The 16 Best Soul Food Restaurants in Houston
Steeped in history and bursting with flavor, Houston's soul food scene strikes the perfect balance between rich traditional southern cooking and inventive culinary creations. A college of comfort cuisine, Houston is bustling with restaurants offering the best in soul food delicacies.
Everyone's favorite comfort cuisine abounds here, but finding the right spot can sometimes feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Worry not! This comprehensive guide will take you straight to the heart of Houston's most appetizing soul food venues.
- Location: Whether you're in Midtown, The Heights, or the suburbs, you're never far from great soul food in Houston.
- Variety: From family-friendly establishments to late-night eateries, there is something to suit all tastes and occasions.
- Quality: Delicious, down-to-earth food prepared with care and passion.
- Price: Options to suit all budgets, from luxury dining to affordable family meals.
Without further ado, dive into this curated list of The 16 Best Soul Food Restaurants in Houston. Bon AppƩtit!
- 1. Mikki's Soulfood Cafe
- 2. Annie Bās Southern Cuisine also known as Soul Y Mex Kitchen
- 3. Esther's Cajun CafƩ & Soul Food
- 4. Heavenly Choices
- 5. Cassy's Kitchen
- 6. Houston This Is It Soul Food
- 7. ReMo's Cafe
- 8. Larry and Laney's Soul Food
- 9. Yo Mama's Soul Food
- 10. Soulfood by Catherine
- 11. Mama's Oven
- 12. Southern Soul Food Kitchen
- 13. Just Oxtails Soul Food
- 14. Best Soul Food In Town
- 15. Soul Good (Food Truck)
- 16. Philly soul sweet
1. Mikki's Soulfood Cafe
InformaciĆ³n y Opiniones
- The food here is pretty good, with standout dishes like Mac n Cheese and Broccoli cheddar rice.
- Customers appreciate the large portions and freshness of the food.
- The customer service is excellent, making each visit a pleasant experience.
- Many reviewers mention that the flavors are authentic and comforting, perfect for anyone looking for a hearty meal.
2. Annie Bās Southern Cuisine also known as Soul Y Mex Kitchen
InformaciĆ³n y Opiniones
- Generous portion sizes
- Wonderful service
- Incredible at home feeling
3. Esther's Cajun CafƩ & Soul Food
InformaciĆ³n y Opiniones
- A first-time customer loved the atmosphere and the delicious smothered pork chops, rice, candy yams, and mac n cheese.
- Another customer had a disappointing experience with undercooked oxtails and overly sweet macaroni, along with a lack of proper management.
- One patron had issues with incorrect to-go orders and highlighted the need for better staff training and improved service.
- A visitor appreciated the hot and well-seasoned food, excellent service, and generous portions, making their experience enjoyable.
With a solid ranking of 4.2 and over 3,478 reviews, Esther's Cajun CafƩ & Soul Food continues to impress customers with its delicious food and warm hospitality. If you're up for authentic Southern cuisine in a cozy and trendy atmosphere, this is the place to be!
4. Heavenly Choices
InformaciĆ³n y Opiniones
Customer reviews highlight the warm and welcoming atmosphere of Heavenly Choices, with visitors feeling like they are walking into a family member's home. The food has been praised for its quality and taste, with standout dishes like smothered pork chops, oxtails, and German butter cake receiving rave reviews. The friendly service and attention to detail further add to the positive experience for customers.
In summary, customers have highlighted the following key points about Heavenly Choices:
- Warm and welcoming atmosphere that feels like home
- Delicious and well-prepared soul food dishes, such as smothered pork chops and oxtails
- Friendly service and attention to detail that enhances the overall dining experience
- Convenient service options for delivery, takeaway, and dine-in
5. Cassy's Kitchen
InformaciĆ³n y Opiniones
- "Greeted with smiling faces and great music."
- "Fresh, full of flavor! WE WILL BE BACK!!!"
- "Top notch service, top quality food."
- "The flavor here is unbelievable!"
Step into Cassy's Kitchen for a taste of homestyle goodness and a warm dining experience that keeps guests coming back for more.
6. Houston This Is It Soul Food
InformaciĆ³n y Opiniones
- Outdoor seating
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Takeaway
- Dine-in
Customers have left 3084 reviews with an overall rating of 4.1 stars. Here are some key points from their reviews:
- A customer was impressed by the Oxtail dish but found the fried chicken to be average. They highly recommend the generous sides and sweet cornbread.
- Another guest expressed disappointment with the dry and flavorless smothered chicken, cabbage, yams, and green beans. However, they praised the cleanliness and staff friendliness.
- A satisfied patron described the food as hearty and filling, particularly enjoying the pepper steak and oxtail. They also appreciated the friendly staff.
- One customer criticized the undercooked and bland smothered chicken, mushy rice, and lackluster gravy, giving a low rating due to expectations not being met.
With a reputation for comfort food and a friendly atmosphere, Houston This Is It Soul Food stands out as a great choice for those looking to enjoy traditional soul food dishes in a welcoming setting.
7. ReMo's Cafe
InformaciĆ³n y Opiniones
Customers rave about the down-home Southern Soul food served at ReMo's Cafe. Here are some key points from their reviews:
- If youāre craving true Southern Soul food, this is the place to be. The cornbread, baked chicken, okra, mac n cheese, and pork chop are all highly recommended.
- Customers love the beans, potato salad, and magnificent food that keeps them coming back for more.
- The brisket, ribs, greens, and baked beans are exceptionally good and are highly recommended. The only improvement needed is the AC to make the dining experience even more enjoyable.
- The loaded brisket fries are a must-try. The portion size is generous, and the food is incredibly flavorful. The fruit punch is the perfect accompaniment to the meal.
Visit ReMo's Cafe to experience the true taste of Southern Soul food in a cozy and casual atmosphere. Whether youāre dining in, taking away, or having your food delivered, youāre sure to have a delightful culinary experience.
8. Larry and Laney's Soul Food
InformaciĆ³n y Opiniones
The restaurant has received a total of 523 reviews with an impressive rating of 4.1 stars. Here are some key points from the customer reviews:
- Delicious turkey leg and well-seasoned greens
- Great customer service and impressive food quality
- Some sides needed more flavor but overall a positive experience
- Varied menu items with mixed reviews on taste and quality
If you are looking for flavorful soul food in a casual yet trendy atmosphere, Larry and Laney's Soul Food is the place to be!
9. Yo Mama's Soul Food
InformaciĆ³n y Opiniones
Here are some key points from customer reviews:
- Very welcoming and comfortable home-like atmosphere. The food was really good overall. The baked chicken was perfection. Spacious and clean sitting area. Tea cakes were delightful.
- Great food overall, could use more seasoning/spice, fair price point. Turkey Wing meal highly recommended.
- Food seasoned to perfection, generous portions, beautiful home-like atmosphere. Perfect for daily dining if closer.
- Delicious food served by wonderful staff. Cozy place to eat, treated like family. Magnificent service and food.
10. Soulfood by Catherine
InformaciĆ³n y Opiniones
- The food was cooked to order with excellent taste
- Portions were reasonable
- Atmosphere inside is old and could use a makeover
- Service was excellent and everyone was very nice
Some customers enjoyed dishes like fried ribs, fried pork chops, and delicious macaroni and cheese. However, others noted that the greens needed more seasoning and the gumbo tasted more like a stew. Despite mixed reviews, many plan to order from Soulfood by Catherine again. Whether you're craving southern classics or looking for a quick bite, this restaurant has something for everyone.
11. Mama's Oven
InformaciĆ³n y Opiniones
- The restaurant was packed on Easter Sunday, but Mama herself handled each guest with grace and care.
- Food taste great, but the lack of containers for sides and unique signature taste could be improved.
- Long wait times are a common complaint, but the food quality and hospitality make it worth the wait.
- Customers appreciate the delicious soul food, great hospitality, and friendly service.
12. Southern Soul Food Kitchen
InformaciĆ³n y Opiniones
- This is a really neat place! The staff is friendly and accommodating, willing to make things right if there are any issues.
- Customers rave about the attentive service, delicious food, and welcoming atmosphere.
- The family-friendly environment is described as a hidden gem with good food and good attitudes.
- Great place to chill, enjoy good food, and have well-made alcoholic beverages at the bar.
13. Just Oxtails Soul Food
InformaciĆ³n y Opiniones
- The food was outstanding, the oxtails over rice and gravy were seasoned to perfection. The greens tasted like they were cooked by somebody's grandma, and the Mac-n-Cheese was delicious.
- Customers warn that the food can be quite salty and some dishes may not meet personal preferences.
- Another review mentioned that the service was beyond horrible and the food was not worth the money.
- One customer was blown away by the amazing soul food, generous portions, and delicious taste of the food, highly recommending the restaurant.
14. Best Soul Food In Town
InformaciĆ³n y Opiniones
Customer reviews highlight the exceptional service and quality of food provided by Best Soul Food In Town. Some key points from the reviews include:
- Great customer service and amazing food quality
- Warm and flavorful dishes, with excellent oxtails and burgers
- Welcoming atmosphere and delicious breakfast options
- Greens full of love and accommodating to dietary needs
Overall, Best Soul Food In Town stands out for its dedication to customer satisfaction and delicious, home-cooked meals that keep patrons coming back for more.
15. Soul Good (Food Truck)
InformaciĆ³n y Opiniones
With a rating of 3.5 stars, Soul Good has garnered a total of 62 reviews from satisfied customers. Here are some key points summarized from recent reviews:
- Visiting the food truck location on Westheimer, customers enjoyed the cheesy mac and cheese and tasty cornbread, despite the slightly salty cabbage.
- One patron expressed concern about hygiene practices at the food truck, leading to an unpleasant experience.
- Customers at the Pearland location praised the friendly staff and delicious food like whiting fish with mac and cheese and jerk chicken with okra.
- Despite flavorful offerings like salmon bites, some noted discrepancies between the Pearland location and the food truck in terms of portion size and customer service.
Overall, Soul Good (Food Truck) is a charming destination for those seeking authentic and satisfying soul food dishes in Houston. Customers appreciate the variety of options available and the warm, welcoming atmosphere provided by the staff.
16. Philly soul sweet
InformaciĆ³n y Opiniones
Customers rave about the delicious dishes at Philly Soul Sweet:
- "Going here tasted like being back home in Philly! The garlic parm and lemon pepper wing dings were so flavorful and juicy..."
- "Best soul food so good like omg! Houston does not have soul food that really reminds me of southern cooking..."
- "Food was so good put us straight to sleep. Service was 10/10. I was so excited to finally try, definitely will be back..."
With options for delivery, takeaway, and dine-in, Philly Soul Sweet caters to all types of customers. Whether you're craving a classic plate of ribs or a sweet treat like banana pudding, this restaurant has you covered. So come on in and experience the flavors of the South at Philly Soul Sweet!
Map of Soul Food Restaurants in Houston
Welcome to the heart of Texan flavor - Houston. This diverse and vibrant city is well known for its flourishing food scene, with a particular emphasis on mouthwatering soul food. To guide you on a culinary journey through its richness, we have prepared a comprehensive map pinpointing all the must-visit soul food restaurants in Houston. Whet your appetite and start exploring!
What makes soul food restaurants in Houston unique?
Soul food restaurants in Houston offer a blend of flavorful dishes influenced by African, Caribbean, and Southern cuisine. These restaurants focus on comfort food that has been passed down through generations, creating a unique culinary experience.
From crispy fried chicken to rich gumbo, soul food restaurants in Houston bring a taste of tradition to the table. Many establishments in the city take pride in using fresh, local ingredients to create dishes that are both delicious and authentic.
Whether you're craving collard greens, cornbread, or peach cobbler, soul food restaurants in Houston offer a wide range of options that will leave you feeling satisfied and nostalgic for home-cooked meals.
Are soul food restaurants in Houston suitable for vegetarians and vegans?
While traditional soul food dishes often include meat, many soul food restaurants in Houston offer vegetarian and vegan options for those with dietary restrictions or preferences.
Vegetarian dishes like fried okra, macaroni and cheese, and black-eyed peas are staples at soul food restaurants in Houston. Additionally, some establishments offer plant-based versions of classic dishes, such as vegan jambalaya or collard greens made without meat.
Whether you're looking for a hearty meal without meat or simply want to try something new, soul food restaurants in Houston have options that cater to a variety of dietary needs.
What are some popular soul food restaurants to try in Houston?
When it comes to soul food restaurants in Houston, there are several establishments that stand out for their delicious food and welcoming atmosphere.
Places like The Breakfast Klub and Esther's Cajun Cafe & Soul Food are favorites among locals and visitors alike for their mouthwatering dishes and friendly service. These restaurants offer a taste of soul food cuisine in a casual, welcoming setting.
Whether you're in the mood for a hearty breakfast, a comforting lunch, or a satisfying dinner, soul food restaurants in Houston have something for everyone to enjoy.
Do soul food restaurants in Houston offer catering services?
Many soul food restaurants in Houston offer catering services for special events, parties, and gatherings of all sizes.
Whether you're planning a family reunion, corporate event, or wedding, soul food restaurants in Houston can provide a delicious spread of traditional dishes to satisfy your guests' cravings. From savory meats to decadent desserts, catering menus often feature a variety of options to choose from.
By choosing a soul food restaurant in Houston for your catering needs, you can enjoy authentic flavors and southern hospitality that will make your event memorable.
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