H-E-B was looking for a unique coffee shop and gathering place to complement its stores. Chef Jason Giagrande (along with fellow chefs Jonathan Waxman, Jimmy Bradley, and Joey Campanaro) delivered The Roastery (theroastery.com). Part coffee shop, part grab-and-go counter and part full-service kitchen, The Roastery is anything but your average joe. Its flagship location, which just opened adjacent to the San Felipe H-E-B, boasts a 7,000-square-foot footprint with on-site coffee roasting operations and a large (pet-friendly!) patio, and a seasonal chef-driven menu serving the likes of confit duck wings and pork belly doughnut sliders among elevated salads, steaks and craft cocktails. “The biggest surprise for people,” says Giagrande, “is that you can actually go there with a group for lunch or dinner and be very pleasantly surprised.” Here, Giagrande shares his top Houston picks. -MFT

Familiar Face

“I've known Hugo for many years, so his places feel like home to me. All of them are great, but Hugo's (hugosrestaurant.net) is my No. 1.”

Home Team

“I was a baseball player when I was younger, so I love seeing the Astros (mlb.com/astros). … If you're not eating a big hot dog, you're not enjoying a baseball game.”

Chef's Choice

“We have taken a chef's approach, creating everything we serve at all e Roastery locations—from the co ee to the food—and we pride ourselves on being a place for everyone.”

Dine

“I recently got to the hyped-up Nancy's Hustle (nancyshustle.com). It's such a great culinary scene. … And the food quantified all the hype.”

SHOP “I like shopping at places that are unique to an area, like Manready Mercantile (manready.com). It's a little more curated.”

Essentials

“I'm sure you know where I do my grocery shopping: H-E-B (heb.com). Especially their meats. I love grilling, and I am never disappointed with their meat selection.”