12 Essential Third Ward Restaurants Offering the Finest Takeout Options

Sparkle’s Hamburger Spot in the Third Ward is known for its fat, juicy patties. | Sparkle’s Hamburger Spot / Facebook

Where to find elote kolaches, greasy, cheesy burgers, crispy seasoned chicken, Creole-style sides, and more

Nestled in the southeast corner of Central Houston lies one of the city’s oldest and most important historical neighborhoods, the Third Ward. It was one of the Houston’s four original districts, as designated by the city’s charter in 1840, and over the past few decades, many of the Third Ward’s restaurants have staked their place as essential cultural institutions.

Still, it’s an important part of Houston’s culinary scene that has often been overlooked, and it’s time for that to change. Use this long-overdue map as a guide to the best eats in “The Tre,” ranging from raw, vegan burritos to elote kolaches, seafood-stuffed turkey legs, and greasy, cheesy burgers.