Sweet Indulgence in the 80° “Fall” We Know & Love

I know it’s November, but let’s be honest — Houston didn’t get the memo. It’s still 80 degrees out, the air feels more like cold brew than cocoa, and I’m not fighting it. Instead, I’m leaning into it the only way that makes sense: dessert.

If you’ve never tried Underground Creamery, consider this your sign. Tucked along North Shepherd, it started as a passion project from local foodie Josh DeLeon (you might know him from Eats Gone Wild) and turned into one of Houston’s most talked-about ice cream spots. This isn’t your typical scoop shop. You preorder small-batch pints online, then pick them up when they drop — and trust me, they go fast. The flavors are inventive and nostalgic at the same time: Pumpkin Cinna Toasty, Brown Sugar Super Malt, Chocookie Butter. It’s the kind of ice cream that makes you feel like a kid again, but better — because now you can eat it straight from the pint without sharing.

And then there’s Pudgy’s Fine Cookies, just a few steps away and equally worth the sugar high. Owner Van Teamer started Pudgy’s during the pandemic, baking out of her apartment before opening a full bakery in The Heights in 2022. Her mission? Giant, gooey, over-the-top cookies that taste as good as they look. The classic chocolate chip “Pudgy” is a staple, but I love rotating through flavors like Bonanza Brûlée (banana foster meets crème brûlée) or Wild Campfire (a s’mores situation you’ll think about later). It’s warm, nostalgic, and somehow feels like self-care in cookie form.

These two share the same address, which feels dangerously convenient. I’ve done it more than once — cookie in one hand, pint in the other, heading home with my weekend fully made.

Why These Two Deserve Your Next Dessert Stop

• Because it’s 80° in November and Houston refuses to behave.

• Because both spots are local and full of heart.

• Because a warm cookie and cold ice cream belong together.

• Because sometimes the best part of the day is treating yourself, no occasion required.

Sweet Tip

Stop by Pudgy’s first, then swing over for your Underground Creamery pickup. Bring an insulated bag for your pint, find a cozy patio or couch situation, and call it a night. In Houston, dessert season is year-round — and that’s exactly how I like it.

With love + a little Houston buzz,

Claire 🐝💛