Whether you are considering a move to Tomball or if you have been a resident of Tomball for several years, you may or may not have heard of some of the local treasures Tomball has to offer. If you have yet to visit any of these amazing local gems, we encourage you to do so and to share your experience with us!
Resale with a Purpose
If you have items to donate or if you are looking to go thrift shopping, check out Tomball’s Resale with a Purpose. 100 percent of profits are given back to the community. Donate or search for items such as furniture, clothing, art, home decor, jewelry, and more. This local thrift/consignment store has donated thousands of dollars to Tomball Pregnancy Center, Boys and Girls Country, Abandoned Animal Shelter, Tomball Police Department, Families Feeding Families, Salem Harvey victims, and several other organizations within the Tomball Community.
Click here to visit their website to learn more about how Resale with a Purpose helps the Tomball Community and how you can help.
Mel’s Country Cafe
Mel’s Country Cafe has been in Tomball’s Weirich family since 1977, when it was originally named Mary’s Fried Chicken. The family also previously owned and operated Weirich Grocery and Hufsmith Post Office next door. In 1985, Mary’s Fried Chicken was renamed Mel’s Cafe and the menu was changed to feature hamburgers.
Unfortunately, the post office and grocery store were victims of arson and burned to the ground in 1993. Shortly after, Mel’s Cafe was renamed to its present name, Mel’s Country Cafe. Their menu has expanded to include country favorites such as fried catfish, chicken fried steak, and more. Due to the recent expansion of the building, the parking lot is now the site where the post office and grocery store once stood.
This family owned cafe has been named in the Top 10 Best Small Town Restaurants of Texas List, One of the Ten Reasons to Visit Tomball according to Zagat, KPRC’s Texas Bucket List, Texas Monthly’s 50 Greatest Hamburgers in Texas, and it was voted the BEST Burger in the Bayou City! If you have not experienced this lovely local Tomball cafe, go out and try a chicken fried steak or partake in the infamous Mega Mel Challenge. The Challenge includes eating their Mega Mel Burger in under two hours without help and the ability to walk and talk without getting sick.
When you visit Mel’s Country Cafe, be sure to look closely at the parking lot. You can still see the concrete slab and some of the old floor tiles from the post office and grocery store.
Click here to check out their website and view the menu.
The Book Attic
The Book Attic is Tomball’s largest bookstore! They have over 60,000 books in stock and they offer a sell/trade program. If you have a specific book in mind, The Book Attic will special order it for you with no shipping fees. If you love to read or if you are looking for a specific book for school, consider shopping local and visit The Book Attic.
Click here to visit their website for information on store hours, the trade policy, and to receive directions to The Book Attic.
The Silver Strawberry
The Silver Strawberry has been in business for 17 years and offers a variety of boutique clothing for women and kids, jewelry, gifts, school spirit items, home decor, and accessories. In addition to their amazing boutique items, they offer custom homecoming mums, custom tees, embroidery, and more.
Click here to visit their website for online shopping, store hours, or to get in contact with The Silver Strawberry.
Craving Kernels
Craving Kernels is a family owned and operated gourmet popcorn and candy store located in historic downtown Tomball. They offer over 80 flavors of popcorn and over 100 different candies to satisfy your sweet or salty cravings.
Click here to visit their website to view products, place an order, receive information on how to host a popcorn bar at your next event, or to find out how Craving Kernels can help you with fundraising.
The Griffin House
The Griffin House was built by early Texas lumberman, Eugene Pillot, who was born in 1820. The house is a part of the Tomball Museum Center and it was constructed near the Atascosito Trail, which appears to partially coincide with Tomball’s present day Boudreaux Road. The house was established as a museum in 1969 and most of its furnishings date from the 1800s.
Click here to view the Tomball Museum Center’s website for information on additional exhibits, additional historical information on The Griffin House, the Annual Candlelight tour, and for their hours of operation.
Tejas Chocolate and Barbeque
Tejas Chocolate and Barbecue was rated number 6 in Texas Monthly’s “10 Best BBQ Joints in Texas” list and is located in one of Tomball’s oldest residential structures. They offer authentic Texas style barbecue five days a week, using simple ingredients and only real wood logs as the source of fuel. Their chocolate factory uses premium cocoa beans and they practice a low and slow fire roasting method to develop rich and distinct chocolate flavor. Head over to this local Tomball treasure to experience barbecue salt-and-pepper-kissed, fat-rendered smoked brisket, and ribs by the pound and chocolate bread pudding with cajeta caramel sauce for dessert. Also, be sure to take home some of their award winning chocolate.
Click here to visit their website to learn more about their craft, online ordering, daily specials, and more.
Railroad Depot
Tomball hosts the historic 1907 Depot museum with train memorabilia, original art, antiques, and two highly detailed model railroads. It is located in Downtown Tomball and tours are available on weekdays by appointment only and on weekends during business operating hours. Several events are held at the Depot such as The Tomball German Heritage Festival, The Memorial Day Chili Challenge, The 2nd Saturday at the Depot, and more.
Click here to learn more information on Tomball’s Railroad Depot, annual events at the Depot, and operating hours.
Tomball is full of local treasures from tea rooms to Christmas Tree Farms. Do you have a favorite local business or area in Tomball? We would love for you to share them with us on our Facebook page or in the blog comments below!
Are you considering a move to Tomball? Michele Harmon Team is here to help! Our team is in the top 1% of all Houston Area Realtors and we are extremely knowledgeable about the community and real estate market in Tomball. If you have any questions about Tomball or if you are ready to start your search for a new home, call Michele Harmon Team at 713-818-1330 or fill out our contact form below!
Want to learn more about Tomball? Click here to learn more information about the area, Tomball Independent School District, and private schools in the area.