Texans love Whataburger, we get it. The burger chain is fast, cheap, and there’s a drive-thru window that’s too handy on days when you’re short on time.
But before you grab another Double Meat, you should know that Houston, as an amazing and diverse foodie city, is full of irresistible drive-thru options, and many go way beyond the burger. Tacos al pastor, local brisket kolache, shrimp pad thai, and yes, even those classic burgers, fries, and shakes. Everything is up for grabs.
Here are 11 excellent drive-ins in Houston.
Common Bond has expanded with several Common Bond On-the-Go concepts across Houston.
Common linkCommon link on the thumb
Since opening in Montrose in 2014, Common Bond has expanded to Houston, including a number of On-The-Go locations that have drive-thru windows. Pop into the Heights, Garden Oaks, or Marq’E locations to nab French specialties like sandwiches stuffed with Paris ham, Gruyere, and Dijon butter; traditional pastries ranging from buttery croissants and sugar-coated kugelhopfs to a rainbow of macaroons; and espressos and lattes to wash down baked goods.
El Rey Taqueria has a drive-thru on Shepherd Dr.
Google MapsEl Rey Taqueria
Cuban tacos – warm tortillas filled with beef or chicken fajitas, black beans, sweet plantain and sour cream – are a staple at this local Cuban and Mexican taqueria, which offers both dine-in and driving in all of his four Houstons. Locations. The ropa vieja, tacos al pastor and house roast chicken are also worth ordering.
French fries house
Forget the big chain fries. This local burger and fries restaurant serves up its fries as curly, breaded, thin, waffle and fresh cut, with a variety of dips and toppings – ranch, gravy, buffalo chicken, Philly cheesesteak – to load at your way. Order online and pick it up at the fast drive-thru.
Kolache Shoppe serves a variety of fruit-filled kolaches as well as savory dishes like beef brisket, sausages and cheese.
Carla Gomez.Heights of Kolache Shoppe
This local icon has been throwing kolaches from the ground up in Houston since 1970, with a time-tested dough recipe and an army of loyal fans to prove it. Get the old-fashioned Czech pastries loaded with traditional poppyseed, fruit, and cream cheese fillings, or opt for newer numbers like the scrambled egg, jalapeño, and brisket from local smokehouse Pinkerton’s, all available through the drive-thru window at the Shoppe’s Heights location.
Long Coffee raspberry honey tea with boba, left to right, ca phe sua da with boba and royal artichoke (with jellies, logan and basil seeds).
Yi-Chin Lee/staff photographerLong coffee
Bellaire Blvd is home to this decades-old Vietnamese cafe and roaster, which sports a convenient drive-thru window. Come enjoy matcha lattes, honey milk teas, ca phe sua da and frozen avocado drinks, all available with boba. Accompany them with fruit pies, croissants with almond cream, creamy fettuccine alfredo or chicken popcorn.
Myti Burger
The classics stick around for a reason. Case in point: this Oak Forest institution, which has been returning patties and nostalgia to loyal locals since 1967. Hop into the driver’s seat and swing out of its window to pick up classics like quarter-priced cheeseburgers. book, chili dogs, fried fish sandwiches, homemade dishes. onion rings, jalapeño poppers and chocolate shakes, all at affordable prices.
River Oaks Donuts offers seasonal specials, like Peep donuts for Easter.
Abby JohannaRiver Oaks Donuts
Drive-in donuts are the perfect morning pick-me-up, and this neighborhood donut shop has just about every flavor you could want. Grab cream-filled, strawberry-glazed, and chocolate-glazed Bavarian numbers in addition to all manner of donut holes, weekend-only cronuts, hot drops, Katz coffee cold brews, and salty kolaches with fillings ranging from spinach and feta to sausage and Prasek cheese.
Fast-casual Vietnamese concept Saigon Hustle in Garden Oaks serves up banh mi, spring rolls, spring rolls, salads, rice and vermicelli bowls.
The bustle of SaigonThe bustle of Saigon
Garden Oaks is now home to a rare bird, a modern Vietnamese drive-thru concept housed in a renovated vintage gas station. It’s the kind of stuff you’ll only find in Houston, so take the opportunity to visit it (or its patio) for turmeric Saigon crepe rolls with braised pork belly, shrimp and peanut sauce; banh mi stuffed with honey-glazed lemongrass salmon or barbecued rib steak; and a daring ca phe sua da that will keep you on your toes for the ride home.
Chef Benchawan Painter in the drive-thru window of his East End Thai restaurant, Street to Kitchen, which opened during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Karen Warren Staff PhotographerFrom the street to the kitchen
Fiery red curry and drunken noodles with local pickled chilies. Spicy northeast-style laarb and pad thai sprinkled with large Gulf shrimp. All the food is fast, fresh and great at this true East End Thai haunt. Pre-order directly from the Street to Kitchen website to score pickup from the drive-thru window.
Voodoo Donut in Buffalo Heights has a drive-thru.
Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle/Team PhotographerVoodoo donut
Houston is blessed with two outposts of this Portland-born donut ace, and Washington and Waugh’s location offers an easy drive-thru experience. Head over there to get your hands on a cute pink box of Voodoo’s most beloved creations, from the Bacon Maple Bar to the extravagant Voodoo Doll, a Chocolate Frosted Raised Yeast Donut with a Pretzel Stake. planted in his heart.
The W Grill’s original location at 4825 Washington Ave is open.
Yelp/Emily B.Grill W
If you know this totally illegal but actually legal drive-thru margarita spot, you know. If not, head to Washington Ave for frozen burgers, wraps, and margs in flavors ranging from strawberry and mango to “The Swirl,” a mash-up of classic margs and margs. sangria. Once you’ve arrived safely at your destination, remove the tape from the top of your margin and swallow happily.
