Best of 20 comfort food in Houston
Comfort food in Houston is a culinary experience like no other. This Texas city offers a unique blend of classic American comfort dishes and international flavors. From hearty bowls of gumbo to juicy barbecue and mouth-watering chicken-fried steak, Houston's comfort food scene is a must-try for any foodie. These soulful dishes, combined with the city's warm and friendly atmosphere, make for an unforgettable dining experience. So, come and indulge in the comfort food in Houston, where every bite is a celebration of flavor and tradition.
- 1. Houston This Is It Soul Food
- 2. Esther's Cajun Café & Soul Food
- 3. Comfort Foodies
- 4. The Moonshiners Southern Table + Bar
- 5. Heavenly Choices
- 6. Bo-bobs
- 7. Best Soul Food In Town
- 8. Killen's
- 9. The Greasy Spoon
- 10. Lucille's
- 11. Soulfood by Catherine
- 12. Mia's Table
- 13. Yo Mama's Soul Food
- 14. The Cookshack
- 15. Butter Funk Kitchen
- 16. Alfreda's Soul Food Catering
- 17. Cassy's Kitchen
- 18. O' Taste & See Eatery
- 19. Comfort Kitchen (Food Truck)
- 20. Betton's Comfort Food
1. Houston This Is It Soul Food
Family-owned and operated for over 30 years, using traditional recipes and techniques

Houston This Is It Soul Food, situated in Houston's historic Fourth Ward, prides itself on serving traditional soul food meals. The restaurant offers a variety of hearty dishes such as Oxtails Plate, Smothered Pork Chops Plate, and Fried Chicken Plate. The food has been described as delicious, well-seasoned, and having a homemade touch. Despite the changing daily menu, reviewers rave about the quality and deliciousness of all the food options.
This soul food restaurant goes the extra mile to ensure that their dishes are full of flavor and have a home-cooked feel. The menu features a daily rotation of options, all of which have received high praise for their taste and quality. Whether you're in the mood for Oxtails, Smothered Pork Chops, or Fried Chicken, you can't go wrong at Houston This Is It Soul Food. With its commitment to serving delicious, well-seasoned meals, this Houston restaurant has become a go-to destination for soul food lovers.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Social Gatherings
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2. Esther's Cajun Café & Soul Food
Family-owned and operated for over 30 years, with a welcoming and friendly atmosphere

Esther's Cajun Cafe & Soul Food is a restaurant that offers exceptional southern comfort soul food with a unique Cajun twist. The restaurant strikes visitors with its surprising ambiance, decor, and family-oriented atmosphere, creating a fine dining experience for soul food. On the Northside, Esther's is a must-visit destination for soul food lovers.
The cafeteria-style restaurant has a variety of options, but the smothered turkey wings with gravy are a standout. The turkey is so tender that the bone becomes optional, and the gravy adds to the savory flavor. Esther's Cajun Cafe & Soul Food provides a satisfying and delicious soul food experience whether you are in the South or the Northside.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Hidden Gems
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3. Comfort Foodies
Family-owned restaurant with a passion for comfort food and exceptional service.

Comfort Foodies is a restaurant that specializes in serving up delicious and satisfying comfort food. Two of its most popular dishes are the fried chicken and waffles and the mac and cheese. The fried chicken is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, while the waffles are fluffy and perfectly cooked. Together, they make for a truly indulgent and delicious meal. Meanwhile, the mac and cheese is rich, creamy, and cheesy, providing a perfect dose of comfort food goodness. It has been a long time since the mac and cheese has tasted this good.
In summary, Comfort Foodies is the place to go for anyone looking for a satisfying and delicious comfort food meal. The fried chicken and waffles are top-notch, with crispy fried chicken and fluffy waffles. And the mac and cheese is not to be missed - it is rich, creamy, and satisfying, providing a perfect dose of comfort food goodness. Whether you are looking for a hearty breakfast or a satisfying lunch or dinner, Comfort Foodies has you covered.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Cheap Eats
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4. The Moonshiners Southern Table + Bar
Live music on weekends, Craft cocktails, Pet-friendly patio

We had a delightful lunch experience after a long walk around downtown Houston. Our meal started with a glass of chardonnay and a local draft craft beer, both of which were enjoyable and refreshing. The shrimp tacos were a standout, featuring large shrimp, while the pulled pork tacos were also tasty, although my husband opted to remove most of the sliced red cabbage.
The food at this establishment was of high quality, and our server, Caroline, was exceptional. She offered genuine suggestions when we asked for her recommendations. We ended up ordering the BLT plus egg, chicken and waffles, and brisket grilled cheese, all of which were excellent choices. Caroline's expertise and the tasty dishes made our meal even more enjoyable.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Affordable Nightlife
- Downtown Spots
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5. Heavenly Choices
They offer vegetarian and gluten-free options, and support local farmers and producers

A traveler recently took a leisurely trip from Baton Rouge to Houston and sought out soul food restaurants in the city. One standout establishment was Heavenly Choices, a small, traditional restaurant known for its pleasant atmosphere and courteous service. Among the delicious options ordered were oxtails, yams, Okra, and sweet tea.
The oxtails were a highlight of the meal, with their tender meat and generous portion size. The yams were also a hit, naturally sweet and not in need of any additional sugar. The sweet tea, while potentially unhealthy, was described as worth the indulgence. Another recommendation from Heavenly Choices is their peach cobbler, which features an extra crust that adds to the homey feel of the restaurant.
TOPICS
- Downtown Spots
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
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6. Bo-bobs
Family-owned business with a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.

Bo-bobs is a restaurant that offers a wide range of local favorites, including their signature dish, the Overload. The menu features delicious and generously portioned options such as gumbo, Cajun-style spaghetti with shrimp, fried prawns, and marsala. Visitors can expect a warm welcome, excellent service, and the opportunity to sample dishes before ordering. The restaurant is well-known for its super-friendly staff, democratic prices, and takeaway options for those in a hurry.
The atmosphere at Bo-bobs is described as spectacular, with guests enjoying the perfectly cooked fried fish, rich gumbo, and other menu items. According to many reviewers, the dishes are not only delicious but also reasonably priced, making it a great spot for budget-conscious diners. While the restaurant is a hidden gem, it has gained popularity due to its high-quality food and outstanding service, so it is worth visiting for anyone in the area looking for a great meal.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch
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7. Best Soul Food In Town
Family-owned and operated for over 40 years, Catering service available

This establishment offers exceptional comfort food that is sure to satisfy. Two standout dishes are the mac and cheese, which is rich and creamy, and the yams, which are sweet and perfectly cooked. Another recommendation is the smothered pork chops, which are tender and flavorful, paired with dirty rice that has a great depth of flavor.
Overall, the comfort food served here is highly recommended. The mac and cheese and yams are must-tries, while the smothered pork chops and dirty rice are also excellent choices. Whether you're looking for a hearty meal or a taste of home-style cooking, this place is sure to deliver.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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8. Killen's
Features a cozy and intimate atmosphere

Killen's is a well-known establishment for Sunday brunch, providing a wide range of breakfast-style dishes that are sure to please. Among the offerings are cinnamon roll appetizers, cinnamon roll pancakes, and carrot cake pancakes, all of which are popular choices among patrons.
Ronnie Killen, a James Beard nominated chef, is the mastermind behind the Southern comfort food served at Killen's in the Heights. The menu features some of the greatest hits from his other restaurants, allowing diners to enjoy a variety of delicious dishes all in one place.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Downtown Spots
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9. The Greasy Spoon
Homestyle cooking in a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere.

This restaurant offers delicious comfort food that will satisfy your cravings. The smothered pork chops and lamb chops are standout dishes, packing incredible flavors that will leave you wanting more. The steak is another excellent choice, made with seasoned ground meat in a meatloaf style, providing a unique yet delightful taste and texture.
Overall, the comfort food selection is a must-try at this establishment. Whether you prefer pork, lamb, or beef, each dish is seasoned and cooked to perfection, ensuring a satisfying and enjoyable dining experience.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Cheap Eats
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10. Lucille's
Homemade sides, locally sourced ingredients, and welcoming atmosphere

Lucille's is a well-known establishment that offers delicious Southern comfort food and features live music. Their chicken and waffles dish is particularly popular and receives high praise. The menu at Lucille's is filled with classic comfort food dishes that are sure to please, such as spicy gumbos and deep fried chicken with a mouthwatering, crispy skin. Another standout dish is the incredibly tender oxtails.
Southern comfort food lovers and music enthusiasts alike flock to Lucille's for a satisfying meal and a good time. The restaurant is famous for its flavorful chicken and waffles, but the menu offers many other mouthwatering comfort food options. Diners can expect to enjoy spicy gumbos and succulent, deep fried chicken with a delightfully crispy skin. The oxtails are also a must-try, as they are unbelievably tender and full of flavor.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
- Celebrations
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11. Soulfood by Catherine
Local favorite black-owned business in Houston

This location excels in providing comfort food that is sure to satisfy. The smothered pork chops and macaroni and cheese are standout dishes that have gained a reputation for their delicious flavor. The food is not only delicious but also offered at reasonable prices, making it a great value for the quality.
The dishes served here are generously portioned and sure to leave visitors feeling full and satisfied. In addition to the smothered pork chops and macaroni and cheese, other popular choices include oxtails and fried catfish. All of the food is cooked to be hot and enjoyable, making it the perfect spot for a comforting meal.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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12. Mia's Table
Kid-friendly, Comfort food classics, Casual dining, Homemade bread, Local favorite

The comfort food offered is truly satisfying, providing a sense of warmth and contentment. However, there is one aspect that detracts from the overall experience - the brown gravy has a sweet taste that is unexpected and not entirely pleasant. Gravy is typically savory, and adding a sweet element can be jarring to one's palate.
Despite the issue with the gravy, the food is consistently good and reliable. It is similar in quality to what one might expect from dining in a restaurant, which is no small feat for prepared meals. The consistency of the food is commendable, as it never fails to meet expectations. This reliability is a significant factor in the appeal of the comfort food on offer.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Hidden Gems
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13. Yo Mama's Soul Food
Family-owned and operated, Uses traditional cooking techniques, Focus on high-quality ingredients

The home cooking available is consistently delicious, with popular dishes like pork chops, meatloaf, smothered steak, and oxtails standing out. While I haven't personally tried the chitterlings, the sweet potatoes, lima beans, and homemade mashed potatoes and gravy have all been particular favorites of mine. The vegetables offered rotate periodically, ensuring a varied and enjoyable dining experience.
The food served is both hot and fresh, bursting with flavor. Guests consistently rave about offerings such as the meatloaf, macaroni and cheese, peas, cabbage, and greens. Each dish is carefully prepared and presented, resulting in a top-notch meal each and every time.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- American Cuisine
- Suburban
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14. The Cookshack
Family-owned restaurant with a focus on homemade meals

The Cookshack in Houston is a highly-rated restaurant, known for its delicious meals and unique dishes. Popular items on the menu include juicy chicken tenders, crispy dragon fries, and sweet potato waffle fries. While some dishes could use improvement, such as the chicken tenders and nuggets, the kale salad side is a healthy and valuable addition to any meal.
One of the standout features of The Cookshack is the incredible heat level in some dishes, such as the "sleezy chicken," which requires diners to sign a waiver before attempting to eat it. The sangria margarita is also highly recommended. Overall, The Cookshack offers fresh food and friendly service, making it a great spot to visit in Houston.
[Compressed from 786 to 688 characters] The Cookshack in Houston is a highly-rated restaurant, known for its delicious meals and unique dishes like juicy chicken tenders, crispy dragon fries, and sweet potato waffle fries. The kale salad side is a healthy and valuable addition, while some dishes could use improvement. The standout feature is the spicy "sleezy chicken" and sangria margarita. The Cookshack offers fresh food and friendly service, making it a great Houston spot.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Social Gatherings
- Downtown Spots
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15. Butter Funk Kitchen
Uses high-quality ingredients, offers vegetarian and vegan options, and has a variety of homemade sauces.

Yelp's list of Houston's top Southern comfort food destinations highlights the city's top spots for delicious fried food and welcoming atmosphere. Visitors are encouraged to indulge and leave their calorie concerns behind.
Feges BBQ, a local favorite by husband-wife team Patrick Feges and Erin Smith, is a must-visit for excellent barbecue. The menu boasts melt-in-your-mouth prime brisket, smoked chicken wings, and a unique Carolina-style whole hog with cracklin and mop sauce. Don't forget to try their hog fat cornbread and a creative twist on chocolate cake with peanut butter and jelly.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Hidden Gems
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16. Alfreda's Soul Food Catering
This hidden gem in Houston offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with a dedicated team that goes above and beyond to make you feel at home and provide exceptional service.

Alfreda's Soul Food Catering offers mouth-watering soul food that has received rave reviews, with one reviewer claiming it as the best meal of the year. The Smothered Pork Chops, in particular, received high praise for their delicious taste. The catering company's new location boasts a spacious interior, beautiful outdoor space, and a welcoming atmosphere, making it a great spot to dine in. The staff's sweet and friendly service adds to the comforting vibe of the place.
Craving a comfort meal but don't have much time to cook? Alfreda's Soul Food Catering is a perfect solution. Bring a group of friends to order a variety of dishes from the menu and rank them in terms of preference. This way, you can sample a little bit of everything and enjoy the delicious flavors that Alfreda's has to offer. Whether you're looking for a cozy spot to dine in or catering services that will bring the best soul food to your event, Alfreda's has got you covered.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Cheap Eats
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17. Cassy's Kitchen
They offer daily specials, a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, and quick and attentive service.

Cassy's Kitchen is a popular restaurant known for its exceptional customer service, delicious food, and welcoming atmosphere. One particularly impressive event catered by the restaurant was a wedding, where guests raved about the food for weeks afterward. The restaurant is especially famous for its tasty soul food, such as the highly-rated fried whitefish dish.
Cassy's Kitchen has a reputation for serving comfort food that nourishes the soul and offers a variety of American cuisine for people on the go. While some customers have noted that the waffles may not be as dark as they prefer, the overall dining experience at Cassy's Kitchen is highly enjoyable. The food and service receive consistently high marks, making it a go-to destination for fans of comfort food and American cuisine.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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18. O' Taste & See Eatery
Family-owned and operated with Southern hospitality

Tasty and fast service coupled with friendly staff characterize O' Taste & See Eatery. The restaurant offers a variety of options on its menu, made to order and featuring hearty soulful dishes such as smothered pork chops and shrimp sandwiches. The food is known for its freshness and generous portion sizes, making it an ideal choice for those looking to take home some leftovers.
O' Taste & See Eatery is a small and welcoming restaurant that is renowned for its great service and fresh food. The restaurant features a few standout dishes, including the Soul Food Egg Roll and the Turkey Wing Plate. Like many other dishes on the menu, these options are served in large portions, allowing customers to enjoy their meal and save some for later.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Happy Hours
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19. Comfort Kitchen (Food Truck)

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Hidden Gems
- Dinner
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20. Betton's Comfort Food

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Social Gatherings
- Dinner
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