With juicy whole-hog roasts, smoked boudin, fatty brisket, and Saturday-only beef ribs that quickly sell out, it’s no surprise Truth BBQ has been billed as one of the top barbecue spots in the state. Evolved from a small shack in Brenham, Truth’s fancier, the second location in the Heights serves competition-level barbecue with a backyard flair.
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At this James Beard Award-nominated modern Vietnamese restaurant in the Sixth Ward, chefs Christinia Ha and Tony Nguyen pay homage to both their heritage and their Texas home with dishes like smoked beef rib flat rice noodles made with 44 Farms ribs, or lemongrass-buttermilk fried chicken with pandan rice, pickled cucumber, beef tallow aioli, and hot satay honey.
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Visit this bustling food hall, and you’re bound to encounter the many walks of Houston life and cuisine, thanks to dozens of food stalls. From a blend of West African foodways at ChòpnBlọk with heartwarming curry rice bowls, budget-friendly sushi, decadent cakes at Lucy Pearl’s, and Filipino cuisine at Soy Pinoy, there’s something for everyone.
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Though Tex-Mex is an obvious Houston favorite, James Beard Award-winning chef Hugo Ortega explores another form of Mexican cuisine through the region of Oaxaca at this Downtown destination. Consider the memelas, served with roasted pork rib and tomatillo-avocado sauce, or a crispy tlayuda topped with grilled skirt steak and mole negro.
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Home to one of Houston's best oyster bars, this River Oaks favorite is known for its stunning plated dishes like hearth-roasted octopus, cacio e pepe spaghettini showered in grana padano cheese, and bearnaise-slathered steaks.
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Don't let the line out the door intimidate you — the chicken and waffles at this legendary Houston breakfast joint are a must, delivering the perfect balance of sweet and salty. With a stamp of approval from Beyonce, this Midtown staple is a casual spot for crispy catfish and grits, cheesy breakfast sandwiches, and an excellent eggs Benedict served on a biscuit.
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This lounge-y Montrose spot tucked away in a neighborhood next to the Menil serves vibes unlike any other place in Houston. With a massive vinyl collection, diners might hear anything from Wu-Tang to Lee Fields to Nas, making this the perfect place to start — or end — a night. Executive chef Jeff Potts delivers compelling dishes like red kuri squash with chili oil and goat cheese mousse, duck confit with bruleed figs, mussels, beef tartare, and a not-so-basic chicken sandwich, along with a creative roster of rum, gin, and rye cocktails. The atmosphere is enhanced by the bar's massive in-house vinyl collection, which focuses on 90s hip hop, African jazz, and more.
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Chef Manabu “Hori” Horiuchi’s constantly changing menu features fresh fish flown in almost daily from Japan, with dishes like lobster and crab ramen, fried green tomatoes with kimchi aioli, and uni chawanmushi, tender egg custard that packs a punch of briny flavor. Sushi-wise, choose from a wide variety of maki rolls or splurge for the full omakase experience.
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Boasting dishes like peach cobbler pancakes, flatbread pizzas, and its fan-favorite chik'n fried shrooms and grits, drizzled with a hot honey syrup or "Trill" remoulade sauce, this vegan spot delivers a vibe that has attracted locals and visitors alike, including H-Town native Lizzo. While you're there, be sure to grab a coffee and peruse its vinyl collection for the perfect soundtrack to take home.
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