Simone Biles, Houston Native & Rio Gold Medalist, Shares Her Favorite Local Food Picks

Ever since she dominated the 2016 Rio Olympics, four-time gold medalist and gymnast Simone Biles has rapidly become one of the most recognizable faces in sports.

Biles, a native of Spring, recently spent the day in Houston raising cash to fight childhood hunger via showing off her best “trick shots” with local kids as part of the #BucketsForBreakfast challenge. She was insanely busy, but Eater scored a few moments to talk with the superstar gymnast about where (and what) she eats in Clutch City.

Eater Houston: What did you grow up eating in Houston?

Simone Biles: I mostly grew up eating home-cooked meals. If we ever went out, it was for like a special occasion, so we would go to places like Perry’s Steakhouse.

What’s your ideal meal in Houston?

It’s hard to pick. You have to hit up Tex-Mex, you have to get some Italian. Maybe go to The Breakfast Klub or The Egg and I.

When you land in Houston, where’s the first place you go for a burger?

Whataburger. I just get a regular cheeseburger, and you can never go wrong with that.

Crawfish season is in full-swing. Where do you like to eat mudbugs?

My family usually has a crawfish boil every year for Mother’s Day, but if I’m going out to get crawfish, I go to this place called Tewbeleaux’s near my house. They have probably my favorite crawfish.

When you’re gone, what do you miss most about Houston?

Everything. My family, my friends, my home. The people, the food, it goes hand in hand. The Houston pride is very big, and I love that about this city.