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Houston, TX

North America

United States

# Simon's Homestyle Cafe – Traditional American Restaurant in Houston, TX
Simon's Homestyle Cafe is a beloved dining spot located in Houston, TX, known for its traditional American cuisine and cafeteria-style service. Nestled within the bustling Allen Center, this cafe offers a variety of home-cooked meals that appeal to both locals and visitors alike. With a focus on affordability and generous portions, Simon's has garnered a reputation for providing satisfying meals in a convenient setting. The cafe's history and community involvement further enhance its charm, making it a go-to place for a quick, hearty lunch. Review highlights often mention the friendly service and the homey feel of the food, although some customers have noted inconsistencies in food preparation and labeling.

## History
### The story of Simon's Homestyle Cafe
Simon's Homestyle Cafe was founded with the vision of offering hearty, home-cooked meals in a fast-paced urban environment. The founders aimed to create a space where busy professionals and locals could enjoy comforting meals reminiscent of home cooking without the need for extensive preparation time. This vision has remained at the core of the cafe's identity, allowing it to thrive in the competitive food scene of Houston.

### Milestones and growth
- Established in the early 2000s, Simon's has steadily grown in popularity.
- Expanded menu offerings to include a wider variety of traditional American dishes.
- Adapted to customer feedback by improving service and food presentation.
- Gained recognition as a go-to lunch spot in the downtown area.

### Cultural and local influence
Simon's Homestyle Cafe has become a staple in the Houston dining scene, particularly for those working in the downtown area. The cafe reflects the diverse culinary landscape of the city, offering dishes that cater to various tastes while maintaining a focus on traditional American fare. Its location in the Allen Center allows it to serve a mix of local professionals and visitors, contributing to the vibrant food culture of Houston.

### Continuing the tradition
The cafe continues to uphold its founding principles by providing a welcoming atmosphere and a menu that emphasizes comfort food. By sourcing ingredients locally whenever possible, Simon's not only supports the community but also ensures that its offerings remain fresh and flavorful. The commitment to quality and tradition is evident in every dish served, making it a cherished part of the local dining experience.

## Community
### Community involvement
Simon's Homestyle Cafe actively engages with the local community by participating in various events and initiatives. The cafe often collaborates with nearby businesses and organizations to support local causes, such as food drives and charity events. This involvement not only strengthens community ties but also enhances the cafe's reputation as a friendly and approachable dining option.

### Community notion about the place
The local community views Simon's as a reliable and convenient dining option, especially for those seeking a quick yet satisfying meal. Many patrons appreciate the homey atmosphere and the variety of dishes available, often returning for their favorites. However, some feedback indicates that improvements in service and food labeling could enhance the overall dining experience.

### Events and gatherings
Simon's frequently hosts informal gatherings and special events, providing a space for locals to come together over good food. These events often feature seasonal menu items or special promotions, encouraging community members to explore new dishes while fostering a sense of camaraderie among patrons. The cafe's location in a busy food court also allows it to attract a diverse crowd, making it a lively spot for lunch breaks and casual meet-ups.

## Offerings
### What Simon's Homestyle Cafe offers
Simon's Homestyle Cafe features a diverse menu that highlights traditional American cuisine. The offerings include a range of meat and vegetarian options, allowing diners to customize their meals according to their preferences. The cafeteria-style setup enables patrons to see the food options before ordering, making it easier to choose dishes that appeal to them.

### Dining and food experience
Dining at Simon's is characterized by a casual and relaxed atmosphere, where customers can enjoy hearty meals at affordable prices. The menu typically includes options like grilled chicken, fish, meatloaf, and a variety of vegetable sides. While the food is generally well-seasoned and satisfying, some reviews suggest that the quality can vary depending on the time of day and how long the food has been on display.

### Events and packages
Simon's offers various meal packages that cater to different appetites and budgets. Customers can choose from individual entrees, complete meals with sides, or family-style options for larger gatherings. The cafe also provides special promotions during holidays or community events, encouraging patrons to try new dishes or enjoy discounts on their favorite meals.

### Facilities and features
- Cafeteria-style service for quick dining
- Variety of traditional American dishes
- Affordable meal options with generous portions
- Friendly and attentive staff
- Convenient location within the Allen Center

## Pros and Cons
### Key insights from reviews
Reviews of Simon's Homestyle Cafe reveal a mix of positive and negative experiences. Many customers appreciate the affordability and variety of the menu, while others express concerns about food preparation and service quality. Overall, the cafe is seen as a solid option for a quick meal, especially in a busy downtown setting.

### Compliments and strengths
Patrons often compliment Simon's for its generous portion sizes and the home-cooked feel of the meals. The affordability of the menu is also a significant draw, with many customers noting that they can enjoy a filling meal without breaking the bank. Additionally, the friendly staff and casual atmosphere contribute to a positive dining experience.

### Contrasts and notable mentions
On the flip side, some reviews highlight inconsistencies in food quality and service. Customers have reported issues with food labeling, which can lead to confusion about available options. Additionally, some diners have noted that the food may not always be as fresh as desired, particularly during peak hours when items have been sitting under heat lamps for extended periods.

### Summary evaluation
In summary, Simon's Homestyle Cafe offers a unique blend of traditional American cuisine and a casual dining experience. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in food presentation and service, the cafe remains a popular choice for those seeking affordable and satisfying meals in downtown Houston.

## Location & Nearby Attractions
Simon's Homestyle Cafe is conveniently located at 500 Dallas St, Ste T21, in the heart of Houston, TX. Situated within the Allen Center, the cafe is surrounded by a variety of other dining options and retail establishments, making it an ideal stop for lunch or a quick meal. The vibrant downtown area offers numerous attractions, including parks, museums, and shopping centers, providing visitors with plenty of options for exploration before or after their meal at Simon's.

## FAQs
**What type of cuisine does Simon's Homestyle Cafe serve** Simon's specializes in traditional American cuisine, including home-cooked meals and comfort food.
**Is there a vegetarian option available** Yes, Simon's offers a variety of vegetable sides and some vegetarian-friendly dishes.
**What are the hours of operation** Simon's typically operates during lunch hours, but specific hours may vary.
**Is Simon's suitable for large groups** Yes, the cafe offers family-style meal options that can accommodate larger groups.
**Can I see the food options before ordering** Yes, Simon's features a cafeteria-style setup where customers can view the food options before making their selections.

## Visit Simon's Homestyle Cafe Today
Experience the comforting flavors of home-cooked meals at Simon's Homestyle Cafe in Houston, TX. With a diverse menu that caters to various tastes, this cafe is perfect for a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner. The friendly atmosphere and community involvement make it a welcoming spot for both locals and visitors. Don't miss the chance to enjoy a hearty meal at an affordable price—visit Simon's today!

3782506b-3d1b-4ac7-8e8f-519e6d1e624a

The food is good here but giving three stars for two reasons, one they didn't have the food options prepared enough and two they have nothing labeled. For someone who's never been here before i had no idea what the food options were I just had to look and guess, I was asking questions because I've never been and they were not very friendly with helping me know what the food was because there was a line. If they had their food labeled no one would have to inconvenience them to ask.

f64c830c-17aa-4bab-9296-c65953530ad7

This place is just like Luby's. Good vegetable sides, but the food may be sitting out awhile. You can get some good food for your money at Simon's. My main problem is that Simon's is cafeteria style with heat lamps. Although Treebeards does well with this style of food delivery, most of the foods at TB are served with a sauce (e.g. etoufee, gumbo...), while Simon's are not. Best advice for Simon's is to arrive early when everything is fresh. I prefer the fish. I have had late lunches with a fish entree and the fish was tasty, but dry. The catfish I had the other day was just before noon and was good, not dry. It's still not the same as when fish is fresh from the kitchen, but how many places are there downtown where you can get a large piece of fresh fish at a good price? I would give Simon's 3.5 stars.

fe6c0eb0-f2fa-494e-8ea2-a5bbc28d308e

I've been to this cafe multiple times and you pay for your meal that includes a beverage. However, at the lady at the register NEVER gives the beverage which is already paid for. When you ask her her response is either "you want it" like I am asking for something that's not paid for as well as she never offers and when you walk away 10ft and remember your drink she looks at you with utter disgust and ask what do you want after you've asked for the drink. Absolutely zero customer service skills.

3554866c-11bc-4657-9dbf-f51c4c14f84a

If this was not in a food court, it probably would be closer to a 3 star place. Being that the other options are an okay deli, Chick-Fil-A (which I love but cannot have all the time), a crappy attempt at Mediterranean food, Mexican food which I get enough during the weekend eating out with friends, and an express sushi roll place (which I don't find appealing, I like to go to an actual restaurant for this), four stars is fitting. They offer a nice selection of grilled chicken (regular, Cajun, or Sriracha), fish (think it is broiled or spicy), chicken fried steak, meatloaf, and sometimes a few other selections. You can get just the meat for $5 for chicken (think the fish might be $6), the plate with the chicken for $9 or the fish for $10. With the plate you get rice or noodels (or do half and half like I do), two sides (ranging from steamed broccoli to sweet potatoes), a drink, and a roll. It's a good, quick way to get a filling meal for a reasonable price. Like I said, it is probalby closer to 3 stars, but consider its location it gets 4 stars.

835329fd-e06f-43ff-a6f8-5a97a9cd8d52

Located in the Allen Center, semi healthy food but it's like having a home cooked meal when you don't really time to leave downtown for lunch! You can peep to see the options before you actually order it. 2 sides, a meat and a soda =$9 can't beat that I just wish they didn't give out childish portions of rice! It's literally like 2 tbl spoons of rice. I'm an adult working an adult job with adult hours, I need an adult meal during my adult lunch hr! Other than that, the food is well seasoned and taste nothing like cafeteria style food! It could easily be 5 stars if they'd stop being so stingy

e004cf9a-eeae-4c22-81c6-f03fbfff3987

This is one of the few options in the tunnels that offers more home-style meals. That being said, you'll often leave hungry and the food can taste sub par. The service is quick and polite.

9f693b42-4650-4a9e-9894-086bca128d8d

Simon's is located at the Park Shop and is surrounded by many of the usual fast food restaurant that you will find at any mall. This place is a little different from the restaurants you will find in a typical food court. The good thing about Simon's is that you can pass right in front of the counter and peak at their options through the glass to see if anything pops out at you that you might like. I ordered a Chicken Parmesan entree which came with 2 sides. There were a few other items that looked quite tasty. I intend to go back and try some of them. My meal cost around $8 and it included a drink. Everyone is super nice and attentive while you re ordering.

d069712c-06e9-4c5e-ab17-2106c5397743

An okay option if you don't feel like getting sandwiches. The quantity of food you get for the price is decent and, even during peak hours, the wait is not too long. The poblano chicken is the only thing I've tried, but it is quite tasty. The veggie sides however are not as great - I almost cut through the Styrofoam in trying to cut my broccoli and carrots. However, if you're a light eater, you can get an entree + rice and bread for $5 - not a bad deal!

97f73df3-03d9-4209-9497-816fed8b05ba

As of 11/4/10, they're not closed -- not why Yelp shows them as closed :-) Walking through a random food court after my eye doctor appointment, I was undecided on whether to eat there or back towards my office. The offerings at Simon's looked really appetizing and they had a large selection. I opted for the lunch special with chicken & chose cajun chicken breast, penne pasta and grilled vegetables (think slices of carrots, red potatoes and zucchini with grill marks), a whole wheat roll and a coke zero. $9. Everything was rockin' -- cooked very well with a ton of flavor. Chicken was juicy and spicy, vegetable were awesome and even the simple semolina penne pasta (with chopped parsley) tasted great. (The roll was just a roll, nothing exciting about it.) They also have some fish & beef offerings that also looked good and about 8 vegetable selections. When I got back to my office, a coworker saw what I had, sampled a bit & headed off to Simon's.

4f0c6136-83a6-4801-8c73-2535cfd00752

i tend to get lunch there often. The whole meal today was dry. Lemon chicken dry. Caesar Salad no dressing to speak of. Cornbread could not even eat.

Discover Simon's Homestyle Cafe in Houston, TX for delicious, comforting meals in a cozy setting. Visit us today and experience true homestyle dining.

Simon's Homestyle Cafe in Houston, TX - Best Local Dining

Houston

Simon's Homestyle Cafe

Texas

Enjoy hearty, homestyle meals at Simon's Homestyle Cafe in Houston, TX. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Visit us at 500 Dallas St, Ste T21!

Simon's Homestyle Cafe in Houston, TX | Cozy Dining & Classic Flavors

Learn about Simon's Homestyle Cafe in Houston, TX. A family-friendly spot serving delicious comfort food in a cozy atmosphere. Located at 500 Dallas St, Ste T21.

About Simon's Homestyle Cafe in Houston, TX | Family-Friendly Dining

Opening hours for Simon's Homestyle Cafe, Houston, TX. Find opening hours for Simon's Homestyle Cafe, Houston, TX on 500 Dallas St, Ste T21.

Simon's Homestyle Cafe Menu Overview

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