Six Small Food Spaces Offering Up Big Flavors in Houston
Come see what big things these small spots are baking up.
Isn’t it exciting to discover a neighborhood gem? Sometimes it’s a little harder to find a table but it’s always worth the effort to seek them out for unique flavors and friendly atmosphere. Family owned, with recipes made from scratch straight from their hearts. Small family owned restaurants and shops can use your support always but now more than ever - show them some love - we know you'll love their food!
Red Dessert Dive
When Jessica Lusk found a building on Studemont that seemed like it needed to become a bakery, she decided to make her dreams a reality. Three and half years later, Red Dessert Dive is a fun and cozy spot to indulge your sweet tooth with treats baked fresh daily from recipes devised by Lusk and chef Ashley Leonard. Top selections include bread pudding topped with house-made bourbon caramel sauce; chewy salted Valrhona chocolate chunk cookies sprinkled with fleur de sel; and Debuskers: a brownie/ cookie combo that Lusk asked her (then) 6-year-old cousin to name. It doesn’t really mean anything, but it’s fun and sweet, and just the right thing for indulging your inner child.
Located in The Heights: 1045 Studewood, Houston, Texas 77008
Kolache Shoppe
It was the dough that did it for Randy Hines. In 2014, Hines purchased Kolache Shoppe from longtime owner Erwin Ahrens, on the condition that the dough recipe came with the shop. Now, Hines finds himself babysitting dough every day, watching and waiting until it has risen the perfect amount before baking it. It’s a process he refuses to rush. Kolache Shoppe offers a mix of traditional Czech sweet kolaches as well as Texan savory favorites filled with sausage. Try the Kiolbassa, cheese and jalapeño kolache made with authentic Polish-style sausage from Kiolbassa Smoked Meats in San Antonio to start the morning off with a kick.
With two locations!
The Heights: 1031 Heights Blvd., Houston, Texas 77008
Richmond: 3945 Richmond Ave., Houston, Texas 77027
Joy Love Burgers
At Joy Love, no part of the burger is an afterthought. The whole burger is balanced and fresh, but the made-from-scratch buns make them stand out. Chefs at Joy Love use the recipe devised by the original owner, Joon Jeon—they don’t skimp on the milk and eggs, so the buns they make in house every day are puffy and lightly crispy on the outside. The buns hold their own against the variety of flavors they are destined to hold. New owners Casey and Alice Kang offer six burgers, like the Crazy Burger, which has a double beef patty, grilled onions and house-made Thousand Island dressing. It’s a burger large enough to split, but you won’t want to!
Order online for pick-up
Katy Location: 1801 N Mason Rd, Katy, TX 77449
Marini’s Empanada House
The Marinis have been making empanadas for Houstonians since 1969, so they’ve had time to play with lots of flavors. Based on a traditional Argentinian dish often served on special occasions, Marini’s offers dozens of fillings from classic meats to exciting desserts made of fruits and chocolate—fortunately, they’re small enough to try a few! Don’t miss the Chicken a la Queen empanada, and be generous with the chimichurri sauce—Marcello Marini’s own recipe made with parsley, basil and garlic. Follow with an Evita Peron for dessert, filled with dulce de leche, sweet potato and walnuts. And remember that you can always order to go, bringing home a box of empanadas to feed your loved ones at your next special occasion.
In the Westchase District (just off Sam Houston Tollway): 10001 Westheimer # 2570, Houston, Texas 77042
Tuttopane
For the Venezuelan community in Houston, Tuttopane is a taste of home. For the rest of Houston, it’s an authentic introduction to Venezuelan culture. After serving creative Venezuelan fare around Houston for two years from his food cart, Joel Eliaz purchased Tuttopane in 2017 and focused his offerings on traditional dishes. The menu highlights arepas, savory corn cakes that can be served alone or stuffed with fillings like a sandwich, and the chefs prepare them just like they would at home, shaping them by hand every day. A traditional offering is the Reina Pepiada, an arepa filled with chicken salad, avocado and peas, which represent the polka-dot dress worn by 1955 Miss World winner Susana Duijm on her return home to Venezuela—it literally means “Queen of Polka-Dots.
In the Westchase District: 13525 Westheimer, Suite 2, Houston, TX 77077
Les Ba’Get
In it's larger location in the Shepherd Forest area, Les Ba’Get serves authentic Vietnamese food that’s worth taking the time to get to. Using locally grown ingredients, Ba’Get is known for the baguette sandwiches it’s named after, as well as other traditional dishes like pho or spring rolls. The baguettes are made with rice flour, rendering them crispy yet light. Not to be missed is the oak-smoked brisket baguette that pairs eight-hour- smoked beef with a blend of thinly sliced veggies in a spicy-cool combo. Topped with a sunny-side-up egg, this sandwich is the best kind of mess.
Location: 1717 W. 34th St. Suite 800, Houston, TX 77018
