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A long-loved Houston institution, The Original Marini’s Empanada House delivers warmth, charm, and old-world comfort with every crispy, freshly fried empanada. The interior glows with nostalgic character, and the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming—plus, the owners’ friendly cats occasionally roam outside, adding even more personality to this neighborhood gem. With an extensive menu spanning savory classics, creative fillings, and sweet dessert blends, there’s truly an empana

Amorino brings a touch of European indulgence to Highland Village, offering artisanal gelato and sorbet crafted with premium ingredients—many imported from around the world. The shop is warm, polished, and often buzzing with people, especially on festive evenings when the surrounding plaza glows with lights and activity. Known for their signature gelato “flower” cones, vibrant sorbets, rich chocolate flavors, and elegant pastries, Amorino is a favorite local stop for anyone c

FIX Coffeebar is a warm, intimate neighborhood café tucked into Montrose—full of wood textures, glowing bulb lights, and the soft hum of students and creatives typing away. Though compact, the space is thoughtfully arranged, with plenty of usable seating and a rotating menu of inventive, house-crafted lattes. FIX thrives on creativity, releasing seasonal flavors and even celebratory drinks like their birthday cake latte (only available in July). If you’re looking for a cozy,

Mazajj Organic Coffee brings a refreshing global warmth to the Galleria/Uptown area, offering an inviting space filled with natural light, stylish décor, and some of the city’s most lovingly crafted chai. With a freshly opened storefront closer to Houston’s inner loop than their Katy location, this café has already become a neighborhood favorite for anyone seeking a cozy, cultural, and aromatic coffeehouse experience. The atmosphere blends modern elegance with international c

Arnaldo Richard’s Picos has long been a recognizable name in Houston’s Mexican and Tex-Mex dining scene, especially in the bustling Upper Kirby neighborhood. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, expansive menu, and decades-long presence in the community, Picos draws crowds throughout the week. But even longstanding favorites can have off days—and this visit, unfortunately, leaned that way. Between slow service, missing items, and dishes that didn’t quite shine, the dining experi

Craving authentic Chinese food in Houston’s Galleria? Dumplings & Noodles by Cooking Girl is a lively destination for noodle lovers and dumpling fans. This modern eatery, part of the beloved Cooking Girl chain, serves up steaming bowls of noodles, flavorful dumplings, and budget-friendly lunch specials that include free veggie egg rolls and hot and sour soup. From savory beef and broccoli to spicy pepper dishes, the menu caters to all palates. Located in the heart of Galleria

When Houston heat hits hard, Refresqueria at Rice Village offers the ultimate cool-down with bold, fruity flavor and fun Mexican treats. This vibrant corner shop is bursting with color, candy, and character—perfect for a laid-back summer hangout. Craving something sweet or salty? They’ve got you. From over-the-top mangonadas loaded with chamoy and gummies to savory favorites like corn in a cup, nachos, and pickles, Refresqueria delivers on both ends. The friendly vibes, arcad

Step into the sugary charm of Milk Mustache, a whimsical cookie shop tucked into Fountain View in the Galleria/Uptown area. This isn’t your average dessert spot—it’s a full sensory experience. As soon as you walk in, you’re wrapped in the warm aroma of buttery dough and nostalgic sweetness. With its colorful, cozy atmosphere and standout service, Milk Mustache is a must-visit for any dessert lover in Houston. Their cookies are a true craft—crispy on the edges, gooey in the mi

Category: Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Location: Upper Kirby, Houston, TX [TEMPORARILY CLOSED] - Visit Heights Location in the meantime. A long-loved Texas favorite, Amy’s Ice Creams has always been known for quirky culture and creative mix-ins—but this Upper Kirby visit reflects a shift that regulars are beginning to notice. With growing competition from newer, more artisanal ice cream shops in the area, this classic spot is struggling to keep its scoops consistent. What to

[PERMANENTLY CLOSED - Store No Longer Operating] La Argentina Gelato & Coffee is a small, tucked-away spot offering South American–style gelato and baked treats. While its reputation has generated quite a bit of buzz, this particular visit left room for improvement. Hidden in a low-traffic corner and offering only a handful of flavors, the experience felt more subdued than the hype suggested. Customer service presented some communication challenges, making it difficult to as

[PERMANENTLY CLOSED - Store No Longer Operating] Lamppost Coffee brings soft minimalism, clean design, and a warm welcome to the Austin café scene. The shop’s airy simplicity pairs perfectly with its creative drink menu, offering both classic espresso staples and unique specialty lattes you won’t find in every coffeehouse. Friendly baristas and a flexible approach to customization make it an easy stop for anyone who knows exactly how they like their drink crafted. With a so

Slim Chickens is one of those spots you see scattered across Houston—often enticing enough to spark curiosity and high expectations. This Pearland visit, however, delivered a mixed experience: a few standout bites, a few letdowns, and a whole lot of room for improvement. While the concept is promising and the menu broad, not everything hit the mark this time around. The fried mushrooms were the star of the meal—crispy, warm, and full of satisfying texture. Unfortunately, the