Bite Me Houston

After yesterday’s cold, gloomy weather, I had to get out and soak up every second of today’s sunshine and brunch at Tiny Boxwoods was the perfect excuse. What looks like a simple plate delivered serious flavor. The eggs played their role quietly, letting the creamy jalapeño cheddar grits and perfectly spiced sausage patties take center stage. Even the biscuits, which you might expect to be an afterthought, became unforgettable once layered with sweet butter and that stellar strawberry jam.

You might think the table leans heavy on carbs, but one bite of that flaky, buttery croissant ends the debate. And then there’s the blueberry muffin, an absolute showstopper. A sweet crumble top gives way to a moist, buttery interior bursting with sweet-tart blueberries.

The real surprise for me, though, was the jalapeño cheddar scone. I’ve never been a scone person. It's usually too dry and too dense but this one completely changed my mind. Savory, moist, perfectly balanced, with just enough jalapeño to whisper hello and the heavy handed addition of cheddar to round it out.

Great food, beautiful garden house ambiance, and a cool, sunny afternoon made for a perfect outing. If only I’d had room to wander over to Tiny’s Milk & Cookies, that would’ve been the final touch on an already perfect day.

Are you hungry? The legendary Bandeja Montañera is waiting for you at Mono’s Colombian Restaurant! This colossal platter is loaded with ALL the good stuff: rice, beans, juicy steak, chorizo, crispy chicharrón, sweet plantains, avocado, and of course an arepa to top it off.

Think you can conquer it solo? (I dare you 👀)
Not up for the full challenge? Don’t worry, they have a “small” version that is still a feast in itself. Come taste the bold, authentic flavors of Colombia right here at Mono’s.

Looking for the perfect Monday night spot? Head to Jethro's Cocktail Lounge.

Their smash burger is already a must—juicy, flavorful, and available every day. (Pro tip: before 7pm, grab a burger + fries for just $7.) But Mondays are next level with all-day happy hour.

The cocktail list is stacked, but the standout is the Chocolate Old Fashioned. Don’t be fooled—it’s not a sweet dessert drink. Instead, it’s a bold, balanced Old Fashioned with a subtle hit of chocolate bitters that pairs perfectly with that rich, savory burger.

Whether you’re after an easy night out, a low-lit date spot, or just a killer cocktail and a bite, Jethro’s delivers.

You know the day’s about to hit different when it starts with carne guisada. I swung by the new home of Houston staple off N. Main in Northside Village.

They’ve been serving up soul-warming Tex-Mex since 1977, and while the location's new, the flavors are still going strong.

Pull up hungry. Leave happy. 🌮💯

Sometimes Sundays are just dreadful. The weekend flew by and long week awaits you. Why not end the weekend right with a massive piece of dessert. I stopped in at Kenny & Ziggy's New York Delicatessen because if you need that big hug from inside, this is the place to be. What you see before you is the Kenny & Ziggy's Famous Torte. This towering beauty is topped with a decadent layer of chocolate mousse lightly floating on top of a dense creamy layer of cheesecake. An Oreo cookie crust holds the masterpiece together and it's topped off with a chocolate drizzle and chocolate shavings. What sounds like a tooth hurting sugar overload is a quite balanced complexity of rich airy chocolate which is complimented perfectly by the subtle tang of the cheesecake. This is a work of art and it is one to be admired. I get why this torte is famous and I get why I can feel my waistline getting bigger. Life is too short not to indulge every now and then.

Nothing beats kicking off work early for a three day weekend and grabbing some BBQ. Luckily the line at Pinkertons was short and nothing was sold out!

Some of the best meals are when it tastes like someone's grandmother is in the kitchen doing the cooking. That's the experience you will find at La Guadalupana Cafe & Bakery. I stopped in for a midweek breakfast and was lucky enough to get a table right away. The display counter welcomes you in with an array of fresh baked pan dulce which I recommend starting off your meal with as your sip on their cafe de olla. Be sure to order some extras to take home or at least for the car ride home, I won't judge. Whether you're looking for tacos or full plates, Guadalupana has what you're craving. On my recent visit, I went with the Chilaquiles ($9) which you can choose either their house made green or red salsa but get them both if you want to get the best experience. Be warned, that salsa packs some heat. You will need to cough up more for eggs ($3) and a side of meat ($5) which does bring this plate to a higher price point but I can assure that you will walk away happily stuffed. Guadalupana sits tucked in a peculiar shopping trip off Dunlavy and Indiana St along with a laundromat and a convenience store. The parking in the lot is rather cramped so you may need to park alongside the street but make sure you check for parking signs. Due to he size of the building, you can expect a long wait on the weekends to be sure to plan accordingly.