Lake House

For Houstonians looking for a convenient, casual bite amidst the vibrant urban greenspace, Lake House at Discovery Green offers an American restaurant experience uniquely tied to one of the city's most beloved parks. Situated right on the south shore of Kinder Lake, this eatery provides a relaxed setting where you can grab a quick meal without straying far from the park's many attractions. It’s designed for park-goers and downtown explorers seeking straightforward, satisfying American fare in an informal atmosphere.

Lake House is a fast-casual concept, meaning it prioritizes efficiency and ease, making it a suitable stop for families, individuals, and groups enjoying a day out at Discovery Green. While it might not boast the gourmet complexity of a fine-dining establishment, its appeal lies in its accessibility and its menu of classic American favorites. From burgers and hot dogs to chicken options and salads, it aims to provide familiar and approachable meals. This overview will delve into the specifics of Lake House, including its prime location, the array of services and food items it offers, and what makes it a practical and often appealing choice for locals navigating the bustling downtown Houston area. It's important to set expectations that this is a parkside cafe experience, tailored for convenience rather than an extensive, high-end culinary journey, a fact reflected in some customer feedback.

Lake House is conveniently located at 1600 McKinney St, Houston, TX 77010, USA. This address places it squarely within the expansive and popular Discovery Green park, a 12-acre urban oasis in downtown Houston. Its specific spot on the south shore of Kinder Lake provides picturesque views and easy access to the park's various features, including the children's playground, interactive fountains, and event lawns.

The accessibility of Lake House is one of its primary advantages for Houston locals. As it's nestled within Discovery Green, visitors can easily walk to the restaurant from any point within the park. For those arriving by car, Discovery Green is surrounded by ample parking options, including an underground parking garage with an entry on Avenida de las Americas, directly across from the George R. Brown Convention Center. This proximity to major roadways and convention facilities makes it a straightforward destination for those driving in. Furthermore, downtown Houston is well-served by public transportation. Houston's METRORail has stops within a couple of blocks of Discovery Green, connecting the park and, by extension, Lake House, to various neighborhoods across the city. Numerous METRO bus routes also operate in the downtown area, providing additional public transport options. The park's design emphasizes walkability and accessibility, ensuring that whether you're strolling through the park, arriving by bike, or utilizing public transit, reaching Lake House is a simple and convenient endeavor. Its central location makes it an ideal spot for a casual meal while enjoying all that downtown Houston has to offer.

Lake House, operating as a family-friendly, fast-casual American restaurant within Discovery Green, offers a focused menu designed for quick and convenient dining.

• American Casual Fare: The core of their offering includes classic American dishes, suitable for a relaxed meal in a park setting.
• Burgers: A variety of burgers are available, including a classic Lake House Burger, Cheddar Burger, Bacon Cheddar Burger, Smokehouse BBQ Burger, SW Avocado Burger, and a Black Bean Burger. Options to add fries and a drink, or double meat, are also available.
• Chicken Options: This includes Grilled Chicken Sandwich, Grill Chicken Club, Crispy Chicken Sandwich, TX Sweet-Heat Sandwich, and 4 or 8 Piece Chicken Tenders.
• Hot Dogs: They offer All Beef Hot Dogs, Chili Cheese Hot Dogs, and a Corn Dog Special.
• Salads: Lighter options like Grilled Chicken Caesar and Side Caesar salads are on the menu.
• Fries and Sides: Seasoned Fries, Chili Cheese Fries, and Nacho Fries are offered, with add-ons like cheddar cheese, chili, or nacho cheese.
• Sweets: For dessert, patrons can find Fruit Cups, Cookies, Vanilla Soft Serve, Cookie Parfait, and S’mores.
• Beverages: A selection of sodas, iced tea, lemonade, Dasani water, and various beer and wine options (including local, domestic, and craft beers, plus wines like Sutter Home and Grayson) are available.
• Family-Friendly Environment: Given its location in Discovery Green, the restaurant caters to families, providing quick and accessible food suitable for all ages.
• Picnic-Friendly Fare: The establishment is known for serving quick, picnic-friendly fare in Earth-friendly packaging, ideal for enjoying within the park.

Lake House at Discovery Green offers several features and highlights that emphasize its role as a convenient, family-friendly American restaurant within a vibrant urban park setting.

• Prime Park Location: Its most significant highlight is its direct placement on the south shore of Kinder Lake within Discovery Green. This offers patrons views of the lake and park activities, creating a relaxed and engaging dining atmosphere. It's perfectly situated for those enjoying the park's amenities.
• Fast-Casual Convenience: Lake House operates as a fast-casual concept, making it an excellent option for quick meals. This speed and efficiency are ideal for park visitors who want to grab a bite without a long wait or a formal dining experience.
• Earth-Friendly Packaging: A notable feature is their use of "Earth-friendly packaging," aligning with modern eco-conscious preferences and enhancing the experience of dining in a green space. The building itself is also described as "green," drawing power from rooftop solar panels, showcasing an environmental commitment.
• Classic American Menu: The menu focuses on familiar and comforting American favorites, including burgers, hot dogs, and chicken tenders. This approachable selection appeals to a wide audience, including families with children.
• Al Fresco Dining Options: Beyond indoor seating, the restaurant offers tables "dotting the lakeside deck and shaded veranda," allowing guests to enjoy their meal outdoors with scenic views of the park.
• Accessibility to Park Amenities: Being within Discovery Green means easy access to all the park offers – from the children's playground and interactive fountains to dog runs and event lawns. This makes Lake House a natural stop during a day of recreation.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: The entire setup is geared towards families, providing a relaxed and informal environment where kids can be comfortable and parents can find quick, easy meals.

For those in Houston planning a visit to Lake House at Discovery Green, here is the essential contact information:

Address: 1600 McKinney St, Houston, TX 77010, USA

Phone: (713) 337-7320

Mobile Phone: +1 713-337-7320

It is worth noting that as a casual establishment within a park, hours of operation can sometimes be subject to change due to weather conditions, park events, or holidays. It's always a good idea to check their website or call ahead, especially during inclement weather or if you're visiting during peak park programming, to confirm their current hours and ensure they are open.

Lake House at Discovery Green is particularly suitable for locals in the Texas region, specifically those in Houston, due to its unique positioning and casual offerings. For Houstonians, Discovery Green is a cherished urban escape, a hub for recreation, relaxation, and community events. Lake House serves as an ideal culinary complement to this experience, offering a convenient and accessible dining option right in the heart of the park. This means you don't have to leave the vibrant atmosphere to grab a bite, making it perfect for families enjoying the playground, individuals taking a stroll around Kinder Lake, or anyone attending one of Discovery Green's many programs.

The menu, featuring classic American fare like burgers, hot dogs, and chicken, caters to a wide range of tastes and is especially friendly for families with children. The emphasis on quick service and picnic-friendly, Earth-friendly packaging aligns well with a casual park visit, allowing locals to easily enjoy their meal outdoors on the deck or spread out on the park's lawns. While some reviews indicate areas for improvement in specific menu items or service, the core value proposition for locals remains strong: a no-fuss, readily available spot for familiar comfort food in an unparalleled public space. It’s a convenient stop for a mid-day refuel, a casual dinner after work, or a weekend treat while soaking in the best of downtown Houston’s green spaces. For Texans seeking an easy, satisfying meal that blends seamlessly with their outdoor and urban adventures, Lake House at Discovery Green is a practical and appealing choice.

Lake House

1600 McKinney St, Houston, TX 77010, USA