Food

November 7, 2023

How the Oldest Indian Restaurant in Houston Prepares for Its Diwali Rush

Raja Sweets has been preparing mithai (bite-size sweets) for Texans to gift during the Hindu holiday since 1986—and they’re likely to have record sales this year.

By Megha McSwain

Tex-Mexplainer|

October 18, 2023

Red, White, and Covered in Salsa: How Two Colors Came to Dominate Taquerias

You can thank an internationally famous soda brand and psychology for the classic red-and-white design of your favorite taco spots.

September 18, 2023

Texas Restaurants Lead the Way in National Best-of Lists

‘Food & Wine,’ ‘Bon Appétit,’ the 'New York Times,' and ‘Southern Living’ recognized spots in Austin, Houston, and Lexington as the best of the best when it comes to dining.

July 10, 2023

Trill Burgers Is as ‘Houston’ as a Restaurant Can Get

Noted for having the "best burger in America," this joint hosts Space City royalty, with affable, determined co-owner and rapper Bun B holding court.

By Kayla Stewart

Chef Benchawan Jabthong Painter (center) of Street to Kitchen in Houston and guests attend the 2023 James Beard Restaurant And Chef Awards on June 05, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois.

June 6, 2023

Despite One Win, It Was a Slow Night for Texas at the 2023 James Beard Awards

The highlight of the event was Benchawan Jabthong Painter, of Houston Thai restaurant Street to Kitchen, winning Best Chef: Texas, but no other Texas finalists made it to the podium.

Health|

May 1, 2023

“I’m Starting to Become Numb to This”: Texas Restaurant Workers Speak Up About Mental Health in Their Industry

While mental illness affects one in five U.S. adults, service employees have several factors—including late hours and low wages—that can exacerbate issues. Luckily, some nonprofits are ready to step in.

By Amanda Albee

March 20, 2023

No Matter Which Shipley Do-Nuts You Go To, You’re Always Home

The chain has been around for more than 85 years. Despite its ubiquity—with more than 300 locations—each location holds its own memories.

By Jessica Garcia

March 14, 2023

Fondue and Chicharrones, “Pear Snow,” and Wood-Grilled Prawns: What Our Restaurant Critics Ate This Month

Here’s our take on the state’s new restaurants, along with a few updates to longtime favorites.

Health|

March 13, 2023

Where to Try Cordyceps, the Star of ‘The Last of Us,’ in Texas

Cordyceps, a parasitic fungus made popular by the HBO drama, can be added to coffee for a boost of brain energy. A few Texas cafes offer a safe space to try it out.

By Nick Rallo

March 8, 2023

This Tamale Company Infuses Its Popular Dish With Soul Food Flavors

Houston-based Black Girl Tamales' offerings include steamed masa filled with collard greens, oxtail, dirty rice, and shrimp.

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February 24, 2023

The Daughter of a Barbecue Family Takes Tradition in a New Direction

At Texas Q in Kingwood, Sloan Rinaldi is the first woman in her family to take over the barbecue pit in over a hundred years.

An assortment of shellfish atop Carolina Gold rice in a light, vegetable-focused pot liquor at Diner Bar in Austin.

February 9, 2023

Texas’s Best New Restaurants in 2023

The white tablecloth may be all washed up, but the dining is as fine as ever.

2:47

February 6, 2023

The Legendary Barbecue Inn Serves Up Fried Favorites

Established in 1946, this Houston restaurant is keeping the family tradition alive, one piece of fried chicken at a time.

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January 27, 2023

Houston’s Hobbit Cafe: From Hippie-dippie to Double-decker

Founder Raymond Edmonds reflects on his Tolkien-inspired vegetarian cafe, which has expanded over fifty years and earned the love of even cheeseburger connoisseurs.

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January 19, 2023

A Visit to This Is It, Houston’s Soul Food Staple

Texas Country Reporter interviews Craig Joseph, grandson of the restaurant’s original owners.

Edwards empties the harvested oysters into a bucket on July 20, 2022.

November 16, 2022

Relentless Rains, Bedeviled Bureaucrats, and Misplaced Mollusks: The Ill-fated Launch of Texas’s First Oyster Farm

Brad Lomax was stoked until he found himself fighting Mother Nature and supervising 1.5 million babies.

By Jason Heid

October 10, 2022

Meet the Masa Masters of Texas

A small community of chefs and taqueros are bringing nixtamalized, heirloom corn tortillas—the foundation of Mexican cuisine—to the masses.

September 7, 2022

Can This Houston Chef Transform a Food Desert Into Thriving Farmland?

James Beard Award nominee Chris Williams wants to give the residents of Kendleton, a historically Black town in southeast Texas, job opportunities in agriculture.

By Brooke Lewis

August 29, 2022

7 Mexican Grilled Cheese Sandwiches to Try Now

This classic comfort food is made heartier and more exciting when stuffed with rich barbacoa and spicy birria, as it is at many restaurants across Texas.

Diana Kennedy is an author and authority on Mexican cooking. A native of the United Kingdom, she started traveling in Mexico in 1957 with her husband, Paul Kennedy, who was a correspondent for the New York Times. Here on her deck June 23, 1990 Zitacuaro, Michoacan, Mexico

July 25, 2022

Cookbook Author and Culinary Anthropologist Diana Kennedy Dies at 99 in Mexico

Throughout her fifty-year career, the English-born cook influenced—and even advised—chefs of some of Texas’s best Mexican restaurants.

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May 24, 2022

Three Brothers Bakery in Houston Is a Story of Survival

Founded by Holocaust survivors, the bakery is known for Jewish specialties rooted in 200-year-old family recipes.

By Bob Phillips

Pat’s Pick|

April 13, 2022

From Church Cookbooks to Houston’s Culinary Scene

“We are just scratching the surface of what we can learn about Texas food,” says Wild Oats chef Nick Fine.

April 11, 2022

Dining Guide: Highlights From Our May 2022 Issue

We review dozens of restaurants each month. Here’s a peek at what’s new.

March 16, 2022

Texas Dazzles in the 2022 James Beard Award Semifinals List

With 38 nominations, our restaurants and chefs are coming in hot after last year's awards were canceled. The group is the most diverse it's ever been.

March 14, 2022

Dining Guide: Highlights From Our April 2022 Issue

We review dozens of restaurants each month. Here’s a peek at what’s new.

Hobbit Cafe in Houston celebrates 50 years

March 1, 2022

Houston’s Hobbit Cafe Has Welcomed Diners to the Shire for 50 Years

The Lord of the Rings–inspired restaurant has transcended its theme to become a local staple for burgers, vegetarian food, and mead.

By Brian Reinhart

A traditional king cake from Rao’s Bakery in southeast Texas.

February 22, 2022

Order Yourself a Texas-Made King Cake to Celebrate Mardi Gras

While many people source their king cakes from Louisiana, they might be convinced to try something new from these four Texas bakeries.

By Jacqueline Knox

February 14, 2022

The Best New Texas Restaurants in 2022

Restaurants are still struggling, yet new places keep stepping up to the plate. Here are our favorite dishes from the most impressive rookie establishments.

Easy Tiger Bake Shop & Beer Garden, in Austin.

February 14, 2022

The Best Places to Dine Outdoors in 2022

Patio dining has become a necessity during the pandemic. Here are some of the best places to get your alfresco on.

The strawberry galette at Hildee’s Dine-Inn, in Wimberley.

February 14, 2022

Where to Eat Now: Coming Soon

Despite everything, new restaurants are still opening. Here are a few we’re looking forward to this year.

January 26, 2022

As the Pandemic Endures, Texans Flock to Small Grocers

From Flatonia to Marathon, communities—often small and rural—band together to serve their own needs with local essentials.

By Veronica Meewes

January 13, 2022

How a Houston Restaurant Became the Source for Afghan Refugees’ First Meals in America

A law requires sponsors to serve refugees “culturally appropriate” meals. For Afghans landing in Houston, those come from Omer Yousafzai’s restaurant.

By Claudia Kolker

December 13, 2021

Dining Guide: Highlights From Our January 2022 Issue

We review dozens of restaurants each month. Here’s a peek at what’s new.

Sports|

December 3, 2021

Texas Monthly Recommends: A Game of Spikeball

The only limit to where it can be played is your imagination.

October 26, 2021

Urban South’s “Combo Plate” Beers Are a Drinkable Ode to Houston Tex-Mex

Don’t worry: there’s not actually taco meat brewed in.

Halloween treats from La Casita Bakeshop.

October 22, 2021

Some Tricks, Mostly Treats: You’ll Want to Taste These Halloween Sweets

Bakers are leaning into their dark sides to build spooktacular creations ahead of October 31.

By Tommie Ethington

October 20, 2021

Megan Thee Stallion’s New Popeyes Hottie Sauce Doesn’t Quite Bring the Heat

The Houston rapper and famed Hot Girl has brought her talents to the fast-food chain, which is now serving chicken slathered in Megan’s namesake hot sauce.

By Doyin Oyeniyi

Restaurants and the continued struggle to create and enforce masking rules

September 20, 2021

Restaurant Workers Are Sick and Tired of Asking Politely

With delta infections surging and local governments unable to enforce mask regulations, restaurant personnel have become reluctant de facto enforcers.

Libations|

September 17, 2021

Dry Creek Cafe, an Old-school Dive Bar on Lake Austin, Is Closing After 68 Years

You’ve got until October 31 to stop by for a cold one.

September 14, 2021

Dining Guide: Highlights From Our October Issue

What to order for takeout at restaurants around the state, plus some pro tips.

September 6, 2021

At Popfancy, Houston’s Anime and K-pop Fans Get Their Just Desserts

Pop-culture and popsicle fans come from around the state, often dressed in character, to taste themed treats.

By Claudia Kolker

Marcus Davis outside of the Breakfast Klub in Houston on July 21, 2021.

August 31, 2021

How a Houston Restaurateur Built an Empire on All-Day Breakfast

Locals and tourists alike wait in lines that circle the block to eat at the Breakfast Klub. But Marcus Davis is serving much more than wings and waffles.

By Kayla Stewart

July 26, 2021

How Food Halls Are Changing the Way Texans Dine

From small towns to big cities, these community-focused culinary concepts are serving up food for thought for chefs, developers, and customers alike.

By Tommie Ethington

July 19, 2021

The 8 Best Vegan Quesos in Texas

These cashew-based quesos held up to my memories of their cheesy predecessors.

By Jennifer Stewart

The margherita pie at Prometheus Pizza, in Fredericksburg.

July 15, 2021

Dining Guide: Highlights From Our August 2021 Issue

Texas Monthly adds and updates approximately sixty restaurant listings to our Dining Guide each month. There’s limited space in the print issue, but the entire searchable guide to the best of Texas cuisine is at your fingertips online!Below are a few highlights from the new restaurants reviewed in our