Houston is world-famous for its incredible soul food. With roots tracing back to the African-American community, soul food in Houston has evolved over the years into a beloved cuisine cherished by locals and visitors alike. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the 10 best soul food restaurants in Houston, plus provide tips, historical context, and frequently asked questions about soul food in the city.
A Brief History of Soul Food in Houston
Soul food originated during slavery when African Americans were given cheap ingredients like pig intestines, feet, and other discarded cuts of meat that slave owners did not want to eat. The slaves made magic out of these inexpensive ingredients, creating delicious dishes like chitlins, fried chicken, and pork ribs. After emancipation, soul food continued to thrive as a way for the African-American community to celebrate its culture and heritage through food.
Houston became a hub for soul food as thousands of African Americans migrated there during the Great Migration in the early 20th century. Soul food restaurants popped up in predominantly black neighborhoods like Third Ward, Fifth Ward, and Acres Homes. Houston soul food staples like mac and cheese, greens, yams, cornbread, and hot water cornbread emerged. To this day, soul food remains a quintessential part of Houston’s culinary identity.
10 Best Soul Food Restaurants in Houston
Here are the 10 must-try soul food restaurants that Houston locals rave about:
1. The Breakfast Klub
The Breakfast Klub is legendary in Houston for its melt-in-your-mouth chicken and waffles. Located in Midtown, this popular breakfast and lunch spot gets crowded on weekends for dishes like the Katfish & Grits and the Wings & Waffles. Don’t miss their signature sauces and homemade syrup.
2. Millie’s Homemade Cafe
For excellent farm-to-table soul food, head to Millie’s Homemade Cafe. Millie sources from local farms and makes everything in-house from scratch. Their fried catfish and grits are to die for. Customers also recommend their tender oxtails, smothered pork chops, and out-of-this-world mac and cheese.
3. Frenchy’s Chicken
No list of Houston soul food would be complete without local staple Frenchy’s Chicken. They’re known for their perfectly fried chicken, which comes in wings, drumsticks, thighs, and more. Make sure to get some seasoned fries and Cajun rice on the side!
4. This Is It Soul Food
This Is It Soul Food is a Houston classic that’s been around for decades. Their meaty oxtail dinner and fall-off-the-bone fried chicken keep loyal customers coming back again and again. Be sure to try their excellent collard greens, candied yams, and cornbread as well.
5. Turkey Leg Hut
Craving giant, juicy, deliciously smoked turkey legs? Turkey Leg Hut serves up turkey legs, wings, and loaded stuffed potatoes that are absolute must-eats for soul food lovers. They offer unique loaded turkey legs like the Crawfish Mac & Cheese Turkey Leg.
6. Lucille’s
Lucille’s made a name for itself on Food Network for its tender, beautifully spiced fried chicken and legendary sides. The chicken and waffles, chicken fried steak, and shrimp and grits are local favorites at this Midtown hot spot. Be sure to save room for banana pudding.
7. Mikki’s Soulfood Cafe
Located in Sunnyside, Mikki’s Soulfood Cafe serves up homestyle favorites like oxtails, baked chicken, smothered pork chops, and shrimp and sausage gumbo in a laid-back, welcoming environment. Don’t miss their homemade lemon pound cake and sweet potato pie!
8. The Reggae Hut
The Reggae Hut offers flavourful Caribbean and Cajun-inspired soul food and BBQ. Their jerk chicken, curry goat, oxtails, and curry chicken are bursting with tropical flavor. Sides like fried plantains, rice and peas, collard greens, and mac & cheese perfectly complement the mains.
9. RetteRose Soul Food Bistro
For elevated soul food in a sleek, modern setting, check out retteRose Soul Food Bistro. Their menu features gourmet soul food entrees like Creole seafood pasta, lemon pepper tilapia, and short ribs over jalapeño grits. The dessert menu includes classics like sweet potato cheesecake.
10. Miss Carolyn’s Cafe
Miss Carolyn’s Cafe in Sunnyside is the perfect spot for homestyle soul food made with love. Soul food connoisseurs rave about their smothered chicken, baked chicken, ox tails, and yams. The servings are generous and reasonably priced.
Tips for Enjoying Soul Food in Houston
Here are some tips to get the most out of Houston’s incredible soul food scene:
- Go with an empty stomach – portions at many soul food joints are massive. Pace yourself so you can try multiple dishes.
- Bring cash – some old-school soul food spots are cash only. Others have ATMs.
- Try meat & veggie combo plates – combos allow you to sample a variety of soul food favorites in one go.
- Eat early or late to avoid long waits, especially for popular spots. Many restaurants close by early evening.
- Share dishes family-style so you can taste more items. Soul food is very filling.
- Save room for dessert – you don’t want to miss out on decadent desserts like layer cakes and banana pudding.
- Ask for sauce recommendations – Soul Food Spots offers a variety of mouthwatering proprietary sauces and seasonings.
- Go beyond the classics – try more unique/exotic soul food items like chitlins, pigs feet, turkey necks, etc.
- Embrace getting messy – the best soul food is finger-licking good. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty!
Frequently Asked Questions About Soul Food in Houston
What are the origins of soul food?
Soul food originated during slavery in the American South. Enslaved African Americans were given inexpensive cuts of meat and had to get creative, resulting in soul food classics like chitlins, ham hocks, fried chicken, and ox tails. Soul food allowed the African-American community to turn hardship into delicious, culturally significant cuisine.
What are typical Houston soul food dishes?
Some quintessential Houston soul food dishes include fried catfish, turkey legs, smothered pork chops, oxtails, mac and cheese, greens, black-eyed peas, candied yams, cornbread, and chicken and waffles. Seafood also makes frequent appearances.
What neighborhoods have the best soul food?
Historically African American neighborhoods like Third Ward, Fifth Ward, Sunnyside, and Acres Homes have stellar soul food. Midtown and Downtown also have popular spots.
What is “hot water” cornbread?
Hot water cornbread is a beloved soul food side made by mixing cornmeal with boiling water, resulting in a crumbly, moist cornbread with a distinct texture. It’s a staple at many Houston soul food eateries.
What are the best soul food spots for vegetarians?
For vegetarian-friendly soul food, try RetterRose Bistro, Lucille’s, and The Breakfast Klub. Their meat-free options like fried okra, mac and cheese, greens, black-eyed peas, and desserts hit the soul food craving.
Is soul food generally unhealthy?
Soul food can be heavy and high in fat/calories, but cooking methods, portion sizes, and sides factor in. Going for grilled/baked vs fried, adding veggies, and avoiding heavy starches can make soul food healthier. Many spots now offer lighter options.
What is neo-soul cuisine?
Neo Soul puts a modern, gourmet spin on classic soul food while honoring its roots. Houston neo-soul spots like RetterRose Bistro elevate dishes with creative takes like shrimp and lobster mac and cheese and Meyer lemon pound cake.
What are some tips for finding authentic soul food in Houston?
Opt for spots in historic African American neighborhoods, look for holes-in-the-wall, check if they make food from scratch/in-house, see if they offer traditional soul food sides, and read reviews mentioning authenticity. Trying local favorites leads to great finds.
What soul food spots are best for big groups?
Spots like The Breakfast Klub, Frenchy’s Chicken, Lucille’s, and This Is It Soul Food work well for big groups with their communal tables/large portions. Many soul food spots are small/intimate, so call ahead for groups over 4-6. Brunch buffets are also group-friendly.
Are there soul food festivals in Houston?
Yes! The annual Bayou City Soul Food Festival celebrates soul food with live music and cooking competitions. Other festivals like the Super Neighborhood 17 Soul Food Fest and Houston Black Restaurant Week also highlight soul food.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Houston boasts an incredible soul food scene rooted in African-American history and culture. From traditional holes-in-the-wall to modern bistros, the city offers endless opportunities to enjoy comforting, delicious soul food classics and new fusions. Use this guide to find your new favorite spots, embrace getting messy and full, and dive into the rich flavors of Houston soul food. Let us know your top soul food recommendations in the comments!
