The movement of Black millennials and Gen-Z Americans to Houston is something worth studying. Over the years, more Black Americans have relocated to the Texas city from all over the country seeking new opportunities. A melting pot of culture and traditions, it’s no surprise that more than a few popular Black-owned restaurants have popped up all around H-Town. From decadent brunch experiences and soul food to some of the best barbecue you can find, there’s an array of Black-owned eateries to explore. Here are 10 Black-owned restaurants to visit the next time you’re in Houston, TX.
Swamp Chicken
Swamp Chicken is a Cajun delicacy right in the heart of Texas. The restaurant is extremely popular with reasonable prices that keep travelers and locals coming back for more. The restaurant gives New Orleans vibes through and through. The Creole influence shines through in both their food and decor. Folks who’ve dined at Swamp Chicken love their beignets and boudin stuffed wings. This Black-owned restaurant in Houston teleports visitors back to the Big Easy in just a few bites.
- Location: Missouri City, TX
- Type of Cuisine: Cajun
- Menu Spotlight: Boudin Stuffed Wings
- Before You Go: If you’re ordering takeout, other travelers strongly suggest calling and ordering your food to avoid long wait times.
Kulture
Flavors of the African Diaspora are diverse, different, and unique. Kulture, located in downtown Houston, has figured out how to merge some of everyone’s favorite flavors into one-of-a-kind dishes visitors love. The menu is inspired by the chef and rotates as inspiration and seasons change. Dubbed an “urban comfort kitchen” by locals, Kulture curates everything with intention, and it’s evident in their various menus. The restaurant is the brainchild of culinary mastermind Marcus Davis who also owns another top Houston restaurant, The Breakfast Club.
- Location: Downtown Houston
- Owner: Marcus Davis
- Type of Cuisine: Caribbean-Southern Cuisine
- Menu Spotlight: Pecan Pie French Toast
- Before You Go: For traveling wine lovers, Kulture has one of the best South African wine collections in Houston directly from the Western Cape.
Ms. Myrtles Backery Shoppe
Although the owners were afraid they would have to close the business last year, Ms. Myrtles Bakery Shoppe is still open with dessert favorites for sale. The bakery has employed three generations of this Black family living in Texas. Over the years, it’s become a staple in Houston’s Third Ward neighborhood, which just so happens to be where Beyonce is from. The restaurant is truly a taste of the sweetness of Texas and folks can’t get enough of everything they offer. From peach cobbler to homemade banana pudding, travelers can’t go wrong getting their sweet tooth fix at Ms. Myrtles.
- Location: Houston, TX
- Owner: Andrea Jackson
- Type of Cuisine: Bakery/Desserts
- Menu Spotlight: Heavenly Butter Buttercakes
- Before You Go: Ms. Myrtle’s also has a vegan menu for travelers seeking healthier and dairy-free sweet treats.
The LaRoux Table
Online influencers and travelers love the consistency of the food and service at The LaRoux Table. The restaurant’s menu is heavily influenced by Cajun and Creole flavors. They have boudin balls, gumbo, and all of your favorite New Orleans dishes that you might not expect to find in Houston. The NOLA influence isn’t a coincidence. Owner and chef Senae Tate molded many of the dishes around her mother’s Louisiana style cooking. Now, her restaurant fills the bellies of travelers looking for a taste of the Big Easy in H-Town.
- Location: Pearland, TX
- Owner/Executive Chef: Senae Tate
- Type of Cuisine: Creole
- Menu Spotlight: Fried Chicken & Croissant French Toast
- Before You Go: Chef Tate also owns the Cajun Fever Foodtruck for even more Cajun goodness when you’re in Houston.
Bungalow
Bungalow is the romantic, fine dining spot of your Houston travel dreams. This Black-owned restaurant in Houston Located downtown, Bungalow takes American favorites and elevates them to new levels. From the deep-fried, whole red snapper to their wagyu beef chili, this restaurant is a must-try in Houston. Not to mention the ambiance in Bungalow is perfect for date night. So if you’re visiting Houston on a baecation, be sure to get dressed up and book a reservation at Bungalow with your boo.
- Location: Downtown Houston
- Type of Cuisine: Fine Dining
- Menu Spotlight: Wagyu Beef Chili
- Before You Go: This restaurant does have a dress code. Although some casual clothing is allowed, an upscale dress is suggested. No athletic wear, baseball caps, beanies, hoodies, or transparent clothing is allowed.
Prey
Located on Post Oak Boulevard in Houston, Prey provides travelers with an upscale and elevated social dining experience. Everything is perfect at Prey. From the food and ambiance to the music and crafted cocktails, this Black-owned restaurant in Houston has all the vibes for the perfect meal. Prey’s menu teeters the line of many different cuisine influences. There is an evident Cajun influence. However, other items are inspired by Asian, Soul Food, and American cuisine. This restaurant is a melting pot of cuisines all bundled up into an unforgettable food moment.
- Location: Houston, TX
- Type of Cuisine: Elevated Social Dining
- Menu Spotlight: Oxtail Empanada
- Before You Go: This restaurant has a dress code. Check out their website for a list of prohibited clothing before heading to dinner.
Zaza Lounge HTX
There’s a lot to love about Zaza Lounge HTX. The lounge has incredible food with a variety of guest favorites including the Zaza Burgers, shrimp devilled eggs, and hibachi bowls. However, the food is just one thing that makes this spot special. They also have hookah, great music, and even serve brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Visitors can enjoy free parking and don’t have to worry about making a reservation if they’re dining after 10 PM on select days of the week.
- Location: Houston, TX
- Head Chef: Jabari Harris
- Type of Cuisine: American
- Menu Spotlight: Zaza Burgers
- Before You Go: This restaurant is unique because it’s BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle). So feel free to bring your favorite alcoholic beverage along with you to pour up.
Gatlin’s Fins & Feathers
Gatlin’s Fins & Feathers merges Texas comfort eats with some of the freshest seafood from the Gulf. Their menu shines with Southern hospitality and modern flair, with guests raving about the food quality and service. The owner Greg Gatlin and his father’s family grew up in the same neighborhood as the restaurant. Dedicated to feeding the hearts and stomachs of the community, Gatlin’s Fins & Feathers is a must-visit in Houston.
- Location: Independence Heights
- Owner/Chef: Greg Gatlin
- Type of Cuisine: American & Seafood
- Menu Spotlight: F& F Chargrilled Oysters
- Before You Go: This spot is the sister restaurant of Gatlin’s BBQ , another Black-owned restaurant worth visiting if you get a taste for some good ole’ Texas barbeque.
Kamp
For the perfect indoor and outdoor vibes, be sure to visit Kamp in Houston. It’s a premier dining experience with an eclectic menu featuring a little bit of everything. They have birria tacos, seafood platters, burgers, and more. For kickback vibes, visitors can order a hookah and chill on their outdoor patio. Another hit restaurant concept from Houston’s top hospitality company, A Life Hospitality Group, Kamp is a fun and exciting place to eat for folks traveling to Houston.
- Location: Houston, TX
- Type of Cuisine: American
- Menu Spotlight: Grilled Jerk Shrimp Rolls
- Before You Go: Kamp is family-friendly before 8 PM so don’t hesitate to bring the kids along for a daytime visit to the restaurant.
Alfreda’s Soul Food & Catering
Voted one of the top five soul food restaurants by the Houston Press, Alfreda’s is no stranger to classic soul food cuisine. The restaurant has been serving Houston since 1964. It is the oldest and longest-running soul food restaurant in the Third Ward and a must-visit when in the neighborhood. The restaurant also offers catering services for events in the Houston area.
- Location: Historic Third Ward
- Type of Cuisine: Soul Food
- Menu Spotlight: Smothered Turkey Wings
- Before You Go: Alfreda’s also offers some of your favorite soul food breakfast dishes for those looking for a homecooked breakfast when in the city.
Black-owned restaurants in Houston are a reflection of the diverse, multitalented people of color who live in the city. It’s a vibrant, welcoming place and it’s culinary community is no exception. Travelers can find all types of cuisine in Houston. However, the rich history of the city’s Black-owned establishments is embedded into every bite of food. The flavors and ingredients hum with the stories of the owners whose love for feeding people includes both the body and the soul.