The diversity of Houston’s culinary landscape is the result of a changing population that began with indigenous people, and evolved with westward expansion and immigration. Today, immigrants who have settled in the greater Houston area continue to introduce cuisines from all around the world. However, the forced migration of enslaved Africans to the United States created culinary foodways born out of necessity. Often having to use offal and leftover bits of meat and bones, they createc a cuisine that drew from their cultures, as well as making use of what they had, whether it was homegrown vegetables or foraged greens.
The term ‘soul food’ has come to include more than just the foods of former enslaved Southern Black people. Houston’s proximity to the state of Louisiana has resulted in a soul food scene that envelops the multi-layered flavors of Creole and Cajun cuisine. As its popularity increased over the years, Black chefs and restaurateurs have taken soul food to new heights, while still respecting the ingredients that are the backbone of its cultural history.
Here is a list of some of Houston’s best soul food eateries—some rustic and humble, others elegant and contemporary.
Mikki’s Soul Food Cafe
The original location of Mikki’s Soul Food Cafe was born from the success of Jeanette Williams’ home catering business. Williams passed away in 2019, but her children Craig and Jeanelle, continue her legacy, including adding a second location in Pearland that offers cocktails, beer, and wine. Daily specials like oxtails and gravy and smothered pork chops keep customers coming back again and again. Chitterlings are available at the West Bellfort location every day, and only on weekends in Pearland. Don’t miss the banana pudding and white chocolate bread pudding. And be prepared for a third location coming soon. Multiple locations, mikkiscafe.com
Esther’s Cajun Cafe & Soul Food
The portions are hefty at this cafeteria-style restaurant which was founded by Esther Lewis in 2008. Queen Esther, as she’s lovingly known, grew up in a large family and is a mother to six children—some of whom work at the restaurant alongside the matriarch. Must-haves from the daily menu include grilled Creole steak patties and smothered oxtails, or the fried-to-order catfish. Soul food fusion dishes like chicken spaghetti are served on weekdays only, while the Louisiana-style gumbo is only available Friday and Saturday. Though the restaurant is cafeteria-style, there is a dedicated bar featuring a number of inventive cocktails. 5007 N. Shepherd Rd., Houston, estherscajunsoul.com
Butter Funk Kitchen
The dripping pat of glowing butter on the outdoor sign at this little, family-owned eatery hints at the decadent food that awaits. It could be something as simple as a fried chicken sandwich, or something more Cajun like the etouffee plate or red beans. The fried catfish received high marks from famed foodie influencer Keith Lee last year, seconded by positive online reviews from Houstonians. There isn’t much seating inside, but if you are fortunate enough to grab a spot at the bar, you can enjoy a plate of shrimp and grits with a frozen cocktail. 8511 Scott St., Houston, butterfunkhtx.com
Lucille’s
Chef and owner Chris Williams’ restaurant is a tribute to his late great-grandmother, as is the Southern cuisine served at this Museum District restaurant. The James Beard Award finalist replicates some of Lucille B. Smith’s recipes with modern flair. The famous chili biscuits are an obligatory starter to any meal. Other worthy bites include fried green tomatoes, boudin balls, and gumbo z’herbs, flavored with ham hock, andouille, and greens. The buttermilk-brined fried chicken is always a winner, along with entrees such as pork shank and braised oxtails. 5512 La Branch St., Houston, lucilleshouston.com
Mo’ Brunch and Brews
Black Americans are choosing the vegan lifestyle more than any other demographic in the country, and the resulting rise of vegan soul food restaurants is not surprising. Owners Chastitie and Courtney Lindsay opened this plant-based eatery in 2021 with a menu that offers soul food favorites using mushrooms, vegetables, and meat substitutes. There are tasty veggies like naked fried Brussels sprouts and cauliwings, plus entrees like hot honey ‘shrooms and grits, and chik’n fried ‘shrooms and waffles. There’s even gumbo, made with okra, chik’n and sausage. Coffee drinks are popular at this cafe, but there’s also beer and wine. 1201 Southmore Blvd., Houston, mobrunchandbrews.com
Viola & Agnes Neo Soul Cafe
Chef-owner Aaron Davis is Louisiana born and bred, and the name of his restaurant is an homage to both of his grandmothers. This is home-cooking at its best, and the crowds come often, so be prepared to wait. Though it’s a wee bit of a drive to Seabrook from inside the loop, many foodies and hospitality pros make their way down south for the file gumbo with chicken, sausage, blue crab, and okra. Its version of shrimp and grits takes it up a notch with NOLA-style bbq butter sauce, while the chicken and waffle gets a kick of Cajun spice and cane syrup. Guests can even choose their waffle flavor, like the pecan praline, for an extra cost. The sides are vegetarian, so you won’t find pork in the collard greens. 3659 NASA Rd., Seabrook, neosoulfood.org
Gatlin’s Fins & Feathers
Greg Gatlin is widely known around the state for his barbecue, but his Gulf Coast eatery in Independence Heights has earned him even more accolades since opening in 2022. Drawing from his local roots, Gatlin created a menu that begins with his special buttermilk biscuits, perfect for dipping in the dark roux gumbo filled with chicken, sausage, and seafood. The cornmeal-crusted catfish is seasoned with Cajun spices, and the fried chicken plate features a generous three pieces, plus a side. And, choosing a side is no simple task with choices like collard greens with smoked turkey and red beans and rice. 302 W. Crosstimebers St., Houston, gatlinsfinsandfeathers.com
The Greasy Spoon
Owner Max Bozeman’s story is one of resilience. The father of three opened his restaurant in the early days of the pandemic and managed to keep it successful, even while battling colon cancer. Bozeman and the Greasy Spoon were featured last year on CBS Mornings “The Dish”. He offers an elevated take on soul food, with cooked-to-order dishes like the Cajun seafood stack, smothered in Cajun seafood sauce; and “The Boss” seafood stack, which gets the luxe addition of a lobster tail. The smoked oxtails are pricey, but many consider them the best in Houston. Don’t miss out on the boudin eggrolls, especially the ones with crawfish. 636 Cypress Station Dr., Houston, thegreasyspoonhtx.com
1929 Po-Boy Kitchen at Lyric Market
This New Orleans-themed counter inside Lyric Market has a menu that celebrates the diversity of the port city. Along with soul food dishes, find a few fusion items like the oxtail yakamein, a beef broth soup of oxtails, noodles and boiled egg. There are several different gumbos, including a vegetarian version. Like its name suggests, there are a number of po-boys on the menu, built with fried seafood like soft shell crab, oysters, crawfish tails, and shrimp. 411 Smith St., Houston, 1929poboykitchen.com
Micheaux’s
Owners Janice and George Micheaux began their catering business in 1996, and eventually opened a brick and mortar location in 2022. At Micheaux’s, dishes are served cafeteria style. Choose from natural or brown gravy for the slow-roasted oxtails, regular or jalapeno cornbread, and baked or fried chicken. For those who love sides, the veggie plate offers a choice of four from a menu of black-eyed peas, candied yams, cornbread dressing, fried okra, and more. The welcome is warm at Micheaux’s and the desserts, like Coca-Cola cake, are homemade. 6850 Hwy. 6, Ste. 200, Missouri City, micheauxcatering.com
Houston This Is It Soul Food
Since 1959, this family-owned business has been serving the local community in some fashion or another. Third generation-owner, Craig Joseph, keeps the steam table full for Third Ward locals and destination diners as a tribute to his grandparents. The fourth generation is carrying on the legacy, as the family operates a Houston location and a newer Humble restaurant. Regulars know to arrive early because dishes like oxtails and chitterlings often sell out. But if they do, other comfort foods like chicken and dumplings and meatloaf ease the pain. Both locations serve frozen daiquiris and beer. Multiple locations, Humble, houstonthisisit.com…