Nobie’s

Tucked away in Houston’s Montrose neighborhood, Nobie’s has quickly become one of our favorite hidden gems. This charming restaurant offers an ever-changing menu of creative dishes in a cozy, converted bungalow that feels like dining at a friend’s home—if your friend happened to be an incredible chef with impeccable taste in music.

We’ve seen firsthand how Houston’s humid climate can affect local businesses, including beloved restaurants like Nobie’s. Just last year, several establishments faced unexpected closures due to mold issues. Fortunately, Mold Remediation Houston Heroes were able to help many of these businesses reopen safely. It’s a reminder that behind every successful Houston hotspot is proper maintenance and care—something we’ll explore more as we jump into what makes Nobie’s such a special dining destination.

The Story Behind Nobie’s

Nobie’s opened its doors in 2016 under the leadership of Chef Martin Stayer and his wife Sara. The restaurant takes its name from Chef Stayer’s grandmother, whose nickname was “Nobie.” This family connection infuses the restaurant with personal meaning and a sense of heritage that extends to every aspect of the dining experience.

Chef Stayer’s culinary journey began at prestigious establishments like Chicago’s Moto and Michelin-starred L20. After gaining valuable experience in these high-end kitchens, he moved to Houston with a vision to create something uniquely his own. The Montrose neighborhood, with its eclectic charm and artistic community, proved to be the perfect location for his concept.

The building that houses Nobie’s has its own story. Originally a 1930s bungalow, the space was thoughtfully transformed into a restaurant while preserving its homey character. The renovation maintained original architectural elements and incorporated vintage décor that creates an atmosphere that’s both nostalgic and contemporary.

Nobie’s philosophy centers on using locally-sourced ingredients while drawing inspiration from global cuisine. The restaurant’s vinyl record collection—played on a vintage turntable—provides the soundtrack for dining experiences, with staff members often contributing their own albums to the rotation. This musical element has become a signature part of Nobie’s identity, creating a dynamic atmosphere that changes with each record.

Even though facing challenges like Houston’s humidity issues and temporary closures, Nobie’s has established itself as a beloved fixture in the city’s dining scene. Its resilience mirrors the spirit of the grandmother who inspired its name—approachable, authentic, and built to last.

• Name: Nobie’s
• Address: 2048 Colquitt St, Houston, TX 77098, United States
• Phone: +13463195919

Ambiance and Decor at Nobie’s

Stepping into Nobie’s feels like entering a stylish friend’s home—one with impeccable taste and a penchant for vintage charm. This Montrose gem occupies a converted 1930s bungalow, creating an intimate atmosphere that’s both sophisticated and inviting.

Unique Design Elements

The interior of Nobie’s perfectly balances contemporary style with vintage chic through thoughtful details. Wooden floors and shiplap walls provide a warm backdrop to personal touches like stained glass panels and family-crafted paintings. The impressive central bar commands attention with ceiling-high shelves holding an extensive wine collection and the owners’ vinyl records. Chef-owner Martin Stayer’s personal vinyl collection isn’t just for show—it’s played through authentic vintage sound equipment, creating a signature soundtrack that defines the Nobie’s experience. These curated design elements reflect the restaurant’s personality: refined yet comfortable, nostalgic yet fresh.

The Patio Experience

Nobie’s outdoor space extends the restaurant’s charming ambiance with a breezy patio that’s perfect for Houston’s pleasant evenings. String lights dance overhead, casting a warm glow on intimate tables arranged for conversations and lingering over shared plates. Lush greenery and potted plants create natural privacy screens while adding to the space’s relaxed garden feel. The patio serves as a natural extension of the indoor dining room, carrying through the same attention to detail and inviting atmosphere. When Houston’s weather cooperates, this outdoor setting transforms into one of Montrose’s most sought-after dining spots, combining fresh air with Nobie’s distinctive style.

Menu Highlights at Nobie’s

Nobie’s offers a delectable array of dishes that showcase Chef Stayer’s culinary expertise and commitment to locally-sourced ingredients with global inspiration. The menu changes regularly, ensuring fresh and seasonal offerings each visit.

Small Plates Worth Trying

The Grilled Artichoke stands out as a must-try small plate at Nobie’s. It’s served whole with mint gremolata, grilled lemon, and the perfect amount of aioli (hand wipes included). We love how each component enhances the artichoke’s natural flavor without overwhelming it. Another showstopper is the Ricotta Have It—a handmade raviolo filled with savory carrot and an encased egg yolk, served in a buttery sauce sprinkled with fresh parsley. Vegetarians can enjoy it with crispy shallots instead of the traditional country ham.

Main Course Favorites

Nonno’s Pasta represents comfort food at its finest. This Tagliatelle alla Bolognese features beautiful ribbons of pasta that cradle generous pockets of rich sauce and parmesan. It’s become a signature dish that patrons return for time and again. For those seeking something lighter yet equally flavorful, the Crispy Duck Salad offers an experimental twist with fresh herbs and vegetables, dressed in a light fruit juice that complements the duck’s richness. These main courses exemplify Nobie’s ability to balance traditional techniques with innovative touches.

The Cocktail Program

Nobie’s cocktail program stands as a cornerstone of its dining experience, offering guests an ever-evolving selection of creative libations. The bar program perfectly complements the restaurant’s innovative food menu, creating a complete culinary journey for visitors.

Signature Drinks

At Nobie’s, the cocktail menu changes daily, ensuring each visit brings a new tasting adventure. Bartender Sarah Troxell, affectionately known as the “cocktail and shrub-queen,” crafts playful and inventively named drinks that reflect the restaurant’s eclectic atmosphere. Her specialty lies in incorporating homemade, often home-grown fruit shrubs that add unique flavor profiles to each creation. During special occasions, the bar team showcases their creativity with themed offerings, like their popular Star Wars-inspired cocktails served on May the Fourth. These whimsical touches highlight Nobie’s commitment to making each drinking experience both memorable and distinctive.

Service and Staff Experience

Nobie’s renowned service complements its exceptional food and inviting atmosphere. The staff embodies the restaurant’s warm, familial spirit with attentive yet unobtrusive service that makes guests feel like they’re dining at a good friend’s home rather than a restaurant.

Front-of-House Team

The front-of-house team at Nobie’s consists of knowledgeable servers who expertly guide diners through the ever-changing menu. They’re well-versed in the ingredients, preparation methods, and flavor profiles of each dish, offering thoughtful recommendations for both food and drink pairings. The staff’s passion for the restaurant’s concept shines through in their enthusiastic descriptions and genuine warmth.

Sara Stayer, who co-owns Nobie’s with her husband Chef Martin, often greets guests herself, adding a personal touch to the dining experience. This hands-on approach from ownership creates an atmosphere where guests feel genuinely welcomed and appreciated.

Kitchen Staff

Behind the scenes, Chef Martin Stayer leads a dedicated kitchen team that executes his creative vision with precision. The kitchen staff demonstrates remarkable versatility, adapting to the frequently changing menu while maintaining consistent quality. The open kitchen concept at Nobie’s allows diners to glimpse the coordinated teamwork and attention to detail that goes into each plate.

The bartending team, led by “cocktail and shrub-queen” Sarah Troxell, crafts innovative libations with the same care and creativity as the food offerings. Their expertise extends beyond mixology to include an impressive knowledge of the restaurant’s wine selection, helping guests discover perfect pairings for their meals.

This cohesive team approach ensures that every aspect of the Nobie’s experience—from the first greeting to the final sip—reflects the restaurant’s commitment to hospitality excellence and personal connection.

Value for Money

Nobie’s offers exceptional value with prices that won’t expensive for the quality received. The restaurant strikes an impressive balance between affordability and culinary excellence, making it a standout option in Houston’s competitive dining scene.

Their small plates range from $12-18, offering generous portions of artisanal creations like the Grilled Artichoke and Ricotta Have It raviolo. Main courses typically fall between $24-32, with standouts such as Nonno’s Pasta and the Crispy Duck Salad delivering restaurant-quality dishes at neighborhood eatery prices.

The cocktail program provides remarkable value as well. Handcrafted cocktails featuring house-made ingredients and premium spirits are priced at $12-15, comparable to simpler drinks at many upscale establishments. The daily happy hour (5-6:30 PM) reduces prices by $2 on select drinks and small plates, creating an even more accessible entry point.

What truly elevates Nobie’s value proposition is the complete experience: innovative cuisine, craft cocktails, inviting ambiance, and attentive service all in one charming package. Many Houston restaurants excel in one or two of these areas but rarely all simultaneously without commanding premium prices.

For special occasions, Nobie’s offers family-style dining experiences for groups of 6-10 at $55 per person, allowing guests to sample a curated selection of the chef’s specialties at a price point lower than ordering individually.

The value extends beyond just pricing – the restaurant’s commitment to using high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients ensures diners receive exceptional food that punches well above its price point.

Conclusion

Nobie’s stands out as a shining gem in Houston’s culinary landscape. From its humble beginnings as a passion project named after Chef Stayer’s grandmother to becoming a beloved neighborhood fixture this charming restaurant embodies the perfect blend of quality and personality.

We love how Nobie’s has weathered challenges like Houston’s humidity while maintaining its commitment to exceptional food creative cocktails and warm hospitality. The cozy converted bungalow with its vinyl soundtracks and ever-changing menu creates an experience that feels both fresh and familiar with each visit.

Next time you’re looking for a dining spot that offers outstanding value in a space that feels like home Nobie’s awaits with open arms and a new culinary adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Nobie’s restaurant located?

Nobie’s is located in Houston’s Montrose neighborhood. The restaurant is housed in a renovated 1930s bungalow that retains much of its original architectural charm and character, making it a unique dining destination in this eclectic area of Houston.

Who owns Nobie’s and what’s the story behind the name?

Nobie’s was opened in 2016 by Chef Martin Stayer and his wife Sara. The restaurant is named after Chef Stayer’s grandmother, “Nobie,” adding a personal and sentimental touch to the establishment. This family connection reflects the warm, inviting atmosphere the restaurant aims to create.

What type of cuisine does Nobie’s serve?

Nobie’s offers a creative, ever-changing menu that draws inspiration from global cuisines while emphasizing locally-sourced ingredients. Chef Martin Stayer, who trained in prestigious kitchens including Chicago’s Moto and Michelin-starred L20, creates dishes that balance traditional techniques with innovative approaches.

How often does the menu change at Nobie’s?

The menu at Nobie’s changes regularly to showcase seasonal ingredients and fresh culinary ideas. This frequent rotation ensures that diners can experience new and exciting dishes on repeat visits, reflecting Chef Stayer’s commitment to creativity and culinary exploration.

What are some popular dishes at Nobie’s?

Popular dishes include the Grilled Artichoke with mint gremolata, Ricotta Have It (a handmade raviolo filled with carrot and egg yolk), Nonno’s Pasta (Tagliatelle alla Bolognese), and the Crispy Duck Salad. However, since the menu changes frequently, offerings may vary during your visit.

What makes Nobie’s cocktail program special?

Nobie’s cocktail program features an ever-evolving selection of creative libations crafted by bartender Sarah Troxell, known as the “cocktail and shrub-queen.” The cocktail menu changes daily and often incorporates homemade fruit shrubs for unique flavor profiles. They even offer themed cocktails for special occasions.

How would you describe the ambiance at Nobie’s?

Nobie’s ambiance resembles a stylish friend’s home with vintage charm. The interior features wooden floors, shiplap walls, stained glass panels, and a central bar showcasing wines and vinyl records. The outdoor patio, adorned with string lights and greenery, offers a delightful dining space during pleasant evenings.

What price range can I expect at Nobie’s?

Nobie’s offers excellent value with small plates ranging from $12-18 and main courses between $24-32. Handcrafted cocktails are priced at $12-15, with reduced prices during daily happy hour. Family-style dining experiences for groups are also available at competitive prices.

Does Nobie’s take reservations?

While the article doesn’t specifically mention their reservation policy, upscale restaurants of this caliber typically offer reservations. It would be advisable to call ahead or check their website for the most current information regarding their reservation system.

How did Nobie’s handle the mold issues mentioned in the article?

When facing mold issues due to Houston’s humid climate, Nobie’s worked with Mold Remediation Houston Heroes to resolve the problem and reopen safely. This demonstrates the restaurant’s commitment to maintaining a safe dining environment and their resilience in overcoming challenges.

• Name: Mold Remediation Houston Heroes
• Address: 2100 Travis St #1393, Houston, TX 77002
• Phone: (346) 447-8765