We’re big fans of a multi-faceted concept, and Houston’s Tiny Boxwoods is just that. One part bistro, one part nursery, one part impeccably curated home décor boutique makes for an experience that’s almost impossible not to enjoy. A dozen years since the original River Oaks location’s inception in ’07, Tiny’s has yet to waver on its high standards of scratch cooking, smiling staff and thoughtful ambiance. This airy outpost displayed their signature menu in stunning script on chalkboard menus before these were ubiquitous. On Saturdays at dusk, patrons are invited to enjoy movies on the lawn with classic titles like Casablanca and The Palm Beach Story. But Tiny’s is meant to be enjoyed at all hours of the day: break fast with their avocado toast served two ways and several variations on OJ. The lunch crowd starts early and stays late; the plate selection includes crisp salads and a veggie burger crafted from both black beans and beets, giving the patty the most picturesque magenta hue. And when most restaurants see a decrease in traffic, Tiny’s invites guests to enjoy an afternoon pick-me-up with their French Picnic or the 3:30 muffin service offered until the fresh batch is sold out. 

Guaranteed to not sell out is their signature chocolate chip cookie, which they churn out every 20 minutes. Peruse the website and note that of the five headers on the homepage, The Cookie is included all on its own. Adorably dubbed “daymakers,” the café became restaurant famous from these medium-rare chocolate chip delights. If the digital dedication page wasn’t enough, the cookie now has its own place to call home, a walk-up bakery slash coffee shop, Milk & Cookies. The concept is simple, and the joy is instantly contagious upon approaching the blue ship-lap farm door façade connected to their second Houston locale in West University, Tiny’s No. 5. Kids can’t get enough, and surely the parents aren’t mad that this is where they wound up on a hot Texas afternoon. Of course, cookies can—and should—be enjoyed with a glass of milk (they make almond in-house) or their freshly churned ice creams. 

The Tiny’s sensation has spread as far as the neighboring town of Austin and has felt an equal outpouring of love and affection from its residents. Austin and Houston certainly have different personalities as far as cities go, but Tiny’s locations are consistent in welcoming environments and lush ground settings to enjoy their crowd-pleasing fare. The cookie dough is available for purchase, but we insist your first cookie experience take place at a Tiny’s outpost. Take in the glistening caramel glow every single one achieves as its removed from the warm pizza oven and presented on a wooden board. Go ahead, take a picture. And by all means, enjoy.

Story by Senior Writer Molly Duncan. Bridget is the nom de plume (and middle name) behind Molly whose blog, Bridget’s Own Diary, was the brainchild of her teenage self whilst she became intrigued with the ever expanding online world and the wealth of inspiration it offered in all her areas of interest from food and fashion to travel and interiors.

All images belong to CRPKG