Bosscat Kitchen & Libations

"What originated as a whiskey-fueled restaurant in Newport Beach, California now offers its lively atmosphere in the Woodlands with plenty of opportunities to eat and drink boozily. Its diverse brunch runs the gamut of savory and sweet, with Fruity Pebbles French Toast, loaded nacho fries, and loco moco, while dinner promises sumptuous dinners like 12-hour-braised beef short rib served with a black pepper sauce, mashed potatoes, and seasonal greens. Seats on the 800-square-foot patio overlooking Market Street are coveted, but inside is just as picturesque. The restaurant’s whiskey library and champagne wall serve as attractive backdrops for your next Instagram grid photo." - Laura L. Green, Brittany Britto Garley

"At Bosscat Kitchen & Libations Woodlands and River Oaks locations, you don’t have to wait for the weekend for brunch. Offered daily from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., diners can enjoy short rib chilaquiles, peach cobbler waffles, and exciting concoctions like the Fruity Pebbles French toast made with bacon, a condensed milk glaze, and fresh berries. Mimosas, available by the glass or carafe, are a classic choice, but the “breakfast in bed” shot is a surefire way to get your weekend off to an interesting start." - Brittany Britto Garley

"Bosscat Kitchen & Libations serves Southern comfort food in a dining room that feels like the inside of a whiskey barrel. Bottles line the walls, and if folks aren’t having a rye-based drink, they’re probably wiping their fingers after a bite of the butter burger. On the weekends, Bosscat fills with people eating bowls of buttery shrimp and grits. And while Fruity Pebbles french toast might sound like the brainchild of an overzealous eight-year-old, the fruit helps balance the dish and makes for a fun breakfast on a sunny weekend morning—try them on Bosscat’s intimate patio. " - gianni greene, chelsea thomas

"If you’re into the family-style meal feeling of Thanksgiving, head to Bosscat Kitchen & Libations in River Oaks. You can get maple-bourbon turkey, brown sugar baked ham, and prime rib roast (for an extra $10), alongside a slew of traditional sides. Have your fill of cornbread stuffing, mac & cheese, garlic mashed potatoes, and more. Plus, either an apple or pumpkin pie. Price: $60 per person" - gianni greene, julie takahashi

"Bosscat Kitchen & Libations is what we imagine dinner inside of a whiskey barrel feels like. It’s the sort of place that dedicates an entire room to whiskey and believes glazed bacon should be an appetizer. And while we can vouch for their caramelized "pig candy," don’t expect the food at this River Oaks restaurant to blow you away. Sometimes burgers are a bit overcooked, and potato wedges lack the seasoning to be considered proper fries. But it doesn't matter that the food is just OK because that's not why you come to Bosscat Kitchen. You come for a random Wednesday night to split an appetizer and a cocktail at the bar. Simplicity is the best method at Bosscat Kitchen—stick to the fried apple pie and find your new favorite rye drink before you leave. photo credit: Quit Nguyen photo credit: Quit Nguyen photo credit: Quit Nguyen photo credit: Quit Nguyen Food Rundown photo credit: Quit Nguyen Pig Candy Thick squares of caramelized bacon are the main component of this appetizer. And while we love the pork—which is almost sweet enough to move to the dessert menu—the added kimchi is missing the heat and fermentation needed to balance this dish. Whiskey Having a drink at Bosscat that doesn’t involve whiskey is like going to the zoo without seeing any animals. Order some Russell’s Reserve mixed into a peachy cocktail, or select one of the dozens of bottles available and sip it straight. photo credit: Quit Nguyen Bosscat Burger In a city where beef reigns supreme, you could find something like the Bosscat Burger anywhere. And while it can run on the dry side, it's still a solid burger, which is one of the better options here. But the potato wedges on the side are criminally bland, so opt for the mac & cheese. photo credit: Quit Nguyen Mac & Cheese The gooey side dish employs four different types of cheeses, and requires a few fork rotations to get a helping of this side dish. Every bite is a blend of melted cheese and tender macaroni, and the breadcrumbs sprinkled on top add a necessary crunch. This cheddar-heavy dish should be on every table. photo credit: Quit Nguyen Fried Apple Pie When you need something to counteract the red meat and whiskey, go for the fried apple pie. It arrives at your table as a crispy turnover dusted in cinnamon sugar. And between the warming spice from the apples and the cool vanilla ice cream, the dessert tastes like an edible holiday edition candle (that’s a good thing)." - Gianni Greene