Pull up a seat at one of Houston’s oldest restaurants in our guide to 15 spots that have served up classic dishes for more than 50 years.
In a city overflowing with diverse culinary cultures, James Beard Award winners, and trendy fare from the latest must-try restaurants, we’re highlighting some of the places that were here first.
Each of these restaurants have been landmarks in Houston for more than 50 years—some of them stretching toward a full century of service.
Have a look at some of our picks for these essential historic eateries around town, then snag a seat so you can eat like a local.
15 Essential Historic Restaurants in Houston
Christie’s Seafood & Steaks in West Houston | 1917
One of the only places in Houston that can claim a century of service, Christie’s built its reputation on the fried fish po’ boy and have since expanded to include fresh Gulf catches and shrimp sandwiches, baked oysters, strip sirloin steaks, and much more.
The family-owned seafood house can be found just west of Fountain View Drive along Westheimer, which opened at this location in 1965.
Open at 11am daily; closed Mondays.
West Alabama Ice House in Montrose | 1928
Nearly 100 years ago, this neighborhood haunt got its start as a literal ice house, selling blocks for home refrigerators.
Now, it provides a smattering of its signature red picnic tables along West Alabama and into the spacious backyard to become one of the city’s bonafide communal watering holes.
Swing by for an ice cold brew and pair it with offerings from nearby taco truck, Tacos Tierra Caliente.
Monday to Saturday 10am to midnight; Sunday noon to 10pm.
Pizzitola’s Bar-B-Cue near Washington Avenue | 1935
Across five decades, the open-pit joint originally known as Shepherd Drive BBQ was ran by John and Leila Davis, an African American couple that served as one of the founding families of Houston’s BBQ scene.
Today, Pizzitola’s (named for Jerry Pizzitola, who stewarded the spot after John’s death) serves up many of the same no-frills offerings alongside the original sauce recipe in a classic East Texas BBQ dine-in atmosphere.
Open daily 11am to 8pm; closed Sundays.
Lankford’s Grocery & Market in Montrose | 1937
Originally doling out fruit and then deli sandwiches until the 1970s, Lankford’s big, messy burgers are a true Houston staple.
Longtime Houstonians will undoubtedly have a touch of nostalgia for the greasy stacked patties, gooey cheeses, and toppings that ooze out of the bun—like the crowd favorite Grim Burger, topped with mac and cheese, jalapeño, bacon and a fried egg.
Sunday to Wednesday 9am to 3pm; Thursday and Friday 9am to 8pm; Saturday 7am to 8pm.
Avalon Diner in River Oaks | 1938
A one-time addition to the Avalon Drug Store, the “justly famous” classic American diner serving up breakfast all day has branched out to include newer locations in West Houston and Stafford.
And while you can pick up an omelette or pancakes off the griddle any time of the day, the original drug store burger and chicken fried steak are can’t-miss dishes.
Original location on Westheimer is open Monday to Friday 6:30am to 3pm; Saturday and Sunday 7am to 3pm. Hours at other locations vary.
Tel-Wink Grill in Gulfgate | 1940
Near the intersection of Telephone Road and Winkler Drive, this daytime diner draws crowds in the late mornings, so be prepared to stake a spot early or make a friend in the fast-moving line.
But fret not, the wait is worth it when plates of biscuits and gravy, triple decker sandwiches, or classic breakfast offerings hit the table.
Monday to Friday 6am to 3:30pm; Saturday 6am to 2:30pm; Sunday 7am to 1:30pm.
Cleburne Cafeteria in West University | 1941
Eighty years and two devastating fires later, the cafeteria on the corner of Bissonnet and Edloe keeps coming back thanks to its devout regulars that frequent the counter service restaurant every week (and sometimes daily).
Known for their delectable holiday feasts, Cleburne also features a standing menu of fresh meats, fruits and veg courtesy of local farmers markets, and daily-made desserts and bread.
The dining room is massive but plan ahead if you drop by on Sundays as lines can get long.
11am to 8pm daily; closed Saturdays.
Molina’s Cantina in Bellaire | 1941
In the family for more than 80 years, Molina’s Cantina is helmed by three brothers—Raul III, Ricardo and Roberto.
Together, they’ve served up traditional plates of burritos, tacos and enchiladas to the Houston masses for decades, and have helped shape the Tex-Mex scene in the Bayou City.
Sunday to Thursday 11am to 9pm; Friday and Saturday 11am to 10pm.
Barbecue Inn in Independence Heights | 1946
Across three generations (and hopefully a fourth), the family-owned retro eatery has been dishing ribs alongside signature chicken fried steak and fried chicken plates to diners who have helped make it a Houston institution.
Open Tuesday to Saturday 10:30am to 9pm; closed Sundays and Mondays.
Harry’s Restaurant Cafe in Midtown | 1948
Along Tuam Street, the popular brunch haven draws big lunchtime crowds that are after its menu of Greek-inspired classics, omelettes, Latin breakfast dishes, downhome Southern plates, and other items that amount to a tour of the globe on your fork.
Monday to Friday 7am to 2pm; Saturday and Sunday 7am to 3pm; closed Tuesdays.
Someburger in the Heights | 1955
Once a Texas chain consisting of 40 restaurants, the Someburger location on the corner of Studewood and 11th Street in the Heights is a beloved institution to the neighborhood, instantly recognizable in its green bare bones building trimmed in yellow.
But though the shop may be small, the no-nonsense burgers served up are big in flavor and easily paired with hand-dipped milkshakes and malts for a classic American meal.
10:30am to 8pm daily; Sunday noon to 7pm.
The Original Kolache Shoppe in South Houston | 1956
Not far from the Gulfgate area, this family-owned shop has passed Czech recipes from generation to generation, ensuring that Houston’s early risers always have access to the delicious, fruit-filled pastries that Texans have come to know and love.
The savory sausage klobásníky rolls also make a great companion to the sweet variety and, if you add a cup of coffee, then your morning meal is set at this no-frills bakery on Telephone Road.
Monday to Saturday 5am to noon; Sunday 5am to 1pm.
This Is It Soul Food in Third Ward | 1959
Some 60 years since the original location in Freedmen’s Town in Fourth Ward, Craig Joseph continues to serve up Southern soul food cuisine in the restaurant once ran by his grandparents, Frank and Mattie Jones.
Having moved a few times since then, its current location on Blodgett Street in Third Ward is still renown for smothered pork chops and oxtails, fried catfish, ham hocks and more.
Open at 11am daily; closed Mondays.
Cream Burger in Third Ward | 1961
More than 60 years after Verna and Willie Greenwood opened the simple burger and ice cream stand near Scott Street, their daughters, Beverly and Sandra, continue serving up a straightforward menu of burgers, hot dogs, fries and ice cream.
The cash-only spot is popular with the community and nearby university students.
Open at 11:30am daily; closed Sundays.
China Garden in Downtown | 1969
Rockets fans and eager concert-goers might be familiar with the oldest Chinese restaurant in the city, which sits along Leeland Street, just a block away from Toyota Center.
The family-owned restaurant opened their doors more than 50 years ago to serve what was the center of Houston’s burgeoning Asian population.
But today, it’s an institution for all Houstonians, offering well-known Chinese American dishes alongside chow mein, dumplings, Hunan plates and more.
Tuesday to Saturday 3pm to 9pm (open at 11am on Thursday); closed Sunday and Monday.
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