Maximo

With Maximo, the folks behind Local Foods, Eau Tour, and Lees Den created an Americana taco destination in small-town Houston, AKA West University. Squeezed into a tiny shotgun space, the hyper-colorful, art-filled Maximo looks like it was designed for a rich, maximalist cowboy. But most of the people here are families attempting to trick a toddler into eating mashed, Tex-Mex-style lentils. The counter-service spot serves loaded tacos on handmade blue corn tortillas and the best take on the classic Big Mac in town, with tangy sauce on a double patty over a thick layer of caramelized onions. Maximo also has punchy tequila cocktails built for lounging with a date on the patio as well as an ice cream machine with the twist served in a mini baseball helmet.