take it slow

Locally loved coffee shop brews up fifth outpost at bustling west Houston hub

A growing locally owned coffee shop and cafe will bring its fifth Houston-area location to west Houston. Slowpokes will debut in the spring at On The Trails, a 24-acre mixed-use development from McNair Interests.

Photo by Becca Wright

Slowpokes is open for breakfast daily.

The new Slowpokes will be part of an apartment building that’s currently under construction next to a Remy On The Trails, a midrise development. All told, the cafe will serve as an amenity for 550 combined units.

First opened in Garden Oaks in 2016 by owner Mazen Baltagi — a Houstonian hospitality veteran who’s a partner in establishments such as Christian’s Tailgate and the Warwick — Slowpokes has grown to locations in Upper Kirby, Spring Branch, and West University.

“There is an element of discovery with this site that intrigued us,” Baltagi said in a statement. “McNair Interests has created a beautiful environment that perfectly aligns with our mission of creating unique spaces for customers to chill out and slow down. They have also been integral in helping to achieve a wonderful sense of place with many thoughtful touches that will benefit both residents and visitors.”

Slowpokes has developed a devoted following thanks to its combination of coffee, beer, and wine that are paired with a diverse food menu built around sandwiches, flatbread pizzas, and breakfast items. Those three beverages are represented by three mascots: a turtle named Mash (beer), a snail named Tasker Alexander (wine), and a sloth named Patches (coffee).

Diners will find baked good from local suppliers including Cake and Bacon, Michael’s Cookie Jar, Sinfull Bakery, Kraftsmen Baking, and Slow Dough Bread Co. Pair them with coffee, wines by-the-glass or bottle, loose leaf teas, kombucha, or locally brewed craft beer.

Designed by local firm MaRS, the interior will feature tile walls, polished concrete floors. And a steel planter divider. To better serve residents, it will supplement its familiar menu with market items such as toiletries and retail wines. The cafe will seat 40 inside with room for 30 on a covered patio.

Located on Deerwood Road at 400 West Sam Houston Parkway South, On The Trails is a residential development that features a three-acre lake, a fitness center, and communal workspaces. A location near Terry Hershey Park and Buffalo Bayou means its near hike and bike trails.

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tales from the pits

Skip the line at hot Heights barbecue joint via VIP 'experience'

Terry Black's Barbecue/ Facebook

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Houstonians have embraced Terry Black’s Barbecue. Since the Michelin-recommended, Austin-based barbecue joint opened its Houston location in August, fans have been lining up for its signature Central Texas-style smoked meats.

Now, the restaurant is giving customers an opportunity to get an up close look at its operations — and skip the line — for a price.

Called the Terry Black’s Experience, the offering is a one-hour tour that begins with a behind the scenes tour of the restaurant’s smokehouse, which is powered by six, 1,000-gallon, offset smokers. Participants will then dine on a full spread of meats, sides, desserts, and drinks at a reserved table. Priced at $150 per person, the reservation-only experience is available to book via OpenTable.

“For the Terry Black’s Experience, we wanted to create something that feels authentic to our roots and provide guests an opportunity to go beyond the main dining room and see firsthand the craftsmanship, care, flavor, and consistency that goes into our barbecue,” general manager Jon Ramirez said in a statement. “Whether it’s a date night, a group outing, or a chance to show out-of-town visitors what Texas barbecue is all about, we’re excited to give people a memorable experience that brings them closer to what makes Terry Black’s special.”

Those who splurge on the Terry Black’s Experience will dine on a generous spread of Terry Black’s full offerings, including beef brisket, “dino” beef ribs, pork ribs, turkey, house-made sausages, and chopped beef — all of which are cut order, naturally. They’re paired with sides, including macaroni and cheese, green beans, cream corn, pinto beans, potato salad, coleslaw, Mexican rice, and cornbread muffins. Diners also get their choice of dessert and drinks, including wine, beer, and the signature black frozen margarita.

Touted by Texas Monthly as “the most impressive barbecue chain in Texas,” siblings Christina, Mike, and Mark Black founded Terry Black’s in Austin in 2014. Since then, the company has grown to seven locations statewide, with a San Antonio restaurant expected to open before the end of 2026.

The Houston location will eventually include a boutique hotel, steakhouse, and bathhouse, Mike Black told CultureMap. Details about those plans will be shared at a later time.

Courtesy of Terry Black's Barbecue

Go behind the scenes of Terry Black's with a VIP experience.

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