Lorretta Ruggiero

Lorretta Ruggiero is a freelance writer who loves cooking, gardening, traveling, and reading everything in sight. Her happiest moments are spent hosting family get-togethers or parties with friends. She is married to Classic Rock Bob and they have two amazing adult children, plus a houseful of fur and animals. She is an unashamed tree hugger who enjoys long walks in the woods. She cannot decide if her last meal would be a medium-rare filet mignon or tomato bruschetta, but she would definitely have a glass of red wine with either.

Latest Articles By Lorretta Ruggiero

Sort By: Newest | Oldest

March 5, 2026

The Best Outdoor Dining in Houston: 21 Restaurants with Standout Patios

Spring has arrived, and these picturesque outdoor patios are calling
By Lorretta Ruggiero

March 5, 2026

Pearland’s Best Restaurants: Where to Eat in Houston’s Fast-Growing Suburb

From legendary barbecue to neighborhood gems serving Italian, Cajun, and Japanese cuisine, these restaurants are worth the drive
By Lorretta Ruggiero

February 27, 2026

Cheap Drinks, Strong Pours: The Ultimate Guide to Houston Dive Bars

Find strong drinks, colorful characters, and the kind of unpretentious atmosphere that keeps locals returning again and again
By Lorretta Ruggiero

February 25, 2026

Where to Dine in Midtown Houston: A Definitive Guide to the Neighborhood’s Best Restaurants

From classic Creole fine dining and legendary breakfast spots to buzzy new sushi bars and Mexican hot spots, the neighborhood is diverse and dynamic
By Lorretta Ruggiero

February 17, 2026

From Korean BBQ to Texas Brisket: A World of Flavor at The Finn Houston

With 10 vendors, a vinyl listening lounge, rooftop views and two cocktail bars, this downtown Houston food hall delivers a global culinary tour under one roof
By Lorretta Ruggiero

February 16, 2026

Crawfish Season in Houston: 16 Must-Try Spots for Cajun and Viet-Cajun Boils

From classic Louisiana-style mudbugs to garlicky Viet-Cajun boils, these restaurants and pop-ups are serving up the city’s best crawfish
By Lorretta Ruggiero

February 11, 2026

The Best Wine Bars in Houston: Where to Sip, Swirl, and Savor Every Pour

Go for the wine, stay for the good eats and moody environs
By Lorretta Ruggiero

February 3, 2026

Romance, Jazz, and Axe Throwing: Houston’s Most Unique Valentine’s Day Plans

Explore the city’s most exciting ways to toast love, Galentine’s, or the single life
By Lorretta Ruggiero

February 2, 2026

Houston’s East End Is a Food Lover’s Paradise, Here’s Where to Go

Discover the can’t-miss restaurants, bars, and hidden gems fueling Houston’s East End dining boom
By Lorretta Ruggiero

January 30, 2026

Houston’s Best Speakeasies: Where to Sip Cocktails Behind Bookcases, Curtains, and Secret Doors

Step into Houston’s hidden nightlife scene, where tucked-away bars channel Prohibition-era glamour and a little thrill of the unexpected
By Lorretta Ruggiero

Calendar

Upcoming Events

HTX

Chicken Fight

May 21st, 2026

DEN

Top Taco

Jun 25th, 2026

DEN

Surf

Jul 30th, 2026

DEN

Chicken Fight

Aug 20th, 2026

NYC

Rare

Sep 10th, 2026

DEN

Rare

Sep 24th, 2026

HTX

Rare

Oct 8th, 2026

DAL

Top Taco

Oct 29th, 2026

PHX

Rare

Nov 12th, 2026

dining-out-logo-white.svg
Search
COPYRIGHT © 2026, DININGOUT. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Join the Gourmet Gold List