Simon's Café

For Houstonians working or exploring the vibrant downtown area, finding a reliable spot for a delicious and comforting meal is key to a satisfying day. Simon's Café, located at 1200 McKinney St #341, has earned its reputation as a beloved local favorite, consistently delivering on both taste and hospitality. Described by long-time customers as their "favorite place for my lunch," Simon's Café embodies the spirit of a welcoming eatery where quality food meets genuinely kind service.

This isn't your average quick bite; it's a cafeteria-style restaurant that manages to infuse homestyle warmth into every dish. From hearty chicken and noodle combinations to various sides, Simon's Café offers a menu designed to provide satisfying and flavorful options for the busy downtown crowd. Beyond the food, the consistent praise for the staff and the owner highlights a commitment to customer care that makes patrons feel like part of the family. This article will delve into what makes Simon's Café a cherished spot for Texans, exploring its convenient location, the services it offers, its standout features, and why it remains a top choice for locals seeking a delicious and friendly dining experience in Houston.

Simon's Café is strategically located at 1200 McKinney St #341, Houston, TX 77010, USA. This address places it squarely in the bustling heart of downtown Houston, within a commercial building that likely caters to the numerous businesses and offices in the area. Its position on McKinney Street ensures it's easily identifiable and highly accessible for the large population of professionals, residents, and visitors who frequent the downtown district.

Accessibility is a significant advantage for Simon's Café. For those working in the towering office buildings nearby, it often means just a short walk or quick elevator ride to reach a satisfying meal. The downtown area of Houston is exceptionally well-served by public transportation. Houston's METRORail system has several stops within very close proximity to 1200 McKinney Street, notably those on the Red Line, providing easy connections from various parts of the city. Numerous METRO bus routes also operate throughout the downtown grid, offering additional convenient transit options. For patrons who drive, downtown Houston offers a multitude of parking garages and lots, though it's always advisable to check rates and availability, especially during peak lunch hours. The specific suite number (#341) indicates it's located within a larger complex, potentially providing indoor access that's comfortable regardless of weather conditions. This central and well-connected placement ensures that Simon's Café is a highly practical and easily reachable option for anyone in the Houston area looking for a delicious and efficient meal.

Simon's Café, operating primarily as a cafeteria-style restaurant, offers a range of services tailored to provide efficient and satisfying meals, particularly for the busy weekday crowd in downtown Houston.

• Cafeteria-Style Dining: This model allows for quick service, enabling customers to choose their desired dishes and sides efficiently, making it ideal for those on a limited lunch break.
• Diverse Daily Meal Offerings: The menu features a variety of meal options, often including different protein choices served with sides. Examples from public data include:
  • Grilled Chicken Meals: Such as Grilled Chicken Meal, Grilled Sriracha Chicken Meal, Grilled Cajun Chicken Meal, often served with white rice or herbed pasta and two sides.
  • Seafood Options: Including Lemon Pepper Snapper Meal, Blackened Snapper Meal, Tilapia with Pico de Gallo Meal, and Fried Almond Tilapia Meal.
  • Comfort Food Classics: Like Rotisserie Chicken Meal, Chicken Fried Chicken Meal (with pepper cream or brown gravy), Meatloaf Meal, and Chop Steak Meal (Salisbury steak with brown mushroom gravy).
  • Specialty Chicken Dishes: Such as Zesty Chicken Meal with lemon cream sauce, Sweet & Sour Chicken Meal, Chipotle Cream Chicken Meal, Teriyaki Chicken Meal, Poblano Cream Chicken Meal, and New Orleans Cream Chicken Meal.
• Side Dish Selection: Patrons can choose from a variety of sides, with green beans and mashed potatoes being specifically mentioned in reviews.
• Sandwiches and Wraps: They offer a range of subs and wraps, emphasizing "only the finest ingredients of bread, meat, vegetables, and sauces" to provide a "fresher, healthier, and tastier alternative to usual fast-food burgers." Examples include Simon Club, Caprese Baguette, and Italian Sub.
• Salads: Simon's Café also provides "huge salads" like Caesar and Farmers Market, aiming to support active and healthy lifestyles.
• Breakfast Items: Early morning options include Egg & Cheese Croissant, Sausage, Egg, & Cheese Croissant, Bacon, Egg & Cheese Bagel, and various burritos.
• Beverages: A selection of hot and cold beverages including coffee (praised as "great"), lattes, cappuccinos, teas, cold brew, and refreshers.
• Desserts and Snacks: Items like fresh baked cookies, yogurt parfaits, and whole fruit.
• Takeout and Dine-In: Offers flexibility for customers to either eat on-site or take their meals to go.

Simon's Café distinguishes itself with several key features and highlights that contribute to its strong reputation as a favorite dining spot in downtown Houston.

• Consistently "DELICIOUS" Food: This is the most prominent and frequently praised highlight. Customers consistently rave about the taste and quality of the meals, emphasizing the deliciousness of various dishes, from chicken and noodles to sandwiches and bowls.
• Homestyle Cooking and Variety: Despite its cafeteria-style setting, the food has a comforting, homestyle quality. The extensive menu, featuring daily specials and classic American, Asian/International, and Japanese Teriyaki influences, provides a wide variety of options that cater to diverse palates and keep long-time customers satisfied.
• "Kind and Friendly" Staff: The positive interactions with the staff are a significant draw. Patrons consistently highlight the kindness and friendliness of the team, which greatly enhances the overall dining experience.
• Welcoming and Approachable Owner: The owner's personal engagement with customers, described as "such a kind person to me and all the customers," fosters a warm and inviting atmosphere that makes patrons feel valued and appreciated. This personal touch is a major differentiator.
• Efficient Cafeteria-Style Setting: While some might initially perceive a cafeteria style as a drawback, for the downtown crowd, it's a feature that allows for speed and efficiency. This means quick service, ideal for lunch breaks, without compromising on taste.
• Commitment to Fresh Ingredients: Their menu philosophy, particularly for subs and salads, emphasizes using "the finest ingredients of bread, meat, vegetables, and sauces," providing a "fresher, healthier, and tastier alternative."
• "Great Coffee": Beyond the main meals, the quality of their coffee is also a highlight, providing a complete and satisfying meal experience for breakfast or lunch.

For Houstonians looking to visit Simon's Café in downtown, here is their essential contact information:

Address: 1200 McKinney St #341, Houston, TX 77010, USA

Phone: (713) 739-9000

Mobile Phone: +1 713-739-9000

Operating Hours:

• Monday - Friday: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
• Saturday: Closed
• Sunday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM

These hours indicate that Simon's Café primarily serves the weekday breakfast and lunch crowd, with limited Sunday hours that might cater to those visiting downtown for leisure. It's always a good idea to confirm hours, especially around holidays or for any specific special events that might impact their schedule. Their location within a large commercial building means they are easily accessible to many downtown businesses.

In conclusion, Simon's Café is an exceptionally suitable dining destination for locals in the Texas region, particularly those in downtown Houston, for several compelling reasons. Its prime location at 1200 McKinney St #341 offers unparalleled convenience for the bustling professional community, making it an ideal spot for a quick and satisfying lunch break without needing to venture far. For Texans who value delicious, homestyle cooking, Simon's Café consistently delivers on taste, with patrons frequently exclaiming that the food is simply "DELICIOUS."

What truly sets Simon's Café apart and fosters such loyalty among its customers is the remarkable hospitality. The staff are consistently described as "kind and friendly," creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere that makes every visit a pleasant experience. The personal involvement and kindness of the owner further enhance this feeling, making patrons feel genuinely valued and appreciated. Despite its efficient cafeteria-style setup, the emphasis is clearly on quality ingredients and flavorful dishes, from their diverse main courses and sides to their well-regarded sandwiches and "great coffee." For any Houstonian seeking a reliable, tasty, and genuinely friendly spot for breakfast or lunch in the heart of the city, Simon's Café is not just a recommendation; it's a cherished community gem that embodies the best of local hospitality and delicious, comforting food.

Simon's Café

1200 McKinney St #341, Houston, TX 77010, USA