Little Matt's — Restaurant in West University Place

First, let me preface this review by saying that I have been eating food my entire life, like literally since I was born, and I eat almost every day. So, I kind of consider myself a semi food professional. In addition, my family loves cooking at home. I am also a gardener and a restaurant owner. I am surrounded by food all day every day and I know what good food is when I taste it. Monday, my family and I went to the Houston Museum of Natural Science and searched the local foodie pages for good restaurants nearby. That's how we found Little Matt's. It was close, open, came recommended, had good reviews and I really liked the name. Little Matt's is a great name.

I got the bacon cheeseburger. The patty they explained was fresh, made with beef that was hormone free. Wife got the steak quesadilla and they boy got the Mac and cheese. We all shared and every bite of everything was incredibly delicious. We enjoyed every meal, and all commented how yummy it was Of course, I ordered a beer. Then they cashier explained that all beer, wine and margaritas were complimentary. I was a bit confused by that statement and wanted to ask if the owner knew about this but didn't want to press my luck. So, I added a complimentary margarita to my complimentary beer. I thought the owners name was Matt, but it was actually based on a Bible verse: Matthew 5:8 "Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see GOD!" They are not ashamed of their faith. The whole feel of restaurant resonates with words of love, faith, Hope and charity. There are signs all around explaining the motto and purpose of the restaurant. Its purpose is to donate to Texas Children's Hospital. These days when businesses want to make as much money as possible, this restaurant wants to Bless as many children as possible. The manager stopped by to check on us and I remarked how delicious the food was. I refrained from bragging about the free beer. He then told us that yes, they buy the food, pay the staff and the rent. But that everything else that is left over is given to the Children's hospital or donated to Make A Wish Foundation of The Texas Gulf Coast. Posters around the restaurant tell a sad story but based on gratitude and love ❤. It tells why the owners do what they do, and the overall feeling of the place is of faith, family and food. Sorry I didn't get any pictures, but we devoured everything so quickly. In a modern world where you can sometimes see hints of negativity it is so refreshing to see a business that cares so much about others, especially children, that they make it their passion to encourage organ donors and charity. A big heartfelt kudos to Little Matt's on Edloe. You have just earned a lifetime customer and I wish to tell the world about your great food, great service of others and your generosity. (Did I mention free beer?) And I will continue to support you with my dollars and my words. Please keep up the great work and may Our Good Lord continue to bless you, your family, your staff and your business. Please check them out if you are ever...

It is odd sometimes how things just work itself out... I am in Houston sadly not for fun. We are going to MD Anderson for my wife's stage 4 metastatic breast cancer treatment. We did lab this morning and had 2 hours to kill before coming back for our very first treatment. I looked on google maps for a restaurant to stop in. I was looking for a burger place given - we have to eat healthy during the treatment and recovery. "Little Matt's" popped up with 4.7 stars and the photos looked fun.

That is all I knew about this place... I didn't even read the menu at this point. So we grabbed a lyft from the hospital and bam we were there staring at a large menu on the wall. I was greeted by extremely nice people and a fun vibe.

Needless to say the food was great! I ordered a SM burger and my wife went traditional. The fries were cooked perfectly and that really does make a difference when ordering sweet potato fries.

The person taking my order asked, " where are you from?" - it was obvious because I was coated in bags and gear. I answered.. then he keep asking questions like... why are you here? I answered for the hospital... thinking that would create a tension to leave it alone... I was wrong. He followed, oh why? awkwardly I responded, Cancer. At this point his face went sad and I already handed him my payment. I thought he swiped it already and I hated to ruin his day considering my wife is 33 and this is obviously not a typical case. He said, "oh then no worries you came to the right place" - I didn't make any sense of it at that moment. Maybe because I was hungry or just felt bad to tell him.

Once I started to leave I realize I didn't get a banking notification for the transaction (yes... i am that guy)... so I checked... They refused to take my money and the reason why is Little Matt's helps families fighting cancers and we were lead here out of the blue. I appreciate them so much for this wonderful place and if I could leave 10 stars I would. Please keep making people's days and I just wanted to...

I visited Little Matt’s on a Saturday night with my wife and our 19-month-old toddler, curious to see why it was named #1 Kid-Friendly Restaurant in the Nation by Yelp for 2025.

The restaurant’s story is touching. Founded by Bill and Cindy Lillard in memory of their son, Bobby, proceeds benefit Texas Children’s Hospital and other local organizations.

When we arrived, the restaurant was packed with families and kids of all ages. There’s a small outdoor patio with four tables, a back patio with more seating, and inside you order everything at the counter before they bring it to your table. The staff, mostly younger workers, were friendly and playful with my son. Entertainment options are everywhere. There’s a mini arcade room, iPad stations, a candy counter, and a photo booth. If you have young toddlers, they have high chairs available as well.

[KIDS MENU]

+Hamburger for $7.95 – Served with fruit and fries. My son enjoyed it all, and the fruit was grapes. - 5/5

[SALADS]

+Caesar Salad for $11.95 – Very basic, with ranch dressing provided on the side. I would skip this. - 2/5

[BURGERS AND SANDWICHES]

+Little Matt’s Cheeseburger for $11.95 – Cooked medium with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onion on a toasted bun, served with seasoned fries. A decent burger, but not particularly memorable. - 3.5/5

Service was friendly and quick, and the whole place felt like a neighborhood hangout where families spend hours.

Overall, Little Matt’s is about the atmosphere and community more than the food. If you’re local, this is the kind of spot your kids will grow up with and never forget. If you’re coming from further away, it’s worth experiencing once for the family-friendly vibe and cause, but the food for adults...