There’s nothing nicer to cap off one of Houston’s punishingly hot days than heading to Chinatown for a meal in the blessed air conditioning, and then cooling off with shaved ice from Juice Box. This fast food style space serves up refreshing, light desserts made with shaved ice, a bounty of fresh fruits, flan, and plenty of condensed milk. The end result is a cooling concoction with a great balance between tart fruit and sweet, creamy milk. Juice Box also has drinks, including fresh fruit smoothies and iced teas laced with chunks of fruit. Be forewarned, this is a cash-only establishment and can get very crowded at peak times. You might want to pick up a dessert or drink to go and take a stroll through Chinatown if there aren’t any tables available.

Juice Box
9889 Bellaire Boulevard
Houston TX 77036
(713) 484-8085

Pho is a daily staple of Vietnamese cuisine – eaten for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this soup of beef broth redolent with star anise, cinnamon, and caramelized onions and served with noodles, fresh vegetables, and meats is a culinary delight. Pho Binh’s original location, Pho Binh Trailer, is an unpretentious, gritty little spot to try pho in a wide range of varieties, with meats that range from familiar to Western diners to downright odd. If you are an adventurous sort, you’ll find brand new textures and flavors to try in every bowl. Pho Binh also has several other locations that offer equally delicious food in a more polished atmosphere, but Pho Binh Trailer is a place you have to experience at least once.

Pho Bihn

Pho Binh Trailer
10930 Beamer Road
Houston, TX 77089
(281) 484-3963

Pho Binh Bellaire
10827 Bellaire Road
Houston, TX 77072
(281) 568-7333

Pho Binh By Night
12148 Bellaire Boulevard
Houston, TX 77072
(832) 351-2464

Pho Binh Westheimer
5901 Westheimer Road
Houston, TX 77057
(713) 781-8881

It’s a little hard to find, and the décor isn’t much to speak of, but Jonathan’s The Rub consistently sweeps the best burger category in local polls year after year. The massive burgers, seasoned with a top secret spice rub and served on an ever so slightly sweet sourdough bun, are only on the lunch menu; if you ask nicely you might be able to get one for dinner. But really, you can save the burgers for lunch; Jonathan’s dinner menu has many tempting options including a lobster slider starter (Maine lobster salad served open-faced on sweet Hawaiian buns), Italian pastas, and an assortment of juicy steaks. Jonathan’s is small and does not take reservations but you can call half an hour or so before your arrival to make sure there is seating available.

Jonathan’s The Rub
9061 Gaylord Street
Houston, TX 77024
(713) 465-8200