5 Must Do Things in Meyerland

In our Must Do Things Around Greater Houston series, we take a look at Houston’s vast array of communities, neighborhoods and destinations to bring you five fun, tasty, surprising and enticing reasons you should give each one a visit.

Named for Joseph F. Meyer Sr., who began acquiring a total of 6,000 acres of land in southwest Houston around 1885, Meyerland is one of the first deed-restricted communities in the city of Houston.

Dotted with colonial, ranch-style and contemporary homes plus the well-known Meyerland Plaza, today the area is a largely residential community. It also is known as the center of Houston’s Jewish community, with the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center, Congregation Beth Israel, Congregation Beth Yeshurun, and several smaller synagogues calling the area home.

Note: For the purposes of the list, Meyerland is defined as the area bound by Fondren to the west, Beechnut to the north, Stella Link the east, and 90 to the south, based roughly off this map.

5 Must Do Things in Meyerland

Nosh on the city’s best bagels at New York Deli & Coffee Shop

In case you haven’t heard, the city’s best bagels are hiding away on Hillcroft at New York Deli & Coffee Shop.

The Kornhaber family has some history with bagels as its patriarch, Eugene “Chick” Kornhaber, became a bagel baker in New York after the end of World War II. In 1981, they opened up shop in Houston, and they’ve been keeping locals happy with hot and fresh bagels, lox and schmears, and a menu full of deli favorites since.

Get the bagels in flavors like sesame, poppy, whole wheat, cinnamon raisin, banana nut, and jalapeño (this is Houston, after all).

Score Eastern European & Russian delicacies

Peruse a selection of hard-to-score Baltic and Eastern European items, including cheeses, European cold cuts, smoked fish, fine chocolates, spices, caviar and Russian nesting dolls at the Russian General Store.

Just five minutes away, the family-owned and operated Golden Grain is another hidden jewel. There, you’ll find over 5,000 products from more than 25 countries—including Ukraine, Armenia, Moldova, Russia, and Georgia—at this grocery, market, and bakery.

Spend the day at Meyerland parks

Meyerland is also home to some fun greenspaces.

Located next to Lovett Elementary School, the quaint Meyerland Park offers a playground, tennis courts, and fields. Get directions for Meyerland Park.

Over at Godwin Park, you’ll find a community center, playground, lighted sports field, and outdoor pavilion. Get directions to Godwin Park.

Snag Eastern European-style breads & pastries, cookies, cakes & more at a local institution

First opened on Holman Street in 1949, local institution Three Brothers Bakery now rocks four locations across town, one of which sits off South Braeswood Boulevard.

Scratchmade cakes and Eastern European–style pastries and breads are the name of the game here. Up the ante on your next celebration with a custom cake or grab flavors from Chocolate Ripple Fudge to Red Velvet; order up a Marble Pound Cake or some freshly baked Challah for company (Friday only); and hit the sweet spot with Black and White Cookies, Brownies, Lemon Squares and more.

Join the community at the Evelyn Rubenstein JCC

The Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center of Houston has transformed its campus, opening its new state-of-the-art center, Our New J, featuring five pools, an outdoor patio, an expansive indoor and outdoor fitness center with spa amenities, a culinary kitchen, ample social and meeting spaces and more.

While the center is membership-based, the space also hosts community programming throughout the year, like kids and family happenings, the annual Jewish Book & Arts Festival, the Houston Jewish Film Festival, workshops and more.

Check out the upcoming calendar, browse the programs, or book a free tour.