Bun B’s Guide to Black-Owned Eateries in Houston

The Breakfast Klub

The Breakfast Klub is a renowned, casual Midtown Houston soul food restaurant opened in 2001 by Marcus Davis, celebrated for its "Katfish & Grits" and "Wings & Waffles". It operates on principles of faith and community, often featuring a long, high-energy line of customers. It is widely recognized as a premier Houston breakfast landmark, serving both locals and visitors.

Reggae Hut Cafe

Reggae Hut is a beloved Third Ward staple in Houston, Texas, offering authentic Caribbean and Jamaican cuisine in a vibrant, casual atmosphere. Owned by Marcus Davis of The Breakfast Klub, it features staples like jerk chicken, oxtails, and beef patties. It is highly regarded for its comforting, flavorful food and community focus.

Taste Kitchen + Bar

Taste Kitchen + Bar, a southern comfort scratch kitchen restaurant, founded by Houston native Chef Don Bowie. Influenced by his upbringing as the son of two chefs specializing in Cajun and Southern cuisine, Chef Bowie drew inspiration from his roots to create a menu that reflects his culinary heritage. The restaurant's mission is encapsulated in its name, "Taste," symbolizing the commitment to delivering a complete and bold dining experience.

Jamaica Pon Di Road

Jamaica Pon Di Road is a popular Houston-based, family-owned restaurant and former food truck serving authentic, high-quality Jamaican cuisine. Led by Chef G, it is famous for its "Oxtail Cheesesteak," traditional jerk chicken, and vibrant, welcoming atmosphere in the Acres Homes area.

Esther's Cajun Cafe & Soul Food

Established in 2008 in Houston by Esther Lewis-Bernard, Esther's Cajun Cafe & Soul Food serves authentic, family-recipe Southern comfort food in a homey atmosphere. Known for favorites like oxtails and mustard greens, this family-owned spot focuses on hearty, made-from-scratch dishes designed to make guests feel like part of the family.

Mikki's Soulfood Cafe

Mikki's Soul Food Cafe is a renowned Houston-based, family-owned restaurant known for authentic Creole-influenced comfort food. Founded by Jeanette Williams, it’s famous for oxtails, mac & cheese, and candied yams, served cafeteria-style. It operates locations in SW Houston, Third Ward, and Pearland, offering "grandma's kitchen" quality in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere.

The Greasy Spoon

The Greasy Spoon Soulfood Bistro in Houston, founded by Max Bozeman, is an elevated dining experience specializing in premium Southern comfort food and Cajun flavors. Known for dishes like the "Boss" Seafood Stack and oxtails, it blends a fine-dining approach with traditional soul food, featuring live music in a vibrant, upscale atmosphere.

Gatlin's Fins & Feathers

Gatlin's Fins & Feathers is a Houston-based restaurant in Historic Independence Heights from acclaimed chef Greg Gatlin, specializing in elevated Texas comfort food, crispy fried chicken, and Gulf Coast seafood. As a sister restaurant to Gatlin's BBQ, it offers a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere with dishes like Chargrilled Oysters and buttermilk biscuits.

Lucille’s

Located in Houston's Museum District, Lucille's is a renowned restaurant offering refined Southern cuisine with international influences, founded in 2012 by brothers Chris and Ben Williams. It honors their great-grandmother, culinary pioneer Lucille B. Smith, featuring signature dishes like chili biscuits and braised oxtail in a historic bungalow setting.

Burns Original BBQ

Burns Original BBQ in Acres Homes is a legendary Houston institution, operating since 1973. Known for East Texas-style, sauce-heavy pork ribs, brisket, and huge loaded baked potatoes, it is a community staple that has gained worldwide fame while retaining a humble, family-run atmosphere.