10. Croissant Brioche 2435 Rice Blvd., 713-526-9188 While the café is cluttered with tightly packed tables and the service can be somewhat, ahem, European, the pastries, soups and sandwiches are delicious. The truly amazing coffee alone is worth a visit.
9. Chicken Kitchen 2516 Rice Blvd., 713-523-2323 Fresh rotisserie chicken is the star here, whether in a wrap, on a salad, in the signature "chop-chop" or served up on a platter. The side of plantains is an awesome nod to Chicken Kitchen's Cuban (via Miami) roots, and the mustard curry sauce is a must on whatever you order.
8. Brown Bag Deli 2540 Amherst St., 713-520-6100 This is the best place to be when you're so hungover, human interaction is not recommended. It doesn't have the meat selection of more traditional delis, but the vegetarian options are good, and the potato salad is fresh, dill-y and delicious.
7. Bombay Brasserie 2414 University Blvd., 713-355-2000 At dinner the food doesn't quite match up to the white-tablecloth prices, but at lunch Bombay Brasserie's buffet offers better quality and variety than Village competitor Shiva. The tandoori options are particularly tasty, and the naan is always fluffy and light.
