Persian in Houston

Located on the side of a strip mall in Westchase, Avesta Persian Grill is a 54-seat family-owned neighborhood restaurant serving affordable, delicious traditional Persian cuisine at affordable prices. Though the standout items here are definitely the kebabs — the most popular of which are the beef or chicken chenjeh and koobideh — the lamb shank is also extraordinary, as is the walnut and pomegranate covered boneless chicken known as fesenjan. All diners are served a dish of homemade Persian bread with an herb plate upon arrival. Hot Persian tea and baklava make a fine finish.

This Egyptian-themed cafe, bar and hookah lounge features Egyptian murals painted by a local Heights artist throughout the building and patio, the highlight being the painting of King Tut and the pyramids behind the performance stage. Cafe Luxor serves up a variety of liquors, wines and beers, including six different varieties of beers from Houston's Karbach Brewing Company. The hookah has a local connection as well, as a large number of the 75-plus favored tobaccos offered come from the Haze Tobacco company in Stafford. An international food menu includes Mediterranean and Persian dishes as well as American bar food like pizzas, burgers and wings; the lemon-pepper wings are a customer favorite, according to the food and beverages manager we spoke with. Italian coffee imported from Italy is also available along with a variety of energy drinks, as well as Dom Pérignon champagne for that special occasion. Luxor calls itself the place “Where The Fun Never Stops,” and to prove it offers a weekly schedule of events that includes open-mike night, karaoke, live music and live belly dancers who mix things up by sometimes dancing with swords, fire and snakes. All ages are welcome at Luxor, which stays open until 4 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights, serving coffee, hookah and food after hours until closing.