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The Meatball Burger on a ciabatta bun at Mia's, Johnny Carrabba's new spot. Photo by Alison Cook
Vintage dessert cupboard and cooking line at Mia's. Photo by Alison Cook
Rectangular burgers? That's the gimmick at Mia's Table, Johnny Carrabba's new Texas-cafe-style family spot. It's a brand-spanking new, limestone and pressed-tin palace flanked by dining porches and a huge old live oak, just a half-block behind his flagship Carrabba's Italian restaurant. He still operates the original, long after selling the Carrabba's name and concept that became a big national chain.
He's obviously done well, judging from the spacious new parking garage that's gone up on property he owns between Carrabba's and Mia's — the kind of amenity few Houston restaurant owners can boast. And no expense has been spared on the Mia's interior, which is clever and attractive and just a little bit Disney World, as if you're visiting the Texas Hill Country Pavilion, and somebody will be around in a minute to take your ticket.
But instead they'll be around in a minute calling out your name so they can deliver your rectangular burger, because that's how it's done here. Come along for a taste.
The main dining room at Mia's. Photo by Alison Cook
*PRICE: Up there. $10.50 for the cheeseburger with fries; shake $4.00; onion rings $5.00. (The "meatball burger" is $12.00 with fries.) Shiner Bock and St. Arnold Summer Pils are on tap for $3.
*ORDERING: Mia's is semi-serve, which means you order at the counter, stopping by the iced-down beer island or the soft-drink coolers as you enter. You can pick wine by the glass or beer on tap at the counter, or grab a dessert from a curlicued wooden pastry case that's plausibly vintage. You just give your name; there's no number-calling or table flags to fool with. Take your drinks, find yourself a table, and before too long (at least when I was there around 7 on a weeknight), a server will come through the various seating areas, looking about questioningly and calling your name. It's a strange system, and I have to wonder how well it works when the place is packed, but it got the job done for me. Despite the semi-serve setup, Mia's feels like the kind of place where you ought to leave a tip.
Cheeseburger with fries at Mia's. Photo by Alison Cook
*ARCHITECTURE: Salad stuff on top. On a soft toasted sub roll go major lashings of yellow mustard, a rectangular beef patty, a slice of American cheese, some mayonnaise and shredded iceberg lettuce. Next come pickle slices, Roma tomato slices, a bit of diced onion and a whole lot more mustard.
*QUALITY:I had two main beefs with my cheeseburger here. Firstly, the uneven rectangular shape of the patty — which varied from about a quarter to a third of an inch thick — was coupled with an aggressive griddle-sear which made it well-done and juiceless on one end, and the faintest bit rosy on the thicker end. The thickest end was better, of course, because it retained at least a suggestion of beef juices. Secondly, however, I've noticed on two separate visits that Mia's ratchets up its seasoning levels to the max, whether we're talking copious salt-and-peppering of the patty or lavish application of ballpark mustard. On a sandwich level, the balance of flavors seemed way off. I left maybe a third of that expensive cheeseburger on my plate, and I only ate the second third out of a sense of professional duty.
Mia's cheeseburger in cross-section. Photo by Alison Cook
I had a better impression of the so-called Meatball Burger on another occasion. Like the cheeseburger, the seasoning level was sky-high (lots of salt; lots of black pepper). Like the thin end of the cheeseburger, the rectangular patty — made with the herby meatball ground beef mixture from nearby Carrabba's — the ground beef was cooked well done and juiceless. Yet on a sandwich level, the meatball burger had its own swagger appeal, thanks to plenty of "Jaime's sauce," which resembles a ruddy and wildly rambunctious remoulade, with lots of heat and salt and tartness and sharp edges. Against the nicely chewy toasted ciabatta bun, that sauce made the burger, even as it semi-obscured the flavor of the meatball mixture.
*OOZE RATING: fair to poor; mostly condiment-based.
*GRADE: Cheeseburger: C-minus. Meatball burger: B-minus.
Onion rings with Jaime's Special Sauce at Mia's. Photo by Alison Cook
Limestone dining room at Mia's. Photo by Alison Cook
A lowslung live oak outside Mia's is a magical kid magnet. Photo by Alison Cook
*BONUS POINTS: Very good Blue Bell shakes. They're not that big (you don't get any run-off in an extra container), but they're well made. And the onion rings are well above average: cut medium thick, coated in a spicy batter that crisps up nicely while not overwhelming the sweet onion, and served with that rambunctious remoulade dip, "Jaime's secret sauce," that goes on the meatball burger.
*EXTRA CREDIT: Kids of all ages can help themselves to a swirly cone of vanilla soft-serve as they exit. It's enough to make a hard-hearted curmudgeon smile.
*MINUS POINTS:Blah frozen French fries that aren't worth the calories.
*LOCAL COLOR: There's a pronounced West U family vibe here, but the crowd had enough diversity that all the determined family-friendliness (the term is part of Mia's branding) did not oppress. It did occur to me, as I paid my bill of nearly $20 bucks for a burger with fries, a shake and onion rings (which were not available as a "mixed" option on the burger basket), that it would be a fairly costly business to treat the family here. Yet the surroundings are very pleasant, with a choice of cafe-style seating under a high pressed tin roof, a vaulting limestone side room with interesting shadowboxes containing vintage kitchenware, and a long outdoor dining porch beside sleepy old oaks.
Mia's Table, 3131 Argonne St., 713-522-6427. Open daily 11 a.m. — 9 p.m.
Onion rings look yummy!
Thanks, I'll pass and stick to my own. A burger should stand on its own and taste like BEEF - not some preppy blend of salad with a blowover of 'secret sauce'. If it can't make it with only bread, meat and cheese, then it isn't much of a cheeseburger, regardless of price.
I need to send my 16 year old to your house for burgers. His mantra is "meat and cheese, plain and dry"
I've heard your burgers are at both uninspired and rather pedestrian culinary misfires. Cheers.
here here.
if you cannot build a good base, the rest is BS.
Way too much for a burger and fries.
I agree. I went and the burger had waaay to much pepper on it. It was not edible. The building was beautiful. The iced tea was really good and the free ice cream was great. Too expensive overall.
"as I paid my bill of nearly $20 bucks for a burger with fries, a shake and onion rings"
It seems every review of this place mentions the higher prices for the fare, lets hope Mia's is listening....
With so many other places here in Houston to get a good burger at a fraction of the cost of this place I know I will be passing on going there. It does not sound like it is even worth half of what you spend.
I couldn't agree with you more Alison, especially about oddly shaped burgers. They're just not right.
wendy's had it wrong all these years? ;)
I've been there several times. The burgers seem pricey (compared to fast food) but inline with Pappas Brugers and other like places. I've had very good burgers there as well as italian sausage burger and the St. Louis ribs. Not a sweet tea person BUT try it here....nothing like it and I cannot get enough. Call it pricey BUT inline with similiar restaurants. Plus the built look really great and warm.....quality workmanship.
I agree on the burger. The bun made it very hard to manage. I needed a napkin wrap for support. The heavy dose of mustard, cracked pepper, pickles, etc made the burger into a condiment mash. I saw Johnny Carrabba walking around but didn't give him my thoughts. The fries were just OK. I saw you tweet of the onion rings and decided to stop by, they were good but $5? Meh. The clientele does seem affluent and will not notice the price tag but I did. I won't go back for the cheeseburger. I'll have to save my visits for milkshakes and perhaps salads.
Um... rectangular burgers has been at Brickhouse Tavern & Tap pretty much since they opened here...
Dang! This looks great!
I have visited Mia's twice and had fish tacos the first time and their OUTSTANDING RIBS the second time!!!! I was so unbelievably and pleasantly surprised their ribs were so delicious and only $12.
One of my favorite parts of Mia's is the atmosphere. Hands down it is a place to people watch. Happy people work there. Happy people dine there.
Haven't had a burger yet, but their ribs are great! The onion rings are great! The chips and queso are the best I have ever eaten.
I will be back!!!
The ribs must be popular as he has already upped the price to $14 according to the menu on their website.
I'm sorry, but I"m about done paying for $10+ burgers. The idea of getting a cheeseburger with onion rings and a beer and paying $20 is getting out of hand. The burger looks good and the onion rings look outstanding, but I'm not going. If I can go to Cajuntown and get blackened snapper with a white wine cream sauce with shrimp, crab and mushrooms, dirty rice, veggies and bread for $10.50, I surely go there before spending that on a burger and fries. You could tell me about a place with the best cookie in the world, but I'm not going to pay $8 for one.
I'm sorry toooo!!!
If you think you are eating SNAPPER for $10, then you have no idea what you are putting in your mouth, also you forgot to mention that top grade ground chuck is free. When was the last time you went grocery shopping??????
There is not burger and shake around that is worth $20
That's for sure, I'm not paying that for a burger and please give me my burger on a burger bun, not some fancy-dancy bread.
All those condiments on it, how do you taste the meat.
Meat, mayo, pickle, & onion for me.
I'm not paying $5 for onion rings either.
Onions are 39 cents pd, how do you justify $5 for a couple of slices dipped in flour, buttermilk and grease?
That food looks disgusting
A rectangular burger isn't really a gimmick. It's just rectangular. And it doesn't matter if it's round, square, or triangular, it needs to be good, first and foremost.
Overpeppering is a turn-off for me, even where I can tolerate or like a lot of other seasoning excesses. It's why I stopped ordering fries at Wing Stop.
@ TransAmer99, I like the sound of your comment. The same goes for me when there's too much garlic in my food. I feel like when there's enormous amounts of garlic, that means the cook is trying to make up for other flavors that are absent. I'm so not a garlic lover; at least not overpowering!
Looks good, I like rectangular burgers just as much as the round kind. I'm not a fan of salted ground beef though, I much prefer no seasoning on the meat and usually order it that way. I'll give this a pass, but might make my own at home, ciabatta bread yum.
The burger looks absolutely awesome but the prices are sky high. Also, this review does not merit much consideration as a dining option. I'll pass.
Looks good to me. I like salty and peppered beef. I will ask for them to cook medium and see if they get it! Onion rings are my favorite. Am going today to try it out.
I did go to Mia's on Saturday and enjoyed my square burger along with onion rings. My husband got the fish tacos. We both would go back to Mia's. I was pleasantly surprised with the experience. Service was good and we only waited about 15 minutes for our food, once we ordered it. I have no issue with the price, as it is in line with other restaurants of what I deem the same caliber (not including whataburger, sonic, etc). I asked for my burger to be cooked medium and it was cooked medium well (just a hint of pink, but was still juicy. Since I love salt and pepper on my beef, i was okay with the seasoning, but agree, if you don't like it, ask them to leave it off or go easy on the s/p. Just my opinion.....
Let's see, $20 for a C- rated cheeseburger, onion rings and shake. Sounds too good to be true...
Houston dont believe Allison. I have been at Mias many times and everything is spot on. She believes the prices are a bit high, they might be for her. Allison wishes she had the capital to build something of her own, but on a $40k salary it will never happen so she likes to slam things she cant afford. Allison dont hate..
What about the other commenters above who had similar experiences with Mia's burgers, or who had similar thoughts about the pricing? Are they all just jealous "haters", too, or do you reserve that category for me only?
Alison, I have no idea what the Chron is paying you but if it isn't $500k a year they are getting a bargain!
What a weird and decidedly creepy insult. You're so haughty as to insult an achieved and working professional for the salary they receive from those productions? Get a grip.
I really enjoyed Mia's when I ate there. My boyfriend ordered a burger and enjoyed it as I ordered the fish tacos that were delicious. I feel like every time I eat out its expensive. Even whataburger!! Have you been grocery shopping lately??? Anyway...you should try it if you haven't .
Maybe Alison did not like the burgers but there are many other items on the menu worth trip and price. I have had the ribs, BBQ chicken, fried shrimp and pulled pork sandwiches. All were great and highly recommended. I realize her goal was to rate the burgers but I think she missed on the intent of the restaurant. It is called "Mia's" not Mia's Burgers. As far as the shape of shape of the burgers, who cares? Dave Thomas came up with square burgers and served them on round buns in the 70S and people thought he was crazy and everything worked out OK for him and Wendy’s. It is possible that Mr. Carrabba wanted to use a different type of bread for his bun so he changed the shape of the burger.
What does building a parking garage have to do with a restaurant review? It is obvious that Mr. Carrabba has taken into account the limited parking in the area and has done us all a favor by building a garage so we don't have to park in the neighborhood and walk. He is investing in Upper Kirby District with Mia's, a new building for the Original Carrabbas and Grace's, new concept opening on the corner of Argonne and Kirby
I am sure that the success of the Original Carrabbas and selling the concept to a national restaurant chain has left Mr. Carrabba quite comfortable and he probably never has to work again for the rest of his life. However, he has gone out of his way to create a family friendly restaurant with a variety of different dishes. Mia, his daughter, has also contributed her ideas to the menu and design of this restaurant.
Point taken. I will return, order all the items you mentioned, and do a review eventually. Let's hope it works out well. I always go out hoping to be pleased rather than disappointed, and perhaps the burger focus did Mia's an injustice.
Also, I ADMIRED that parking garage. Loved it, in fact. Where do you get the idea that I wrote about it as some sort of negative? That really surprises me.
Johnny aint worried..enjoy
So let me understand.. you got Cheeseburger, Fries, Onion Rings, and a Shake for 20bucks. Try that at Sonic and you get away for 12 bucks. Public don't jump to the conclusion there isn't value at Mia's. This burger is great and guess what I don't like "salad" on mine and they let you order it without. It is really good without as the flavors pop. Also although the OR and Fries are not offered as a split option when asked they say "sure no problem". Try the meatball and the sausage sammy as well nothing like them anywhere. Here is a tip for those on a budget share it. More than large enough portions for two. Plus skip the shake, although that would be a mistake and get the FREE ice cream. Value all over the place. Other than having the line you would never know this isn't a full service restaurant. Happy, willing to help staff without a hint of attitude. In that way I agree with the Disney compliment. There isn't very many places in the area to take the kids, get an adult bev, and still get quality food. My family loves this place and we don't get looks when my little one makes a mess. The Ribs are some of the best I have had and we found they travel well as a take-out option. This restaurant will for sure be in my top 10. Have fun!!!
Perhaps you were given a split order of fries and o-rings with your burger order, justcantkeeptomyselt. But I asked specifically if that were possible, and I was told "no," and that I would have to purchase a full order of one or the other if I wished to try both. "sure, no problem" wasn't on the table that day, and that's all I have to go on.
Point to Cook!
Way too confusing service. Way too expensive menue. Whataburger has better food. Best part of the whole place was the parking garage.
Mia's to-go service leaves much to be desired. They don't seem to deliver it to you as they promise, as I saw twice last Tuesday.
The gentleman waiting ahead of me for an unspecified time (but he was pacing) came up to the window five minutes after I ordered to ask about his order, and it was just sitting there. I took note, and after waiting ten minutes longer than what they said my order would take, came to the to-go window, and sure enough, my order was just sitting there as well. This was after they'd told me they'd bring it to me when I was ready, and I mentioned exactly where I'd be sitting -- on the bench in the entry area. They have some work to do on their to-go orders.
Seriously? My burger was great, as were my fish tacos and Asian Salad. It is just all around good food. Not fancy, chef-driven stuff that critics like (oxhart? again, seriously?), but stuff that real people want to eat. And when I went to the triple A on airline the other day, my chicken friend steak was over 10 dollars. When I go to Niko Nikos, it is a miracle if we get out for under fifty bucks (family of 4), so I have an issue with everyone who expects their 1/2 pound, hand formed burger to be free. With Mia's comes a clean, beautiful restaurant, with delicious food. It is not whataburger. Whataburger is great, and so is Mia's and they each have their own place. Their pulled pork sandwich, which my hubby gets, is 9 dollars and come with 2 sides. That is cheaper than the triple A--which is a dive. Their prices are in line with Houston's and Barnaby's and places like that. I am also glad that there is finally a place that seasons their food. I went to Zelko the other day,and ordered a steak and there was no salt on it, why is it so wrong to season the food so it tastes good? You are way off on this one...
The only reason I read this article is because someone told me what a critical joke it is...and now confirmed. I've been in Houston my entire life(43 yrs), and have managed to eat at the best restaurants in town without reading one of your articles until now. I can't believe anyone would waste their time doing so. Sounds like you have serious issues.
Gee, geo, if you, for some reason feel the need to come on here and post that comment it must be you who has serious issues. I'm glad you have had the chance to eat at such fine places here in our fine city without the benefit of Alison's input. But so what? BFD.
Just tried Mia's Sunday. What a disaster! Ordered the ribs, which were passable, but the potato salad and baked beans were nasty. Couldn't eat them. The onion rings (5 for $5.00) were not worth the price. The tea was weak. Lunch for two was almost $50.00. Won't be going back there...EVER. Decor was nice.
Location, location, location. Upper Kirby area has a premium attached and the locals have the disposable income to drop $20 for a burger plate.
I have eaten at Mia's a few times. I tend to go for "cheap eats" and the prices don't bother me. There isn't a need for tipping which helps. The chicken tenders are really, really good. I thought the fries were fine, not OMG outstanding, but I didn't have an issue with them. The onion rings, however, were exceptional. I do wish they offered you a choice of either.
I have tried a couple of the salads. Some sort of Asian salad which was good, and they have a flatiron steak salad, which I hesitated getting because it didn't sound that good, but the steak pieces were small and fork tender. It was really good.
The chicken tenders basket with a drink was around $15. To me, you would spend that at any lame chain, especially after you factor in the tip.
My biggest gripe with Mia's is on some nights they are a little TOO successful with the family themed concept. Big groups come, set their kids at a separate table, then don't watch them. If you are unfortunate enough to end up seated next to a table full of unruly kids going full til, it is the worst. I wish they had like a bar area or something where it was adults only. I have had such a bad experience that if I ever go on a weekend, it will be a to go order only.
I had a visit and it aint no Whataburger or Sonic :) I had a burger and onion rings as they looked very good and they were. Pricey? yeah...but I enjoyed the meal. I was able to make sure I had exactly what I wanted on the burger by ordering in my usual picky way. I tell them what condiments and how much and they got it right. The meat was cooked well, juicy all through and I like the spice...that's just me. The burger was real good and nothing wrong with a square burger. I like burgers but I figure you can get a decent burger all over, they aren't rare...but real good onion rings are a bit harder to find and I think I will try the ribs next time...if I make it there again. Also, there are quite a few places that serve this way. There are two places close to where I work that come out yelling your name :)
I usually agree with most of your reviews but this time I think our taste may just diverge. That's whats great about food, peoples tastes differ and what might not thrill one might delight another. I see people get all worked up about these reviews...remember...this is just one persons opinion...its okay to not agree. Alison has led me to some great meals but she has also led me to a few blah spots that were a huge disappointment...
I guess better than never! It took me this long to give this place a try. I agree that it okay, but I enjoy a juicy burger and it did not happen at this new place. I will give them another try in the near future. For now I'll stick with my new favorite burger joint house of fries in norh west houston.