Barnaby's Cafe

1701 S Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77019, United States
$$$ American restaurant
(1836 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Welcome to Barnaby's Cafe, the heartwarming American restaurant nestled at 1701 S Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77019. With a charming ambiance that’s as inviting as the name suggests—paying homage to a beloved sheepdog of the owners—this café is a local favorite for those craving comfort food served with a side of nostalgia.

As you step inside, you'll be greeted by an atmosphere decorated with playful bone motifs, setting a cheerful tone that instantly makes you feel at home. This pet-friendly café embraces furry companions with open arms, offering a special dog menu that ensures every member of the family has a delightful experience. Customers can't help but rave about the friendly service, with staff often going the extra mile, like providing treats and water for four-legged friends.

Now, let's talk about the menu—a treasure trove of American classics guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds. Whether you dig into the surprisingly generous Chili Dog for USD $17—a hefty, footlong delight wrapped in fluffy buns—or savor the mouthwatering Turkey Breast Sandwich perfectly paired with delicious sweet potato fries, your palate is in for a treat. Many patrons, like Amy B, commend the generous portion sizes that leave diners satisfied for hours.

And it’s not just the food that’s on point; the Chicken Caesar Salad and a standout Strawberry Lemonade have also stolen the spotlight in customer reviews. Frequent visitors echo sentiments of delightful surprise at how each dish bursts with flavor, thanks to attentive cooks and a well-curated menu. Ahmad Lotfy Gomaa describes his experience as a “full-on flavor experience,” emphasizing that each bite is crafted with care.

One of the standout features of Barnaby's is its commitment to the community and experience. With welcoming staff, quick service—even during busy times—and a relaxing patio area perfect for soaking up the Houston sun, it’s easy to see why folks keep coming back. The café’s ambiance blends a casual yet vibrant vibe, making it a suitable spot for everything from a quick lunch to a leisurely brunch with friends. Customers like Leandro have noted the friendly and familiar environment, showcasing the loyal following that Barnaby's has cultivated over the years.

In conclusion, Barnaby's Cafe delivers more than just a meal; it offers a joyful dining experience where flavor, comfort, and community come together. Next time you're in Houston and looking for a satisfying bite, don't just take our word for it—stop by and see for yourself what everyone has been raving about. Your taste buds—and your furry friends—will thank you!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Serves great coffee
Serves great dessert
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves food
Serves healthy options
Serves organic dishes
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves vegan dishes
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly
Good for groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Popular with tourists
Popular with university students
Planning
Doesn't accept reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Pets
Dogs allowed
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Tuesday

7:00 AM - 10:30 AM

,

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Wednesday

7:00 AM - 10:30 AM

,

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Thursday

7:00 AM - 10:30 AM

,

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Friday

7:00 AM - 10:30 AM

,

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Saturday

8:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Sunday

8:00 AM - 9:00 PM

1836 Reviews
Ivan Teh

04 Sep 2025

Dining Experience @ Barnaby's Cafe. . "Barnaby was a big sheepdog who went to heaven when I was twelve". This poignant story in a single sentence is haunting and bittersweet. . So it is that the proud owners of Barnaby's Cafe named their first outlet after the beloved sheepdog in December 1992. . Didn't expect their Chili Dog (USD $17) to be a foot-long version! Between fluffy soft hot dog buns with bready sweet flavour sits a snappy juicy foot-long grilled beef sausage with meaty savoury salty herbal spice flavour, to which we topped with chili con carne, grated cheddar cheese, and spring onions. . Served alongside crisp Cajun spiced potato waffle fries with starchy salty spice savoury flavour, yum. . Loved the Apple Pie À La Mode (USD $10), with its flaky crumbly texture to the pie crust and juicy crunchy tender bite to the spiced green apple filling, carrying smoky bready fruity sweet sour spice flavour. Served with a creamy smooth vanilla ice cream with floral milky sweet flavour.

Taylor Moreno

18 Aug 2025

My meal was 10/10! I got the Turkey Breast sandwich and substituted for sweet potato fries since they’re so yummy!

VeRaDeLaGue

12 Aug 2025

We found this place because our dog was with us in the trip and we was needing a place to have a breakfast! we didn't get dissapointed! as we came in a very kind lady receive us and gave to Matz (our dog) a cookie and water. The place is very nice and the food pretty tasty. The place is clean even with the dogs that visit! we know that is a hard part, we have Matz in home so I can see that they take care of that. The ladys taking care of us awesome! service 10 stars!

Guibson Prieto

17 Jul 2025

Great service, pet friendly, prices are up to par with the quality of food, expect no less than great quality, make sure to ask the server for recommendations as well as any other requests, they do have a patio seating area next to the main entrance, with lots of shade and an air humidifier, they even have dog menu available, staff are super welcoming, the strawberry lemonade is on point as well as the strawberry -rita I would suggest that you give it a try, parking is available on both ends, the patio seating has shade and umbrellas, to enjoy a nice hot summer afternoon with with your pet friend, breakfast options as well available with delicious options, please make sure to try the fries with blue cheese

Leandro

08 Jul 2025

Great service from the waiters and cooks. Food was deliciously tasty and delivered fast. We went during a weekday for lunch and place was packed of regular customers who frequent the place and know the staff. We will probably visit either this or another restaurant of the franchise in the future.

Amy B

14 Jun 2025

Such a cute place with bones decorated throughout. They make every dollar spent feel worth it! There was so much food on each plate that I was only able to consume half of it... and that was after ordering the smaller portion. The staff is attentive and efficient. The experience was great!

Ahmad Lotfy Gomaa

13 Jun 2025

My Barnaby’s Revelation at 1701 Shepherd: Salad, Sips & Chocolate Heaven! Okay, Houston foodies, listen up. I finally made it to Barnaby’s on Shepherd dr. (1701 Shepherd dr., to be precise!) after hearing the buzz, and wow – it absolutely lived up to the hype. Forget just a meal; it was a full-on flavor experience, and three things absolutely stole the show for me: the Chicken Caesar Salad, the Strawberry Lemonade, and that legendary Chocolate Addiction Cake. Seriously, buckle up. First, let’s talk salad. Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Caesar? Really?” But trust me, Barnaby’s Chicken Caesar Salad ($17.50) is NOT your average limp lettuce situation. This was a masterpiece in a bowl. The romaine was *perfectly* crisp and cold, tossed generously in a Caesar dressing that hit all the right notes – creamy, tangy, garlicky, and anchovy-rich without being overwhelming. The croutons? Golden, crunchy, and plentiful. But the star of the savory show? That grilled chicken. It was incredibly juicy, seasoned just right, and piled high – seriously, no scrimping here! It wasn’t just a topping; it was a proper protein powerhouse integrated beautifully with the greens and dressing. Every bite was a satisfying crunch, a burst of savory flavor, and that delightful chicken texture. It felt indulgent yet somehow still fresh. Hands down, one of the best Chicken Caesar Salads I’ve had *anywhere*. To wash it down? The Strawberry Lemonade ($4.50). Pure, simple, refreshing perfection. None of that overly sweet, artificial-tasting syrup water. This tasted like real lemons got together with ripe strawberries and decided to throw a pool party in my glass. It was tangy, fruity, perfectly balanced, and ice-cold. Exactly what you crave on a Houston day (or any day, really). I might have ordered a second one… no regrets. Now. The grand finale. The reason you save room (or, let’s be honest, make room): The Chocolate Addiction Cake ($12.00). The name isn’t lying. This slice is iconic for a reason. Imagine layers upon layers of incredibly moist, deeply chocolatey cake, interspersed with rich, smooth chocolate mousse and finished with a decadent chocolate ganache frosting. The texture is pure bliss – a perfect marriage of dense cake and airy mousse. The flavor? Intense, pure chocolate satisfaction, but not cloyingly sweet. It’s sophisticated, rich, and utterly, utterly addictive. I savored every single bite, and by the end, I understood the cult following. It’s less a dessert and more a chocolate experience. Worth every single calorie and then some. The Vibe? The location at 1701 Shepherd has that classic, cozy Barnaby’s charm – eclectic, a bit retro, bustling but not too loud. Service was friendly and efficient, which is always appreciated. The Verdict? Barnaby’s on Shepherd Dr. delivered a fantastic meal. That Chicken Caesar Salad is a revelation – proof a salad can be both hearty and delicious. The Strawberry Lemonade is the ultimate thirst-quencher. And the Chocolate Addiction Cake? It’s not just dessert; it’s a mandatory Houston food pilgrimage. I’m already plotting my return, probably just for the cake… and maybe *another* lemonade. Highly, highly recommend! 5 stars for these three superstars alone!

Join the Barnaby's Cafe Newsletter

Get the latest updates on seasonal pastries, special events, and local highlights directly in your inbox.