Boo’s Burger in East End is the city’s hottest new burger joint.
Deciding where to go and what to do can feel overwhelming, but in a city like Houston, you don’t have to look far. From bold bites to buzzy bars to uniquely Houston pastimes, there’s always something worth exploring. That’s where Houstonia comes in. In this weekly series, our editors share their favorite places to eat, drink, and “Hou”—so you can spend less time planning and more time enjoying the city.
eat
For an outstanding burger: Boo’s Burger
EAST END
Chef Joseph Boudreaux operated a pop-up for years before finally opening his own burger stand in the very neighborhood he grew up in. Tucked onto the Esplanade on Navigation Boulevard, along with other greats like Ninfa’s and Oso Coffee Co., this colorful new East End stand keeps it simple and sort of old-school in the best ways. Step up to the walk-up window to order from a menu that’s straight to the point with burgers, fries, and sodas. Sometimes, that’s all you need.
The burger is obviously the star of the show, a cheesy smashburger with craggy edges topped with fresh “shredduce,” tomato, and shaved onion, all piled onto a slightly sweet, buttered Cake and Bacon challah bun with its signature, smoky OG burger sauce. Spring for the $18 combo ($5 extra if you make it a double). The fries come out piping hot and crispy, with the option to pair one of its homemade sauces for an additional $1 (get the garlic aioli, and thank me later). The drinks were the icing on the cake, with flavors like cola, pineapple, and fruit punch, served in glass bottles that drive home some of the nostalgia of an old-fashioned burger joint.
Stop by during the week, or make it an entire outing by planning your burger trip for Sunday during the hours of the East End Farmers Market, held from 10am to 2pm. —Brittany Britto Garley, editor in chief
2510 Navigation Blvd, Building A
For a taste of Mexico City: Mayahuel
Autry Park, Montrose
Mayahuel joined the Autry Park development this summer, and it does not disappoint. Netflix star and chef Luis Robledo Richard offers a taste of Mexico City–inspired cuisine, including a refreshing bluefin tuna tostada that was the highlight of my meal. Crafted with uni cream, yuzu aioli, avocado, and soy-ginger oil, this crunchy bite delivers the ideal amount of spice. For more showstopping menu items, visit the Tacos y Masa menu, which features Tacos Mar y Tierra, tortillas filled with Gulf shrimp bathed in adobo, beef cheek confit, and avocado with cheesy crusts. Round out the visit with the cod, which comes with tomato, seasonal greens, and lime, and don’t forget to ask about dessert, centered on foundational flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and coffee. —Sofia Gonzalez, food and travel editor
811 Buffalo Park Dr, Suite 130
Need some more ideas of where to dine this weekend? Check out Houstonia’s latest update on the best places to brunch.
Drink
For a sip in the center of it all: Tenfold Coffee Company
Downtown
Soak in the views of Downtown at Tenfold’s second coffee shop and espresso bar. Just steps away from Discovery Green, this is a prime spot for stopping in for a boost when tugging along some rowdy toddlers (trust me, I know from experience), but it’s also a nice place to pump out some work (hello, Wi-Fi!). Expect a variety of classic coffee and tea drinks, made with homemade syrups like vanilla and honey, plus croissants and quick breakfast options like oatmeal—all served in a cool, calming aesthetic. —BBG
1550 Lamar St, Suite 110
Hou
For a celebration of the city we love: Houston’s birthday party at Sam Houston Park
DOWNTOWN
The Heritage Society at Sam Houston Park and Mister McKinney’s Historic Houston will celebrate the city’s 189th birthday on Saturday, August 23. The event, which runs from 1 to 5pm, will feature a pep rally, color guard demonstration, free historic house tours, and three special exhibits at the gallery. Grab some cake from Three Brothers Bakery. Hop on the free Downtown Houston history bus tour, and participate in a major raffle with an even bigger grand prize: a weekend stay and brunch at the C. Baldwin Hotel. Happy birthday, Houston! —Erica Cheng, news and city life editor
1100 Bagby St
For a summer activity that just might make you feel like Batman: Bat-watching at Waugh Bridge
MONTROSE
Perhaps one of the coolest free summer activities in Houston has to do with the Waugh Bridge Bat Colony. Summer marks peak bat season, offering the opportunity to witness 300,000 Mexican free-tailed bats take off from Waugh Bridge nearly every night. From 7:45 to 9:15pm on Saturday, join bat expert DeAndra Cardenas at the observation deck and learn everything there is to know about Houston’s resident fliers. Park at Spotts Park on Waugh Drive and amble along toward the bridge. All you need are walking shoes, a hat, and a water bottle to stroll around the park. Don’t mind the smell, that’s just bat guano (a.k.a., poo). —EC
Bayou Buffalo Park