This cozy restaurant located in a Tudor cottage surrounded by a white picket fence has been around since 1972. The mystical art from Middle Earth adorning the interior creates a somewhat Bohemian atmosphere in which earthy fare is served in a forest-like setting. \r
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Not technically a fully vegetarian restaurant, in its present incarnation the Hobbit Cafe offers many vegetarian selections and is a perfect place to stop for dinner during an Upper Kirby pub crawl. I wasn't aware Tex-Mex and Caribbean inspired foods were the preferred cuisine of Middle Earth, but I do know that Hobbits enjoy their drinking… and the Hobbit has a limited, but great beer menu, including several Texas craft beers on draft.\r
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Soups and salads are the specialty here. Some suggestions to try include their black bean nachos (Monterey jack cheese, pico de gallo, jalapenos and sour cream). The amazing salads like the tropical chicken salad (fresh Spring mix, fruit, toasted almonds tossed in a tropical yogurt dressing topped with jerk chicken and toasted coconut). \r
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Gandalf lives, at least in his namesake sandwich (avocado and mushrooms under melted cheese). So does Thorin Oakenshield and the Strider, in various combinations of tabouli, egg salad, sprouts, tomatoes and guacamole on thick slices of whole wheat bread. Other suggestions include the avocado burger, buffalo burger and black bean burger that are all very tasty. Try the Caribbean salmon, grilled with spices and topped with jerk sauce, mango salsa and toasted coconut, steamed veggies piled high over brown rice and beans. The veggie burgers are as charming as the mystical décor. The fresh fruit-of-the-season smoothies are simply delicious. \r
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A few unhealthy menu options are available such as a hefty hamburger—but vegetarian choices like the spinach and mushroom enchiladas are the true crowd-pleasing items. Other excellent vegetarian choices include soothing homemade soups, enchanting sandwiches and bountiful salads.\r
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The Hobbit Cafe also has a well-deserved reputation for serving delicious desserts, including moist carrot cake and tangy key lime pie.\r
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Outside dining on the shady deck is extremely popular in fair weather.
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