Get your sweet treats at Sprinkles in Houston. Although a chain cupcake bakery, customers rave about the fresh deliciousness of the confections. Favorite flavors include the chocolate marshmallow, red velvet, and strawberry but even boring old vanilla still tastes great at Sprinkles! You can even expect gluten free and vegan options. Check the website for today’s flavors, including seasonal specialties. Sprinkles is popular and will often sell out, so get there earlier in the day for the best selection. Although expensive at $3.75 each, these gourmet cupcakes are generously sized.

Sprinkles
4014 Westheimer Road
Houston, TX 77027
(713) 871-9929
http://www.sprinkles.com/cupcake-bakery-locations/houston
http://www.yelp.com/biz/sprinkles-cupcakes-houston

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For quality coffee without the chain atmosphere, try Houston’s Catalina Coffee, a simple cafe that focuses on quality beverages. Customers rave about the well balanced flavors from the locally roasted beans. If you are looking for a pour over, you can find one here, along with all the espresso drink standards.

Whether you judge a coffee shop by their regular cup of joe or a latte, you’ll be impressed with Catalina’s, and they are reasonably priced at $1.95 for a cup of coffee. Fresh pastries are delivered daily. Bring a book since they don’t offer Wi-Fi. This cafe features simple rustic-modern decor with indoor and outdoor seating.

Catalina Coffee
2201 Washington Avenue
Houston, TX 77007
(713) 861-8448
http://catalinacoffeeshop.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/catalina-coffee-houston

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Fans of Oxheart love their take on fresh food made with seasonal local ingredients. The chic, open kitchen setting makes you feel like you’re dining at the chef’s home. An expansive wine and beer list means you can start your meal with something special. The tasting menu gives you three options – the Spring Menu, the Garden Menu and the Tasting Menu. The changing chef’s selection might feature culinary delights like Warsaw Grouper with three egg sauce & caviar, Layered Beets with meyer lemon blossom vinegar, Heirloom Carrots with exotic spices, Freedom Ranger Chicken with summer squash, or Baked Heirloom Tomatoes with black garlic. Desserts might include something uber-yummy like Caramelized Chocolate Cake with cane syrup and green tomato jam. Open for dinner Thursday through Monday.

Oxheart
403 Westheimer Road
Houston, TX 77006
(832) 724-9464
http://www.yelp.com/biz/oxheart-houston