This city that many expect to only be about square dancing, fattening-hardy meals, and knowing all about space exploration is, in many ways, not this at all. Except maybe the food part. And, of course, it is the capital of space exploration. However, the city has so much culture and cuisine to offer beyond imagination. Breakfasting in Houston is a major to do. Some of the best spots to try are Common Bond for pain au chocolat, River Oaks Donuts for maple donuts with bacon and jalapeño, and Sweet Paris Crêperie for savory or sweet crepes. Barbecue is a big category with plenty of heat in Houston. Stop by one of these places to see what their 'cue game is all about: Truth BBQ, Feges BBQ Spring Branch, and The Pit Room. Of course you have to try some iconic Tex-Mex while in Houston. Some of our top picks for this are Escalante’s, Valencia’s Tex-Mex Garage, and Irma’s Original.
explore houston 
At the Table
Perfecting Pizza Night with Vinny’s
Houston-based pizzeria Vinny's shares four tricks to enhance your next weekend pizza night, plus movie pairings for each slice suggested by owner Vincent Huynh.
In the Field
Houston Chef Chris Williams Carries on Tradition this Juneteenth
Chris shares with us Juneteenth memories and passes on a recipe to celebrate the holiday.
Other
Alba Huerta is Houston’s First Lady of Cocktails
Learn cocktail secrets from the intoxicating Alba Huerta, owner of Julep. Read her book full of delicious cocktails and tips to step up your bar game.
At the Table
The History of Fajitas
The story of fajitas is the story of María Ninfa Rodríguez Laurenzo—better known as Mama Ninfa.
On the Road
New Texas Restaurants on our List
In the Local Palate’s 2022 Restaurants Issue, Austin resident and contributor Veronica Meewes gives an overview of the new Texas restaurants.
houston recipes
nearby destinations
On the Road
Austin
"Keep Austin weird," they say. And while it is delicious, savory, modern, and unique, we love that it's also a little weird.
On the Road
Dallas
Dallas is known for its skylines, shopping centers, and delicious restaurants, which turn out some of the best Tex-Mex food you can hope for.
On the Road
New Orleans
From Bourbon Street to Bánh Mì, there’s a lot to love about the Crescent City.
