Local eateries offer more than just comfort food during challenging times…they offer a true sense of community. Join our editors Lance Avery Morgan in Austin, Cynthia Smoot in Dallas, Jennifer Roosth in Houston, and Eleanora Morrison in San Antonio as they share their statewide selections that are socially safe.
AUSTIN
MILLED & MADE FRESH
New Austin, in Dripping Springs, Abby Jane Bakeshop is a locally owned bakery committed to using stone-milled, heritage flours in all their baked goods. The leavened breads, flaky pastries, and seasonal desserts tempt, along with Roman-style pizzas, grain salads, coffee, tea, and local brews. At AbbyJaneBakes.com.
GREEN WITH ENVY
The new Teal House Coffee and Bakery on SoCo is already famous for its rolls, croissants, and pies. The family-run shop’s caramel sticky buns, cookies, and cinnamon rolls with Nutella, as well as light lunch options such as soups, salads, and sandwiches on bread made in-house, are all equally tempting. At TealHouse.co.
ITALIAN STALLION
The new Tony C’s Pizza & Beer Garden serves up a cheery style as a side dish to its fan-favorite New York-style pizza, salads, and homemade lasagna. Plus, there’s a large selection of beers on draft, as well as plenty of wine to pair with your meal. At TonyCsBeerGarden.com.
DALLAS
THAT’S SO HOT
Texas native and Nashville-bred, Palmer Fortune has tongues wagging with the creation of an authentic Nashville hot chicken concept called Palmer’s Hot Chicken. The entire menu is made from scratch, and their chicken requires a laborious 24-hour process. Enjoy Palmer’s famous frosé on the covered patio, complete with fans, during warmer Texas weather. At PalmersHotChicken.com.
FLYIN’ HIGH
Once a vintage gas station built in 1922, Thunderbird Station is a full-service bar with bites in Deep Ellum, known for its nostalgic menu and space. With indoor seating and a giant patio, it has a place for everyone. At ThunderbirdStation.com.
A WHOLE LADA GOODNESS
Located in far North Dallas, LADA is a new fine-casual concept from Chef Michael Ehlert. The former executive chef of Mirador and The French Room has created a menu featuring six different enchilada options, elotes (corn) on a stick, Mexican fried rice, and more. Ehlert’s vision is to create elevated dishes based on traditional favorites. At EatLADA.com.
HOUSTON
WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS
The pizzeria with pizzazz, inspired by the team behind Nancy’s Hustle, has opened up in a new locale that has something for everyone: vegetables, pasta, pizza, and ice cream, along with natural wines, beers, ciders, cocktails, and root beer. At TinyChampionsHouston.com.
FOR THE RECORD
The place to be in Montrose is 93 Til. It has an innovative menu, lots of records paired with innovative cocktails, and laid-back vibes. In fact, a new record playlist is created nightly so that the action never stops. At 93-Til.com.
HIT THE STREETS
The best new Thai restaurant in Houston just might be Street to Kitchen. Count on everything here being made from scratch, including the curry pastes and sauces that go into the specialty dishes like Pad Thai. At StreetToKitchen.com.
SAN ANTONIO
THE FINEST CATCH
As San Antonio’s premier contemporary Japanese sushi house, Uniko serves high-quality fresh
fish from across the globe. With a selection incomparable to other sushi restaurants in town,
locals may enjoy weekly specials of ultra-rare varieties. At UnikoJapaneseHouse.com.
HALF-SHELL HAPPINESS
Southtown has a new pearl of an eatery: Little Em’s Oyster Bar. Young, local newlyweds Emily and Houston Carpenter left no half-shell unturned with the concept for their hip hot spot that recently opened. Already a hit for lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch, this menu is a must-try next time you find yourself wandering in King William. At LittleEmsOysterBar.com.
SWEETEST TREATS
Now open at San Antonio’s Boardwalk center on lower Broadway, the team behind the Chocollazo pastry shop has introduced their new dessert concept, Black + White Modern Creamery, serving fresh, locally made dairy and non-dairy ice cream and cold treats in traditional and modern flavors. At BlackWhiteCreamery.com.