Soul Train: Houston’s Black-owned Restaurants
- Astor Farm to Table
- Bungalow
- ChòpnBlọk
- Craft Burger
- Davis Street at Hermann Park
- Esther’s Cajun Cafe
- Foodie Barr
- Frenchy's Chicken
- Juliet
- Lucille's
- Lucy Pearl’s
- Mo’ Better Brews
- Rare
- Soul Food Vegan
- Stuff’d Wings
- Taste Kitchen + Bar
- The Greasy Spoon
- The Sauce Pit
- The Honey Hole
- The Ultimate Kitchen
- The Warwick
- Thirteen Houston
- Trez Bistro & Wine Bar
- Twisted Grilled Cheese
- Ure Fave Creole Kitchen - Creole Kitchen and Daiquiris
If you’re up for a journey through the heart of Houston, where soul food meets inspiring backstories and visions of the future, this guide takes you through places where every dish tells a vibrant story.
We’re shining the spotlight on the city’s best-kept secrets – the thriving black-owned restaurants that are taking the culinary scene by storm, from sizzling hot chicken wings to mouthwatering vegan brunches.
These dining havens go beyond just food; they’re vibrant spaces where culture, heritage, and community come together to create an unforgettable experience.
So, if you’re ready to spice up your dining game and support the vibrant black-owned culinary scene, join us as we uncover the soulful melodies of these extraordinary restaurants.
Astor Farm to Table
Image Source: Astor Farm to Table Website
Address: 1590 S Mason Rd Suite A, Katy, TX 77450, United States
Phone Number: +1 832-913-6465
Pricing: $$
If you’re looking for a burst of global flavors in your dining experience, Astor Farm to Table is the place to be. Drawing inspiration from Latin America and South Africa, this restaurant offers dishes just jam packed with flavors.
They offer a wide range of food from breakfast to dinner items, as well as dishes that consider dietary constraints whether you’re vegan, vegetarian; lactose or glucose intolerant.
The chef behind the restaurant is Casey Castro who was originally from South Africa and wanted to bring its flavors to Houston’s already rich food map. He serves up dishes like oxtail stews, Argentinian Angus beef, and filet mignon espetada.
| Pro Tip: Aside from the global assortment of food, Astor Farm to Table also takes pride in their extensive wine list which features rare South African selections that you absolutely should try! |
Bungalow
Image Source: Bungalow Website
Address: 407 Main St, Houston, TX 77002, United States
Phone Number: +1 713-393-7868
Pricing: $$$
In the heart of Downtown and Fourth Ward, founders Mojeed Martins and Jonathan Reitzell set up Bungalow to be the must-go upscale steak house in the area as both an intimate location for romantic dates or as a place to host group celebrations.
The location itself is very versatile with a more solemn dining area and an outdoor rooftop patio for more fun events. They serve classic high-end dishes like quality cuts of steak, as well as elevated versions of starters like black truffle mac and cheese.
Make sure you don’t miss out on the seafood selection as well. Their lobster tail is always fried perfectly and goes well with their mascarpone mashed potatoes.
| Pro Tip: Bungalow also has in house bartenders that prepare some of their signature cocktails that we recommend you try with your meal. Their Tipsy Sailor mix is one of our favorites for when you really need that extra boost! |
ChòpnBlọk
Image Source: ChòpnBlọk Website
Address: 401 Franklin St Suite A, Houston, TX 77201, United States
Phone Number: +1 281-631-5009
Pricing: $$
If you’re looking for an accurate and authentic representation of West African cuisine, ChòpnBlọk, located in Houston’s popular food hall, POST Houston, is definitely a must-try.
This restaurant proudly embraces its African roots while drawing influences from East African-style dishes and the culinary traditions of the Black American South.
Their signature Motherland Curry which is made from honey beans from Nigeria, bell pepper, and coconut curry sauce is one of our favorite hearty dishes they serve. Their Ghana style steak skewers are also must tries especially for meat lovers.
| Pro Tip: Make sure you don’t leave without trying ChòpnBlọk’s homebrewed Oga Palmer that still mirrors the same West African flavors with African hibiscus tea and lemonade. |
Craft Burger
Image Source: Craft Burger Website
Address: 712 Main St, Houston, TX 77002, United States
Phone Number: +1 281-665-7217
Pricing: $$
Led by Shannen Tune Craft Burger takes the traditional diner essentials and gives them a modern twist. The restaurants boast of their all natural black angus beef that they source locally. They promise fresh ingredients without antibiotics or hormones.
Aside from their signature burgers like the All American Cheeseburger with a double patty and the classic fix-ins, they also serve some of our all time favorite chicken dishes like Buffalo chicken thighs with blue cheese and buttermilk fried chicken.
Just to add a cherry on top of that, we never end a meal here without treating ourselves to a glass of their rich milkshakes!
| Pro Tip: Craft Burger has 2 branches in Houston, with the original one located on Main Street. But, they also have a branch in Katy with the same quality food and service so give it a try if you’re nearer to that area. |
Davis Street at Hermann Park
Image Source: Davis St. at Hermann Park Website
Address: 5925 Almeda Rd A, Houston, TX 77004, United States
Phone Number: +1 877-328-4778
Pricing: $$
Davis St. at Hermann Park is the relaunched version of Dais Street. Under the leadership of Chef Holly, it retained its vision of serving Southern style classics from New Orleans.
But the restaurant explores other food profiles with added flavor from Mexican spices, Oaxacan cuisine, and nods to Vietnam and the Caribbean.
The restaurant is known for their fresh seafood that they get delivered daily. Their seafood tower is one of their best sellers as a starter which pairs with their grilled lamb chops for the perfect surf and turf.
| Pro Tip: Although primarily a Southern cuisine centered restaurant, don’t miss out on some of their more adventurous items like Kimchi collard greens, Thai style snapper with red curry, and Boutte’s Gumbo with duck confit and fried oysters. |
Esther’s Cajun Cafe
Image Source: Esther’s Cajun Cafe Website
Address: 5007 N Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77018, United States
Phone Number: +1 713-699-1212
Pricing: $$
Esther’s Cajun Café makes its mark in the food industry with the recipes that chef-owner Esther Bernard inherited from generations of women in her family. She positions the restaurant as one of the best in Cajun and Soul Food dishes.
Her food is deeply rooted in Louisiana-style and African cooking with her gumbo, seafood étouffée, and Cajun fried chicken that everyone in the area knows about.
They have a set menu that differs everyday, with some of the mainstays like oxtail and baked chicken being available everyday, while special dishes like blackened tilapia and honey dipped fried chicken are only available on certain days.
| Pro Tip: Because of the success of the restaurant, Esther’s Cajun Cafe offers catering services that you should consider for a private function or event. They’ll ask you to choose a set number of items and provide delivery, set-up, and service for the buffet. |
Foodie Barr
Image Source: Foodie Barr Website
Address: 2155 N. Durham Dr. Suite 105 Houston , Texas 77007 , Houston, TX, United States, Texas
Phone Number: +1 832-831-7601
Pricing: $$
Like a lot of successful restaurants, the Foodie Barr got its start as a Southern food truck run by husband-and-wife team, Charles and Silver Barr.
As one of the most well known Cajun brunch spots, the Barrs have crafted a menu that pays homage to the soulful recipes passed down through generations in Bunkie, Louisiana.
Dishes like oxtails and grits, fried Cajun alligator, and the shrimp and lobster baked potato soup are just a few of the dishes that you should give a try at the Foodie Barr.
| Pro Tip: If you’re a dessert lover like us, their Monte Cristo beignets topps with ice cream and powdered sugar should be on the top of the list of items you try. Their homemade peach cobbler that’s always served warm comes at a close second! |
Frenchy’s Chicken
Image Source: Frenchy’s Chicken Website
Address: 3602 Scott St, Houston, TX 77004, United States
Phone Number: +1 713-748-2233
Pricing: $
In the heart of Third Ward, Frenchy’s Chicken has been a beloved institution for over 50 years, serving up Louisiana-style crispy fried chicken that keeps locals and visitors coming back for more.
Founded by Percy “Frenchy” Creuzot in 1969, Frenchy’s has become an iconic Houston eatery, famous for its perfectly seasoned chicken and other equally good menu items like their fried fish and shrimp, cornbread, and creole pecan praline dessert.
From being just a humble sandwich shop in the original location, the franchise has grown to having more than 10 locations scattered all over the city.
| Pro Tip: If you’re eating with a big group, getting one of their family meals or their Tailgate party set will save you a lot compared to getting individual meals for everyone! |
Juliet
Image Source: Juliet Website
Address: 5857 Westheimer Rd Suite P, Houston, TX 77057, United States
Phone Number: +1 713-324-8831
Pricing: $$$
Nestled in Houston’s thriving dining scene, Juliet Restaurant is a hidden (literally, it looks like a vintage cinema from the outside) gem that captures the essence of the classic Hollywood glam.
Owner James McGhee wanted the restaurant to embody the vibe dining trend of places completely embodying a theme from decorations to the food.
When you enter, you’re greeted with a popcorn booth and candy stand. You walk into the regal dining area adorned with ornate gold fixtures that match the signature 24-karat gold tomahawk ribeye.
| Pro Tip: Make sure you follow the upscale and strictly black tie dress code. Once there, make sure you explore the actual speakeasy located at the back of the dining area hidden behind a heavy curtain. |
Lucille’s
Image Source: Lucille’s Website
Address: 5512 La Branch St, Houston, TX 77004, United States
Phone Number: +1 713-568-2505
Pricing: $$
If you’re feeling a little homesick and you’re craving a taste of some genuine home cooked food, Lucille’s in the Museum District in Houston offers Southern cuisine enriched with flavors from other countries and cultures.
The restaurant was started by brothers Chris and Ben Williams as an homage to their great-grandmother by serving and elevating some of her recipes like her shrimp and grits made special with andouille and sherry tomato broth.
They serve some of the best tamales made with oxtail and pico black-eyed peas we’ve tried, but our favorite item on the menu is probably still their pork and beans! The braised pork shank just pairs so well with the three bean ragu and grape tomatoes.
| Pro Tip: If you’re more of a brunch person, try heading over to Lucille’s during brunch or lunch and trying their eggs benedict with a Southern twist. The Country Benedict is made with eggs cooked in fried chicken oil and collard greens. |
Lucy Pearl’s
Image Source: Lucy Pearl’s Website
Address: 401 Franklin St Suite 1235, Houston, TX 77201, United States
Phone Number: +1 832-777-5496
Pricing: $
For those with a sweet tooth as big as ours, Lucy Pearl’s in Houston is our go to spot for desserts. They sell a variety of pastries, muffins, cupcakes, macarons, and cookies with an assortment of flavors for each.
If you’re not so keen on sweet things, you can also try out their croissants. Our favorite is the croissant sandwich made with plant-based sausages and egg.
Owned by Nicole and Ron Morris, Lucy Pearl’s has gained a dedicated following with their moist desserts. Using recipes passed down through generations, including their Banana Pudding Cake, Nicole’s creations have garnered praise from cake lovers.
| Pro Tip: Try the Atomic Cake at Lucy Pearl’s if you want a cake that looks as good as it tastes. This cake is made with colorful layers of banana, strawberry, and chocolate that makes for visually stunning layers and great flavors. |
Mo’ Better Brews
Address: 1201 Southmore Blvd, Houston, TX 77004, United States
Phone Number: +1 832-740-4297
Pricing: $$
Mo’ Better Brews is not your average breakfast spot – it’s a fusion of a record store and a vegan brunch restaurant. They serve classic breakfast dishes with a Southern twist while they play some tunes from their record store to fill the area with music.
The main selling point that the owners Courtney and Chasitie Lindsay wanted to push is that all of the food and drink items that they offer are 100% vegan. They also feature some gluten and soy free items in their menu.
Some of our favorite eats here are the Hot Honey Shrooms and Grits and the Mo’ Better Breakfast combo with grits, tofu scramble, sausage and toast from their entrees and their Dilla Donut Sandwich.
| Pro Tip: If you’re a coffee lover, Mo’ Better Brews has a selection of classic brews, including Cappuccino and Americano to kickstart your day with a burst of energy. Don’t miss out in their unique charcoal lemonade and elderberry blast mimosas for the perfect brunch drink. |
Rare
Address: 4105 Washington Ave, Houston, TX 77007, United States
Phone Number: +1 713-684-7129
Pricing: $$$
Even before its opening, Rare was already receiving a lot of hype from the local and online communities. Because of the chef-owner. Big Chef Bowie, known for brunch hotspot, Taste Bar + Kitchen.
With Rare, Chef Bowie took things to a whole new level, not just with the food but also with the location itself incorporating architecture and artwork.
The restaurant mostly serves premium steaks and seafood with some of our favorites being the Artichoke Dip for the appetizer and the Bourbon Glazed Pork Chop for our entree.
| Pro Tip: American rapper, Akon and Houston Texas player Andre Johnson are partners in Rare, so keep your eyes peeled for the nights that they make appearances in the restaurant to check in or to have a meal there themselves. |
Soul Food Vegan
Image Source: Soul Food Vegan Website
Address: 2901 Emancipation Ave, Houston, TX 77004, United States
Phone Number: +1 713-814-8865
Pricing: $$
In the heart of Third Ward, you’ll find Soul Food Vegan. Here, they serve up vegan-friendly dishes that feature classic Southern cajun flavors.
We always get the Soul Food Vegan Platter for a taste of all the goodies on their menu like the cauliflower steak and barbeque mushrooms, along with sides like mac and cheese and dirty rice.
Their Beyond Burger is also a great item to try if you want to stay true to your vegan diet but crave the hearty taste of a burger.
| Pro Tip: Although Soul Food Vegan serves up some of the best vegan Southern food in the city, our favorite item is still their peach cobbler egg rolls. You get the crunch from the cinnamon wrap with the gooey warm peach filling. Do not leave without trying it! |
Stuff’d Wings
Image Source: Stuff’d Wings Website
Address: 401 Richmond Ave., Houston, TX 77002, United States
Phone Number: +1 713-702-1286
Pricing: $
Jarrod Rector wanted to treat his wife to something special. Since she loved fried chicken, he wanted to make it special by stuffing it with dirty rice. The idea took off from there. He started by selling the wings in a parking lot of an auto parts shop.
The wings sold like crazy and eventually pushed the couple to get a food truck in 2019 and later on a brick and mortar location. They serve up chicken wings stuffed with everything from boudin. Shrimp., crawfish, pork, mac and cheese, and rice.
| Pro Tip: After you stuff yourself with their wings, don’t miss out on some of their side dishes. We recommend getting the broccoli cheese casserole and their loaded cajun fries! Try to drop by on the weekends to try their weekend only treats like wings dressed in maple bacon sauce and their funnel cake glazed in syrup. |
Taste Kitchen + Bar
Image Source: Taste Kitchen + Bar Website
Address: 420 N Main St, Houston, TX 77002, United States
Phone Number: +1 832-538-1451
Pricing: $$
If you’re in Downtown Houston and craving a fusion of Southern comfort foods and ethnic flavors, Taste Kitchen + Bar should be your go-to spot.
Their chicken and waffles menu features creative takes like Cajun chicken & waffles, General Tso’s chicken & waffles, and chicken-fried lobster & waffles.
The variety extends to their waffles which come in an assortment of flavors like red velvet, pecan praline, peach cobbler, sweet potato, and even fruity pebble.
If you’re in for a more filling meal, they have heavier entrees that we love like their Taste Surf and Turf which features jerk lamb chops and deep fried lobster with collard greens.
| Pro Tip: Taste Kitchen + Bar holds events on Mondays where they serve martinis with $2 off, Tacos + Tequila Tuesdays for a Mexican taste, and Whiskey Wings + Wagyu on Wednesdays for an upscale meal, so you can time your visits to the kinds of night you want. |
The Greasy Spoon
Image Source: The Greasy Spoon Website
Address: 636 Cypress Station Dr A, Houston, TX 77090, United States
Phone Number: +1 281-781-7116
Pricing: $$$
If you’re looking for the best soul food in Houston, The Greasy Spoon is the place to be. Max Bozeman who worked in his family’s restaurant since his childhood, dabbled in restaurants and hotels in his 20’s before deciding to open his own.
His goal for The Greasy Spoon was for it to elevate Southern cuisine not only in terms of flavor, but also in quality.
Some of our favorites are their smothered chopped steak made with beef patties covered in their homemade 40-weight brown gravy and their World Famous Oxtails which were chosen as the number 1 best oxtails in a magazine.
| Pro Tip: The Greasy Spoon main location serves complimentary cornbread with meals but only until stocks last, so try to book an earlier reservation or get there before dinner time if you want to get some for free. |
The Sauce Pit
Address: 5000 Almeda Rd, Houston, TX 77004, United States
Pricing: $
Although not technically a restaurant, The Sauce Pit earns its spot on our list for being one of the few if not the only place in Houston where you can get vegan barbeque options.
The food truck got its start when BBQ sauce makers Jarrett Milton and Courtney Lindsey wanted to make a meatless alternative that still hit the spot.
Some of their popular offerings are the chopped veef sammich basket that’s a play on a pulled beef brisket sandwich made with all vegan meat and their smoked wangs that we swear taste like the real thing.
| Pro Tip: You can find the Sauce Pit food truck from Tuesday to Sundays at 5000 Almeda Road or around the corner, but it also goes around the city and parks at different places to make itself accessible to the Greater Houston area. |
The Honey Hole
Address: 2327 Post Oak Blvd, Houston, TX 77056, United States
Phone Number: +1 832-234-4260
Pricing: $$
If you’re looking for a cozy place to host your next brunch out with the girls (or the boys!)The Honey Hole, a bistro and brunch spot located near the Galleria is a must-try.
As soon as you walk in, the smell of freshly baked toast and pastries greets you. They serve up an array of classic brunch dishes like salads and sandwiches with some of our favorites being their lobster and grits and their cajun pan seared pork chop and eggs.
Owner Tiffany Matthews started The Honey Hole with her background in the food industry and her experience as an executive chef. Her goal was to incorporate some of her culture into American classics by enhancing the flavor profiles of the dishes.
| Pro Tip: We recommend giving their smoked beef fajita tacos as well as the pork belly tacos a try if you’re into more flavorful dishes for brunch. The Sunrise Toast made with feta, honey, banana, and strawberries is great for kids or if you prefer starting your day with something sweet like we do. |
The Ultimate Kitchen
Image Source: The Ultimate Kitchen Website
Address: 4529 Old Spanish Trl suite c, Houston, TX 77021, United States
Phone Number: +1 832-496-0026
Pricing: $
The Ultimate Kitchen started as a pop-up restaurant that offered some of Houston’s best Creole, Cajun, and Soul Food dishes. Now, they have a full-service restaurant along with a mobile food truck.
The dish that put them on the map was their Hot Fried Chicken and waffles that kept the locals coming back for more and visitors dropping by just to get a taste.
Since then, they’ve added more and more items into their selection, with some of our favorites being their waffle burgers, fried shrimp, and cajun fried catfish.
| Pro Tip: After enjoying some of their best sellers, don’t forget to take home some of their Boudin Links which are sausages made from pork, liver, rice, cajun seasoning, and vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and green onions. |
The Warwick
Address: 5888 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77057, United States
Phone Number: +1 713-534-1545
Pricing:
The Warwick is the perfect place to go to if you’re looking to enjoy an upscale dinner and then cap the night off with some drinks at the bar area or on the patio and lounges.
To cater to their guests needs, they have separate menus for brunch (Try their breakfast quesadilla made with chorizo and salsa), lunch (Go for the Black Tie Burger made with Kobe beef and sriracha mayo), and dinner (The charbroiled oysters are a must).
If you need a no-fuss location to hold formal dinners or business lunches, The Warwick has set menus that you can try featuring 2 course meals with an appetizer and a main course.
| Pro Tip: For a singularly Houstonian experience, don’t miss out on The Dip which is an homage to the city’s spinach and artichoke dip. The Chicken 713 Pasta is also another direct tribute to the city with the 7/13 date as Houston’s unofficial day. |
Thirteen Houston
Image Source: Thirteen Houston Website
Address: 1911 Bagby St Suite 100, Houston, TX 77002, United States
Phone Number: +1 713-804-2025
Pricing: $$$
Founded by NBA player, James Harden, Thirteen Houston is the place to be if you’re looking for a restaurant that combines all the high quality aspects of fine dining and the more casual modern vibe of hip hangout place
The menu features well-executed classics prepared by Food Network chefs like dry aged beef steak and eggs and elevated comfort food like the cajun seafood boil and grits.
But, the lure of Thirteen Houston lies in the extensive facilities onsite like a hookah lounge, live DJs, a night club in the basement, and even a bowling alley.
| Pro Tip: They enforce their upscale dress code strictly, so don’t show up in any athletic, casual, or sleepwear if you don’t want to be refused entry. |
Trez Bistro & Wine Bar
Image Source: Trez Bistro & Wine Bar Website
Address: 920 Studemont St Suite #150, Houston, TX 77007, United States
Phone Number: +1 281-501-1788
Pricing: $$
When it comes to indulging in a night of wine and fine dining, Trez Bistro & Wine Bar is the place to be. This charming Houston spot offers an impressive selection of wines, with choices ranging from reds to whites and everything in between.
You can pair your wine with their food menu, which includes charcuterie boards and more hearty options like their Cajun Pasta made with shrimp or chicken and their Asian Ribeye marinated and coated in a dry rub of Asian spices.
| Pro Tip: Try to visit on special days like Martini Tuesdays from 4 pm to 7 pm to try their signature cocktails like the Aquamarine at a discounted price. For wine lovers, they also have Wine Flight Wednesdays where you can get a sampler of all their best for $30. |
Twisted Grilled Cheese
Image Source: Twisted Grilled Cheese Website
Address: 5555 Washington Ave Suite V, Houston, TX 77007, United States
Phone Number: +1 346-571-6172
Pricing: $
If you’re looking for something simple and comforting, Twisted Grilled Cheese in Houston specializes in all things cheese. Craving a warm, comforting grilled cheese sandwich with a twist, they serve up one of the best in the city.
They’ve mastered the art of reinventing this classic comfort food in bold and flavorful ways. Some of the best versions include the Smokehouse Brisket with smoked beef brisket, jalapenos, and onion rings.
Aside from grilled cheese sandwiches, they also have brioche bun sandwiches, chicken tenders and wings, and salads and wraps.
| Pro Tip: The Twisted Grilled Cheese offers some of the best desserts and shakes. Try their twisted funnel cake fries and their peanut butter cup milkshake for the perfect ending to a comfort meal! |
Ure Fave Creole Kitchen – Creole Kitchen and Daiquiris
Image Source: Creole Kitchen and Daiquiris Website
Address: 3250 Old Spanish Trl Suite A, Houston, TX 77021, United States
Phone Number: +1 713-485-6007
Pricing: $$
At Creole Kitchen and Daiquiris or more lovingly known as Ur Fave Creole Kitchen, it’s not just about the authentic Creole cuisine, it’s about the love and community that Chef Chelsea Geegan brings to the table.
Creole cuisine is a style of cooking that’s a mix of European, African, and American elements. Her food truck turned brick-and-mortar is a testament to her passion for the culture, the food, and the people she serves.
With classic dishes like catfish and grits, gumbo jeaux, and boudin egg rolls, you’ll satisfy your cravings. They also have signature entrees like their Creole Heaven made with blackened catfish, cornbread, and Ettoufee.
| Pro Tip: If you’re out with a friend or your special someone, we recommend giving their Super Combo for Two a try if you want to sample many dishes. It comes with a good portion of catfish filets, fried shrimp, chicken wings, fries, and hush puppies. |
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