Sandwiched between the blazing summer and mild winter's, fall is Houston's time to "cool off" – the leaves are not dried-up, night-time arrives earlier, and temperatures begin to drop ever so slightly. But more importantly, fall ushers in one of our favorite flavors: pumpkin spice. 

What makes the orange gourd so popular? Is it the deep orange color that's reminiscent of autumn? 

Pondicheri owner Anita Jaisinghani tells Houstonia, “I imagine that pumpkin spice is popular because it's made with warming aromatic spices which, when the weather cools down, brings heat into our bodies. Use it on any fall dish and it evokes a sense of nostalgia and warmth that we all crave during the fall and winter months.” 

So where to get it? Of course, there's the Pumpkin Spice Latte, but in Houston, you'll be surprised at what some chefs' mock up. Most restaurants offer their own unique take with the vegetable that will most importantly, give you your fall fix.

Here are 6 Houston restaurants where you can try Pumpkin-flavored foods this season.

Dessert Gallery Bakery & Cafe

Dessert Gallery is allowing Houstonians to indulge in pumpkin spice treats earlier this year. Starting on Tuesday, August 24, Dessert Gallery will offer a $10 Pumpkin Spice Latte Combo that includes a pumpkin-spice-themed cookie and a delicious pumpkin spice latte.

Dessert Gallery Bakery & Cafe, 3600 Kirby Drive. For more information, visit, www.dessertgallery.com

Pondicheri

Pondicheri is serving up a Pumpkin Chai Pie, and Pumpkin Chai Oats this fall. These pumpkin spice desserts will be available in the fall for pre-order on the Pondicheri website.

Pondicheri, 2800 Kirby Drive,  Suite B132. For more information, visit, www.pondicheri.com

Kraftsmen Bakery

Kraftsmen Bakery has a series of Pumpkin flavored offerings this year. The bakery starts the fall season with their signature pumpkin spice latte and their pumpkin and chocolate chip muffin. As we move deeper into fall, the pastry shop ups the ante with their pumpkin pies and Jack-o-lantern lattes.

Kraftsmen Bakery, 611 W 22nd St. For more information, visit, www.kraftsmenbaking.com

Season 52 

The fresh grill and wine bar is making a return this year with their seasonal indulgence: the pumpkin pie mini dessert. Available in late September, Season 52 will offer the pumpkin-flavored mini, made with pumpkin mousse, pumpkin cake, and whipped cream, topped with a gingersnap, served in a small glass. 

Season 52, 4410 Westheimer Rd., Suite C-1. For more information, visit, www.seasons52.com/

 EggHaus Gourmet 

The Heights go-to brunch spot, EggHaus Gourmet will have its own twist on pumpkin spice. Starting September 30 the eatery will serve their own pumpkin spice latte, made with real pumpkin. The tasty handcrafted latte is complete with a baby pumpkin for garnish. 

EggHaus Gourmet, 2042 E T C Jester Blvd. For more information, visit, https://egghaus.com.

Tiny's Milk & Cookies

Tiny's Milk & Cookies has some sweet treats in store this season. For the month of September, Tiny's will offer their signature Pumpkin Spice Latte, and at the start of October, will introduce their popular Pumpkin Spice Bread. 

Tiny's Milk & Cookies, 3636 Rice Blvd. For more information, visit, www.tinyboxwoods.com