You probably have a friend who says they “just threw this thing on” when you compliment what might be the most effortlessly chic outfit you’ve ever seen in your life.  

Nancy’s Hustle, an American bistro-y type spot in EaDo, is the restaurant version of this person. It’s relaxed but has style, and once you’re seated and settled in it, nothing takes you out of it until the check hits the table. 

When we think "sexy date night" in Houston, we think Nancy's Hustle. Service is suave, neither the staff nor the food tries too hard to impress, and yet every detail, from the warm, low-lighting that inspires you to lean in closer to your date, to the squid ink linguine with chili butter, makes us happy to be here and out of the house. Even if you come to Nancy’s without a reservation, you can still cozy up at the wooden bar and split some lamb tartare over candlelight and delicious cocktails.

photo credit: Vivian Leba

Start any meal here with the biscuit-like Nancy Cakes. They’re pillow-soft and served with melty butter. There’s also a juicy cheeseburger served on a perfectly toasted english muffin—a twist on a classic that won’t make your eyes roll. The dishes at Nancy’s are exciting and pair well together so well that you feel inclined to try as many as your tiny table can fit. Whether you order spicy pork dumplings, or a crepe cake that tastes like Frosted Flakes went up a tax bracket, it’s unlikely there’ll be any leftovers.

The dining experience here is silky smooth, which lets guests get lost in their cozy date bubbles, or at the very least, the Nancy Cakes. At Nancy’s Hustle, you get the sense that nothing could go wrong, or at the very least, you’ll never know about it if it does. It's the archetype for the perfect date night restaurant.

Food Rundown

photo credit: Vivian Leba

Nancy Cakes

You can’t have a meal at Nancy’s Hustle if it doesn’t include the Nancy cakes. These fluffy, round superstars are served with cultured butter and topped with trout roe. The butter melts into the Nancy cakes and the cakes melt into your mouth, which is why you’ll see them on almost every table whenever you dine.

photo credit: Vivian Leba

Dumplings

The pork and butter dumplings are small but mighty, and have a spicy kick. The heat is balanced out by a tangy yogurt base, which cools your mouth down so it can be ready for the next dumpling.

photo credit: Vivian Leba

Lamb Tartare

This tartare involves tender lamb topped with crunchy almonds and green olives. It’s also served with a delightfully crunchy sesame seed flatbread that we could eat a basket of on its own.

photo credit: Vivian Leba

Cheeseburger

This burger comes with fresh red onion and a crispy english muffin that’s still soft inside. There’s also a dollop of crisp pickles on the burger and a pickle spear served on the side. Order this when you want a reminder that some reboots can be exciting.