the Fusilli Pasta with Pesto and the Rigatoni Bolognese, with half chicken per order. Both of these pasta dishes were lacking in flavor, and both need to be salted quite a bit. The chicken was also dry. My sister said that it might be the most bland pesto pasta she has ever had. I have the tendency to overhype certain restaurants, and this is what happened here. My family and I were looking forward to this all day. My family members said that they most likely wouldn't return.

    Zanarah K.

    So I know this place is closing down soon and it's been on my list forever, but unfortunately, the hype that I had in my head with the line out the door was not it for me. The food was not as tasty as I would've imagined with how packed it was on a Friday night. We were very shocked on how bland the food was. This place has been open for a while, so I understand it's closing down, but it was underwhelming. Very chill place. Street parking

    Creste di gallo, fusilli with pesto
    Jess F.

    After years of waiting to try Paulie's, I finally went and I'm so sad I haven't been earlier. Some of the best pasta I've ever had, and portions are huge! Incredibly disappointing that it'll be closing soon. The restaurant is fairly casual, with a counter to order from and then you seat yourself. Tables are scarce for the amount of people that come! I went around 5:15 pm and that was the last time I saw an open table without people waiting to snag it. Fusilli with pesto - a warming, comforting bowl! Not quite as flavorful as I'd prefer, but the olives did contribute to the overall profile. The pesto was great but more aromatic than strong. Creste di gallo - absolutely amazing. This pasta alone will live in my memory forever. The sauce is so rich, tangy, and spicy; combined with the sausage and onions, every bite left me wanting more. I'd go back just to get this again! Overall, Paulie's is a truly memorable Italian spot that holds a special place in Houstonians' hearts for a reason.

    Rigatoni Bolognese
    Rachel W.

    Solid place for well priced pasta! This place seems to balance value and flavor well, with a bit more emphasis on value. I enjoyed the Rigatoni Bolognese the most - though for all their pastas, I wish there was more sauce. It felt a tad skimpy on the sauce. Portion sizes are fairly large! It was so busy when I came on a Thursday night. The line was slightly out the door when I arrived, and by the time I ordered food, the line was a good bit out the door. I did hear that this place is closing by the end of the year, so perhaps lots of people are coming before its gone. It took a while to find a table after ordering, but it should (magically) work out. By the time we found a table, our food was ready within a few minutes, so don't panic if you order and you can't find a table. Some indoor and outdoor seating, but it would've been easiest to take out in my opinion. With it getting colder, I think more and more people will be crowding the indoor seating. There's a small parking lot for Paulie's, but it seems like it's always full, so I ended up finding free street parking

    Grilled Chicken Sandwich with pasta salad.
    John B.

    One of my favorite places in Houston! Always friendly service. Always pumping food out as fast as they can. It's a very casual-elegant feel type of restaurant. Nothing fancy, but it has a comfortable feeling of a classy joint. Tonight I had the roasted salmon. Great char on it! It comes with broccoli and creamy potatoes, but I subbed sautéed spinach for the potatoes. And of course, I ordered a small side salad which is always delicious! Portions are a little on the small side for me....I have a Texan sized appetite. But the food is always great, fresh tasting, and hits the spot! Give Paulie's a shot if you actually like amazing food.

    Friend doing her Yelp thing
    Mark W.

    A Houston iconic restaurant that has been here for 27 years as they open back in 1998 but set to close at the end of December 2025, so visit they one more time before it is too late. They are known for their home made pasta and other Italian food and a great wine list and the cookies. You order at the counter, then find your table, and when your food is ready your pager will go off and you get your food at the pick up food area. You will get your own water and utensils, it is a nice and clean neighborhood restaurant where if you live around here you may run into some what you know and I feel like that is a good feeling.

    Cacio e Pepe
    Lorece S.

    Went because their special is the Cacio e Pepe which is my favorite pasta dish. But it had absolutely no flavor at all. I appreciate a more casual less expensive Italian spot, but the food is not great.

    Creste di gallo w chicken
    Jennifer V.

    I came during the closing period because I wanted to try this beloved Houston staple. Because it was 2 days before closing, the wait to order was over an hour and they had run out of the mushroom and bucatini, so my friend and I decided on sharing a large creste di gallo with additional chicken ($33!). The portion was prettt abysmal for $33. The pasta texture was good but the tomato based sauce was very one note. I wish there were more spices, herb, flavor?! The chicken was bland to complement the pasta however the smoky taste from the grill was a bit much.

    Italian Potato Salad
    Sonia C.

    Paulie's in the Montrose area is a charming little Italian spot with a cozy, casual vibe. The ambiance is definitely one of its strengths--it's cute and laid-back, making it a potentially great pick for a first date or a relaxed lunch with friends. The location on Westheimer, across from Lanier Middle School, adds to the charm, and there's limited but pleasant outdoor seating if you want to people-watch while you eat. It's important to know going in: it's all counter service, no table service, and seating is limited. They also ask that you wait to claim a table until after you've placed your order, which makes sense given the small space, but can feel a bit rushed--especially with staff who seem eager to keep the line moving. As vegetarians, we didn't find many options, so we let the group behind us go ahead while we made up our minds. We tried the Pizzitola panini, the portobella mushroom sandwich with roasted red peppers, and the fettuccine alfredo. The alfredo was good, not outstanding, but my daughters enjoyed it. The panini was unfortunately bland and forgettable. The standout of the meal was definitely the portobella sandwich, which was flavorful and well-balanced. It came with an Italian potato salad, which I didn't personally care for, but others might enjoy the tangy, herb-forward profile. Prices are a bit high for what you get, especially considering the self-service format and the average quality of some dishes. That said, the food is fresh, the atmosphere is inviting, and it's worth a visit if you're in the area--especially if you're drawn more to the ambiance than the menu. With a few tweaks to elevate the flavors, Paulie's could really shine.

    Panini with Mushroom Soup
    Bryan V.

    I ordered the lunch special with a panini sandwich and mushroom soup. Very underwhelming. I thought the panini would have a nice sauce/spread and vegetables in it but it was just meat and cheese... the mushroom soup was also extremely bland and watery. I tried my friend's mushroom pasta in hopes that'd be a lot better but it was also quite bland... Overall, I was very disappointed.

    Rigatoni and cacio e pepe with Cesar salad
    Maddie F.

    Decided to try this place out, there was a line outside the door around 7:30pm. They had a special with cacio e Pepe that came with a salad and bread so we ordered that as well as the rigatoni. Service was fast and our food came out fairly quick. Very casual spot you order and pay then come up and grab your food. Our food was very bland unfortunately, we had high hopes it looked better than it tasted. They also ran out of bread.

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    6 years ago

    Had the mushroom pasta and pecan pie. Delicious and had plenty of left overs. I will definitely be back.

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    4 years ago

    Get the bucatini and funghi. I've never been disappointed. I just ate it twice within a week. I crave it all the time. You're welcome.

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    8 years ago

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    7 years ago

    Shrimp BLT was amazing! It was a lunch suggestion and and a big hit!! I'll visit soon and try more food items

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    6 years ago

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    4 years ago

    My 3rd visit to this restaurant, not impressed. The food was just ok, overpriced, lack of taste and far from good authentic Italian food.

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    6 years ago

    You can't go wrong with Paulies! I love this little local spot with the best homemade gnocchi and chicken piccata!

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    6 years ago

    Favorite lowkey date night spot in Houston :) wish I could make the cannestri allá fungi at home

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    Page 11 of 28

    Ask the Community - Paulie's

    Do they have a lunch menu?

    They have the menu with regular and small portions. The small portion is perfect for lunch and priced under/or close to $10. The menu also offers a Daily Dinner Special.

    Do they have oat milk?

    Yes they just started

    Paulie's is one of my all time favorites. Unfortunately, we recently learned that my husband has celiac and therefore cannot eat any gluten. Are there any GF pasta substitutions? Are any of the main dishes gluten free?

    There are no GF pasta substitutions at Paulie's but several main dishes are gluten free. Please call the restaurant and they will be happy to go over their gluten free options with you!

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    Local Foods

    Local Foods

    4.5
    (1.9k reviews)
    1.7 mi
    $$

    Wow! Just... wow…read more Loved this place from the moment I walked in! Ambiance was super fun and welcoming. The tubs of ice filled with cold drinks all around as you approach the counter was casual and fun. And the staff was welcoming and friendly. The menu had so much variety, without being overwhelming. Anything from a good pazole, to a brisket Rueben, to an American Italian sandwich! I got the báhn mì sandwich, which was bursting with flavor! The pork was seasoned well and had good flavor from the marinade. The cilantro, pickled onions, jalapeno, all were so fresh and vibrant! And I was able to get homemade chips and fresh strawberries as my side - such a refreshing bite the strawberries after a rich, porky, spicy bite from the sandwich. Can't say enough good! Loved this place and would go back in a heartbeat!

    A big part of the decades long success at Local Foods has been their commitment to consistency…read more Their casual setting with excellent service is one thing, but quality executed food that is simple and seasonal will always go a long way. Before their recent expansions to Austin, it all began here in Rice Village exactly 15 years ago. The vibes are contemporary and casual, with the kind of space that fits for just about any scenario. Whether it's a solo meal, a lunch date, or a group led affair, the experience is almost always an excellent one. Start by ordering at the counter and find a seat where the food will brought directly to the table. So much of their variety caters to all sorts of dietary restrictions from vegan to gluten free to nut free. Their spicy crispy brussels sprouts ($10) are a nice starter, as is the squash "onion" rings ($12). The local power bowl ($16) is a classic and I've always enjoyed the brown rice and quinoa combo. Their chicken "posolé" is solid, and I love the large hominy bits along with the clear but green tint of a broth. The chicken shawarma bowl ($20) is an interesting mix that includes pickled beets and strawberries, along with their market cheddar burger ($17) and fabulous twice cooked fries. The carrot cupcake is strangely addicting, and I think their gluten free brownie is a bit of a sleeper. Some of their items didn't jive with me previously, such as an underwhelming cashew queso ($9), a semi-laughable Vietnamese steak bowl ($22), and their semi-gringo version of a banh mi ($15). It's not that these items are bad per se, but they definitely don't live up to the same standard that I feel their other dishes do best. Where they hit the biggest home run is their customer service. Everyone working behind the counter does their best to deliver and they almost always do by staying on top of refills, cleanups, and customer greets. I've always enjoyed my experiences here and look forward to every visit.

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Garden Sammie Sandwich ($12) - brussel sprouts, smashed avocado, hummus, pickled onion, lettuce, tomatoes, curried cauliflower, ciabatta
    Garden Sammie Sandwich ($12) - brussel sprouts, smashed avocado, hummus, pickled onion, lettuce, tomatoes, curried cauliflower, ciabatta
    Banh Mi ($14) - charred red field ranch pork, aioli, pickled onion, jalapeno, cilantro, sambal, cucumber-carrot slaw, French baguette

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    Banh Mi ($14) - charred red field ranch pork, aioli, pickled onion, jalapeno, cilantro, sambal, cucumber-carrot slaw, French baguette
    Mendocino Farms

    Mendocino Farms

    4.2
    (360 reviews)
    1.9 mi
    $$

    We didn't know where to eat and ended up walking into Mendocino Farms in Rice Village--I'm so glad…read morewe did! Jose, the manager, went above and beyond. He took the time to walk us through the menu and gave thoughtful recommendations that made ordering easy. We tried the "Not So Fried" Chicken Sandwich, and the southern potato salad, it was incredible--super flavorful, fresh, and not too heavy. We also had the Farmhouse Ranch Salad with chicken, which was just as delicious--fresh, hearty, and really satisfying. Customer service like that really makes a difference. Definitely coming back! Wish they had a Mendocino Farms in San Antonio!

    Located in the vibrant area of rice village, you can park in the parking garage next to Mendocino…read moreFarms free for two hours. We were greeted as we entered. Looking at the menu, they were out of the Peruvian Steak so I opted for the Chimichurri steak. My bf got the Chicken Parm. Checking us out, was the manager Vincent who had an amazing attitude. The place is bigger than I thought it would be and even has a designated kid area for them to draw in the chalkboard. Pretty cute and clean. Our food came out and we love the sauces in our designated sandwiches. The sesame roll felt unique. After we ate, Vincent even recommended for the chicken parm to substitute it with Ciabatta bread so it can soak up the marinara dip more. The restaurant and food is a solid four but the staff makes it a five!

    Photos
    Mendocino Farms
    Mendocino Farms
    Mendocino Farms

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    Bread Zeppelin

    Bread Zeppelin

    4.4
    (143 reviews)
    1.7 mi
    Vegetarian friendly
    Catering service

    Came here after trying the downtown Dallas location literally a day later with my friend and I was…read moreimmediately obsessed . I ordered the Tejano Cesar Zepplin and added double chicken, pickled onions and halved tomatoes with a side of tomato, basil soup and it was all so good. I've never had a zeppelin until before now and it's the best way to describe it is that it's the cross between a sandwich and a salad. What it is exactly is a loaf of bread with the inside taken out so that it's like more of a shell and then it is a salad bowl like mixture stuffed in there. I feel like it's the perfect lunch because It's super filling, but also very light, and healthy! What more can you ask for. Wish I could even give this location 6 stars because I came about 40 minutes before close and he gave me 2 bread puddings for free because they were about to close.

    Easy parking. Easy order. Quick service! I really do find…read morethem delicious, this concept of a salad inside a crispy bread. They warm the bread, remove the inside and leaves the crispy outside to fill in with salad. Their salad recipes are good, especially the southwest one with avocados and black beans. Substitutions seem welcome and you get to choose your own sauce. Of course, let's not forget they offer Zapp's chips, which are delicious. Overall great and filling meal. Oh, so many tables to sit alone or as a group. Great place to be ! Leaving satisfied and would want to come back!

    Photos
    Bread Zeppelin
    Bread Zeppelin
    Stuffed to perfection!

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    Stuffed to perfection!
    Craft Pita

    Craft Pita

    4.3
    (122 reviews)
    1.8 mi

    Ordered to-go via the website. It was ready on the time promised. The order was large and…read morecomplicated but the staff got everything correct and packaging was perfect. We tried the chicken kabab pita, beef pita, chicken shawarma pita. I recommend all three. The chicken kabab meat was perfectly tender and so flavorful. The hot sauce is a must!! We also had their fries which were perfectly crisp and seasoned. Hummus was so authentic and the quality was 10/10-def no filler ingredients. Lentil soup was delicious and hearty. Roasted potatoes were also so tasty! Overall, it is delicious food with quality ingredients and premium flavor! I will definitely be returning!

    Wow! I was looking for a light but filling lunch spot and had always noticed Craft Pita out of the…read morecorner of my eye in this shopping center. So glad we finally checked it out. It's a cute casual, order at the counter setup with plenty of booths and tables, plus a few outdoor spots in front. We kept it simple and ordered the chicken kebab hummus bowl and the chicken kebab salad bowl. Both were great. They were fairly similar, but we agreed the hummus bowl had a slight edge. There were a lot of other items on the menu that sounded fantastic. The food quality was great and the staff was kind. Honestly, this feels like a place that will probably make its way into our monthly rotation. My only small critique is that it's a little on the pricey side. Around $21 each for a bowl is a bit high for a casual Saturday lunch for me. (But with that said, still excited to come back!).

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Beef Kafta
    Beef Kafta
    Thanks for the great service for our book club

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    Thanks for the great service for our book club
    Hungry's - Rice Village

    Hungry's - Rice Village

    3.7
    (1.2k reviews)
    1.8 mi
    $$

    Had an amazing lunch and delicious food at Hungry's and Rice Village. They have great service and a…read morefun atmosphere along with a wide selection to choose from. I had Avocado Tostada Salad and Parmesan fries and both outstanding, will definitely be back to try some of their other menu items.

    Well, here's a quick backstory. I asked my nephew that I wanted to take his father, my…read morebrother-in-law out to dinner because my sister had recently passed away. Brad, my nephew, who is not a foodie,wanted to pick a restaurant that was reasonably close to all of us. He decided on Hungry's in the village. I said fine only because I wanted to take Melvin out and food was not the important criteria. Ok, about the restaurant. In a word, the food was in the pedestrian class of places that I would have picked. Looking at the menu beforehand I looked for something that the restaurant couldn't screw up. My three choices were Meatloaf with mash potatoes and green beans, Chicken Fried Steak with mash potatoes and green beans, and Chicken Pot Pie with yes you guessed it. Melvin went for the meatloaf, Brad chose a meat and chicken kabob that I hope was better than it looked, and my wife, a.k.a.,Love Muffin chose the trout that was smothered with Pineapple salsa and other stuff Personally, I don't like food that is smothered in anything. The food, as I expected, was mediocre. The waitstaff were very friendly, polite, and came right away after noticing all our waving hands that were visible over a lot of empty tables. The only redeeming quality was that for the four of us the bill was $155.00 including wine. As they say, you get what you pay for. It's not fine dining but if you have a large family and a budget, you can't go wrong with Hungry's for dinner.

    Photos
    Bar area
    Bar area
    Parmesan Fries
    Parmesan Fries
    Pineapple mojito

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    Pineapple mojito

    Paulie's - sandwiches - Updated July 2026

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