Munch on these brunches
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There’s an art to brunch, from assembling the perfect group of friends to figuring out a time in the midst of hectic schedules to dine out together. Above all, though, there is an art to choosing the perfect restaurant to visit. With plentiful options in Houston, even just the array of choices can be overwhelming. That’s why we visited these four popular brunch spots to offer the inside scoop on the appeal of each.
Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
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With over fifty locations across the U.S. and a standard of two-hour long waitlists, Snooze is not actually being slept on — in fact, we recommend heading over before 10 a.m. to beat the crowd. There’s something for everyone on their menu, which offers vegan-friendly breakfast classics with unique flavor combinations, in addition to Southern-inspired staples (shrimp and grits, anyone?) and even lattes and cocktails. Seasonal items like the burrata prosciutto toast are also worth a try. Those with a sweet tooth should order the Pancake Flight, which allows you to sample three of your choice — we like the Sweet Potato and Pineapple Upside Down flavors. In honor of International Bacon Day and back-to-school season, Snooze will be donating up to $25,000 of sales from their Bacon & Egg Pancakes of the Week to No Kid Hungry. Make sure to head over before Sept. 3 to get a taste while benefiting a great cause.
Tiny’s No. 5
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This West University gem offers sophisticated American-style eats in a rustic-chic, airy venue where we imagined we would host our bridal showers. While their buttermilk pancakes and other breakfast staples may be lacking the creativity Snooze has mastered, the food is neatly presented and comes in sizable portions. Their next-door bakery, aptly named Milk & Cookies, boasts the perfect chocolate chip cookie — crisp on the edges but soft in the center. They also make one of the best mint chocolate chip ice creams we’ve ever tasted. Overall, this brunch spot is a must-try for their solid food options, charming outdoor patio and irresistible sweet treats.
the breakfast klub
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The Thresher previously spotlighted this Houston staple on our list of Black-owned restaurants near Rice. With generous portions, we certainly didn’t leave the breakfast klub hungry, and we each had leftovers to take with us. Visitors who drive will be thrilled to find ample parking just a short walk away from the restaurant. If you’re visiting on a weekend, be prepared for a line trailing beyond the building, but it’s more than made up for with prompt counter service as soon as guests make their way through the entrance and water available in the blistering summer sun. Besides that, the menu boasts mouthwatering Southern breakfast dishes. We had the ‘wings & waffle’ and ‘katfish & grits,’ and they are popular orders for good reason. Each of the dishes was amazing and spoke to exactly why people frequent the restaurant for brunch. Get one of their house made bottles of lemonade — some of the best we’ve ever had — or another drink from their menu, as a treat.
Avalon Diner
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As novel as inventive breakfast dishes can feel, sometimes classic is the way to go. Visit Avalon Diner for breakfast staples or other quintessential American diner food in a classic diner setting. With affordable prices compared to many of the brunch restaurants frequented by Rice students, it hopefully won’t place quite as much of a strain on student budgets. Their omelets, starting at $10.45, were brimming with fillings, and their pancakes and other breakfast items were served deliciously. For a sweet ending to the meal, Avalon Diner also has a selection of milkshakes and other ice cream treats on their menu.
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“Imaginal Disk” Takes Magdalena Bay To Extraterrestrial Heights
In the fall of 2021, pop duo Magdalena Bay’s playful debut album “Mercurial World” introduced many to the group’s blend of catchy pop melodies with elements of House, R&B and Electronic music. That album became one of the most acclaimed and beloved pop albums of the decade so far, and few would have imagined that the duo of Mica Tenenbaum and Matthew Lewin would top their previous effort when their latest project “Imaginal Disk” was announced. With “Imaginal Disk,” Magdalena Bay has announced themselves as the contemporary masters of the pop concept album. More psychedelic and surreal than anything they’ve produced before, “Imaginal Disk” is an eclectic amalgam of the duo’s trademark catchy pop rhythms with electronic, rock and psychedelic sounds that take the duo into new and exciting musical directions.
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Local thrifting hot spots
Perseverance. Humility. An eye for beauty. Qualities you must keep close at hand (perhaps in the back pocket of your favorite jeans, or tucked into your worn-down sneakers), ready to be drawn upon at a moment’s notice. Any seasoned, stylish or frugal Houstonian can attest: these are vital components of a thrifter’s repertoire.
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Nearby city niceties
Do you have a time in your calendar that needs filling, but don’t want to spend thirty minutes walking in the August heat or $30 on admission? Consider checking out one or more of these activities within one mile of Rice — all free or discounted with a Rice ID.
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