It’s a Southern soul food eatery all dressed up for special occasions like Sunday brunch and special cooking and dining etiquette classes. But Davis St. at Hermann Park is also open for dinner Tuesday through Sunday, offering a happy hour and live jazz night.

At the crossroads of the Texas Medical Center and Museum Park, in one of the most picturesque areas of Houston Southeast management district, Davis St. at Hermann Park sits on the ground floor of the sleek Mosaic high rise on Almeda Road overlooking, obviously, Hermann Park, one the City’s premiere greenspaces. A contemporary, glass-fronted space with black marble-topped tables and floor-to-ceiling wine racks, the restaurant is a contrast to chef Mark Holley’s Southern comfort food. Still, upon tasting the familiar-sounding food, you’ll notice it has modern, world-class sophistication sparks to match the decor. The food is down-home and world-class, from oysters from the Gulf of Mexico to Oaxaca and spices and flavors from the Caribbean, Vietnam, and Korea.

Take, for example, the Thai-styled whole snapper for two. The fresh fish is blackened and arrives tableside with two sauces, red curry and Thai barbecue, with a side of Korean spiced collard greens and fried rice.

Davis St. at Hermann Park opened in 2014 and reopened in 2019 under the helm of chef Mark Holley. Chef Holley is no stranger to the Houston food scene. After first being noticed at the venerable Brennan’s of Houston, he went to New Orleans to Brennan’s sister restaurant, Commander’s Palace, before returning to Brennan’s as the chef de cuisine. But at Pesce in Upper Kirby, Holley made a mark as executive chef at the fancy seafood emporium before opening his own Holley’s Seafood Restaurant and Oyster Bar; fans of the chef lamented its closing after Hurricane Harvey. Today, Chef Holley is front and center at Davis St., where he has carefully crafted an outstanding menu.

Start with a signature cocktail like the cucumber-infused Penthouse 15 or one of the wines by the glass curated by assistant general manager and certified level one sommelier Kevin Jackson. Move on to some charbroiled oysters drenched in garlic butter and order the bread service to soak up all that deliciousness. But be warned, as the menu says, “When we’re out, we’re out.” That means the Chipotle cornbread and Parker House rolls go fast. Besides the spectacular seafood, you can also try an entrée of grilled lamb chops or one of the fine steaks. If you still have room, the coconut cake with spiced pecans and caramel sauce is legendary.

On Sundays, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., brunch and mimosas are the specialty at this unique Houston Southeast eatery. Offerings can be a tad pricey here, but worth a special treat at this unique Houston Southeast eatery.

Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. is all about brunch and mimosas. Offerings can be a tad pricey here, but well worth a special treat at this unique Houston Southeast eatery.

by Marene Gustin
credit photos to: Davis St. at Hermann Park