Cricket's Creamery & Cafe

Fresh flowers, charming eatery!

by rubylin11

I moved to Houston a year ago this month from Seattle, and I am ashamed to say, I had never visited the Heights. I was impressed with the historical architecture, the number of quirky recycled-items stores and the quality of this neighborhood's food. Being a vegetarian, I was particulary delighted to find Cricket's on 19th St. I tried the Shepherd's pie and it was out of this world! My friend had a salad and sandwich which she enjoyed tremendously. The freshness of produce in this place is outstanding. The gelatos.... another chapter. We left feeling that we had been back home for an hour: children-size furniture to accomodate the little ones, art on the walls and whimsical flower arrangements on each table! I can't remember the last time I had the pleasure to see freshly cut flowers in a restaurant. What a difference a flower makes! Thank you, Crickets, for providing a healthy, entertaining and nutricious alternative in this fast-paced city!

Tasty food, so-so service

by foodiechick82

I wanted to show my friend the eclectic, unique shops of Houston while she was in town, so we down to 19th street and stopped at Cricket's for lunch. Having never been here before, my friend did not know where the drinks were, what the sandwiches came with, etc. When she asked the cashier, the young lady responded with a short, unfriendly attitude. She seemed inconvenienced. The grilled sandwiches were tasty, the soups were too sweet for my taste. When I went back to ask for a to-go container, the same cashier was a bit more friendly. Bad morning maybe? It was so disappointing to have my friend treated so rudely. Next time I'll try the sandwich shop a few doors down.

Eclectic neighborhood café puts a tasty spin on Vegan option

by KitchenInc , Citysearch Contributor

When a stroll down 19th St. beckons, Cricket's welcomes passersby of all ages and walks of life in for a scoop of gelato, coffee or vegan dish. Ever carnivorous, I was surprised to find how much I enjoyed their Vegan Shepherd's Pie!

Seating is varied from diner booths to comfortable chairs tucked away in the corner for studying. A designated kid-free zone in the window provides refuge for those on laptops.

Prices are reasonable for such a prime location and no matter how busy they get on a Height's First Saturday, service is always friendly and you will never feel rushed.

Try the Vegan fair or simply sit back and people watch with a scoop of gelato.

• Pros: Gelato, Vegan fare

Quirky Gelato and Coffee Parlour

by AnaTHouston , Citysearch Contributor

This is the perfect place to start your shopping spree and end your shopping spree in the Heights. I feel good about spending my money at this family establishment, probably because the funk art makes me feel young.

My favorite dessert coffee is the mocha latte. It's better than Starbuck's because it tastes like your mom made it. The regular latte is good too.

They serve the best artisian gelato by Trentino. Their vendor makes flavors in small batches. Lemon with Biscotti is a refreshing dessert favorite. Check out these other flavors that their vendor makes--

Amaretto

Banana

Butter Pecan

Buttermilk

Caramel

Caramel Pop Corn

CheeseCake

Cherry

Cherry Amaretto

Chili Chocolate

Chocolate

Chocolate Rocher

Chocolate with Almonds

Chocolate with Chocolate Chips

Cinnamon

Cinnamon Chocolate

Cinnamon Vanilla

Coconut

Cookies & Cream

Cream Cheese

Cream with Walnuts

Dulce de Leche

Eggnog

Eggnog with Almonds

Espresso

Espresso with Kahlua

Ginger

Green Tea

Irish Cream Liqueur

Lavender

Lemon

Lemon Pistachio

Lemon with Biscotti

Mango

Mascarpone

Mascarpone Persimmon and Walnut

Mint

Mint Chocolate Chip

Nutella

Piña Colada

Pistachio

Pumpkin (Seasonal Flavor)

Pumpkin with Cardamom

Rocky Road

Semi Dark Chocolate

Soy Gelato (Lactose and Sugar Free)

Spumoni

Star Anise

Stracciatella

Strawberry

Strawberry Lavender

Sweet Corn

Tiramisu

Vanilla Bean

White Chocolate

Wild Texas Honey

Yogurt

Zupa Inglesa

I see small families, scooter peeps, students, yuppies, and artists hang here. The owner, John, is very polished (looks like actor Kirk Douglas a little) and delivers great customer service.

I like the funny toys they sell from monkey puppets to chirping birds. The patio is kind of rickety, but it's colorful.

The place is also dog friendly and has water bowls.

• Pros: Local, family-owned, colorful
• Cons: Only one location

Great Cafe, Great Staff but......

by CarMcMillan

Everything about this cafe is superb.

Unfortunately, the owner has a soft spot for this homeless mentally disturbed man who has been there everytime I've dropped in. He sits among the children and drinks free coffee and talks to himself. He goes to the bathroom and will hang out in the back around the ladies restroom far too long. Everybody says that he's harmless but I have seen bothering customers and rambling angrily.

He smells terribly and stares at you. God bless him but when I go to a pricey cafe for a meal and good coffee I expect better than this. This Charlie Manson character is a lawsuit waiting to happen.

• Pros: Excellent Veggie food, coffee, pastries
• Cons: Homeless mentally disturbed man lives there