Celebrate Summer
Where to eat right now: Ten must-tries for June
Down House's PBLT: That's pork belly, lettuce and tomato. Yowzah!Photo by Ruthie Johnson Miller
A rollin' taco (with pulled pork and truffle fries) from the Rolling Hunger foodtruckPhoto by Ruthie Johnson Miller
Pondicheri makes a great breakfast. Try these fabulous masala eggs.Photo by Ruthie Johnson Miller
The fantastic fried green tomato taco at the new Greatfull Taco on ShepherdPhoto by Ruthie Johnson Miller
The shrimp po' boy at BB's makes a nice lunch at any time of year.Photo by Ruthie Johnson Miller
Houston is scorchin' these days, but don't let that keep you home. Here are 10 smokin' hot places to try in June. Some are new restaurants entirely, while others are seasoned venues with new offerings, but all are well worth a visit.
Greatfull Taco
We hope this Shepherd storefront can finally find success now that Greatfull Taco has taken up residence. The new fast-casual spot offers dozens of taco options — from the traditional (pulled pork or fajita) to the more creative (fried green tomato or battered shrimp). Not only is the food appealing, but the beer list is long (and reasonably priced!) and the patio beckons.
Down House
Named for Darwin’s home near London, this new Heights locale is where industrial meets charm: Industrial is the service, which is both fast and friendly — and charming is the food and atmosphere, both of which will blow you away. Our favorite meal here is breakfast, but lunchtime’s grilled gouda, chevre, and tomato sandwich is pretty fantastic, too.
Alto Pizzeria
Quality pizza is at a premium in Houston, so this latest jewelin Robert del Grande’s empire has stepped in at just the right time. Located in the ritzy West Ave center, Alto Pizzeria boasts thin pizzas in a space that’s nicely casual. We like the pie with bacon, figs, and arugula — but we love the reverse happy hour: Pizza by the slice and $2-$3 beers, Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10 p.m. to close.
Anvil Bar and Refuge
Summertime calls for a good cocktail — and Anvil’s the place. By now you know of Bobby Heugel’s prowess with a shaker, but lately this throwback bar has invited Catalan veteran Chris Shepherd (soon to open Underbelly) to chef it up. A recent gumbo night earned high marks, as did the green chile and braised pork nachos. Follow Anvil or Shepherd on Twitter for these special menu announcements.
The Rolling Hunger
The Rolling Hunger is perhaps Houston’s most diverse food truck, offering a culinary fusion of Mexican, Korean, and Vietnamese cuisines. The loaded nachos, for example, combine a typically Tex-Mexican food with Korean barbecue’d beef. They’ve got fused quesadillas and egg rolls, too, plus tacos filled with truffle fries and pork. Follow them on Twitter for a daily location.
BB’s Cajun Café
A new BB’s Cajun Café now sits in the same spot on White Oak at Studewood that used to house the run-down 6th Street Bar and Grill. The space is much less dingy and much more welcoming, complete with friendly servers and a comfy bar. As always, we love the fried shrimp po’ boy, which arrives dressed on a fresh, soft French roll.
Heights Ashbury
The name is a play on the hippie-dippie Haight Ashbury in San Francisco, and the atmosphere at this new coffee shop reflects that make-love-not-war feel: yellow and orange walls studded with colorful art. The coffees are decidedly nice, and the smoothies are all natural. Food is a moving target, though. Their partnership with Radical Eats fell through, so now they’re working up a kitchen of their own.
Pondicheri
If you haven’t been to this new fast-casual café in West Ave, make this your month to go. Pondicheri has worked out most of its early kinks to become one of the city’s most interesting restaurants. No matter which meal you choose (they’re open breakfast, lunch, and dinner), the thali sampler plates are a lovely way to try a several of the creatively delicious dishes.
Buffalo Grille
This Houston mainstay recently gave up its original location on Buffalo Speedway to move to a new home in West University. Longtime fans should be happy to see that not much has changed on the menu — and that the space is just as breezy and welcoming as before. While lunch options are alright here, the real pull is the traditional breakfasts: pancakes, migas, oatmeal, and French toast.
Anywhere you can get a snow cone
It’s undeniably hot out there. But rather than waste your entire summer indoors, try some inner coolant in the form of a snow cone, raspa, or shaved ice. Our favorites around town are Yeti Sunshine, Mam’s House of Ice, and Tampico… but there are dozens more across Chinatown, Telephone Road, and the East End. Find your own favorite and report back!
Need more recs? Try our lists from previous months:
