a sweet thanksgiving

21 Houston restaurants sweetening up Thanksgiving with tasty desserts to go

Whether you’re looking for a traditional pumpkin pie, dozens of cookies, fall-spiced cake, or a moist tres leches, these restaurants and bakeries have your Thanksgiving desserts covered. To make your meal planning easier, reserve your sweets now.

Backstreet Café
To complete your Thanksgiving dinner, order one of this River Oaks favorite’s nine-inch pies or eggnog cheesecake with cranberry jam for $30. Select from pecan, chocolate pecan, and pumpkin with meringue topping. You can also order apple or pear and honey crisp for $38. Order online by November 14 and select a pick-up time between Monday, November 19 and Wednesday, November 21 between 11 am-9 pm. You can email jesus@backstreetcafe.net, or call 713-521-2239 for more details. 1103 S. Shepherd Dr.; 713-521-2239

Benevento Bake Shop
The options for dessert are plentiful at this Houston baking caterer. Elegant spiced apple, bourbon pecan or pumpkin pies are available for $36. Get fancy with macarons for $36 per dozen. Fudgy brownies are $36 a dozen. Triple-layer cakes in seasonal flavors are $72. To order email hello@beneventobakeshop.com or call 713-253-3071.

Caracol
The dessert options here blend traditional Thanksgiving flavors with nods to chef Hugo Ortega’s native Mexico. Pumpkin and cajeta pie or tomatillo marmalade cheesecake are $30 each. Tres leches; Trenza Española, an almond and raisin Spanish pastry; Mexican bread pudding; and Flan de Coco are $45. Orders must be placed by Wednesday, November14 and guests will select a pick-up time between Monday, November 19 and Wednesday, November 21 between 11 am and 9 pm. Fill out the order form online and email it to antonio@caracol.net. 2200 Post Oak Blvd.; 713-622-9996

Crave
Find something for every taste at the popular cupcake spot. Choose from the not-so-traditional pecan pie cupcake, a vanilla bean cupcake filled with pecan pie topped with maple buttercream frosting and garnished with maple glazed pecans. There’s also a selection seasonal flavors such as Cranberry Orange and Pumpkin. 1151 Uptown Park Blvd., 5600 Kirby, 2501 Research Forest Dr.; 713-622-7283

Dandelion Cafe
Owner Sarah Lieberman and chef J.C. Ricks are offering diners a choice of scratch-made apple ($26) or Texas pecan ($28) pies. Pick up at the cafe on November 20 (7 am - 6 pm) or November 21 (7 am - 3 pm). Call call the restaurant at 832-988-9210 or stop by to order. 5405 Bellaire Boulevard

Fluff Bake Bar
Let Rebecca Masson, Houston’s beloved “sugar hooker” handle the sweet ending for your Thanksgiving dinner. Half a dozen different pies are available, including pecan ($28), Dutch apple ($28), chocolate cream ($30) or mountain rose apple ($45). The bakery’s favorite whoopie pies get a pumpkin makeover for Thanksgiving and are $3.50 each. Order online or call 713-522-1900. 314 West Gray St.

Frank’s Americana Revival
The desserts here are $60 each and serve between 12 and 15 people. Choose from cranberry-walnut bread pudding or apple crumble with oatmeal-brown sugar-cinnamon topping. Place orders by 9 pm on November 13 for pickup on November 21 or 22. Order online or call 713-752-8600. Want to email instead? The address is turkey@frankshouston.com. 3736 Westheimer Rd.; 713- 572-8600

Goode Co. Barbecue
All Goode Co. Barbecue locations are offering the outlet’s signature Brazos Bottom Pecan Pie, as well as Goode Co. chocolate pies to add to your Thanksgiving table. No pre-ordering is necessary. You can pick up the tasty treats at any of the four restaurants’ drive-throughs, open between 8 am-5 pm on November 20 and 21. 5109 Kirby Dr.; 713-522-2530, 8911 Katy Fwy.;713-464-1901, 20102 Northwest Fwy.; 832-678-3562, 8865 Six Pines Dr. The Woodlands; 281-947-9120

Harold’s Restaurant and Tap Room
Choose a bourbon chocolate pecan pie or a sweet potato pie for $30 each. Place your order here or call by November 17. You can pick up dessert on November 20 or 21 before 4 pm. 350 W. 19th St.; 713-360-6204

Hungry’s Café
Both locations have dessert selections to finish your Thanksgiving meal. Choose from apple, pecan, or pumpkin pie for $20 each. Need something else? The restaurant's full holiday catering menu is available online. 2356 Rice Blvd.;713-523-8652, 14714 Memorial Dr.; 281-493-1520

JodyCakes
Let baker Jody Stevens put her signature spin on your Thanksgiving desserts. Pumpkin, cardamom spice, Italian cream, or triple chocolate chocolate cakes are available in six-inch ($45, feeds up to six people), eight-inch ($55, feeds eight to 10 people), or 10-inch ($75, feeds up to 30 people) variations. You can also select any of the cakes as cupcakes for $36 per dozen. If you need them gluten-free or vegan, ask. Orders must be placed by November 17, with pick up on November 21. Delivery is available for an extra fee. Order online or call 832-722-4123 for more details.

Jonathan’s the Rub
Five different desserts that each feed between eight and 12 people are available. Choose from chocolate cream pie, Nutella cheesecake, Snickers pie, pecan pie, or tres leches for $40 each. Order by November 15 for pick up on November 22 between 10 am-3 pm. Email orders to jonathansthanksgiving@gmail.com. 9061 Gaylord Dr.; 713-465-8200

Junior League
Select a pumpkin ($12) or pecan ($15) pie as the finale to your feast. You can place your order online and all orders must be picked up on Wednesday, November 21 between 10 am-1 pm. 1811 Briar Oaks; 713-622-4191

Kenny & Ziggy’s New York Delicatessen
Pies, pastries, cheesecake, and other tempting delights are available from the Galleria-area favrotie. Coconut cream, banana cream, chocolate cream, Mile High Apple, and pecan pies are $42 each. An eight-inch cheesecake is $55 and you can add strawberries or blueberries for an extra $16. Chocolate Bobka Bread Pudding is $55 for a small and $80 for a large. Chocolate, raspberry, or assorted rugglach is $15 per dozen. Assorted bakery cookies are $17.95 per pound (make sure you get some rainbow ones). Can’t make a choice? Order up the fancy dessert platter ($55 for a small, $80 for a large). Orders should be placed by November 15. View the entire menu online. 2327 Post Oak; 713-871-8883

Luby’s
All locations are offering some Texas favorites for dessert. The pumpkin, apple, cherry, buttermilk chess, sweet potato, or chocolate ice box pie serve between six and eight people and are $15.99 each. The pecan pie is $19.99. Want a cake, instead? Carrot, German chocolate, or cheesecake will serve between eight and 10 people, and are $29.99 each. Orders must be placed 48 hours in advance. Call 877-GO-LUBYS and select 3 from the prompts to coordinate orders, locations and pick-up times.

Morningstar
The Heights-area coffee shop is offering four pies — bourbon and salted caramel, chocolate, apple, or pumpkin — as well as a pumpkin roll for $30 each. Gluten-free crusts are available for an additional charge. Order by November 20 for pickup November 21. Email morningstarhoucater@gmail.com to place an order. 4721 N Main Street; 832-806-1115

Ooh La La
The popular dessert boutique has pies galore for your Thanksgiving table. Select from pumpkin, pecan, apple (also available sugar free), blueberry cobbler, lemon meringue, or key lime for $22.50 each. Bourbon bread pudding pie, chocolate pecan, chocolate and coconut cream are available for $32.95 each. Want to mix it up a bit? Each of those are also available by the slice, with the fruit options priced at $4.50 and the others available for $5.50. Be sure to place your order at least 48 hours in advance. 770 West Sam Houston Parkway N.; 713-465-6338, 23920 Westheimer Pkwy., Katy; 281-391-2253, 20155 Park Row, Katy; 281-492-6166

SusieCakes
Looking for a traditional pie for the end of your Thanksgiving meal? SusieCakes offer six-inch and nine-inch versions of pumpkin, apple crumble, and pecan. If you’re looking for something in more individual servings, check out the pumpkin cupcakes with cream cheese frosting. Thanksgiving frosted sugar cookies are available in a turkey or pumpkin pie slice shape and you can order them individually or as a party platter with 18 cookies. There’s also a cranberry-orange cake, a three-layer cake filled and frosted with fresh orange buttercream. Pre-orders are a must and are accepted through November 18 for pick-up on Wednesday, November 21. 2563 Amherst St.; 713-521-2253

Tony’s
Houston’s premier Italian restaurant has selections such as whole carrot cakes, double chocolate cake, Mile-High Limoncello pie, cannoli, and biscotti for your Thanksgiving finale. Call for individual pricing. Orders must be placed by Friday, November 15 for pick up on Wednesday, November 21 after noon. 3755 Richmond Ave.; 713-622-6778

Underbelly Hospitality
Dessert options include nine-inch pecan ($22), vinegar ($30) and pumpkin brownie-bottom pies ($32), as well as the one-and-a-half pound Georgia James apple pie ($24). Order by 9 pm on Sunday, November 19, and pick up on Wednesday, November 21 between 3-5 pm at Hay Merchant, 1100 Westheimer Rd. Need more details? Get them via the Underbelly Hospitality website. 1100 Westheimer Rd.

Whiskey Cake
The popular spot is offering a take-home version of the signature dessert that gives the restaurant its name. Whiskey Cake is made with bourbon anglaise, toffee sauce, spiced pecans, and whipped cream. The 9-inch by 11-inch cakes are $55 each. Orders must be placed 48 hours prior to pickup by calling the restaurant. 23139 Grand Circle Blvd.; 832-430-2253, 18840 Gulf Fwy.; 832-558-2253

Goode Co.'s signature Brazos Botton Pecan Pie.

GoodeCompany.com

Goode Co.'s signature Brazos Botton Pecan Pie.

desserts holidays

Where to drink now

CultureMap's 11 favorite new bars that shook up Houston in 2025

Photo by Julie Soefer

Eclectic vintage finds populate the walk-up bar at Augustine Lounge in Hotel Saint Augustine.

This was a standout year for new bars in Houston, with elevated cocktail lounges opening alongside neighborhood hangouts. Whether you’re after a cold beer while watching the Texans on a Heights patio or a tiny martini inside an emerald-green, celestial-inspired hideaway near the Galleria, these 11 openings defined Houston’s bar scene in 2025.

Augustine Lounge
Hotel Saint Augustine has been racking up awards since it opened — receiving a Michelin Key and best new hotel honors from both Esquire and Travel + Leisure. Its bar, Augustine Lounge, matches that acclaim with a focused drinks program featuring highlights like the Coyote Call, a mix of mezcal, port, and Blackstrap rum accented with raspberry, lime, and nutmeg. The food menu leans elevated but unfussy, with offerings such as a charcuterie board with duck prosciutto and a wagyu hot dog tucked into a brioche bun. It also hosts vinyl nights featuring DJ sets from high profile Houstonians. Augustine Lounge is located at 4110 Loretto Drive and open daily from 11 am-12 am.

Bar Doko
Created by Duckstache Hospitality experts (Kokoro, Handies Douzo, Himari, and Aiko) as a companion to its sushi restaurant Doko, Bar Doko has an intimate, 16-seat atmosphere and an extensive selection of Japanese whisky. Small bites shine here, including a masu crudo topped with smoked trout roe and a Jidori egg salad toast. Beverage options range from highballs, martinis, sake, beer, and wine to inventive cocktails like the “Sora” Sky, made with sesame-infused tequila, Maven cold brew, toasted barley, coffee liqueur, and vanilla miso foam. Bar Doko is located at 3737 Cogdell Street, Suite 135, and is open daily from 4 pm-2 am.

Bar Madonna
One doesn’t need a room at the Marlene Inn — a grand neoclassical home turned nine-room hotel — to enjoy this elegant watering hole. Bar Madonna takes its name from a striking, 10-foot painting of the Virgin Mary, relocated from an 18th-century Italian church. Leading the beverage program is Tom Hardy, formerly of Hotel Saint Augustine, whose menu balances Old World influence with New Orleans flair.

This is a seated-only bar, offering 12 interior seats plus additional patio seating, and while reservations aren’t required, they’re often helpful. Signature libations include the Wild Ouest, a tequila-forward blend with poblano, lime, and mezcal inspired by “cowboy boots down the Champs-Élysées.” Bar Madonna is open Monday-Thursday from 3-10 pm, Friday from 3-11 pm, Saturday from 12-11 pm, and Sunday from 12-10 pm.

Berwick’s Bird of Paradise
A tropical escape awaits at Berwick’s Bird of Paradise, created by veteran bartender Robin Berwick of Midtown's beloved Double Trouble. The space was fully renovated to invoke a resort bar attached to an imaginary hotel, complete with playful design touches and a mythical “owner” depicted on the wall. Tropical drinks anchor the menu — think spicy, frozen tequila riffs and a coconut-infused Crocodile Tears Martini — alongside a selection of bar bites like smash burgers, chicken wings, and a Bikini sandwich. Known colloquially as "Be Bop," the bar has quickly attracted locals, industry regulars, and neighbors. Open Tuesday-Thursday from 4 pm-12 am, Friday-Saturday from 3 pm-1 am, and Sunday from 2 pm-10 pm, Berwick’s Bird of Paradise is at 2020 Studewood Street.

Donna’s
The newest cocktail destination on this list, Donna’s quickly built a following after opening Thanksgiving weekend in the former Ready Room space. Named after the grandmother of co-founder Jacki Schromm, the bar is a collaboration between the veteran bartender and Anvil owner Bobby Heugel. Together, the duo aims to create a house-party atmosphere, with energetic weekends balanced by more laid-back weeknights. A vintage stereo system — complete with a reel-to-reel and a turntable — sets the soundtrack, loud enough to entertain but low enough for conversations. The Jacki’s Martini, a 50-50 mix of gin with Cocchi Americano and Dolin Blanc vermouth, nods to both the “Bobby’s Martini” at Refuge and Squable’s “Terry’s Martini.” Donna's is open daily from 2 pm-2 am at 2626 White Oak Drive.

Endless Bummer
Walk the line between Houston and hell at Endless Bummer, the tiki bar next to Beteleguese Beteleguese’s Montrose location. Skeletons, imps, and tiki idols fill the 50-seat space, turning Endless Bummer into an immersive experience displaying works by local artists. The cocktail menu reimagines tropical standards like daiquiris, mai tais, and punches, while originals include the Banana Hammock — a banana-coffee vodka drink — and the Bitter Bird, made with Jamaican rum, Campari, pineapple, yuzu, and strawberry. Located at 4500 Montrose Boulevard, Endless Bummer is open Wednesday-Sunday, from 5 pm-12 am.

Good God, Nadine’s
Designed to feel like the home of “everyone’s favorite eccentric aunt,” Good God, Nadine’s delivers a warm, casual atmosphere paired with playful, comfort-forward drinks. The Washington Corridor bar offers 17 beers and wines on tap, along with cocktails like the Mango Sticky Rice, made with vodka, coconut milk, mango, and pandan. Food options range from po' boys to cast-iron cornbread and oysters on the half shell. Patrons can choose between three distinct areas: an indoor bar, an air-conditioned patio, and a garden patio. Good God, Nadine’s sits at 33 Waugh Drive, and is open Tuesday-Saturday from 4 pm-12 am, and Sunday from 12 pm-8 pm.

The Kid
With a comfortable bartop, moody-but-visible lighting, and ample seating — The Kid nails the feel of a classic neighborhood hang. Inside, charming baby goat figurines — aka “kids” — peek out from behind chicken wire room dividers, while an astroturfed patio outside offers a prime spot to catch a game. From the team behind Flying Fish, Flying Saucer, and Rodeo Goat, the bar continues the group’s tradition of approachable comfort food, including burgers and loaded tater tots. Drink options include the La Fresita, a refreshing creation of tequila, strawberry, peach, lemon, and prosecco. Happy hour is weekdays from 4 pm-7 pm, with $8 cocktails and wines, plus an all-day happy hour on Tuesdays. Located at 1815 N. Durham Drive, The Kid is open Monday-Thursday, 4 pm-12 am, and Friday and Saturday, 4 pm-2 am.

Photo by Julie Soefer

Eclectic vintage finds populate the walk-up bar at Augustine Lounge in Hotel Saint Augustine.

Moon
Perched above Tavola, Moon is an elegant cocktail lounge inspired by the cosmos. A joint concept from the Bastion Collection — the hospitality group behind Michelin-starred Le Jardinier at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston — and Cafe Natalie, Moon’s food options range from a black truffle croque monsieur to the Dark Side of the Moon, a chocolate moelleux with hazelnut crunch. House cocktails like the Nightfall, featuring spiced WhistlePig rye, dark rum, Oloroso sherry, and cherry, sit alongside classics such as French 75s, wines, mocktails, tiny martinis, and shots. For those craving something off-menu, head bartender Joao Diniz is known for crafting bespoke drinks on request. Moon is located at 1800 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 6110, and is open Tuesday-Thursday from 5 pm-12 am, and Friday and Saturday from 5 pm-2 am.

Starduster Lounge
There’s something both nostalgic and timeless about Starduster Lounge, a Heights neighborhood bar that puts a subtle cosmic spin on West Texas style. Will Thomas, co-founder of White Oak Music Hall and owner of Dan Electro’s, teamed up with Benjy Mason of Johnny’s Gold Brick and Winnie’s to transform the nearly 100-year-old building into a charming destination with a rustic yet refined interior of leather, vintage tile, and wood, and a spacious, tree-shaded backyard. The menu is constantly evolving, but standout drinks include the Pecan or Pecan?, with rye, bourbon, and Licor 43. Steak night is on Thursdays, with other food offerings announced via the bar’s Instagram. Happy hour is Monday-Friday, 4 pm-6 pm, with half-off cocktails. Starduster Lounge is located at 3921 N. Main and is open Monday-Friday from 4 pm-2 am, and Saturday and Sunday from 2 pm-2 am.

CultureMap editor Eric Sandler's Honorable Mention: Montrose Grocer
Building on her experience as the owner of Avondale Food & Wine and Heights Grocer, Houston entrepreneur Mary Clarkson opened this wine shop next to Catbirds. What distinguishes it from Heights Grocer is that MG also has a carefully-chosen selection of wines by-the-glass and bottle available for drinking on-site. Paired with snacks in the form of sandwiches and charcuterie boards and enhanced by a soundtrack of 4,000 records, Montrose Grocer has become a popular spot with hospitality workers and wine lovers who appreciate its low key atmosphere and affordable prices. (Full disclosure: Clarkson and Sandler are friends. She is a regular contributor to CultureMap's "What's Eric Eating" podcast.)

cocktails wine where to drink nightlife