Another sweat-filled summer in Houston is upon us. So, every week until it hits 70, we’ll tell you where to find refreshing food and drinks to cool you down in each neighborhood.
The next step ? Heights. Here are the best spots for frozen refreshments, from frozen margaritas to snow cones and gelato bars. Welcome to the summer of sweat.
Aqua S cotton candy with a touch of sweetness.
CourtesyAqua S
Save yourself a trip to Asiatown and enjoy Australian brand Aqua S soft serve at their highland outpost. The shop offers a rotating selection of over 100 flavors of sea salt soft serve ice cream, including flavors like banana, red velvet, and sweet potato.
Find it: 506 Yale St, Unit D, Houston, TX 77007; 346-293-9917
Hours: Sunday-Thursday, noon-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 12-11 p.m.
The C10 Banana Split at Chris Leung’s Cloud 10 Creamery in Rice Village.
Michael Paulsen, Staff Member/Houston ChronicleCloud 10 Creamery
This small-batch ice cream and sorbet shop is a surefire place to indulge. Located at the Heights Mercantile, you can choose from traditional scoops in a cup or cone, or try a pop or ice cream sandwich before browsing nearby stores for some retail therapy.
Find it: 711A Heights Blvd., Houston, TX 77007; 713-485-5106
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
A selection of ice creams at Dolce Neve.
Michael Ciaglo, Staff Photographer/Houston ChronicleDolce Neve
Find more than just regular ice cream at this Austin-based ice cream shop. In addition to ice cream bars and sandwiches constructed with ice cream flavors like salted caramel and pistachio, you can cool down with affogatos and Italian shaved ice.
Find it: 4721 N. Main St., Ste H, Houston, TX 77009; 832-767-2183
Hours: Monday, 1 p.m.-9 p.m.; Tuesday, 2 p.m.-9 p.m.; Wednesday-Thursday, 1 p.m.-9 p.m.; Friday, 1-10 p.m.; Saturday, 12 p.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday, noon-9 p.m.
Honeychild’s sweet creams
Honeychild’s Sweet Creams attracted a loyal following by popping up in cafes and farmers’ markets around the city, but now you can get the ice cream regularly at the new MKT development up high. The frozen custard, in flavors like Texas sheet cake and peach cobbler, is homemade with all-natural, local ingredients.
Find it: 600 N. Shepherd Drive, Suite 450, Houston, TX 77007; 832-280-7854
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, noon-10 p.m.; Sunday, 12 p.m.-6 p.m.
Jeni’s favorite ice cream Splendid Ice Cream now has a location in Houston.
Courtesy
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
This beloved ice cream chain has an outpost at the bustling corner of Ashland and 19th Street. Enjoy scoops of unique flavors like brown butter almond crisp and skillet cinnamon roll. Do you prefer sorbet to ice cream? Opt for a frozen sorbet made with real wine.
Find it: 375 W. 19th St., Houston, TX 77008; 346-335-1394
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 12-11 p.m.; Friday-Sunday, 11am-midnight
Rita’s Italian Ice is a national chain with a location in upper Houston.
Yelp/Natalie G.Italian gelato and Rita’s Italian ice cream
At Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard, a rotating menu of over 75 flavors of Italian ice cream, freshly made daily, is offered. For something cold and creamy, opt for a milkshake or a blendini with candy mixtures.
Find it: 2802 White Oak Drive, Houston, TX 77007; 832-987-4827
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 12 p.m.-9 p.m.; Friday-Sunday, 12-10 p.m.
Go for the raspas and stay for the Mexican street food at Tampico Refresqueria.
Yelp/Cindy M.Tampico Refresqueria
Find refreshing raspas — or snow cones — and mangonadas at this loyal Heights kiosk, known for its frozen treats and Mexican street snacks. Flavors range from wild cherry and pineapple to tamarind and Mexican vanilla. Enhance your order with a cream or chamoy filling.
Find it: 4520 N. Main St., Houston, TX 77009; 713-880-3040
Hours: Sunday-Friday, 11am-10.30pm; Saturday, 8am-10.30pm
Relax on the picturesque patio of Tikila with alcoholic jellies.
Yelp/Nat + Justin J.by Tikila
This Texas-sized tiki bar, with plenty of indoor and outdoor space to while away lazy summer days, offers frozen margaritas and mojitos, plus seaside favorites like piña coladas and palomas. For a real holiday cocktail without the holidays, opt for the Lime in the Coconut, presented in a real coconut.
Find it: 2708 N. Shepherd Drive, Houston, TX 77008; 713-485-0211
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 3 p.m.-12 a.m.; Friday, 3 p.m.-2 a.m.; Saturday, 12 p.m.-2 a.m.; Sunday, 12 p.m.-12 a.m.
