Go to Hugo’s once for a celebration and it’ll become a tradition. It’s where regular folks go to celebrate a birthday, and it's where Houston’s elite go to celebrate a random Thursday. It’s also where half of Houston has probably been to at least once for the legendary Sunday brunch buffet. Houstonians love Hugo’s. It’s a classic, an upscale yet casual Mexican restaurant in Montrose that always feels special, without ever trying too hard. Hugo’s is a stunner—the historic, Latin-inspired space was built in 1925 and has high ceilings and chandeliers that look like they were shipped in from a local castle. At Hugo’s, the details matter, including little things like margaritas that get shaken tableside, or having a coat rack brought out for your handbag. It’s a place that operates with the quiet confidence of an institution. If the inside of Hugo’s isn’t enough to get you in the door, the food here will, especially the pillowy, handmade blue corn tortillas so delicious that they’re worth fighting over. You’ll find sensational traditional Mexican dishes like a tender slow-roasted lamb barbacoa or a crispy duck served with a fiery poblano mole. When they’re in season, make sure to order the classic chile en nogada, a walnut-crusted poblano pepper topped with a savory walnut cream sauce and pomegranate seeds. The menu is massive, spanning from ceviches to suckling pig. Everyone has their favorite dish, and everyone is right. Hugo’s specializes in making meals memorable. It’s impossible to fight back a smile when your great-aunt’s birthday dessert arrives at the table with “Happy Birthday” written on the plate in chocolate sauce (like it is every year). If you’re balling on a budget, Hugo’s has an excellent Happy Hour—discounted margaritas and carnitas tacos taste maybe even more delicious than the full priced ones. And who can be a grump while a string quartet plays over the balcony during the Sunday brunch buffet? Because Hugo’s feels like fancy fine dining, without being stuffy or forced, even on a random Thursday.