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Lucille's

United States

From family-run BBQ institutions to game-changing West African tasting menus.

Houston

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Houston’s dining landscape is best defined by its diversity, and our Black-owned restaurants play a major part in that. We have longtime neighborhood institutions that have spent decades feeding the community’s soul; compelling newcomers showcasing everything from real-deal West African fare to righteous Nashville-style hot bird; and a cult darling slinging stuffed turkey legs bigger than your head. Each one of these crave-worthy spots not only enriches the local food scene, they breathe new life into the city as a whole—so it’s only right you get acquainted (or reacquainted) with some of Houston’s most essential Black-owned restaurants.

Houston’s dining landscape is best defined by its diversity, and our Black-owned restaurants play a major part in that. We have longtime neighborhood institutions that have spent decades feeding the community’s soul; compelling newcomers showcasing everything from real-deal West African fare to righteous Nashville-style hot bird; and a cult darling slinging stuffed turkey legs bigger than your head. Each one of these crave-worthy spots not only enriches the local food scene, they breathe new life into the city as a whole—so it’s only right you get acquainted (or reacquainted) with some of Houston’s most essential Black-owned restaurants.

This Southern charmer’s “herstory” starts with Lucille B. Smith, educator, culinary innovator, and great granny of co-owners Chris and Ben Williams. At Lucille’s, the Williams brothers pay homage to their family’s matriarch with good old-fashioned comfort food, sharing and reinterpreting some of her best recipes. We’re talking Tennessee hot duck, bone-in fish fry, braised collards, and Great Grandma’s famous (and totally poppable) chili biscuits. Look out for chef Chris Williams’ upcoming projects, including soulful Afro-Asian spot Late August, opening later this year under the watchful eye of Top Chef contender and all-around badass <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/nation/chef-dawn-burrell-interview" target="_blank">chef Dawn Burrell</a>, plus Rado Cafe, set to hit the Third Ward in 2022. How to book: Book via <a href="https://resy.com/cities/hou/lucilles?date=2021-06-08&amp;seats=2" target="_blank">Resy</a> or call 713-568-2505 for take-out.

We’re gonna go ahead and guess that you’ve already spotted this Third Ward staple’s drool-worthy stuffed turkey legs all over <a href="https://www.instagram.com/turkeyleghut/?hl=en" target="_blank">Instagram</a>—gorgeous, colossal poultry gams overflowing with fillings like hot dirty rice, shrimp alfredo, and homemade crawfish-spiked mac and cheese. The TLH magic began at the Houston Rodeo back in 2016, when Lynn and Nakia Price set up a stand hawking barbecue turkey legs to hungry patrons leaving the show. The duo quickly gained a loyal following, and today, devotees include the likes of Snoop Dogg, Kevin Hart, and Deshaun Watson.&nbsp; How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating or order take-out and delivery <a href="https://theturkeyleghut.com/">online</a>.

Photo courtesy of Visual Influence

Turkey Leg Hut

The Turkey Leg Hut

Houston native Marcus Davis has built quite the community around his hearty breakfast spot—one that typically shows up in droves to dig into seriously addictive morning pick-me-ups like fried wings and waffles, blackened catfish and grits, and smothered biscuits and gravy. TBK has been around for nearly two decades, but it’s never too late to jump in line and see what all the crispy,&nbsp; crunchy, and oh-so-buttery fuss is about. How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating or order take-out via <a href="https://www.toasttab.com/the-breakfast-klub-3711-travis-st/v3" target="_blank">Toast</a>.

the breakfast klub

The Breakfast Klub

TBK’s Marcus Davis has another home run under his belt with Reggae Hut, this time focusing on bonafide Caribbean food cooked up with Jamaican flair. Pop in for melt-in-your-mouth beef and veggie stew-filled patties, brown stew chicken and curry goat, Creole-style whole snapper, and spot-on jerk chicken and shrimp. Pair your poison with a side of fried plantain and wash it all down with a sweet, slightly sour housemade sorrel or killer bottled rum punch. How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating or order take-out <a href="https://www.orderreggaehut.com/order" target="_blank">online</a>.

Reggae Hut

Locals know, “Triple D” knows, and it’s about damn you know, too—Cool Runnings is where it’s at when it comes to top quality island cuisine. Expect succulent mains like tender oxtail and curried goat that falls apart at the slightest touch alongside ocean-fresh specialties like ackee and saltfish. Chef-owner Terron Henry is a native to Jamaica, which may be why his flawlessly spiced and marinated Jamaican jerk chicken is the most popular dish on the menu (though we’d highly suggest bringing along a friend or two so you can taste through the whole shebang). How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating or order take-out <a href="https://coolrunnings.hungerrush.com/" target="_blank">online</a>.

Cool Runnings Jamaican Grill

Local pitmasters recently named Gatlin’s one of the city’s <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/houston/best-bbq-restaurants-best-places-for-bbq-in-houston" target="_blank">best places to score great barbecue</a> and we wholeheartedly agree. Pitboss Greg Gatlin’s family-owned and -operated haunt has been around since 2010, with executive chef Michelle Wallace helping to steer the ship these days. You’ll want the ribs, here—baby backs, spare, or beef, they are all stupid good; as are the brisket and egg breakfast tacos, dirty rice, and loaded spuds, plus specials like fish and grits and so much more.&nbsp; How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating or order take-out via <a href="https://www.toasttab.com/gatlins-bbq/v3#!/order" target="_blank">Toast</a>.

Gatlin's BBQ & Catering

Gatlin's BBQ

Gatlins BBQ

One of the oldest African American-owned restaurants in Houston, this family-owned soul food joint originally opened in Freedmen’s Town back in 1959. Frank and Mattie Jones were the first proprietors and their grandson Craig Joseph now carries on the family legacy at its current location off Blodgett. Tuck a napkin into your Sunday best and feast on smothered oxtails and fried catfish complete with sides like rice and gravy and candied yams plus banana pudding just like your grandma makes. And don’t forget to mess with the new late-night menu, offered Fridays and Saturdays and featuring enticing snacks like oxtail mac and cheese and Southern fried chicken wings. How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating or order take-out <a href="https://www.houstonthisisittogo.com/order" target="_blank">online</a>.

Houston's This Is It Soul Food

Houston This Is It Soul Food

This Is It Soul Food

Pitmaster Rayford “Ray” S. Busch’s slow-and-low prowess dates back to the ‘80s, when he owned and operated a barbecue food truck outside of nightclubs (and even before that, when he learned the craft of ‘cue from local Third Ward legend, Mr. River Falls). Now this decade-old smoke shack sits off Old Spanish Trail, treating hungry customers to East Texas-style Lott links, 14-hour slow smoked brisket, Chicago-style rib tips, and Thursday-only smoked oxtails alongside spicy and dirty rice, smoked mac and cheese, and fried corn on the cob.&nbsp; How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating or order take-out <a href="https://raysbbqshack.hungerrush.com/" target="_blank">online</a>.

Ray's Real Pit BBQ Shack

Ray's BBQ Shack

Shannen Tune cut his teeth in the kitchens of luxury hotels in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Austin, and Houston, skills that led to victory on Food Network’s Chopped as well as the launch of his uber popular food truck, Craft Burger. Now with a brick-and-mortar operation in Katy, Tune slings outrageous burger creations like the truffle butter-oozing Juicy Lucy and the Morning After, a behemoth topped with brown-sugar-chili-bacon and a sunny side up egg on a bacon-cheddar waffle bun. Pair your choice with hand-cut fries, buttermilk fried pickles, and a requisite root beer float. How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating, order take-out via <a href="https://www.toasttab.com/craft-burger-katy-21945-katy-freeway-suite-c/v3/?mode=fulfillment" target="_blank">Toast</a><a href="https://craftburgerhtx.com/order-online/" target="_blank">pickup</a>, and get delivery via <a href="https://www.myorangecrate.com/order/restaurant/craft-burger-menu/30825" target="_blank">OrangeCrate</a>.

Craft Burger

Owner Esther Lewis-Bernard has soul food in her blood—her great grandma Mary Lewis was known for her country-style cooking, and her mother, Mamma Lewis, mastered Cajun cuisine. A pit stop at Esther’s cafe is the best way to immerse yourself in that history, from traditions like smothered pork chops and shrimp and crawfish etouffee to chicken and dumplings and old-fashioned peach cobbler. And it’s not all about the food, either—Lewis-Bernard is also known to give back to the community via scholarships, food donations, and other commendable contributions.&nbsp; How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating or order delivery via <a href="https://www.doordash.com/store/esther-s-cajun-cafe-soul-food-houston-91749/?utm_medium=website&amp;utm_source=partner-link" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer sponsored">DoorDash</a>.

Esther's Cajun Cafe & Soul Food

Realizing Houston’s dirth of true Nashville-style fried chicken, “Mico” Frydenlund and her husband/business partner Chris started this hot bird concept as a food truck in 2019. Things heated up so quickly that they were able to open a brick-and-mortar spot just a short while later. Mico’s recipe is a riff on the legendary Prince’s Hot Chicken, and you can get by way of juicy tenders, an overstuffed ‘sammich, and fried chicken-topped loaded French fries. Take advantage of the homemade slaw and ranch to tame the heat, and wash it all down with a Texas blueberry lemonade. How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating or order delivery via <a href="https://www.favordelivery.com/order-delivery/micos-hot-chicken-24125/1603-north-durham-drive-houston-tx-77008-65239/" target="_blank">Favor</a>.

Photo by Becca Wright

Mico’s Hot Chicken

The late Roy Burns Sr. started selling barbecue to the Acres Homes community back in 1973, and a hometown star was born. Nearly half a century later, Burns Sr.'s smoked meats and stick-to-your-ribs sides still slap, and today, you can fill your plate in the same building where it all started as grandsons Cory and Carl Crawford helped restore the original back in 2012. Opt for crowd pleasers like ribs, housemade links, and sauced-up chopped or sliced beef sandwiches alongside baked beans, mac and cheese, and irresistible dirty rice. How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating or order delivery via <a href="https://www.ubereats.com/store/burns-original-bbq/gtxNsEZZRVumEar7OecyNg" target="_blank">UberEats</a> and <a href="https://www.doordash.com/en-CA/store/burns-original-bbq-houston-458648" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer sponsored">DoorDash</a>.

Burns Original BBQ

Burns Orginal BBQ Est. 1973

There’s been a ton of smothered comfort food and smoked meat on this list so far (and rightfully so), but we think it’s high time for some vegetables. Get your fix at this decade-old plant-based food truck turned brick-and-mortar location courtesy of owners Matti Merrell and Rodney Perry. Panini layered with maple jerk garbanzo and curried tempeh, raw vegan tacos and burritos, and an entire lineup of buckwheat quinoa burgers lead the charge, backed by a lineup of cold-pressed juices, housemade elixirs, and immunity-boosting shots plus desserts like matcha blondies and blackberry-lemon cashew cheesecake. How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating, order take-out <a href="https://www.greenseedvegan.com/online-ordering/green-seed-vegan/menu/order-settings" target="_blank">online</a>, or get delivery via <a href="https://www.grubhub.com/restaurant/green-seed-vegan-4320-almeda-road-houston/1566223" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer sponsored">GrubHub</a>.

green seed vegan

Green Seed Vegan

This soul food fixture traces its roots back over 20 years, when the late Jeanette Williams gained a devoted following in Houston’s southwest side thanks to a booming catering business and eventually, a full-fledged eatery. Her kids, Craig Jr. and Jeanelle, are following in their mother’s hallowed footsteps by running two area locations and continuing to feed a new generation of soul food fanatics. Go for daily blackboard specials, from Wednesday’s ham hocks to the turkey necks on Thursdays and Sundays, plus staples like smothered pork chops, collard greens, and sweet potato pie. How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating, order take-out <a href="https://www.mikkiscafe.com/order-online/" target="_blank">online</a>, or get delivery via <a href="https://www.ubereats.com/store/mikkis-cafe-soulfood/i8zNfqprT5mRyW_O_-5K7Q" target="_blank">Uber Eats</a>.

Mikki's Cafe

Mikki's Soulfood & Catering

Ope Amosu, who grew up in Lagos, Nigeria before immigrating to Houston with his family, set out to redefine fast-casual fare while spreading the West African culinary gospel with an innovative <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/houston/chopnblok-brings-west-african-cuisine-to-houston" target="_blank">pop-up dining experience</a> a few years back. It worked, and ChòpnBlọk stands as one of the coolest experiences to ever emerge from Houston’s ever-evolving dining scene. Sign up for a one-of-a-kind dinner and you’ll be treated to gamechangers like smokey jollof jambalaya, ripe stewed plantains, and five-spice chicken set to a soundtrack of Afro-beats and compelling conversation. How to book: Register <a href="https://chopnblok.co/dining">online</a> for access to first come, first served reservations and follow them on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/chopnblok_/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> for upcoming pop-up events.

ChòpnBlọk

<a href="https://www.thrillist.com/authors/brooke-viggiano " target="_blank">Brooke Viggiano</a> is a Houston-based writer who can’t decide if she wants to go with the hot chicken or the smothered oxtails next as she works her way through this list. Let her know where you start <a href="https://www.instagram.com/brookiefafa/ " target="_blank">@brookiefafa</a> on IG and <a href="https://twitter.com/brookeviggiano" target="_blank">@brookeviggiano</a> on Twitter.

Black Owned Businesses

15 Essential Black-Owned Restaurants You Should Know in Houston

Black-Owned Restaurants in Houston: Essential Places You Should Know

Houston’s dining landscape is best defined by its diversity, and our Black-owned restaurants play a major part in that.

Here's some of the best outdoor spaces in Houston, with sprawling beer gardens, bayou-side decks, and one place where you can sip a flaming tiki drink under the palapa.

Courtesy of Present Company

It’s patio season, y’all! That ideal time between the hellaciously hot summer months and that “second summer” we’ve been known to experience into fall. All of this to say, there isn’t a better moment to take advantage of Houston’s mosh pit of patios. You can throw a rock and you’ll hit an awesome bar or restaurant patio at which to hang out, but we’re narrowing things down for you, delivering the best outdoor spaces in show, with sprawling beer gardens, bayou-side decks, and one place where you can sip a flaming tiki drink under the palapa.&nbsp;

Southern comfort hits the table in the form of shrimp &amp; grits, fried green tomatoes, and chili biscuits at chef-owner Chris Williams’ classy restaurant, bar &amp; patio. Those chili biscuits (and the whole place, for that matter) pay tribute to Williams’ great-grandmother, Lucille B. Smith, a African-American entrepreneur, chef, and pioneer in the food and hospitality industry. When the weather is right, you’ll enjoy the chef’s modern spin on traditional Southern goods even more so out on Lucille’s tree-shaded, string light bedecked patio.

Courtesy of Lucille’s

That there is both a mosaic of hammocks and a neighboring pizza joint that’ll bring the slices and pies straight to your picnic table is pretty much all you need to know about this fire patio bar and craft beer garden. But we’ll say a few words more: board games, movie nights, food trucks, live music, and yes, seasonal crawfish.&nbsp;

Courtesy of Axelrad

Axelrad Beer Garden

Pretty sure we’re all in desperate need of a vacation after this year. Well you can take one without really taking one, and it’s as easy as sipping a flaming cocktail under the star-lit palapa at this tiki-style haunt. The cascading waterfall and bamboo features level up the serene vibe, as does one of Sarah Troxwell’s epic cocktails, like the frozen Banana Daiquiri or jalapeño tequila-spiked Tropic Like It’s Hot. Pair ‘em with Baja mussels and you’re pretty much on an island.

Photo by Vivian Leba

Toasted Coconut

We’re sure you’ve seen it on the ‘Gram. This is the bar with the giant Ferris wheel. Now we’re going to tell you why you should go here… besides the very obvious fact that you can get a drink and ride a giant Ferris wheel. There’s also a stage for live music, a cheesesteak stand, food trucks, craft cocktails on tap, and adorable dogs to play with on any given day.

Courtesy of Truck Yard Houston

Truck Yard

Part live music venue, part Southern patio bar and kitchen, this popular country bar is a damn good time. In its glory days (pictured above), live country acts hit the stage to play to rowdy crowds, but today, you can still hit the colossal open-air space to enjoy some socially-distanced jams alongside house ranch waters and chorizo empanadas. There’s a Texas-sized Post Oak location, as well, but Downtown’s outdoor space is where you’ll want to be on nicer days.

Courtesy of The Rustic 

The Rustic

Swing seats. Fire pits. Lush greenery. A straight-up gorgeous open-air veranda. The Wooster’s Garden crew got things right when they opened this younger sibling. You’ll want to check off visits to worthy sibling establishments <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HeightsBiergarten/">Heights Bier Garten</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WorcestersAnnex/">Worcester's Annex</a> in the Heights and the aforementioned Wooster’s in Midtown, too.

Courtesy of Holman Draft Hall

Holman Draft Hall

There are several locations of this watering hole around town, though its Midtown locale is the cream of the crop when it comes to patio spaces. The blockbuster is a choice spot to bring your pup (there’s astroturf for them, and swings for you), and the seasonal Thursday Night Turtle Racing is the stuff of legend. Pop by for happy hour, al fresco trivia, steak nights, and more.

Courtesy of Little Woodrow's Midtown

Little Woodrow's

Picture German Disneyland, but without all the Disney characters and with an awesome lederhosen-clad guy named Hans (that’s the owner) ushering you around instead. That’s what you’ll be getting yourself into at this rare bird, a German-style bierhaus and patio where the faux river flows as quickly as the das boots. Grab a shaded seat out back, down a stein, dip a pretzel in beer cheese, play some corn hole, and say “prost!” to Houston’s beautiful weather.

Courtesy of King's BierHaus

King's Bierhaus

Texas’ oldest brewery in the game totally upped its game when it added an off-the-charts beer garden &amp; restaurant a few years back. Now Saint Arnold’s loyal army of fans can sip a hoppy Art Car IPA under the stars, nosh on Headliner kimchi fries and Amber Ale brats, and catch the ‘Stros and the Rockets on the big screen, all while enjoying views of the downtown skyline. It’s one of the most popular patios in town (for now you can check in at the hostess stand for first-come, first-served seating), but we should note that many of Houston’s finest breweries have awesome outdoor spaces, including but not limited to <a href="https://8thwonder.com/">8th Wonder</a>, <a href="https://www.buffbrew.com/">Buffalo Bayou Brewing Company</a>, <a href="https://www.karbachbrewing.com/">Karbach</a>, and <a href="https://walkingstickbrewing.com/">Walking Stick</a>.

Courtesy of Saint Arnold Beer Garden & Restaurant

Saint Arnold Beer Garden

You can feel that weekend groove any day of the week at Present Company, a Palm Springs inspired oasis sporting bright colors, neon signage, lush landscaping, and an easygoing vibe. Snag a shaded table or super cool wicker lounger on the patio and let the spike La Croix cocktail do its job, and tack on shishito peppers, loaded nachos, and pork belly bites when you need some sustenance.&nbsp;

Present Company

When low-key good times are in order, there’s nothing better than this unfussy, beer- and whiskey-lovin’ patio bar. Head here to unwind among a bunch of four-legged pals, plus partake in fun stuff like corn hole, live music, crawfish boils and steak nights, fireside chats, and a menu of sloppy burgers, tacos, and thirst-quenching booze.

Courtesy of Cottonwood Houston

Cottonwood

Great news! You can have your very own cabana table at which you can slurp oysters, pop bubbly, and dig into lobster rolls and steak frites at this sexy local treasure. The New-American kitchen and bar took this rough past year in stride, adding turf to its outdoor space and transforming it into a chic, cabana-filled utopia. There’s an ample covered patio section, as well.

Courtesy of B.B. Lemon

B.B. Lemon

BB Lemon

There isn’t a prettier spot to sip a sparkling wine than this cafe-plant nursery hybrid. The tiny, from-scratch kitchen puts out French picnic platters, salmon Provençal, and the best freshly baked chocolate chip cookies in town to complement your bevy of choice; and the perfectly poised garden and patio hits the sweet spot between being the kind of place where you can totally get away from it all and being the kind of place where you go to gawk at whatever designer goods the haut monde River Oaks folk are sporting these days. Either way, you’ll want to stay a while.

Courtesy of Tiny Boxwoods

Tiny Boxwoods

Does that lingering over artisanal cheese and sangria while nestled among Live Oaks in Downtown’s magnum opus, the nearly 12-acre urban park Discovery Green, sound like a nice Saturday? We think so. You can do that this Saturday (or any day, really) by hitting up the deck at this stylish, in-park bar and kitchen. The total eye candy of a restaurant has been known to host seasonal rooftop happy hours, as well, one thing we hope returns some day soon.

Photo by Morris Malakoff

The Grove

The bar at this century-old log cabin restaurant got a facelift as of late, and we have to say, the work was well done. But it’s the natural, wooded outdoor space that really gets us going, climbing up and around an acre of lush grounds along White Oak Bayou. Patio season is the time to hit the garden decks and indulge in smoked duck gumbo, rainbow trout hit with lump crab and pecan brown butter, South Texas antelope with jalapeño-bacon-cheddar grits, and whiskey spiked croissant bread pudding.

Photo by Jerry Smith

Rainbow Lodge

<a href="https://www.thrillist.com/authors/brooke-viggiano" target="_blank">Brooke Viggiano</a> is a Houston-writer who may actually be on a patio right now. Find out where <a href="https://twitter.com/brookeviggiano" target="_blank">@brookeviggiano</a> on Twitter or <a href="https://www.instagram.com/brookiefafa/" target="_blank">@brookiefafa</a> on IG.

Lucille's

15 Essential Black-Owned Restaurants You Should Know in Houston

From family-run BBQ institutions to game-changing West African tasting menus.

The Best Patios for Eating and Drinking Outside in Houston

Soak up the sun.

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