HOUSTON – Houston is home to several amazing Black-owned restaurants that contribute to its constantly growing food scene.
From elevated soul food to classics with a twist, these eateries offer good eats and bold, unforgettable flavors.
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Food marketer and consultant KeAndre’ Jordan spoke with KPRC 2 Digital Content Producer Erica Ponder about the growing restaurant industry and eateries everyone should try.
Here are a few restaurants we recommend this month in honor of Juneteenth. Some are already popular and some are fairly new but we encourage you to support them year-round:
The Gripper Kitchen
Are you someone who loves sandwiches? You’ll likely enjoy The Gripper Kitchen in Pearland. The eatery offers a number of unique and delicious dishes you can eat without silverware, including peach cobbler tacos, “The Grandaddy,” which is a grilled salmon sandwich basted with honey chipotle sauce, pepper jack cheese, spicy coleslaw, and sweet Lou sauce on a toasted buttered brioche bun, and the “Fried Lobster Gripper” with lettuce, tomato, green onions, spicy sauce and more.
Address: 9517 Broadway St Ste 103, Pearland, TX 77584
Jordan’s suggestion: The salmon and chicken pitas
The Smoke
Texans love barbecue, but “The Smoke” serves up your chargrilled favorites with some Memphis flavor. Located downtown, the restaurant is offering up grilled goodness in the form of brisket, chicken, and “ghost” wings with baked beans, potato salad, loaded baked potatoes, and so much more of your favorites.
Address: 712 Main St, Houston, TX 77002
Jordan’s suggestion: Smoke bowls filled with brisket and/or chicken and add-ons like corn and beans.
3D’s Krazy Kitchen
Located in Houston, Texas City and Humble, 3D’s Krazy Kitchen serves Texas favorites like Boudin egg rolls, pork skins, fried okra and fresh fried fish. The cocktails are also pretty great too.
Addresses:
- Houston- 5928 Leedale St, Houston, TX 77016
- Texas City- 8030 FM1765, Texas City, TX 77016
- Humble- 9522 N Sam Houston Pkwy E, Suite 2500, Humble, TX 77396
Jordan’s suggestion: The fried chicken
Grooves of Houston
While Grooves is known for being a place to party with friends, it’s also a great place to dine. From the brunch to the dinner, there’s literally something for everyone to enjoy.
Address: 2300 Pierce St, Houston, TX 77003
My suggestions: The Gulf Coast shrimp and wings basket
Jordan’s suggestion: Sweet Grand Marnier-infused creme brulee French toast casserole
Bishop’s Southern Cuisine
Bishop’s Southern Cuisine serves home-cooked meals with a Miami/Caribbean twist.
From the fried ribs to the jerk chicken, oxtails and stuffed salmon, Bishop’s does not disappoint when it comes to exploding flavor.
Address: 10400 S Post Oak Rd Unit E, Houston, TX 77035
My suggestions: The fried chicken with cabbage, potato salad, red beans and rice and cornbread
Jordan’s suggestions: Catfish, potato salad and greens with fatback
Craft Burger HTX
Experience the joys of one of America’s favorite foods in several forms. This Katy-based restaurant has a range of delicious burgers, including Buffalo Bleu Cheese, Truffle Butter Juicy Lucy, and Pimento Cheese Bacon Jam. Are you vegan? No worries. The restaurant has a grilled plant-based patty topped with tomato jam, grilled mushrooms and onions. They’re also known for their extravagant shakes.
Addresses:
Katy- 348 Mason Rd, Katy, TX 77450
Finn Hall- 712 Main St, Houston, TX 77002
My suggestion: The hot chicken sandwich with crispy onion strings
ChòpnBlọk
Let your taste buds travel with ChòpnBlọk. The dishes embody a contemporary approach to traditional West African cuisine and the recipes are curated from well-revered “home cooks,” chefs, and family. The culinary staff takes pride in showcasing a range of flavors and techniques with curry, fresh veggies and meats.
Address: 401 Franklin St Suite A, Houston, TX 77201
Twisted Grilled Cheese
If you’re a cheese lover, then Twisted Grilled Cheese is an eatery you’ll more than likely enjoy.
Twisted Grilled Cheese serves savory grilled cheese dishes like smokehouse brisket to the tasty Philly grilled cheese steak. While the restaurant isn’t new, they’re fairly popular and are known for having unique wide-ranging options that can satisfy you for a quick lunch or a fun outing with family and friends.
Address: 5555 Washington Ave, Houston, TX 77007
Cleo Lounge Tapas and Fine Music
Located in Pearland, Cleo Lounge aims to provide a unique and chill experience by serving flavorful tapas and signature cocktails. In addition to crab cakes, Baja Street Tacos and lollipop wings with a signature sauce, the lounge also serves lamb chops, braised short rib poutine and more.
Address: 9603 Broadway St Suite 101, Pearland, TX 77584
Jordan’s suggestion: The French toast
My suggestion: The Creole croquettes, which are a fancy spin on Boudin balls.
Nitram’s Kitchen
Located in southeast Houston, Nitram’s has grown significantly in the past few months. The restaurant is known for its excellent customer service and delicious meals packed with Southern, Asian, Italian and Mexican-inspired flavors. There’s something for everyone on the menu.
Address: 7735 Fuqua St C, Houston, TX 77075
Jordan’s suggestion: The sticky fish, which is fried catfish covered in a spicy and tangy sauce.
Taste Budzzz
With a name like “Taste Budzzz,” the staff for this food truck works hard not to disappoint. The north Houston-based mobile eatery serves everything from pork chops to burgers, fish, loaded fries and more. The eatery is perfect for lunch or a quick evening meal.
Address: 207 W Richey Rd #4, Houston, TX 77090
Jordan’s suggestion: The catfish and chicken combo
The Puddery
If you are a fan of sweets and want to stray away from cakes and pies, you’ll want to try The Puddery. The eatery serves up about a dozen different puddings with a twist, including banana.
Address: 5517 Broadway St Suite M, Pearland, TX 77581
Jordan’s suggestion: The Biscoff pudding
Davis Street at Hermann Park
Davis Street at Hermann Park is an upscale modern eatery serving Southern comfort food with global influences. The flavors stem from the Gulf, the low country, and the steamy streets of New Orleans that are paired with the international flair of Mexico’s Oaxacan cuisine, hints of spice from Vietnam, and quintessential Caribbean zest. This is the perfect place to celebrate a wedding anniversary or other big occasions.
Address: 5925 Almeda Rd A, Houston, TX 77004
Jordan’s suggestion: The red Thai-style snapper
Do you plan on trying any of these restaurants soon? Let us know in the comments.