so cool

Fresh new popsicle and gelato shop chills out in East End with fruity flavors and tantalizing treats

Popston opens this Saturday, July 23.

Photo by Michael Anthony

A new shop provides East End residents with a way to get a little relief from the summer heat. Popston will celebrate its grand opening Saturday, July 23.

Located in The Plant, the development that also includes Cafe Louie and wine bar How to Survive on Land and Sea, Popston serves as the brick and mortar home for native Houstonian Jonathan Delgado's innovative popsicles. The 1,000-square-foot “factory” features a walk-up window with a mural created by Houston artists Joybrush Designs and Dual Streets.

“I’m excited to bring Popston to the Second Ward, specifically The Plant, because I love the community,” Delgado said in a statement. “Everyone has welcomed Popston with open arms and has made me feel like part of the neighborhood from the start.”

Diners will find a range of fruit flavors such as mangonada with tajin, fresh watermelon, mango kiwi, and blueberry mojito as well as seasonal flavors like pistachio and rosewater. Gelato choices include mascarpone with berries, chocolate sea salt, Oreo cookies and cream, and, of course, Shipley’s doughnuts. Prices run between $2.50 and $7 per popsicle.

Delgado got his start selling popsicles from a cart at METRO stops around Houston. Over time, he built a following by serving at White Oak Music Hall, Hermann Park, and the Houston Arboretum. True to its roots, customers who arrive via bicycle, walking, or METRO Rail will receive a 10 percent discount.

“I’ve known Jonathan for a while, and he is beloved by all,” said Jeff Kaplan, managing principal at Concept Neighborhood, the real estate development firm behind The Plant. “His friendly and creative spirit is exactly the kind of voice we wanted to anchor the corner of Harrisburg and Sampson. Jonathan is truly a popsicle artist and is so thoughtful about how he infuses fruits and flavors that are traditional to Mexico and South America.”

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Popston is located at 3401 Harrisburg Blvd. Hours are 11 am to 8 pm Tuesday through Thursday and 11 am to 10 pm Friday through Sunday.

news-you-can-eat ice-cream openings

blinded with science

New York's science-themed holiday bar shakes up the Museum District

Courtesy of Drunken Lab

Conduct holiday-themed science experiments at the LIT-Mas Spectacular.

A taste of Manhattan has made its way to Houston with the immersive LIT-Mas Spectacular holiday pop-up. From now until January 12, Houstonians can discover the hype behind New York City’s The Drunken Lab that's known for its unique blend of science and cocktails.

This pop-up marks the first expansion for The Drunken Lab’s parent company, Science and Sip, a concept created to make science accessible and unforgettable. Attendees can dive into holiday-themed science experiments — including explosive endothermic reactions — while enjoying festive cocktails in a winter wonderland setting enhanced with a live DJ. Appropriately, the pop-up is located in the Museum District at 4715 Main Street.

“Houston was the perfect next step for Science and Sip,” founder Cautney Nelson said in a statement. “The city’s vibrant culture, love of celebration, and ties to science through world-famous programs like NASA aligns beautifully with our mission to blend entertainment with discovery.”

Visitors enter a world filled with larger-than-life gingerbread decor and candy-inspired installations where light bulbs and laboratory flasks have been transformed into quirky beverage containers. Admission includes one cocktail or mocktail, a lab coat and goggles, and two to three science experiments. Add-ons like cocktail-filled ornament “Booze Balls” and Grinch-inspired pouches in festive red and green add an extra dose of holiday charm.

“We’re thrilled to host guests for an immersive holiday experience that merges festive fun with curiosity,” Nelson added. “With each pop-up, we aim to create a space where a great party and exploration come together, and we’re excited to see how Houston embraces The LIT-Mas Spectacular.”

A portion of the proceeds from LIT-Mas will benefit Millennial Scnce, a nonprofit founded by Nelson that provides students with accessible STEM resources and educational opportunities.

Tickets are available for Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with showtimes at 2:30 pm, 6 pm, and 9 pm. Private party and group bookings are also available.

Courtesy of Drunken Lab

Conduct holiday-themed science experiments at the LIT-Mas Spectacular.

cocktails holidays museum district nightlife