When it comes to good eats, the South delivers, and Houston doesn’t drop the ball. If you’re looking to patronize Black-owned restaurants and eateries, you’ll be spoiled for choice in this Texan city.
As Thrillist phrased it, “Houston is dripping in Black culture, and its influence spreads into the culinary scene, where we’ve seen creativity and community growing.” Even if you’re only in town for a few days, you’ll be able to see as much for yourself.
Whether you’re a carnivore, a vegan, or a flexitarian (you eat everything), here are some of the top Black-owned restaurants in Houston.
Bungalow
Glance at Bungalow’s Instagram feed, and you’ll see how seriously they take food presentation and quality.
Located in downtown Houston, Bungalow impresses on arrival. Whether you’re there for a cocktail at the bar or a full meal, the decor is a feast for the eyes. Moreover, there’s a rooftop, where you can take in views of the city.
There’s a selection of succulent appetizers, including pineapple jerk lemon wings and Wagyu meatballs. Not to be outdone by the steak selection, lobster, fish, and pasta dishes are also available. Even the sides are decadent, including three varieties of mac and cheese: regular, lobster, and black truffle. Don’t forget to leave room for dessert and a cocktail!
To maintain the upscale vibe of the restaurant, Bungalow expects guests to dress well. Walk-ins and reservations are accepted. The restaurant can also be booked for special events.
Lucille’s
Located in the Museum District, Lucille’s was founded in 2012, by Charles and Ben Williams. They wanted to honor the culinary legacy of their great-grandmother, Lucille B. Smith. The menu is a combination of her recipes, and some fresh takes on Southern-style cuisine.
Treat yourself to a delicious brunch, lunch, or dinner that you won’t soon forget. An oxtail omelet or chicken and grits are a great way to start the day. If you’re only swinging through for drinks and light bites, come between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday.
Popular items include catfish nuggets, chili biscuits, and green tomatoes, in addition to beer, wine, and cocktails. Signature drinks include Cool as a Cucumber, Lavender’s Lemonade, and Renegade.
Soul Food Vegan
People are increasingly realizing that eating well doesn’t have to involve animals. Over time, vegan cuisine has leveled up, and it isn’t always so easy to tell it apart from meat dishes.
With Soul Food Vegan, the name says it all. The founder, Chef Taliek, is dedicated to combating nutrition deficiencies without compromising flavor.
The food at Soul Food Vegan is strictly GMO-free and purchased from local farmers. Try the Mardi Gras nachos, cashew Alfredo, or jambalaya. The SFV platter can be served with cauliflower steak or fried mushrooms, with a side of dirty rice, mac and cheese, and greens. If you crave something sweet, try the peach cobbler egg rolls, the restaurant’s signature dessert.
Mo’ Betta Brews
We’ve featured this vegan eatery before, and it’s where food and music intersect. This proudly Black-owned business was founded by Courtney and Chasitie Lindsay, alongside DJ and Ethnomusicologist, Flash G. Parks.
Try the crunchy boudain sushi roll, the Bootsy bagel and lox, or the buffalo chik’n dip. If you’re a fan of waffles and pancakes, you have several delicious variations to choose from. There’s the plain waffle or pancake, or you can jazz them up with some tasty toppings like hot honey mushrooms. The strawberry cheezecake (deliberately spelled that way) ice cream waffle and peach cobbler waffle are two of the many unique experiences you’ll have here.
One of the many appealing aspects of this restaurant is that you don’t have to pay a fortune to eat there. Bear in mind it’s a cash-free establishment as of last year.
Houston Sauce Pit
You can’t go to Texas without experiencing barbecue. Now, more than ever, vegans can get in on it. Houston Sauce Pit is the first food truck of its kind in H-town.
Houston Sauce Pit is for those who love barbecue vegan delicacies, and those who aren’t vegan but are willing to try new things. The food truck is usually on Almeda Road, but it occasionally roams around the city.
All the things you’d expect at the standard barbecue restaurant are available. There’s the loaded brisket mac, Beyond Meat sausage links, and vegan wings. Pair these with potato salad, baked beans or BBQ smoked loaded elote (corn on the cob with a twist).
The Greasy Spoon
In addition to several locations around the city, The Greasy Spoon also has a food truck, which can be booked for festivals and special events.
This soul food bistro can make your mouth water by just looking at the menu. Smothered chopped steak, world-famous oxtails (that’s what they call it!), and herb-roasted chicken? Yes, thank you!
Other meals include lamb chops with jerk or herb and rosemary seasoning, cajun fried catfish, and the wing basket with fries. The wings are available in the smoky BBQ, hot lemon pepper, buffalo, and lemon pepper varieties.
ChòpnBlọk
If you want a taste of The Motherland in Texas, check out ChòpnBlọk. It first emerged as a pop-up in 2018 before the founder, Ope Amosu, secured a more permanent home for the restaurant.
The objective here is simple — to share the beauty of West African culture through foods that reshape society’s daily routine.
There’s a good selection of proteins, sides, and rice dishes, including Jollof jambalaya rice. If you just feel like munching on some popcorn, try the Ajebutter or Yaji Coconut popcorn flavors.
You can dine in, order for pickup, or hire the restaurant to cater your special event.
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