Fill up on good eats at 100+ Black-owned restaurants in Greater Houston

Dig into barbecue, soul food, African cuisine, vegan, desserts and more with our guide to 100+ Black-owned restaurants in Greater Houston.

From corner to corner of Houston and beyond, you can find Black-owned restaurants, food trucks, bars and lounges serving up some of the best food H-Town has to offer.

We’ve gathered more than 100 places where you can go to dine on delicious dishes from a huge variety of cuisines and styles.

Scroll down to navigate through the various neighborhoods and regions of the city (beginning with Inside the Loop), or skip ahead with our buttons below.

Black-owned Restaurants in Houston

North Houston (Northside, Independence Heights, Acres Homes)

• Burns Original BBQ in Acres Homes – Nearly fifty years on, Burns delivers East Texas-style BBQ, monster baked potatoes, and sandwiches slathered in their signature rub. If you’re in the mood for a burger instead, they have you covered with the Burns Burger Shack next door. Learn more.
• Dream Wings in Garden Oaks/Oak Forest – Get lost in the sauce with bone-in and boneless wings, fried seafood and comfort food alongside lighter fare like salads and wraps. Learn more.
• Esther’s Cajun Cafe & Soulfood in Independence Heights – From smothered peppered steak and fried catfish to Cajun fettuccine pasta and chicken-n-waffles, Esther’s offers up southern comfort soulfood with a twist of Cajun. Learn more.
• Gatlin’s BBQ in Garden Oaks/Oak Forest – The one-time hidden gem is a secret no more, with finger-licking menu offerings stacked with beef ribs, brisket, and other smoked meats, slathered in their signature sauce. Learn more.
• Joe’s Cafe in Eastex-Jensen – Across seven decades, this Trinity Gardens eatery has been serving up made-to-order burgers, catfish, pork chops, seafood and other down-home dishes. Learn more.
• Tropical Express in Acres Homes – If you’re looking to beat the heat, Tropical Express has colorful shaved ice ready to chill you out while their menu of burgers and sandwiches will fill you up. Learn more.

Fifth Ward & the Heights

• 5th Level Restaurant & Cafe in Fifth Ward – Soul food classics make the menu at this Market Street hang in 5th Ward, including fried baskets, burgers and seafood. Learn more.
• Cedar Creek Bar & Grill in the Heights – With a sprawling outdoor patio and green scenery, Cedar Creek offers sandwiches, burgers and more in a laid-back setting. Learn more.
• Fainmous BBQ in First Ward – Along Oliver Street near Sawyer Yards, this barbecue joint from James and Karen Fain brings Tennessee-style meats and sauces to the masses ’til they sell out. Learn more.
• Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken on Washington Ave – With locations all over the country, this long-time staple along Washington Avenue is known for the crispy crunch of their fried chicken and Memphis-style dishes. Learn more.
• Heads & Tails at Railway Heights Market – On the west side of Washington Avenue sits the expansive Railway Heights Market, where inside you can find fried seafood and iconic Cajun eats from this open-daily eatery. Learn more.
• Heavenly Choices in Kashmere Gardens – Satisfy your Southern soul food cravings at this Fifth Ward diner on Cavalcade, serving up oxtails, meatloaf and chicken alongside collard greens, yams and many other sides. Learn more.
• J & J Lounge in Fifth Ward – Just outside Frenchtown in Fifth Ward, you can dine on down-home dishes like burgers, fried seafood, wings, pork chops and more. Learn more.
• Marco’s Pepper Grill in Fifth Ward – This food truck in the Fifth comes from Chef Marcus Flakes, who’s blended classic Cajun and Creole meals with Southwest and Caribbean flavors, to deliver your jambalaya and etouffee fixes, among other tasty menu items. Learn more.
• Mattie’s Catfish Kitchen & More in Kashmere Gardens – On the east end of Cavalcade, you’ll find this classic Southern kitchen frying up seafood, mouth-watering wings, and other tasty eats. Learn more.
• Mico’s Hot Chicken in the Heights – The Nashville hot chicken spot keeps it simple with a menu of animal fries, a sandwich, or a tender basket with sides. Learn more.
• The Nickel Sandwich Grill in Fifth Ward – Near the intersection of Lockwood and Lyons Avenue, this no-frills counter service eatery has been serving up barbecue, seafood and the signature Nickel Burger for more than 20 years. Learn more.
• Onion Creek Cafe in the Heights – The White Oak mainstay offers up indoor-outdoor seating where you can enjoy one of the eatery’s popular burgers and ice-cold beers. Click here for more information.
• Soul Taco in Shady Acres – The food truck outside Throughgood Coffee serves up decadent breakfast tacos with soulfood stuffings like pork chop, mac and cheese, fried chicken, and more. Learn more.
• Spring Street Beer and Wine Garden in First Ward – This neighborhood hang in First Ward offers a chic indoor-outdoor environment to unwind, catch up with friends, and enjoy special events throughout the week like yoga, steak night and lotería. Learn more.
• Throughgood Coffee in Shady Acres – This dog-friendly cafe near the Heights serves up cup after cup of soul-warming coffee and locally sourced baked goods. Learn more.
• Trez Art & Wine Bar on Washington Ave – Whether it’s for a date night, a comfort meal or one of the signature wine tasting events, Trez Art & Wine Bar near Washington offers access to local community artists that go on display, as well as themed wine flights, and a menu of small plates and flatbreads. Learn more.

Montrose, Upper Kirby & West Houston

• Aria Suya Kitchen in West Houston – Not far from the Galleria, this Nigerian fusion grill offers many suya-spiced dishes that include meets like beef, ram, goat, chicken, fish and shrimp. Learn more.
• Blue Nile Ethiopian Restaurant in Upper Kirby – Taste the unique flavors of Eastern Africa while using 100% teff flour-made injera, a style of eating traditional to Ethiopia. Learn more.
• Jollof Rice King in Upper Kirby – Along Richmond Avenue, this West African eatery offers flavorful jollof rice, traditional Nigerian soups, savory meat pies, stews and more. Learn more.
• Korny Vibes in Montrose – The popular food truck now operates out of a brick-and-mortar with a menu of vegan comfort food from “burgers” and jackfruit brisket sandwiches to empanadas and desserts. Learn more.
• Olive + Twist Bar & Kitchen in Upper Kirby – Specializing in craft cocktails, this spot along Richmond Avenue also serves up a filling menu of pizzas, burgers, and Gulf seafood. Learn more.
• Taste of Nigeria in West Houston – Savor West African flavors with dishes from oxtails to pepper soups at this Nigerian restaurant from Tiffaney and Rasak Odewale. Learn more.
• Twisted Grilled Cheese in West Houston, Cypress & Washington Ave – Across three locations, including the food truck on Jones Road, you can snag offerings like smoked beef brisket, halal Philly grilled cheesesteak, and more to satisfy your grilled cheese needs. Learn more.
• Upper Kirby Bistro in Upper Kirby – Part of the Five Central establishment (which also includes the Downing Street Social Club cigar bar, Elie wine bar, XX3 craft cocktail bar, and the Red Peacock live music lounge), this bistro serves up brunches, lunches and dinners with a wide-ranging American menu that includes Creole and soul food classics. Learn more.

Midtown, Downtown & East End

• Alley Kat in Midtown – In the MidMain block off West Alabama and Main Street, this bar offers live music, indoor and outdoor seating, and weekly specials. Please note, as of February 2022, Alley Kat is temporarily closed with a TBD re-open date. Learn more.
• The Breakfast Klub in Midtown – The popular morning and afternoon spot draws block-long lines regularly while serving up hearty breakfasts like katfish & grits and the wings & waffles plates. Learn more.
• Gotti’s in EaDo – Just a block from the home of the Dynamo, this Cajun restaurant and bar will fill you up with spicy chicken wings, bowls of gumbo, fried catfish and weekly specials on tacos, lamb chops and lobster. Learn more.
• Herban Frequency at Multiple Locations – From Alexis Suhara comes this vegan restaurant on wheels, that can be found serving up organic burgers, tacos, and fried deliciousness at popular spots around town like Axelrad, the Re-Up Juice Bar and other locations. Learn more.
• Hoot’s Smokehouse in Magnolia Park – In one of Houston’s oldest neighborhoods, Marcus Powell’s tribute to his grandfather offers delicious plates of smoked meats, baked potatoes, sandwiches and seafood. Learn more.
• Kulture in Downtown – Getting its start by serving up reimagined southern comfort classics, Kulture pivoted in 2021 to the Black Chef Table, a series of events in which Black chefs bring their own culinary visions to the dining room for unique experiences. Learn more.
• Lost & Found in Midtown – The restaurant/bar features multiple levels of seating with indoor-outdoor spaces, a rooftop patio, and lounge spaces with specialty cocktails, hearty bites like crawfish bread, and hookah. Learn more.
• Phil & Derek’s Restaurant & Jazz Lounge in Midtown – On the edge of Downtown, this Cajun-Creole spot hosts live jazz and R&B on the outdoor patio alongside mouth-watering entrees and its popular brunch offerings. Learn more.
• Taste Bar + Kitchen in Midtown – Dive into an extensive chicken and waffles menu (from Cajun spices to General Tso’s), jerk lamb chops and craft cocktails at this lively open-late spot. Learn more.
• Thirteen in Midtown – From James Harden comes this upscale fine dining experience, featuring an elegant dining room, outdoor patio, hookah lounge and private VIP areas. Swing by to dine on steak, fresh seafood, and more along with fine wine pairings. Learn more.
• Thrive Juices at Post in Downtown – Found in the food court of Houston’s massive Post Market in Downtown, Thrive features a tasty menu of cold pressed juices, smoothies, waters, acaí bowls and more to help you make healthier choices. Learn more.

Third Ward & Museum District

• Alfreda’s Soul Food Cafe in Historic Third Ward – For seven decades, Alfreda’s has offered up a wide range of soul food—including their famous smothered turkey wings—for dine-in, delivery and pickup. Learn more.
• Cream Burger in Third Ward – A block away from the University of Houston, this burger stand has served up classic patties, fries and shakes at affordable prices since 1961.
• Crumbville, TX in Third Ward – Next to Doshi House on Emancipation Avenue, this neighborhood bakery serves up melt-in-your-mouth goodness with its fresh cookies, brownies and cupcakes—and plenty of vegan options. Learn more.
• Cupcake Kitchen Houston in Third Ward – The gourmet baked goods kitchen has expanded beyond specialty cupcakes, pies and cakes (which you can still order), now serving up delicious soul food like oxtail dinners, gumbo, salmon and shrimp bowls, and more. Learn more.
• Davis St. at Hermann Park in Historic Third Ward – Across from the Hermann Park Golf Course, this upscale eatery serves Southern cooking with global influences in a world-class dining room. Learn more.
• Frenchy’s Chicken at multiple locations – From the original spot in Third Ward to West Houston and up to Humble, the Creole-style franchise supplies fried chicken, gumbo and more across 11 locations. Learn more.
• Green Seed Vegan in Historic Third Ward – At the corner of Almeda and Wheeler, this healthy eatery features a stacked menu of 100% vegan and soy-free items like paninis, wraps, and juices. Learn more.
• Hibachi Bros in Historic Third Ward – From Dempsey Robinson comes this Japanese-style hibachi food truck that features made-to-order grub with entree options like filet mignon, lobster, shrimp, slamon, chicken and steak with rice, veggies and hand-crafted sauces. Learn more.
• Houston Sauce Pit in Historic Third Ward – Roll up to this trailer on Almeda for sauced up vegan BBQ sandwiches and entrees with special offerings like elote, burritos, and more. Learn more.
• Houston This Is It Soul Food in Third Ward – Originating from Freedmen’s Town in Fourth Ward, This Is It has sixty years of providing diners with traditional slave and Southern cuisine, including chitterlings, black-eyed peas, oxtails and more. Learn more.
• Kaffeine Coffee in Historic Third Ward – Find some time to unwind at this Almeda coffeeshop that also serves baked goods, breakfast and lunch, as well as provides office services like internet, faxing, printing and laptop loans. Learn more.
• Lindiana’s Southern Vegan Kitchen in Third Ward – Mac and cheese, chicken sandwiches (made from jackfruit), and boudin balls highlight the menu at the all-vegan Lindiana’s, right on campus at Texas Southern University. Learn more.
• Lucille’s in Museum District – Chef Chris Williams joins with Chef Khang Hoang for a refined Southern cuisine spot known for classic dishes like shrimp & grits, braised oxtails, and the bone-in pork chop. Learn more.
• Mo’ Better Brews in Museum District – From vegan dining power couple Courtney and Chasitie Lindsay comes this music-inspired kitchen known for their hot honey shrooms and grits, along with a slate of delicious fried, sauced and smothered fare. Learn more.
• Ms. Myrtle’s Bakery Shoppe in Third Ward – Named for Ms. Myrtle Zachary Jackson, who sadly passed in 2021, this family-run bakery continues to serve up decadent baked goods, donuts, cakes and holiday offerings alongside a modest breakfast menu. Learn more.
• Reggae Hut Cafe in Historic Third Ward – On Almeda Road, you can find rich Caribbean flavors in Reggae Hut’s beef patties, jerk chicken, curry goat and more. Learn more.
• Soul Food Vegan in Third Ward – Across from Emancipation Park, this eatery offers reinterpreted soul food favorites with plant-based, nutritional vegan ingredients. Learn more.
• Sparkle’s Hamburger Spot in Third Ward – Step up to the counter at this popular spot and take home an old-school jumbo burger and a to-go daiquiri to wash it down. Learn more.
• Turkey Leg Hut in Historic Third Ward – The sprawling seating here is always filling up for the famous stuffed turkey legs, served up in a variety of glazes with fillings like spicy dirty rice and Cajun crawfish macaroni. Learn more.

South Side & Medical Center

• Glazed The Doughnut Cafe near NRG Stadium – Wedged between the NRG area and Texas Medical Center, this family-owned spot has a wide range of gourmet doughnuts with classic glazes or sprinkled toppings like Nerds, Fruity Pebbles, Captain Crunch and more. Learn more.
• Mama’s Oven near NRG Stadium – Next door to Hank’s Ice Cream Parlor, this down-home eatery serves up comfort cooking, highlighted by their popular oxtails. Learn more.
• Sleepy’s Poboys near NRG Stadium – Late hours makes this New Orleans-style spot an ideal place to end a night out with gumbo, fried fish, red beans and rice, and more. Learn more.
• Sunshine’s Health Food Vegetarian Deli near Texas Medical Center – For nearly forty years, this health food store serves up raw and cooked vegetarian dishes while also stocking supplements, skin care products and grocery items. Learn more.

South Houston (Central Southwest, Sunnyside, Southeast)

• Cassy’s Kitchen in South Acres – This soul food spot off Cullen Boulevard will fill you up on dishes like oxtails, boudin, burgers and breakfast, plus daily specials like meatballs, enchiladas and turkey wings. Learn more.
• Cool Runnings Jamaican Grill in Brays Oaks – Dive into Caribbean flavors with signature jerk seasonings, seafood, and rich curries. Learn more.
• Doris’ Kitchen in Southeast Houston – The Scott Street soul food spot in Sunnyside serves up beloved classics, including fried chicken, pork chops, seafood, wings, burgers and more. Learn more.
• The French Fry House in Southeast Houston – It’s all things spuds at this shop off South Wayside, where you can top off fries with things like shrimp and crawfish etouffee or brisket alongside boudin egg rolls. Learn more.
• Helen’s Kitchen in Central Southwest – Savor Jamaican flavors at this unassuming kitchen serving up curry goat, jerk chicken, fish filet, ackee and saltfish, and more. Learn more.
• Just Oxtails in Southeast Houston – In Sunnyside, you can grab a hearty plate of soul food classics like smothered turkey wings, oxtails, fried fish, gumbo and more from Kenneth and Carrie Washington, who’ve been serving it up since 2002. Learn more.
• MadMax BBQ in Central Southwest – This food truck parked on Orem Drive fulfills your barbecue needs, offering smoked and sauced delicacies like rib sandwiches, boudin, loaded baked potatoes, mac ‘n’ brisket and many other delicious meats. Learn more.
• Soul Food by Catherine in Central Southwest – This unassuming family-owned restaurant serves up a wide array of soul food that includes shrimp gumbo, baby back ribs and baked turkey wings. Learn more.
• The Stuffed Baked Potato Factory in South Union and Central Southwest – Get stuffed goodness at this South Houston eatery that offers up baked potatoes overrunning with ingredients like shrimp, crawfish, Creole sausage and more. Learn more.
• Two Brothers Smokin’ Oak Kitchen in South Houston – This smokehouse on wheels is one of the top food trucks in the city, offering favorites like beef sandwiches and brisket, along with smoked boudin, turkey legs and sides. Learn more.

Black-owned Restaurants in Greater Houston

North

• Daiquiriz with a Twist in Cypress Station – With drive-thru service, happy hour specials, and a hookah lounge, this frozen daiquiri spot near Spring is guaranteed to chill you out as you get twisted. Learn more.
• Famous Princess Kitchen in Barker Cypress – Grub on authentic West African cuisine at this restaurant on the northwest side of Houston, featuring fufu, meat pies, stewed meats and more. Learn more.
• The Greasy Spoon in Cypress Station & Pearland – Dig into the comfort of soul food at this spot north of the Beltway with smothered porkchops, etouffee, and Cajun shrimp & grits. Learn more.
• Island Spice Bar & Grill in Barker Cypress – Since 2004, Chef Ellen Skeets has been providing island dishes from the Caribbean and Latin America, including ackee and saltfish, braised ox-tails, and curries. Learn more.
• Jersey Bagels in Jersey Village – This hand-rolled bagel shop serves up traditional bagels alongside gorgeous, multi-colored offerings, kolaches, and a tasty slate of cream cheeses. Learn more.
• SouthernQ BBQ in North Houston – On Richey Road near Cypress Station, SouthernQ offers fall-off-the-bone BBQ and homemade side dishes five days of the week. Learn more.
• Wafflez ‘N’ Creamz in Northwest Houston & Humble – Build your own waffle with fresh fruit and cream, dig into breakfast, lunch and dinner, or satisfy the sweet tooth with artisan-made ice cream. Learn more.
• Wisdom’s Vegan Bakery in Spring – With a focus on plant-based and dairy-free baked goods, Wisdom also offers up a coffee bar, kava root, and a lunch menu of vegan options. Learn more.

East

• R & K Barbecue in Northshore – This smoke house in North shore is known for their smoked meat platters and barbecue greatness that’s served up along side soul food classics like turkey wings, ham hocks and more. Learn more.

West

• Abbie’s Plant Based Cuisine in Katy – This vegan meal prep service delivers all over Houston and the surrounding areas (orders of $50 or more). Pick-up available in Katy. Check out the latest menu.
• Abula HotPot in Bellaire – Dig into Nigerian dishes and West African cuisine at this West Houston hot pot spot known for their jollof rice, amala, egusi and ofada rice. Learn more.
• Astor Farm to Table near Katy – Tour the globe at this South Mason Road eatery run by Casey Castro, who offers home-cooked dishes from Argentina, Venezuela and South Africa. Learn more.
• The Champion Pizza in Gulfton – Near the intersection of Westpark and Southwest Freeway, this hidden gem has been serving up slices for multiple decades to a loyal fanbase that can’t get enough of its delicious crusts and fresh ingredients, with specialty pies like the jalapeño pepperoni and Greek pizza. Learn more.
• Craft Burger in Katy – Shannen Tune brings his popular food truck offerings indoors at this dine-in spot with locally sourced beef and flavorful ingredients that yield creations like the brown sugar and chili-rubbed candied bacon, truffle mayo, and more. Learn more.
• Dandelion Cafe in Bellaire – Dine on scratch-made and locally sourced breakfasts, brunches and lunches at this beloved Bellaire eatery. Learn more.
• Delight’s Ghanaian Cuisine in Westside – On the edge of George Bush Park in West Houston, you can find authentic Ghanaian dishes, savory stews, and flavorful jollof rice at this outpost of Chef Delight Lawal’s restaurant, which began in Accra in 2008. Learn more.
• HoneyKaz in Westside – Renown for their flavorful small chops, this African restaurant also serves up a slate of fried deliciousness and finger foods. Learn more.
• Larry & Laney’s Soul Food in Westside – The honey glazed wings are the big draw at this soul food nook in West Houston, but the midwest recipes for mac ‘n’ cheese and home-style meatballs are can’t-miss, too. Learn more.
• Tastee Buddies in Katy – Grub on the tastes of the Midwest at this gourmet food truck serving it up on Fry Road, with specialties like Philly cheesesteaks, Milwaukee-style corned beef and Reuben sandwiches. Learn more.
• Zongo in Westside – Enjoy suya-spiced meats, fried fish, and other West African delicacies at this unfussy diner on Beechnut. Learn more.

South

• Boogies Chicago Style BBQ in Missouri City – Satisy your appetite with the smoked offerings from this food truck on Texas Parkway that’s serving up rib tips, signature wings, baked potatoes, boudin links and more. Learn more.
• Feydups Kitchen in Sugar Land – Dine on West African classics like pepper soup, ofada rice, and stews with sides of plantains, moi-moi and more.
• Flava Wings near Pearland – This family-owned chicken joint near Shadow Creek Ranch has been serving up crispy, golden fried chicken, turkey and duck wings with equally delicious sides since 2019. Learn more.
• The Jambalaya Shoppe in Pearland – Just outside Shadow Creek Ranch in Pearland, you can get your Cajun fix at this casual eatery that serves up gumbos, crawfish and, of course, homestyle jambalaya. Learn more.
• Lotus Seafood at Multiple Locations – With locations in Pearland, Braeswood, and more, this cult favorite is known for its crack sauce, an addicting Cajun garlic butter that you can smother all over boiled crawfish, corn, potatoes, shrimp, sausage, and more. Learn more.
• Micheaux’s Southern Cuisine in Missouri City – This family-owned spot serves Southern soul food classics like smothered and stuffed chicken, Cajun meatloaf, turkey wings, and all the sides. Learn more.
• Mikki’s Café in Pearland and Brays Oaks – Oxtails, turkey wings, and southern favorites are on offer everyday, alongside daily specials like fried catfish, stuffed peppers and more. Learn more.
• ReMo’s Cafe in Missouri City – Just off the Beltway in Fondren Gardens, this restaurant offers all the barbecue dishes you’re after, including burgers, sandwiches and loaded baked potatoes alongside soul food, seafood and more. Learn more.
• Sugar’s Cajun Cuisine & Bar in Missouri City – Pairing live music and a menu filled with New Orleans classics like seafood gumbo, crab cakes and jambalaya, Sugar’s offers a family friendly space with NOLA vibes. Learn more.
• Trill Taco in Missouri City – Get your fill of tacos, quesadillas, nachos and vegan offerings at Trill Taco, where you can dig into The Bun-B, the vegan Cactus Jack taco, or queso-filled Fat Pat. Learn more.
• Viola & Agnes’ Neo Soul Cafe in Seabrook – Grub on home-style Creole cooking at this Clear Lake Bay eatery that features a focused menu with dishes like braised beef cheeks and gravy, fried Louisiana catfish, chicken and waffles, and more. Learn more.