Ronin Restaurant; photo by Ryan Price
The booming restaurant scene in Bryan College Station means happy hours, summer specials, and house favorites at local restaurants. With summertime nearly here, keep your dinner options open by trying something new at a modern spot in Century Square, sticking with a classic favorite at a cozy place in Downtown Bryan, or anything caught in between. No matter what you choose, no B/CS restaurant will be disappointing this summer!
Caffé Capri Rami Cerone, owner of Caffé Capri, says the best seller at the restaurant is the tortellini alla capri, featuring cheese tortellini with surimi crab, mushroom, and basil pesto. A close second and fan-favorite is the chicken parmigiana. Although it’s typically served with spaghetti, Cerone switches things up and serves the dish with tortellini and a creamy smoked gouda marinara. Don’t forget about this Downtown Bryan local favorite! www.theplaceforitalian.com
Café Eccell General Manager Cody Smith says the crowd-pleasers among the menu at Café Eccell include the filet mignon and crab cake stuffed shrimp fajitas, as well as the poblano and chicken enchiladas. All summer long the restaurant is doing Two for Tuesdays and offering $4 margaritas, $8 shaker drinks, and BOGO select entrees! www.cafeeccellbryantx.com
Canteen Bar & Grill
Canteen Bar & Grill Chef Jeremy Nixon says The Canteen always has a rotating food and drink menu, and crowd favorites include the Cavalry Burger and Loaded Tots appetizer. The tots are a fun, delicious, and shareable plate great for a large group. The summer menu will be light and refreshing and may include a Citrus Ceviche and cocktails. Although the menu consists of bar food classics, everything at the restaurant is fresh and made from scratch in house! www.cavalrycourt.com/canteen-bar-college-station-dining.htm
Christopher’s World Grille Owner Christopher Lampo says the most popular dish at the restaurant is the Christopher’s house filet. This decadent dish is an 8 ounce prime beef tenderloin on top of roasted potatoes and creamed spinach, on port wine demi glaze topped with bearnaise sauce and fried crawfish tails. The dish is reminiscent of New Orleans and is one of the most popular at the restaurant. They’re now using the spring and summer menu that features new dishes each weekend, including a refreshing watermelon, tomato, and feta cheese salad! www.christophersworldgrille.com
The Downtown Elixir & Spirits With the kitchen co-run by Ian Gosling and Bill Allen, their cocktail and piano bar experience makes this spot a go-to during the summer. The piano bar every Tuesday pairs well with their craft cocktails and delicious appetizer bites, and a perfect wind-down after a long day at work. The restaurant is always looking to change up the menu as the seasons change, and summertime is no exception! www.lasalle-hotel.com/amenities/downtown-elixir-spirits/
Paolo's Italian Kitchen
Luigi’s Patio Restaurante Andres Tani, general manager, says the seasonal wine dinners are a great event at Luigi’s. The June wine dinner will feature a four-course dinner with flavors and dishes that are perfect for the start of the summer. Each wine dinner is different from the last, and authentic in its own way. In addition to the monthly dinners, the restaurant features an off-the-menu weekly entrée and great dessert specials, like their homemade Sicilian cannoli! www.luigispatioristorante.com
Madden’s Casual Gourmet General Manager Brant Jensen says notable entrees at Madden’s are the seared snapper with shrimp enchiladas and the chocolate chili coffee rubbed beef filet, making this a unique dinner spot in Downtown Bryan. This summer, don’t forget about Madden’s on Thursday nights when guests can bring in their own wine with no extra cost! www.maddenscasualgourmet.com
Paolo’s Italian Kitchen Nonna’s lasagna and seafood fra diavolo are proud Italian classics at Paolo’s, says General Manager Ashton Jones. Their Wine Down Social on June 20 is a tour of different wine vendors’ offerings where guests can sample a variety of wines from around the world alongside a pairing buffet. New seasonal cocktails at the restaurant include a frozen bellini, orange blossom, turtle dove, and air mail! www.paolositaliankitchen.com
Porters Dining + Butcher
Porters Dining + Butcher
Head chef Martin Campos has created new dishes for the summer to spotlight light, fresh flavors for the season. Some notable dishes to keep an eye out for include the steamed buns with house cured bacon, and banana leaf-wrapped seabass garnished with wild onions and garlic. From their wide selection of steaks, to the freshly made pasta, side dishes, and sauces, everything at Porters is made in-house from scratch! www.porterscollegestation.com
Primrose Path This new Mediterranean wine bar owned by Wade Barkman features small, tapas-style plates. The cheese plates and charcuterie boards are favorites among the menu choices, as well as bacon-wrapped dates. The wine list is completely made up of Italian, French, and Mediterranean wines, and select beers are German and Belgian. Keep this small, industrial-chic wine bar in mind this summer for small bites and great wine! www.primrosepathwinebar.com
The Republic Owner Wade Barkman recently opened the upgraded, new location for The Republic on University Drive. The gulf shrimp beurre monte with crimini mushrooms, white wine beurre blanc, and roasted ciabatta is a delicious addition to the restaurant’s menu. Barkman is constantly looking for new additions and seasonal tweaks to keep the menu fresh as seasons change! www.therepublicsteakhouse.com
Urban Table
Ronin Restaurant While the restaurant is known for its locally sourced menu, Chef Brian Light says proteins at the restaurant are typically consistent, while the side dishes change based on what produce is grown at the farm. Favorites at Ronin include the seared diver scallops and the Texas wagyu chicken fried steak. With a constantly evolving menu and fresh meat and produce, this farm-style restaurant in Bryan is sure to be a good one! www.ronintx.com
Urban Table Chef Tai Lee’s newest two-story restaurant features bold, unique takes on classic American dishes. Some of his favorites at Urban Table include the barbecue bleu cheese burger with crispy onion rings and tangy barbecue sauce and grilled tenderloin with veal demi glace. This summer, each week features homemade pastas made with seasonal ingredients. Keep this South College Station spot on your restaurant bucket-list; in addition to the family-style dining room, their upstairs bar and lounge is sure to be a sweet spot this summer! www.urbantabletx.com
