Kolaches can be found all over Houston, but some have a reputation for quality and taste that’s hard to match.
In this episode of “Eat Like a Local with Chris Shepherd”, Shepherd shares some of his favorite places to pick up breakfast or even road trip treats, including one that got its start almost seven decades ago.
“This is the birthplace of Houston’s kolache scene. My grandparents opened the shop in 1956. They ran the shop for about 23 years,” said Kevin Dowd, current owner of The Original Kolache Shoppe. “Mom took over after them. She ran the shop for about 32 years. My brother and I grew up in here.”
In 2011, Dowd took over the bakery when his mother passed away.
“It’s been a labor of love. This tiny little shop on Telephone (Rd.),” said Dowd.
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“Eat Like a Local with Chris Shepherd” is your guide to the best food in Houston. Watch new episodes Saturdays at 10 a.m. on KPRC 2.
The Original Kolache Shoppe
5404 Telephone Rd. | Houston
Customers who file into The Original Kolache Shoppe can get their fill of fruit-filled kolaches, meat-filled klobasneks, cinnamon rolls, and much more.
The kitchen is open, so customers can watch the impressive prep work.
“We always say there’s no substitute for quality ingredients and freshness,” said Dowd who follows the same recipes his grandparents did for many of the restaurant’s traditional pastries.
He has expanded the business -- adding new breakfast treats -- and developing their own in-house brand of roasted coffee.
“My goal was to craft coffee as special as the pastries we’ve been crafting for three generations.”
Luloo’s Day & Night
1223 W. 34th Street | Houston
Luloo’s Day & Night is the creation of the owners of Blood Bros. BBQ restaurant. It’s a bakery, sandwich shop, and full bar wrapped into one.
Here, you can enjoy a brisket-filled klobasnek with a side of Blood Bros BBQ sauce or a fruit kolache made entirely from scratch in house.
Check out this episode of “Eat Like a Local” to hear about unique creations you’ll find only at Luloo’s Day & Night. The flavors change regularly.
The Hot Bagel Shop
2015 S. Shepherd Dr #900 | Houston
Bagel may be in this restaurant’s name, but the variety of delicious breakfast items you can find is wide and delicious.
More “Eat Like a Local” restaurants featured in this episode
- Mrs. Donuts: 14765 Memorial Dr. | Houston
- Christy’s Donuts: 1103 W Gray St. | Houston
- Kolache Shoppe - Heights: 1031 Heights Blvd. | Houston
Bookmark the Eat Like a Local website, so you can find more restaurants serving up great food near you. We’re adding restaurants to the map every week.
Watch “Eat Like a Local with Chris Shepherd” Saturdays at 10 a.m. on KPRC 2.
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