LOCAL Houston | The City Guide June 2017 | Page 35

FOOD | ARTS | COMMUNITY | STYLE+LEISURE
PAPA MEX, Rosenberg
I begin my list with the furthest from the city and the closest to my heart. Papa Mex
in Rosenberg, Texas, is a quarter mile from my old high school. INSIDE YOU’LL
FIND THE BEST BREAKFAST TACOS THIS SIDE OF THE RIO GRANDE. House-made
flour tortillas, red salsa and the smell of coffee will greet you as you walk in and seat
yourself. Like any true mom-and-pop, you’re likely to find the proprietor working the
register, while family works the kitchen. This neighborhood Tex-Mex is as friendly
as it is unassuming. Just don’t show up after lunch hours – closing time is 2pm. BURNS ORIGINAL BBQ, Acres Homes
Recently featured in Anthony Bourdain’s now famous Houston episode of “Parts
Unknown,” BURNS IS A TRULY OLD-SCHOOL, FAMILY-OWNED, TEXAS BAR-
BEQUE PIT. The Burns family has been perfecting the art of slowly smoking meat
for generations, and the smell of brisket from a block away is a testament to their
craft. Everything on the menu is outstanding but the place is best known for their
incredible brisket and gigantic barbeque-stuffed baked potatoes. If you’re not on
the north side of town, this could be a hike for you, but it is well worth the trip.
1008 Herndon Dr. | Rosenberg TX 77471
281.342.1511 | www.facebook.com/Papa-Mex 8307 De Priest St. | Houston, TX 77088
281.999.5559 | www.facebook.com/BurnsOriginalBbq
LA FOGATA, Alief
We’re back in Harris County but still south of the border, way south. COLOMBIAN
CUISINE, LIKE OTHER SOUTH AND CENTRAL AMERICAN CUISINES, IS FOCUSED
AROUND A HANDFUL OF NATIONAL STAPLES. Built to feed hungry field hands,
this is one menu that won’t fit your low-cal diet. The house specialty is the Bandeja
Paisa. This classic Colombian dish con