This small diner doesn't look like much from the outside, but it's all Montrose on the interior: the scene is trendy and the clientele is loud and young. As such, most come here for the atmosphere, though Barnaby's Café has also has great prices and a delicious menu that features American fare. And because it's located just across the street from at least six gay bars, it's the perfect place to stop for a quick meal to start your night.

Nothing says Montrose better than Café Artiste – a quiet little café nestled next to Mandel Street. As true neighborhood establishment, the atmosphere here is low-key, with most patrons plugging away on their laptops. The restaurant offers light fair – nothing great, though it is homemade – in addition to some of the best coffee in all of Montrose. Fittingly, local artists show off their work on the walls of Café Artiste, and the items can be purchased at somewhat reasonable prices.

Café Montrose offers a variety of Belgian favorites from first-rate food to exceptional beers and wine. The portions are worth the prices – especially considering that the dishes here have been rated as five-star quality. The space is small, but very romantic, and the staff is family-friendly and attentive. Conveniently located on Westheimer, Café Montrose is just a short walk to Chances and Bartini. Casual clothing is welcome.

Chapultepec Mexican is a no frills Tex-Mex lover's heaven. The indoor patio is cluttered with plastic lawn furniture, and the basic offerings are slathered in heavy cheese. Expect to receive a complementary bowl of veggie soup with your entrée at this late-night hot spot. And if you're not in the mood for a meal, the bar is hopping with cheap drinks and good seating.

Damien's Cucina Italiana features upscale dining at its best. Known throughout Houston for its wonderful selection of pasta, Damien's also offers a wide range of red and white wines. The environment is warm and classy, making this popular restaurant the perfect place for a date or for just showing off.

Enjoy a sweet treat at the Empire Café, a small eatery known mostly for its desserts. If it's a sunny day when you visit, sit outside on the secluded back patio with a sugary slice of cake and a hot cup of java. Or, if your belly is really rumbling, opt for an entrée from their lunch or dinner menu – which features sandwiches, pizzas and pasta – before you indulge. The environment is nice but trendy, and the house blend coffee comes with complimentary butter cookies.

Across the street from JR's Bar and Grill and South Beach (both Montrose see and be-seen spots), Hollywood Vietnamese and Chinese offers Asian cuisine in a fun and high-decibel atmosphere. The staff is very friendly, and the kitchen is open late. While there, try the fresh and delicious Black pepper shrimp and scallops with any of the soups.

Open 24 hours a day, House of Pies is a diner and bakery offering some of the desserts in Houston. Sugar free pastries and classic fruit favorites – all baked fresh daily – attract big crowds during the wee-morning hours, making this one of the most popular places to go after a night of bar-hopping. Have a seat in the diner and gulp down a generously sized beverage along with a sweet treat as you wind down from a night of debauchery with your clubbing pals.

An old favorite in Montrose, Kam's Fine Chinese Cuisine offers large portions of great Chinese food at affordable prices. In addition to the usual fare, expect to find a few seafood options on the menu. Beer, as well as red and white wines by the glass or bottle are also available at this casual dining establishment.

This moderately priced establishment has been serving some of the best Italian cuisine in the city for more than 30 years. The dining room is spacious (it seats about 150 people), but the atmosphere is romantic, with a live pianist adding to the ambiance nightly. Enjoy dining al fresco on the beautiful outdoor patio or a bit of the outdoors inside sitting by the live tree growing up through the dining room and out the roof. To compliment its very tasty entrees and desserts, Michelangelo's offers a full selection of alcoholic beverages and an excellent wine list.

Serving Vietnamese cuisine with a twist, Mo Mong is a trendy eatery that attracts a youthful crowd. Late at night the eatery morphs into a bar – complete with loud music and the requisite hipster contingency. As such, it might be hard to find a seat during happy hour when the social set begins to funnel in. Drinks are reasonably priced (as well as aptly poured) and the food is above average. The restaurant is located across the street from Chances and Mary's.

By far the best quick service restaurant of its kind in Houston, The Montrose Chinese Kitchen offers traditional fare at reasonable prices. The Lo Mein and Fried Rice are especially delicious, though it would be difficult to make a bad selection here. What's more, the entrees are served in generous portions and prepared without using MSG. The Kitchen is close to plenty of attractions, so it makes a great place for a quick bite between sites or shopping stops. Service is friendly and attentive, and the atmosphere is warm.

With a great wait staff, and a wonderful atmosphere Riva's is at the top of the list of Houston's dining scene. The value here is excellent, and a complementary soup accompanies every entrée. While there, try one of the tasty Italian favorites like the lasagna or the delicious chicken parmesan.

Ruggles is a chic restaurant with a romantic atmosphere that serves New American and French fare. Reservations are typically required, though you might get lucky on a slow night if you decide to just drop in. The small dining room is usually filled, so be prepared for a crowd. Tables by the windows offer a great view of Westheimer, and since this fashionable place is located at the corner of Montrose Boulevard and Westheimer (in the heart of Montrose), there's plenty to look at. Casual clothing is a no-no.