The Signal’s Best of Houston 2019

With a variety of great options and burritos that can make a person melt inside, Taco Bell is a restaurant that has something for everyone. The best part for college students? It’s very afforadable!

– Troylon Griffin II, co-managing editor

Student submitted selections:

Chick-fil-A, Frenchy’s Chicken, Raising Cane’s, Sonic, Taco Bell, Torchy’s Tacos, Wendy’s and Whataburger

Jimmy Changas is a Tex-Mex restaurant (heavy on the Tex) that offers quality food for a decent price. With strong lunch specials and multiple margarita options, there is never a bad time to grab a bite here.

– Emily Wolfe, executive editor

Student submitted selections: 

Bronco Burritos, Casa Olé, Chuy’s, Don Pico’s, El Dorado, El Tiempo, Gabachos, Gringo’s, Habaneros Tex-Mex, Killen’s TMX, La Familia, Los Compas, Lupe Tortilla, Mamacitas, Mom Alone, Papagayo’s, San Lorenzo’s and Torchy’s Tacos

Starbucks is an iconic coffee shop that also sells baked goods, snacks, tea and other beverages. With a pleasing atmosphere, large tables and food within reach, Starbucks is a great off-campus study space for students.

– Emily Wolfe, executive editor

Student submitted selections:

A 2nd Cup, Art of Coffee, Ca Phe Phin, Denny’s, Dun Bros, Kung Fu Tea, Mod Coffeehouse, Mugshots Coffee Bar, Paper Co. Cafe, Pearland Coffee Roasters, Starbucks, and The Teahouse Tapioca and Tea

This local chain has moved to other states for a reason. The donuts are always fresh and they offer really great sausage kolaches – a combination about as Texan as it gets.

– Emily Wolfe, executive editor

Student submitted selections:

Ashley’s Donuts, Kolaches and Tacos; Billy’s Donuts; Donald’s Donuts; Donuts Delight; Ken’s Donuts; Kristin Donuts; Morning Kolaches; Peña’s Donut Heaven and Grill; Riley’s Donuts; Shipley Do-Nuts; and The Kolache Bakery

Hopdoddy’s Burger Bar does not disappoint with its selection of burgers and is one that all those in the Clear Lake area should check out. With meals to both meat and vegetarian eaters alike, Hopdoddy has something for everyone and enough to satisfy those looking for a good burger or sandwich.

– Troylon Griffin II, co-managing editor

Student submitted selections:

9’ers Grill, Burger House, Burger Nation, Elevation Burger, Five Guys, Fudruckers, Hopdoddy, Hubcap Grill, J. Henry’s Draught House and Kitchen, Miller’s Cafe, Smash Burgers, The Spot, Tookie’s Burgers, and Whataburger

While AMC is known for its pricier tickets, the cost is usually worth it. The theatre is clean, the seats are comfortable and the popcorn is always hot. The three things needed for a good time at the movies.

– Emily Wolfe, executive editor

Student submitted selection:

Cinemark Hollywood Movies 20, AMC, Cinemark 18, District Theaters, Premiere Cinema, Star Cinema Grill, Studio Movie Grill

The Museum of Fine Arts Houston offers an extensive collection of artwork and programming that is impossible to take in fully in one visit. The exhibitions of the Sarofim Campus, both permanent and visiting alike, usually draw a large crowd especially when there is an exciting visiting show. MFAH offers discount pricing in admission and memberships for students so now is the best time to plan a visit. Don’t forget to take in their programming at Bayou Bend Collection, Rienzi and Glassell.

– Alyssa Shotwell, online editor

Student submitted selections:

Menil Collection, Museum of Fine Arts Houston, René Wiley Gallery, Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, Project Row Houses

Houston’s Museum of Natural Science has exhibits about the greater natural world, but with the addition of topics related to our lives like how energy gets transforms (Wiess Energy Hall) and animals/flora of the Texas (Hall of Texas Coastal Ecology & Hall of Texas Wildlife). The stand out permanent exhibits are the Hall of the Americas and Hall of Paleontology, but they also provide fun, interactive special exhibitons.

– Alyssa Shotwell, online editor

Student submitted selections:

Houston Museum of Natural Science, Military Museum of Texas, Moody Gardens, Space Center Houston, The Holocaust Museum

The Dirt Cheap’s found in Pasadena and Alvin are the best discount stores in the area. Though they are not a thrift store, the barely organized nature of the center, roughed up products and cheap pricing give you that same imagination. Please note that they don’t do refunds – so check everything before you buy it.

– Alyssa Shotwell, online editor

Student submitted selections:

Alamo Thrift Store, Family Thrift Center, Goodwill, ICM Resale Shop, Le Rustique Antique Warehouse, Salvation Army Family Store and Donation Center, and Small Treasures

Like many local comic book shops, the staff at Bedrock City Comics are really friendly and will help you find whatever you are looking for. Many people go in with little knowledge but excitement from a movie or tv show and Bedrock helps point you in the right direction. The prices are standard, but the experience and customer service is worth it. In addition to holding sales often, they bring in artists and have fun activities through out the year.

– Alyssa Shotwell, online editor

Right in the heart of Houston, Discovery Green features plenty of space for one to walk their dog, enjoy outside entertainment, or just relax in the fresh air. The park is located near the George R. Brown Convention Center and the Toyota Center, which makes for a nice resting place before heading to a concert, convention or game.

– Brandon Peña, editor-in-chief

Student submitted selections:

Allenbrook Park, Armand Bayou Nature Center, Bay Area Park, Challenger Seven Memorial Park, Crenshaw Park, Hermann Park, Jack Brooks Park, Pine Gully Park, and Walter Hall Park

When one thinks of a bookstore, Barnes & Noble is bound to be one of the top ones to come to mind. The bookseller chain has seemingly endless rows of books and magazines for one to browse through. Additionally, there is seating usually throughout the store for one to sit back and read. Plus, some stores have a Starbucks attached to it, making a trip to a B&N more of an experience.

– Brandon Peña, editor-in-chief

Students submitted selections:

Barnes and Noble, Galveston Bookshop, Half Price Books

There is a reason Apple is taking over the world. Declaring ‘Apple majors in everything,’ the company offers an array of discounts to students for their products and even subscriptions like Apple Music, which offers 50% off for those enrolled in higher education.

– Troylon Griffin II, co-managing editor

Student submitted selections:

Amazon, Bubble Island, Wael’s Mediterranean Cuisine, and Houston Zoo

The UHCL Chili Cook-off is one of the largest events put on by the university, as it brings together students, faculty, staff, administrators and alumni. As long as it doesn’t rain, the event is a fun time for everyone, including families.

– Brandon Peña, editor-in-chief

Students submitted selections:

Welcome Back Bash and Chili Cook-off

Without a doubt, one of the best spots to study is the library. Whether it’s at the tables among the rows of books or in one of the private study rooms, there’s plenty of places to stay focused.

– Brandon Peña, editor-in-chief

Students submitted selections:

Bayou Building’s 3rd Floor, Alfred R. Neumann Library, and Student Services Classroom Building Computer Lab

With some of the best seafood and Louisiana inspired meals, Miss Patty’s food truck is one to always look out for due to great food like its fried fish and shrimp with amazing French fries and garlic bread.

– Troylon Griffin II, co-managing editor

Student submitted selections:

Bernie’s Burger Bus, Bronco Burritos, El Jalapeño, Nacho Nachos,  Waffle Bus