5 Must Do Things in Third Ward

In our series of Must Do Things Around Greater Houston, we take a look at Houston’s vast array of neighborhoods to bring you five fun, tasty, and enticing reasons you should give each a visit. 

One of Houston’s six historic wards, Third Ward is a culturally rich, historically African American neighborhood that houses Texas Southern University, the University of Houston, and Emancipation Park, a 10-acre park founded by formerly enslaved people that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States.

It was also once the home to popular figures including Debbie Allen, blues legend Lightnin’ Hopkins, and yes, the Beyoncé. The dynamic neighborhood, boasting a mix of old and new, is still a driving force in Houston’s culture today and remains a vital historic community within the city.

Here are five excellent things to do in Third Ward.

Note: For the purposes of this list, the Third Ward is defined by the area represented in this map.

5 Must Do Things in Third Ward

Support the neighborhood’s cultural anchors

Founded in 1993, inspiring community-based arts and culture organization Project Row Houses took a row of historic shotgun houses and transformed them into public art studios, open Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 5pm.

Constantly refreshed, the organization continues to showcase some truly incredible local artworks while preserving, revitalizing, and empowering one of the oldest African American neighborhoods in the city.

More recently, the Project Row Houses organization took ownership of the historic Eldorado Ballroom, with prolific hospitality professionals Lucille’s Hospitality Group and Lucille’s 1913 serving as the Ballroom’s operator.

The legendary blues and jazz club was originally brought to life by influential Black entrepreneurs and philanthropists Anna and Clarence Dupree in 1939, hosting the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles, Etta James, and more.

In 2023, Eldorado was restored to its former glory, offering an upstairs ballroom for live music, dancing, and celebrating, and downstairs cafe and local market (Rado MKT) and working artists’ gallery (The Hogan Brown Gallery).

You can delve into more local history with a visit to the nearby Kindred Stories, a local bookstore and space to connect with the community and explore Black authors.

Feed your soul at Houston’s This is It

Opened in Midtown in 1959 before moving to its current location down the street from Texas Southern University, this family-run spot is one of the oldest soul food restaurants in Houston.

The homestyle kitchen draws crowds with slow-braised, meltingly tender oxtail, gravy-smothered chicken & homemade dumplings, and collard greens.

Try it all, but save room for dessert. 

Take in the arts on campus

At Texas Southern University, make your way to the University Museum, which boasts a deep collection of traditional African art, including over 200 pieces from West, Central, and East Africa, plus other works from across the vast African diaspora.

At the University of Houston, be sure to hit the Blaffer Art Museum, where six to eight visual and contemporary art exhibitions are curated every year.

Or get tickets to a show at the Cullen Performance Hall, which hosts a lineup of music, opera, dance, and theatrical events.

Get a taste of the original Frenchy’s

You can find Frenchy’s Louisiana-style fried chicken all over Houston, but none seem as good as the lip-smacking eats from the original, likely because it’s an H-town institution.

Though the original 1969 Scott Street location has been torn down in recent years, you can still get flawlessly crisp, Creole-flavored fried bird with a side of dirty rice and some sweet potato pie at its new spot just a couple blocks away.

Join the community & retreat from urban life at Emancipation Park

Opening in 1872 in commemoration of the end of slavery, Emancipation Park is the oldest park in both Houston and Texas, later being donated to the City of Houston in 1916.

It was originally used solely for Juneteenth celebrations and was the city’s only park for African Americans during periods of racial segregation in the Jim Crow era.

In 2014, the Emancipation Park Conservancy was created with the mission of preserving the park’s integrity and enriching its heritage as a cultural landmark.

Today, the revitalized public space hosts various community events, programs, and festivals, offering amenities including Aquatics and Recreation Centers, a Baseball Field and Tennis Courts, Blessing Theater and Cultural Center, Outdoor Pavilion and Playground, and more.

And if you’re in need of a nearby bite not far from the park, Doshi House is another neighborhood gem worth a visit, part cozy coffee house with vegan eats, part community center welcoming all walks of life.

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