Senix Table
Food & Travel BlogRestaurants Near Me
Senix TableRestaurants Near MeTexasHarris CountyHoustonCentral Business DistrictRestaurants in Texas StreetBallpark Cafe
Ballpark Cafe ico

Ballpark Cafe

1520 Texas St, Houston, TX 77002, USA

4.0
It's a really great place to get a drink/ something to eat.Full transparency, the place gets a little crazy after baseball games. My hat is off to those security guards that have to bounce these idiots from the facility. Also, if you want to act like an idiot, perhaps a hotel bar is not the best location. I felt bad for the guys girlfriend who ws completely humiliated when she was thrown out too.I recommend the steak fries platter as it is really good and a decent value for a hotel meal.Pro tip - make sure you "fill out the card" to pay for your tab before you order. I accidently left without filling out the card and still feel bad about it. I owe Ash a tip.... - Justin Federici
Ballpark Cafe Overview Intro Photos Location Reviews

Ballpark Cafe Introduce

For Houstonians and visitors alike, finding a reliable and enjoyable dining spot that offers both convenience and quality can be a game-changer. Nestled within The Westin Houston Downtown, Ballpark Cafe emerges as a highly suitable option, especially for those looking for a satisfying meal in the vibrant downtown area, particularly near Minute Maid Park. It’s a restaurant that aims to cater to a diverse clientele, from families with hungry kids to individuals seeking a relaxed bite and a drink.

Ballpark Cafe distinguishes itself by offering a menu of familiar American comfort food with a focus on flavor and value. Unlike some upscale hotel restaurants, it maintains a casual and approachable atmosphere, making it welcoming for all. Reviewers frequently highlight specific dishes, such as the "really good" steak fries platter and a "very tasty pasta," indicating a commitment to delivering enjoyable, flavorful meals. The "decent value for a hotel meal" also sets it apart, providing a more accessible option than some of its pricier downtown counterparts.

Beyond the food, Ballpark Cafe benefits significantly from its prime location. Its direct proximity to Minute Maid Park makes it an ideal pre- or post-game stop for Astros fans, a sentiment echoed by a family who found it perfect for feeding their kids before a game. While the atmosphere can become lively after major events, the presence of attentive staff and security helps maintain order, ensuring a pleasant experience even during peak times. This blend of good food, friendly service, and a convenient location establishes Ballpark Cafe as a go-to spot for many Houston locals.

---

Location and Accessibility

Ballpark Cafe is strategically located at 1520 Texas St, Houston, TX 77002, USA, placing it directly within The Westin Houston Downtown hotel. This prime address is situated in the bustling heart of downtown Houston, a dynamic area known for its vibrant mix of businesses, entertainment venues, and residential spaces. Its central position makes it an exceptionally convenient dining destination for a wide range of individuals, including hotel guests, local residents, and visitors exploring the city.

The restaurant's proximity to major downtown attractions is a significant advantage. It is "literally across the street from Minute Maid Park," the home of the Houston Astros. This makes Ballpark Cafe an incredibly popular and practical choice for fans looking to grab a bite or a drink before or after a baseball game, alleviating the stress of finding dining options within crowded stadium concourses. Its location also puts it within easy walking distance of other downtown landmarks like the Toyota Center and Shell Energy Stadium, catering to a broader audience attending various events.

Accessibility by various modes of transport is excellent. For those driving, downtown Houston offers numerous parking garages and lots. While street parking can be competitive, being inside a hotel often means guests have access to hotel parking facilities, including valet services at The Westin, providing a convenient solution. For Houstonians utilizing public transportation, the downtown area is well-served by METRORail, with several stops within comfortable walking distance. Numerous METRO bus routes also operate in the vicinity of Texas Street, offering extensive coverage and easy access from across the city. This superb connectivity ensures that Ballpark Cafe is a readily reachable option for a casual meal, a quick drink, or a family outing.

---

Services Offered

  • Dine-in Service: Ballpark Cafe offers a casual and comfortable setting for customers to enjoy their meals on-site within The Westin Houston Downtown.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner: The cafe serves throughout the day, providing options for breakfast from 6:30 AM (7:00 AM on weekends) and continuing through lunch and dinner until 10:00 PM daily.

  • American Comfort Food Menu: The menu features a variety of classic American dishes, including burgers (Craft Blend Burger, Westin Cheeseburger), sandwiches (Club Sandwich, Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich), salads (Cobb Salad, House Salad), and specialties like Steak Frites, pasta (Shrimp/Chicken Pasta Alfredo), and BBQ Short Ribs.

  • Shareable Appetizers: A selection of appetizers like Westin Ball Park Nachos, Chicken Wings, Quesadillas, and Bases-Loaded Potatoes (waffle fries with brisket) are available, perfect for sharing.

  • Full Bar Service: As a cafe within a hotel, it offers a range of drinks, including alcoholic beverages, suitable for getting "a drink/something to eat."

  • Family-Friendly Options: The menu includes items suitable for children, as evidenced by a family with 9-14 year olds finding suitable and affordable options.

  • Attentive Wait Staff: Customers consistently praise the "very attentive and friendly" wait staff who ensure drinks are refilled and service is prompt.

  • Hotel Convenience: Being located inside The Westin provides the convenience of easy access for hotel guests, with services potentially including the ability to charge meals to rooms.

  • Post-Game Dining/Drinks: Its location directly across from Minute Maid Park makes it a popular spot for fans to gather for food and drinks after baseball games.

  • Online Ordering & Delivery: The cafe offers online ordering and delivery services through platforms like Grubhub, enhancing convenience for those who prefer to dine in or at a nearby location.

---

Features / Highlights

  • Prime Location for Sports Fans: Located "literally across the street from Minute Maid Park," making it an ideal and highly convenient spot for pre- or post-game meals and drinks for Houston Astros fans.

  • Delicious & Value-Oriented Food: Patrons praise specific dishes like the "really good" steak fries platter, a "very tasty pasta," and "nachos for the appetizer," noting they offer "more flavor" than comparable chains and provide "decent value for a hotel meal."

  • Friendly and Attentive Service: The wait staff is consistently described as "very attentive and friendly," regularly refilling drinks and ensuring a positive dining experience.

  • Family-Friendly Environment: It's noted as a suitable place for families with children, offering menu options that appeal to younger diners and a comfortable atmosphere for all ages.

  • Casual and Comfortable Atmosphere: Unlike some other downtown establishments that might be too formal, Ballpark Cafe offers a more relaxed setting, making it accessible and enjoyable for casual meals.

  • Hotel-Level Security & Management: Despite occasionally getting "a little crazy after baseball games," the presence of security and attentive management ensures that the environment remains generally well-behaved and safe for patrons.

  • Variety of Menu Options: Beyond the highlights, the menu offers a diverse range of comfort foods including burgers, salads, tacos, and desserts like Banana Bread Pudding and German Chocolate Cake, catering to various preferences.

---

Contact Information

Address: 1520 Texas St, Houston, TX 77002, USA

Phone: (713) 228-1520

Mobile Phone: +1 713-228-1520

---

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

For Houston locals, Ballpark Cafe offers a highly suitable and practical dining solution, particularly given its exceptional location and commitment to delivering satisfying, accessible meals. It aligns well with the practical needs and casual preferences of many Texans, especially those frequenting the downtown area.

Firstly, the sheer convenience of its location cannot be overstated. Situated inside The Westin Houston Downtown and "literally across the street from Minute Maid Park," Ballpark Cafe is an ideal spot for pre- or post-game dining. Houstonians, especially Astros fans, value venues that minimize travel and maximize enjoyment of events. Being able to walk across the street for a delicious meal before or after a game, or simply to grab a drink, is a significant advantage that few other restaurants can offer with such ease. Even for those not attending games, its central downtown position makes it easily accessible from various parts of the city via public transport or a short drive.

Secondly, the food and service provide a compelling reason for locals to visit. The menu, focused on American comfort food, includes highly praised items like the "really good" steak fries platter, a "very tasty pasta," and satisfying burgers. This kind of wholesome, flavorful fare resonates deeply with Texas tastes, offering hearty options that are both delicious and offer "decent value for a hotel meal." Moreover, the "very attentive and friendly" wait staff ensures a pleasant and efficient dining experience, a crucial factor for busy individuals or families. The comfortable, casual atmosphere also appeals to those looking for a relaxed meal without the fuss of a more formal dining establishment.

While the atmosphere can indeed become "a little crazy after baseball games," the presence of security and generally well-behaved patrons ensures that it remains an enjoyable environment. For families, the cafe offers suitable and affordable options, proving it's not just a spot for adults. The combination of a prime, convenient location, satisfying and reasonably priced food, and genuinely friendly service makes Ballpark Cafe a highly suitable and valuable asset for Houston locals looking for a dependable and enjoyable dining experience in the heart of the city.

Ballpark Cafe Photos

Ballpark Cafe Picture 1Ballpark Cafe Picture 2Ballpark Cafe Picture 3Ballpark Cafe Picture 4Ballpark Cafe Picture 5Ballpark Cafe Picture 6Ballpark Cafe Picture 7Ballpark Cafe Picture 8Ballpark Cafe Picture 9Ballpark Cafe Picture 10

Ballpark Cafe Location

Ballpark Cafe

1520 Texas St, Houston, TX 77002, USA

Ballpark CafeBallpark Cafe

1520 Texas St

Vic & Anthony's SteakhouseVic & Anthony's Steakhouse

1510 Texas Ave

PotentePotente

1515 Texas Ave

Osso & KristallaOsso & Kristalla

1515 Texas Ave

Irma's SouthwestIrma's Southwest

1475 Texas Ave

The Rig Restaurant & BarThe Rig Restaurant & Bar

1314 Texas St

Shake ShackShake Shack

501 Crawford St

XochiXochi

1777 Walker St

KultureKulture

701 Avenida De Las Americas Suite A

Walker Street KitchenWalker Street Kitchen

1777 Walker St

High Dive - Marriott Marquis HoustonHigh Dive - Marriott Marquis Houston

1777 Walker St

El Tiempo CantinaEl Tiempo Cantina

501 Crawford St

Grotto DowntownGrotto Downtown

1001 Avenida De Las Americas Suite A

Ballpark Cafe Reviews

More Restaurants Near Me

  • Vic & Anthony's SteakhouseVic & Anthony's Steakhouse4.0 (3517 reviews)

    1510 Texas Ave, Houston, TX 77002, USA

  • PotentePotente4.0 (829 reviews)

    1515 Texas Ave, Houston, TX 77002, USA

  • Osso & KristallaOsso & Kristalla4.0 (1426 reviews)

    1515 Texas Ave, Houston, TX 77002, USA

  • Irma's SouthwestIrma's Southwest4.0 (983 reviews)

    1475 Texas Ave, Houston, TX 77002, USA

  • The Rig Restaurant & BarThe Rig Restaurant & Bar4.0 (42 reviews)

    1314 Texas St, Houston, TX 77002, USA

  • Shake ShackShake Shack4.0 (123 reviews)

    501 Crawford St, Houston, TX 77002, USA

  • XochiXochi4.0 (3845 reviews)

    1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010, USA

  • KultureKulture4.0 (939 reviews)

    701 Avenida De Las Americas Suite A, Houston, TX 77010, USA

  • Walker Street KitchenWalker Street Kitchen3.0 (153 reviews)

    1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010, USA

  • High Dive - Marriott Marquis HoustonHigh Dive - Marriott Marquis Houston5.0 (2 reviews)

    1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010, USA

  • El Tiempo CantinaEl Tiempo Cantina3.0 (16 reviews)

    501 Crawford St, Houston, TX 77002, USA

  • Grotto DowntownGrotto Downtown4.0 (1844 reviews)

    1001 Avenida De Las Americas Suite A, Houston, TX 77010, USA

  • Categories

    Popular

    Trending Blog Posts