4 Places to Eat You Haven’t Tried Yet

The big new restaurants always tend to get the most fanfare, but there are others, for those who choose to look, that are sometimes hard to find but ALWAYS deliver on their amazing food. Here’s our list of 4 Places to Eat You Haven’t Tried Yet. Enjoy!

Where to Find Them

1. Chuckwagon BBQ and Burgers

Tucked away in a small strip center off FM 1463, that dividing line between Katy and Fulshear is a secret destination that those that have lived out this way know about, but most others don’t. Until you realize that they’ve been recognized as one of the best BBQ eateries that Houston has to offer by multiple local and national publications.

Chuckwagon bloomed under it’s second ownership, and has thrived in its same location. It’s dining room is outfitted with faux old-west wagons and picnic benches, and the aromas of fresh BBQ when you walk through the door will leave your mouth watering. You may have even met them at several different wine and food events around town… you’ll typically find long lines for their samples.

Chuckwagon serves the typical BBQ and Burger fare, but with their unique approach to both. You’ll also find one-of-a-kind specialties on any given day. Be sure to check out the Secret Menu where you’ll find things like the Hot Cheeto Burger, French Fried Baked Potatoes, and Mexican Street Corn.

Located at: 4031 FM 1463, Katy, Texas 77494

Learn more about Chuckwagon BBQ & Burgers

2. Joy Love Burgers

Don’t be fooled by name. Joy Love Burgers serves a LOT more than just burgers. But these aren’t just any burgers. They’re so good, they named the entire concept after them. We’re talking prime beef, on homemade-daily sourdough buns, complete with the JoyLove Brand, all the fixings and then loaded up with a side of fresh, crunchy fries with season salt.

The “best burger” conversation comes up frequently on the Fort Bend Foodies Facebook group, and invariably the discussion usually comes down to Joy Love vs. Willies. Our vote will always sway to Joy Love. Their standard burger combo is big enough for two, and the seasoning makes this things taste out of this world good.

The original is located on N. Mason Rd. across from the Academy Headquarters. And it is tiny. But the best hole-in-the-wall joints often are. If you go for lunch, be prepared to stand in line behind a bunch of Academy employees. Your best bet is to call in your order.

Located at: 1801 N. Mason Rd, Katy, Texas 77449

Learn more about Joy Love Burgers

3. La Balance Cafe

Billed as French with a Modern Twist, La Balance Cafe is still one of Fulshear’s best kept secrets. Even to the locals. Located in downtown Fulshear, across FM-359 from the Post Office, the cafe serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. It’s fine dining in small town Texas.

La Balance closed down temporarily in the wake of the pandemic, but we hear they’ve reopened. Swing by and try their breakfast tacos. They are life. They are huge. And for fine dining, they are surprisingly very affordable. Just one is all it takes.

Located at: 8050 FM 359, Fulshear, Texas 77441

Learn more about La Balance Cafe

4. Rosa’s Pizza Ristorante

Authentic Italian food is alive and well in Katy, Texas. Rosa’s is another one of those little hole-in-the-wall joints, and if you don’t know where it is, you just might miss it… and that would truly be shame. It can be found in the same shopping center as the 510 Bar on S. Mason Rd. just North of Kingsland.

Regulars rave about their authentic New York style pizza, with light, airy crusts, “perfect” sauces, the freshest ingredients, and served piping hot by employees who are delighted that you’re there. Their soups, pastas, garlic knots, and breadsticks offer some mouth-watering options as sides to your pizza or a la carte for smaller meals.

Located at: 510 Mason Rd, Suite W, Katy, Texas 77450

Learn more about Rosa’s Pizza Ristorante

For more fun, be sure to check out Brian’s Top Local Parks to Visit.