Beat the Texas Heat with These Historic Summer Treats
Summer in Texas arrives with unrelenting heat, loosened routines, and the perfect excuse to slow down and make lasting memories. It also brings cravings for classic American fare – burgers hot off the grill, hand-dipped ice cream, flaky pie, and ice-cold drinks. As you plan your next road trip or wander off the beaten path, consider seeking out these time-honored treats at historic Texas Treasure Businesses and hometown favorites. Each stop offers more than a way to cool off, it’s a chance to experience the flavors, stories, and traditions that have shaped Texas communities for generations.
1. Enjoy an Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Soda or Malt
Nothing says summer nostalgia quite like a hand-dipped ice cream cone, malt or soda fountain treat. Many of these establishments preserve a tradition when drugstore soda fountains, standalone malt shops, and drive-ins served as youth hangouts and community hubs.
The Malt Shop, Weatherford
Founded in 1958, this pink, white, and black facade drive-in became a local hangout after the Weatherford Lake was built. They have multiple flavors of homemade malts and ice cream to choose from.
"From the Soda Fountain comes...milkshakes whirling in the blenders with the happy sounds of families pulled up to the marble bar...there is nothing that compares to the nostalgia of a heritage drug store such as the Owl." - Zac Allen, Coleman CHC Chairman
Owl Drug Store, Coleman
For 103 years, Owl Drug Store has remained a trusted gathering place "where friends meet" and satisfy that sweet tooth.
2. Find Texas' Best Historic Burger Joint
The hamburger may be America's most famous food, often a symbol of fast-food culture. Yet these Texas spots offer a slower atmosphere perfect for catching up with friends on a cool summer evening. Many Texas burger institutions have been serving travelers and locals for generations, often from buildings that are landmarks themselves.
Sandy's Old-Fashioned Hamburgers, Austin
Sandy's has not only been in the very same building since its inception in 1946, but it has continued to provide delicious old-fashioned burgers at reasonable prices while offering a nostalgic, Austin vibe.
"Where do you want to eat?"
"I don't know...somewhere."
Someburger, Baytown
Founded in 1955, two University of Texas graduates opened a chain of burger stands named Somewhere in the Austin area, inspired by the way the men decided where to eat during their college days. Bags from Somewhere had the phrase, "I came from Somewhere full of Someburgers." Eventually, all but the word "Someburger" was dropped. Although locations and buildings have changed, their quarter pound beef patties and fresh cut fries have remained the same.
3. Cool Down with Authentic Mexican Frozen Treats
Texas heritage is inseparable from Mexican culinary traditions. Although the paletería craze didn't explode in Texas until the 1980s-90s, this 50+ year old traditional treat can be found at these local staples, reflecting generations of cultural exchange across Texas and the borderlands.
Helados La Azteca, Waco
With three locations in Waco and another in Temple, this family-owned business has been bringing the authentic taste of Mexticacan, Jalisco, Mexico, to patrons with handcrafted popsicles, ice cream, fruit cups, and more since 1998.
El Paraíso Ice Cream, San Antonio
Influenced by the cultures of Guadalajara, Zacatecas, and Aguacalientes, Mexico, this long-standing paleta parlor has been concocting fresh ice cream and fruit bars since 1984.
4. Take a Slice of Texas Pie History
Pie has long been a staple of roadside cafes, diners, and small-town bakeries. Whether peach, pecan, apple, or buttermilk, pie tells the story of Texas agriculture and family recipes passed down through generations.
Jake & Dorothy's Café, Stephenville
Established in 1948, Jake & Dorothy's Café is best known for their chicken fried steak and waffle fries, but this family-owned establishment won't disappoint on the dessert-tasting scale either. With a variety of pies to choose from, you want to save some room for that perfect slice of pie.
Midpoint Café, Adrian
Speaking of the open road, Route 66 is 100 years old this year! While taking a commemorative cruise down "The Mother Road," stop at Midpoint Café (the literal midpoint of the iconic road) for an "ugly pie," as they're affectionately known. Many would argue that they aren't ugly at all, but the fact of the matter is, looks are moot when the pie is so decadently delicious.
5. Sip a Summer Tradition
From front-porch sweet tea to ice-cold sodas pulled straight from a cooler, Texas summers have always been as much about what we drink as what we eat.
Across Texas, historic cafes, diners, and small-town celebrations keep these traditions alive, serving up freshly squeezed lemonade, house-brewed iced tea, agua fresca, and regional favorites like Big Red. Whether you're stopping in after a day on the road or cooling off at a local festival, these simple sips offer a refreshing connection to the past.
As America approaches its 250th anniversary, there's no better time to raise a glass to the flavors that have brought Texans together for generations.
Find a July 4th event near you!
This summer, take the scenic route and make room for a few meaningful stops along the way. Seek out the unassuming historic cafes, soda fountains, bakeries, and family-owned eateries that have been quietly preserving Texas traditions for decades.
Follow the flavors that have stood the test of time. You'll leave with more than a full stomach. You'll carry a deeper taste of Texas with you.