Spices 39: Authentic Szechuan and Cantonese Cuisine in Houston's Heights

Spices 39 Introduce

In the dynamic and ever-evolving food scene of Houston, a city that embraces a world of flavors, finding a Chinese restaurant that truly stands out is a delight. Spices 39, located on W 19th St in the vibrant Heights neighborhood, has quickly become a notable destination for those craving authentic and flavorful Chinese cuisine. This restaurant is a testament to the belief that delicious food, paired with a modern and comfortable setting, can create a truly memorable dining experience. It specializes in a fusion of Szechuan and Cantonese cuisines, offering a diverse menu that appeals to both traditional palates and those looking for something new and exciting.

Spices 39's menu is a carefully curated selection of classic and innovative dishes. While the chef's specials, such as the Chili Crispy Chicken and Pork Belly Mound, showcase a modern approach to Chinese cooking, traditional favorites like the General Tso's Chicken and various lo mein and fried rice dishes are prepared with a focus on authentic flavor. The restaurant’s commitment to providing a wide range of options is evident in its extensive menu, which includes everything from small plates and soups to a variety of entrees and a full list of beverages, including alcoholic options. This makes it an ideal spot for any occasion, whether it’s a solo meal, a casual lunch, a family dinner, or a gathering with a group of friends.

Beyond the food, the atmosphere at Spices 39 is a major part of its appeal. It’s described as casual, cozy, and trendy, providing a welcoming backdrop for its culinary offerings. This inviting environment, combined with fast service and a reputation for delicious food, has earned it a loyal following. The restaurant is particularly popular for lunch and dinner, catering to both locals and visitors. The fact that it is family-friendly and good for kids, complete with high chairs, makes it a convenient and comfortable choice for a diverse crowd.

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Location and Accessibility

Spices 39 is situated at 626 W 19th St, Houston, TX 77008, USA, placing it in the heart of the Houston Heights area. This location is known for its blend of charming boutiques, local businesses, and unique restaurants, making Spices 39 a perfect addition to the neighborhood.

The restaurant is highly accessible, with features that cater to a wide range of customers. It offers a wheelchair-accessible entrance, wheelchair-accessible parking lot, and wheelchair-accessible restroom, ensuring that all patrons can visit comfortably. Additionally, there is a free parking lot and free street parking available, which makes it easy for guests to find a spot to park their vehicles. For those who prefer to dine outside, the restaurant also accommodates a pet-friendly policy with dogs allowed outside in designated areas.

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Services Offered

Dine-in: Enjoy a meal in the restaurant's casual and cozy atmosphere, with seating available for various group sizes.
Takeout: For customers on the go, Spices 39 offers a quick and convenient takeout service. Orders can be placed online or by phone.
Delivery & No-contact delivery: Spices 39 partners with delivery services to bring their delicious food right to your doorstep, with a no-contact option for added safety and convenience.
Lunch & Dinner: The restaurant is a popular spot for both lunch and dinner, with a dedicated lunch special menu that offers a great value.
Table Service: The restaurant provides table service, ensuring a comfortable and well-cared-for dining experience for its guests.

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Features / Highlights

Fast Service: Known for its efficiency, Spices 39 provides fast service, which is a major highlight for customers who want a quick bite without compromising on quality.
Diverse Menu: The menu offers a wide variety of choices, from classic entrees to a range of small plates, noodles, rice dishes, and traditional Chinese sweets.
Full Beverage Menu: The restaurant offers a selection of beverages, including a variety of soft drinks, teas, and alcoholic options such as beer, cocktails, and wine.
Family-Friendly: With a comfortable and casual atmosphere, the restaurant is a great place to bring the family. It's good for kids and provides high chairs for the little ones.
Modern Payments: For convenience, Spices 39 accepts credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.
Authentic Cuisine: The food at Spices 39 is a blend of Szechuan and Cantonese styles, providing a genuine taste of different Chinese culinary traditions.

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Contact Information

For any questions, to make a reservation, or to place an order, you can contact Spices 39 directly.

Address: 626 W 19th St, Houston, TX 77008, USA

Phone: (281) 724-0678

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What is Worth Choosing

Choosing Spices 39 is about opting for a unique and high-quality Chinese dining experience in the Heights. While a single negative review exists, highlighting a poor experience with a particular order, it’s important to note the overwhelming positive feedback that the restaurant receives from a broad range of customers. One customer from out of town was highly impressed with the quick and easy service, noting that their takeout order remained warm and delicious even after a long drive. This speaks to the restaurant's efficiency and dedication to quality control.

The true value of Spices 39 lies in its signature dishes and the authenticity of its cuisine. Customers consistently praise specific menu items, like the Orange Chicken, Chili Crispy Chicken, and the variety of lo mein and fried rice dishes. The balance of spicy Szechuan flavors with the more subtle and sweet notes of Cantonese cuisine provides a full-bodied culinary journey. The fact that the restaurant offers a comprehensive lunch special menu is a major draw, providing great value for a delicious midday meal.

In a city with countless Chinese food options, Spices 39 distinguishes itself by providing an elevated yet casual experience. The trendy and cozy atmosphere makes it perfect for a date night or a casual get-together with friends. The availability of delivery, takeout, and a comfortable dine-in area ensures that it meets the needs of every customer. For Houstonians looking for a Chinese restaurant that combines excellent, authentic food with a welcoming and modern environment, Spices 39 is a top-tier choice that is well worth a visit.

Spices 39 Menu

Chef Special
Chili Crispy Chicken $19.79
Crispy and flavorful bite-sized chicken nuggets and rice cracker,with a bold,fiery heat and numbing sensation. Contains PEPPERCORN, SESAME。
Pork Belly Mound (With 6 Bun) $23.09
Braised sliced pork belly w.house special brown sauce, mild, bottom of dry Napa cabbage, served w.6 flour buns
House Special Sauteed Beef $20.89
Juicy sliced angus beef, stir-fried w. jalapeno and cilantro, green onion .Rich and aromatic flavor.
Crispy Garlic Ribs $21.99
Baby ribs marinated in garlic and seasonings.Crunchy outside, tender inside,and packed w.a rich,savory garlic flavor.
Hot Tango Fish Fillet $21.99
Tender fish fillet bottom w.napa cabbage,topped of spicy homemade garlic sauce. A MUST TRY CHOICE
Triple Pepper Chicken $18.69
Sweet and spicy golden tender fried chicken pieces, stir-fried with green, red, and dried chili peppers.
Honey Walnut Shrimp $21.99
Crispy, lightly battered shrimp coated in a creamy, sweet sauce made from honey and mayo.Garnished with candied walnuts.
Spicy Fish Fillet $19.79
Crispy fish fillet, with a bold,fiery heat and numbing sensation. Contains PEPPERCORN, SESAME。

Lunch Special
(L)Beef W.Broccoli $15.39
sliced angus beef, broccoli, carrots
(L)Kung Pao Chicken $15.39
diced chicken dark meat, PEANUT, dry chili pepper, garlic and green onion
(L)Chicken W.Garlic Sauce $15.39
sliced organic chicken white meat, broccoli, garlic and green onion
(L)Sauteed String Bean $15.39
(L)Mongolian Chicken $15.39
sliced organic chicken white meat, sliced onion, scallion, mushroom, dry chili pepper
(L)Salt & Pepper Fish Fillet $15.39
deep fried fish fillet, onions, lettuce, bell pepper
(L)Mapo Tofu $15.39
(L)General Tso's Chicken $15.39
deep fried organic chicken white meat ball, bell pepper, baby corn,brussels sprouts, dry chili pepper, broccoli,garlic and green onion
(L)Spicy Cabbage $15.39
(L)Orange Chicken $15.39
deep fried organic chicken white meat ball, Orange peel, broccoli, orange, garlic and green onion
(L)Shrimp W.Garlic Sauce $15.39
broccoli, garlic and green onion
(L)Sesame Chicken $15.39
deep fried organic chicken white meat ball, sesame, broccoli, garlic and green onion

Small Plate/Snacks
Wasabi Cucumber Salad $10.99
Edamame $6.59
Chili Garlic Cucumber Salad $10.99
Fried Calamari $10.99
Golden and crispy lightly battered squid rings. Served w. sweet chili mayo.
Popcorn Chicken $9.89
Crunchy bite-sized chicken nuggets, seasoned with salt,pepper,and five-spice powder.Garnished with fried basil leaves.
New Orlean Chicken Wings(3) $8.79
Savory,sweet,and mildly spicy fried chicken wings.Served w. sweet chili mayo.
Lime Crispy Shrimp(4) $13.19
Lightly battered fried prawn, with a sweet lime mayo. Served on chips.

Sauce(2 oz)
Sweet Chili Mayo $0.55
Black Vinegar $0.55
Chili Oil $0.55
Sweet & Sour Sauce $0.55
Sweet Thai Chili Sauce $0.55
Dumpling Sauce $0.55

Appetizer/Dumplings
Veggie Eggroll(4) $7.69
Golden and crunchy rolls filled with a variety of fresh vegetables like cabbage, carrots, mushrooms and vermicelli.Served w. sweet chili sauce.
Crab Puff(4) $6.59
Crispy wonton wrappers filled with a creamy mixture of crab meat, cream cheese, green onions, and seasonings.Served w. sweet&sour sauce.
Pork Eggroll(2) $5.23
Jumbo crispy rolls filled with a mixture of seasoned ground pork, shredded vegetables like cabbage and carrots.Served w. sweet chili sauce.
Scallion Pancake $8.79
Pan-fried golden brown Chinese flatbreads,made with layers of dough mixed with chopped scallions.Crispy, flaky exterior and a chewy, soft inside.

Noodles/Rice
Lo Mein $16.49
noodle, sliced cabbage, carrot, onion, scallion
House Lo Mein $18.69
Combination stir fried egg noodle w.beef,chicken,shrimp, and mixed veggie
House Curry Rice Noodle $18.69
Combination Singapore rice noodle w.beef,chicken,shrimp, and mixed veggie
Curry Rice Noodle $16.49
Singapore rice noodle, sliced cabbage, bean sprout,carrot, onion, scallion
Chengdu Dandan Noodle $14.29
thin noodle,spicy and sesame paste, seasonal greens and ground BEEF, and chopped peanut on top, dry mixed noodle
House Fried Rice $18.69
Combination fried rice w.beef,chicken and shrimp,vegetables like green peas,diced carrot,bean sprout,PINEAPPLE
Egg Fried Rice $12.09
jasmine rice, egg, scallion,onion
Fried Rice $16.49
soy sauce,green peas,diced carrot,bean sprout,PINEAPPLE,onion,scallion,egg

Soup
Wonton Soup $6.59
Pork-filled wontons, clear & flavorful broth, garnished with scallions.
Egg Drop Soup $5.49
Light creamy soup with corn and silky ribbons of beaten egg whites.
Hot & Sour Soup $6.59
Bold, tangy, and spicy taste soup filled with bamboo shoot, carrot, Chinese black fungus, tofu, and egg whites.

Soft Drinks
Sunkist $4.40
Unsweet Iced Tea $4.40
Sprite $4.40
The cold, refreshing flavors of lemon and lime, perfectly blended.
Dr.Pepper $4.40
Hot Jasmine Tea $4.95
Hot Oolong Tea $4.95
Coke $4.40
The cold, refreshing, sparkling classic that America loves.
Bottle Water $4.40
S.Pellegrino Sparkling Water $6.60
Diet Coke $4.40
A crisp, refreshing taste you know and love with zero calories.

Sides
Fried Rice $4.39
Steamed Broccoli $6.59
Organic White Rice $3.29
Stir-Fried Noodle $5.49

Entree
Salt & Pepper $18.69
onions, lettuce, bell pepper
Mongolian $16.49
sliced onion, scallion, mushroom, dry chili pepper, chili oil
Triple Delight $18.69
Combination of shrimp, chicken, and beef, with broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers.
General Tso's $16.49
bell pepper, baby corn,brussels sprouts, dry chili pepper, broccoli,garlic and green onion
Orange Chicken $15.39
Orange peel, broccoli, orange, garlic and green onion
Chili Pepper Boiling $20.89
napa cabbage, garlic sprout,mushroom, chili oil and PEPPERCORN oil, celery, garlic and green onion
Kung Pao $15.39
PEANUT, dry chili pepper, garlic and green onion
Broccoli $15.39
Moo Goo Gai Pan $16.49
mushroom,carrot, broccoli, snowpeas, add CASHEW NUT+$2
Sesame Chicken $15.39
sesame, broccoli, garlic and green onion
Garlic Sauce $16.49
broccoli, onion, garlic and green onion
Pepper $16.49

Vegetables
Mapo Tofu $15.39
PEPPERCORN oil, garlic and green onion, chili oil
Cauliflower W.String Bean $15.39
dry chili pepper, garlic and green onion
Sauteed String Bean $15.39
dry chili pepper, garlic and green onion
Spicy Cabbage $14.29
sliced garlic, dry chili pepper
Eggplant W.String Bean $15.39
dry chili pepper, garlic and green onion
Sauteed Mixed Vegetable $15.39
carrot, broccoli, snowpeas,baby corn,garlic
Eggplant W.Garilic Sauce $15.39
dry chili pepper, garlic and green onion
House Special Cauliflower $15.39
dry chili pepper, garlic and green onion

Traditional Chinese Sweets
Seasame Ball(6) $7.70
deep fried glutinous rice flour ball coated in sesame seeds, filling w.red bean paste
Red Bean Pancake(8) $9.89
crispy pancake, filled w.red bean paste

Spices 39 Details

Service options
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Quick bite
Small plates
Wine

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy

Crowd
Family-friendly
Groups

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs

Parking
Free parking lot
Free street parking
Parking

Pets
Dogs allowed outside

Spices 39 Photos

Spices 39 Location

Spices 39

Texas Harris County Houston Northside West 19th Street

626 W 19th St, Houston, TX 77008, USA

Spices 39 Reviews

An average rating of ★4.4 from 156 user reviews.

atmospherepricesspicysoup dumplingschili crispscallion pancakesgreen beanssesame chickenareapork soup

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Visiting from out of town , Came from the Fort Worth Area !Called in an order and service was quick and easy , pick up was quick and easy ! I will be back next time I am here ! my drive from here to my sisters house was 13 minutes and food was still warm , egg rolls were crispy !
April 10 · Tia Blackwell
I ordered the orange chicken lunch special withe egg drop soup and ice tea. Soup was great! Crab puff on plate was fried beyond being edible, actually was totally burned, how could it even make it on the plate? Fried rice had ZERO flavor, no egg or anything that makes it fried rice. Chicken was way over cooked and dry and hard to even cut to chew. I'd advise not to eat here.
August 21 · Eric S
Nut allergy warning: Some dishes do have nuts but the ones I ordered came out fine with a notice to the waitress.We arrived the night before the storm (Sunday night) and it was pretty empty. What a shame, because the atmosphere here is so nice! Downstairs is a cozy bar and upstairs feels like you just walked into a dojo. I guess the storm made people stay inside.Order-To-Food: 13 Minutes for the soup and soup dumplings; 18-22 minutes for entrees.For 4 people, we ordered:Jasmine Tea (5/5): I'm not sure if this is charged per person or per kettle. I think it's per person. I originally got one myself and asked for some extra cups to share the kettle, but we got more kettles and eventually got charged for four teas.Chili Crispy Chicken (2/5) - Kind of more like funnel cake chicken. Some bites don't have any chicken at all, actually. The crispiness is there but it's also a little sweet, strangely. Maybe because of the rice cracker. It wasn't that spicy or flavorful, just the normal numbingness.Pork Belly Mound (4.5/5): Needs to be slightly more caramelized to be perfect, but it was deliciously tender and the small pork bites and vegetables complimented it in a delicious bao nicely.Pork Soup Bao (3.5/5): Two served broken. Nice that they provide tongs and the house sauce is some kind of soy sauce vinegar reduction. Pretty solid, but pricey.Sauteed String Beans (5/5): Perfect. Great with everything, or just rice.Hot Tango Fish Fillet (4.5/5): Lovely that it comes with vegetables and also goes great with rice.Jade Crab Soup (4/5): Needs to be served with pepper, or lime; but otherwise hits all the right parts of a crab wedding soup.Overall, a really solid Szechuan cuisine that we really enjoyed for the vegetable twist addition on most dishes.
July 08 · David Pham
Very very good! Familiar favorites and authentic surprises, with a level of care that you don't often see. Would be great for any guest or group. We tried green beans and scallion pancakes, my 2 favorite tests of any new Chinese restaurant, and they were exceptional. Will come back for more :)
October 14 · Nick Wen
Stopped in with the wife on a Friday evening. Great friendly service, great food. Forgot to take a picture of it, but the first thing we had was the Pork Soup Bao. Great way to start a great meal! We also had the Crispy Chicken, Dandan Noodle, Spicy Cauliflower and Garlic Sauce with Shrimp. Will be back. Would recommend.
August 31 · David Cooper