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March Houston’s sepia dish, made with squid ink, salsa juvert, and farro, is said to represent the Balearic Islands.
Chef Felipe Ricco’s tasting menu at March is exploring a new region of Europe this fall.
Zach Horst

The 38 Essential Houston Restaurants

Where to find the city’s best eats, from excellent West African cuisine to smoky brisket and everything in between

by Brittany Britto Garley and Brittanie Shey Updated
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Chef Felipe Ricco’s tasting menu at March is exploring a new region of Europe this fall.
| Zach Horst
by Brittany Britto Garley and Brittanie Shey Updated
1 comment / new

The saying goes that one can travel the world without ever leaving Houston just by dining out. The sheer diversity of the city, which is home to some of the largest immigrant populations in the country, means its culinary scene is a true smorgasbord of cuisines and flavors, and ensuring that you experience it all can be a daunting task.

That’s where Eater 38 comes in. This guide is intended to answer the eternal question of where you should dine when in Clutch City, and highlights the vital restaurants that represent the cuisines that make up the beating culinary heart of the most diverse city in America. But with a dining scene that’s ever-evolving, that also means this list can’t just stay the same.

Every quarter, Eater Houston updates the 38 to stay true to what matters in this dynamic city. So, without further ado, go forth and explore Houston’s tastiest tacos, juiciest brisket, and most classic Viet-Cajun cuisine.

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TRIS

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Tapping into American, French, and Asian cuisine at this Woodlands steakhouse, Chef Austin Simmons confirms why he is one of the best chefs in the region. Playing with various ingredients, most notably brown butter, diners are bound to find exciting, seafood-forward dishes in addition to its various cuts of beef, including Korean butter-poached crab loaded on a toothsome kimchi pancake, lobster toast with yuzu aioli and smoked trout roe, and a creamy crab truffle ravioli. Top the rich experience off with its wine pairings or one of its brown butter Old Fashioneds with an infused bourbon.

24 Waterway Ave #125, The Woodlands, TX 77380
(281) 203-5641
(281) 203-5641

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Squable

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Carbs reign supreme in the most pleasant way at this modern European restaurant in the Heights. Find a strong selection of sharable small plates, ranging from a dutch baby pancake with ricotta to marinated mussels served with calico beans and bonito aioli, and larger plates, like the bolognese lasagna with pickled collards. The famed French cheeseburger smothered in raclette cheese can be selfishly devoured on one’s own.

632 W 19th St, Houston, TX 77008
(832) 834-7362
(832) 834-7362

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Feges BBQ Spring Branch

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Feges’s menu goes beyond barbecue staples like brisket, boudin, and pulled pork. Here, you’ll find fancier sides like Moroccan-spiced carrots, spiced cracklins, and pimento mac and cheese; sumptuous sandwiches and wings, plus a wide selection of adult beverages, including $10 frozen margaritas. The restaurant also offers entire racks of ribs and vacuum-sealed slabs of brisket to go, so if you go home empty-handed, that’s on you.

8217 Long Point Rd, Houston, TX 77055
(346) 319-5339
(346) 319-5339

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Phat Eatery

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Helmed by James Beard Award-nominated chef Alex Au-Yeung, Phat’s focus on Malaysian street food staples like roti canai and satay skewers have helped establish this restaurant as a must-try dining destination. Trendy yet casual and affordable, diners should prepare to order a slew of its signature dishes, like its big and juicy curry-sauced crawfish, its addictive shrimp dumplings, and dishes like sizzling black pepper beef and Hainanese chicken with a trio of sauces for dipping.

23119 Colonial Pkwy suite b-2, Katy, TX 77449
(832) 913-6382
(832) 913-6382

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Truth BBQ

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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 second location in the Heights serves competition-level barbecue with a backyard flair. Visitors can delight in complements like corn pudding, tater tot casserole, and delectable cakes crafted by Botello’s mother, Janel, and Truth’s head baker Laquita Wilkins.

110 S Heights Blvd, Houston, TX 77007
(832) 835-0001
(832) 835-0001

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Xin Chao

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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 home state of Texas with dishes like spicy, buttery Viet-Cajun oysters, smoked beef rib flat rice noodles made with 44 Farms ribs, and lemongrass-buttermilk fried chicken with pandan rice, pickled cucumber, beef tallow aioli, and hot satay honey.

2310 Decatur St, Houston, TX 77007
(832) 740-4888
(832) 740-4888

POST Market (Food Hall)

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A bustling food hall that reflects everything that’s hot in Houston cuisine right now, Post is a prime choice when looking to explore the city’s variety. With ChòpnBlọk’s heartwarming curry rice bowls showcasing West African foodways, decadent cakes at Lucy Pearl’s, and South American cuisine, there’s something for everyone.

401 Franklin St Suite 1200, Houston, TX 77002
(713) 999-2550
(713) 999-2550

Bludorn Restaurant

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With its New American-French-inspired style and Gulf Coast-heavy dishes, chef Aaron Bludorn’s upscale namesake restaurant is a local mainstay. Dishes like decadent sea urchin spaghetti, its comforting lobster-chicken pot pie, and its short rib ravioli are worthy orders. Appetizers are equally compelling, with options like a charred octopus, a Tarte flambee, and savory maitake mushrooms with a preserved lemon vinaigrette.

807 Taft St, Houston, TX 77019
(713) 999-0146
(713) 999-0146
A long narrow flatbread.
Bludorn has quickly become a favorite in Houston since opening in August 2020.
Caroline Fontenot

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The Original Ninfa's on Navigation

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Founded in 1973, this humble yet iconic Tex-Mex neighborhood spot’s claim to fame is introducing the country to juicy pieces of chargrilled beef skirt steak served in tortillas or “tacos al carbon” — or what’s known today as fajitas. Enjoy sizzling platters of its take on this signature dish, plus queso flameado and mango-habanero margaritas for a truly Houston Tex-Mex feast.

2704 Navigation Blvd, Houston, TX 77003
(713) 228-1175
(713) 228-1175

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Xochi

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Houston’s Mexican scene would not be complete without James Beard Award-winning chef Hugo Ortega, who has explored the cuisine time and time again with his other locations, including Urbe and his namesake, Hugo’s. This Downtown restaurant dives into the Oaxaca region, boasting a tasting of its four classic moles; memelas served with roasted pork rib and tomatillo-avocado sauce; and plenty of cocktails made with agave-based spirits.

1777 Walker St Ste A, Houston, TX 77010
(713) 521-2239
(713) 521-2239
Tacos de Chicharron crispy pork belly, blue corn tortilla, refritos, pickled red onion, salsa martajada.
Xochi is one of the city’s best new restaurants to serve up Oaxacan cuisine, and Houston agrees.
Bill Addison/Eater

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Pizaro's Pizza Napoletana

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Pizaro’s is serious about the art of the hand-tossed, tender, saucy, and wood-fired Neapolitan pizza — so serious that it earned certification from the prestigious Vera Pizza Napoletana organization for adhering to its specific list of requirements. But this pizzeria is skilled in other styles, too, serving up thin and cheesy New York-style pies, and fluffy Detroit-style pizzas with crispy edges. Keep it classic with a margherita pie, or order the Detroit-style Sweet Pea, which is topped with caramelized onions, bell peppers, and Italian sausage.

1000 W Gray St, Houston, TX 77019
(832) 742-5200
(832) 742-5200

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Turner's

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This moody, white tablecloth restaurant on Post Oak is perfect for date night or a weekday splurge, thanks to dishes like creamy lobster bisque and beef carpaccio with king crab, as well as solid raw bar options. Caviar service is on offer for those who are really looking to ball out, while rigatoni in vegetarian bolognese and roasted branzino with white beans and preserved lemons serve as excellent entree choices.

1800 Post Oak Blvd. Entrance on, Ambassador Way, Houston, TX 77056
(713) 804-1212
(713) 804-1212

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Nancy's Hustle

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Harnessing a variety of flavors, this cozy East Downtown gem draws in Houston crowds with its laid-back vibe and intriguing cuisine, including its “pickle party” served with Spanish chorizo and cheese, lamb tartare, and the famous griddled Nancy cakes served with butter and soaked trout roe. Be sure to try its featured pasta dish of the week.

2704 Polk St Ste A, Houston, TX 77003
(346) 571-7931
(346) 571-7931
Nancy Hustle’s Nancy cakes.
Post Oak restaurant Nancy Hustle wows with signature dishes like the Nancy cakes, which are complemented with a cultured butter, smoked trout, roe, and chives.
Mai Pham

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Traveler's Table

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Indecisive eaters will have a field day at this trendy brunch hot spot, which showcases spins on cuisines from around the world all on one menu and a host of cocktails. Foray to the Caribbean with the jerk chicken and braised oxtails, to Asia with the jungle curry or soft shell crab pad Thai, or to Africa and the Mediterranean with beef cheek ravioli and Nigerian steak suya skewer with jollof rice. Whatever you do, start with the crab samosas.

520 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77006
(832) 409-5785
(832) 409-5785

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Riel

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Chef Ryan LaChaine’s creations at this Montrose hotspot range from playful to artsy, but always delicious. Happy hour packs on the fun with a classy riff on McDonald’s Filet-o-Fish, and a blackened rice and skirt steak-stuffed Korean “crunchwrap” that could put Taco Bell to shame. Dinner hours produce fusions that are just as exciting, with dishes like mushroom empanadas, kimchi carbonara, melt-in-your-mouth butter sliders, and tempura cauliflower.

1927 Fairview Street, Houston, TX 77019
(832) 831-9109
(832) 831-9109

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Cali Sandwich & Fast Food

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With one of the largest Vietnamese populations in the country, banh mi is an essential Houston dish, and this no-frills Midtown shop is one of the city’s best destinations for a quick and killer sandwich. Whether you prefer your banh mi stuffed with beef, grilled chicken, barbecue pork, or meatballs, the options here are all excellent and under $5.

2900 Travis St, Houston, TX 77006
(713) 520-0710
(713) 520-0710

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March

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Chef Felipe Riccio’s reservation-only tasting menu restaurant is set on providing an experience that transports diners to different regions of the Mediterranean roughly every quarter. Previously, March captivated diners with the cuisines of the historic region of Occitania, spanning the South of France. This season, it dives into the Balearic Islands in Spain; Corisca, France; and Italian Islands, including Sardinia, Elba, Malta, and Cyprus with six or nine courses.

1624 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77006
(832) 380-2481
(832) 380-2481

Giacomo's Cibo e Vino

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This beloved neighborhood cafe offers some of the city’s best Italian food in a relaxed and homey setting. Get your pasta fix with more than a dozen delicious to choose from, including the peppery spaghetti alla carbonara and the meaty tagliatelle bolognese, plus other entrees like spicy fennel meatballs in a tomato cream sauce. Its wine list, boasting more than 100 varieties, ensures you have a sip for every bite.

3215 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77098
(713) 522-1934
(713) 522-1934

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Street to Kitchen

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An “unapologetically Thai” restaurant, Street to Kitchen doesn’t mince words about its commitment to staying true to its culinary roots. Look forward to chef Benchawan Painter’s drunken noodles, rice bowls topped with crispy pork belly and pork Panang curry, super-fresh green papaya salad with dried shrimp and crushed peanuts, and stir-fried Thai basil beef. Order the mango sticky rice. It’s one of the best desserts in the city.

6501 Harrisburg Blvd, Houston, TX 77011
(713) 428-1975
(713) 428-1975

The Breakfast Klub

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Don’t let the line out the door intimidate you — With a stamp of approval from Beyonce and more than 20 years in the culinary game, the Breakfast Klub has more than earned its keep as a Houston institution. This legendary Midtown restaurant serves up staples like its iconic and flavorful chicken and Belgian waffles, delivering the perfect balance of sweet and salty, plus crispy catfish and grits, cheesy breakfast sandwiches, and more, all with a jazzy backdrop.

3711 Travis St, Houston, TX 77002
(713) 528-8561
(713) 528-8561

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93 Til

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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 the city. 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 Lung Ly delivers compelling dishes like the half brick chicken with Spanish chorizo and lobster mushrooms, a not-so-basic patty melt with havarti cheese and bacon jam, 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.

1601 W Main St, Houston, TX 77006
(281) 846-6405
(281) 846-6405

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Nobie's

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Inspired by the owner’s grandmother, this Montrose restaurant takes on a homey feel in a former bungalow that aims to serve comforting dishes with culinary flair to a vinyl soundtrack. A fluctuating menu here keeps things interesting, but expect dishes like super-fresh raw oysters, pull-apart milk bread with smoked trout roe, and Nonno’s pasta — a stellar tagliatelle bolognese that, thankfully, isn’t going anywhere.

2048 Colquitt St, Houston, TX 77098
(346) 319-5919
(346) 319-5919

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The Pit Room

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Find barbecue with a tinge of Tex-Mex at The Pit Room in Montrose, where freshly smoked meats pair with sides like charred okra, chips and queso, and chicharrones with hot sauce. The brisket and smoked chicken tacos are also standouts. Grab a plate and an icy cold beer and head next door to the patio to watch the Astros or Rockets play while dining.

1201 Richmond Ave, Houston, TX 77006
(281) 888-1929
(281) 888-1929

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Kata Robata

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Chef Manabu “Hori” Horiuchi cooks up a constantly changing menu with fresh fish flown in almost daily from Japan, making way for delicious sushi, including maki rolls and an impeccable omakase experience. But with Kata Robata’s name being a shortened reference to fireside cooking, the restaurant is also sure to incorporate the hot side of things, with grilled meats cooked on the robata, and dishes like lobster and crab ramen, fried green tomatoes with kimchi aioli, and uni chawanmushi, a tender egg custard that packs a briny punch. Though some may argue that the miso lobster mac and cheese doesn’t belong at a Japanese restaurant, it’s a must-try.

3600 Kirby Dr suite h, Houston, TX 77098
(713) 526-8858
(713) 526-8858
Sashimi and maki at Kata Robata.
With catches flown in almost daily, Kata Robata’s menu boasts fresh sashimi and maki rolls, and other dishes packed full of flavor.
Kata Robata/Facebook

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Hobbit Cafe

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Founded as one of Houston’s first vegetarian-friendly restaurants in 1972, the Hobbit Cafe is an institution tied to real-life memories and fiction for many locals. Housed in a quirky old house, the cafe dedicates itself to the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, meaning diners will find loads of LOTR reference and food items, like its dragon wings, which are coated in a Jamaican jerk sauce, plus veggie-packed eats, massive burgers, and fresh dishes like gazpacho and mezze platters. Over the years the Hobbit has also gained a reputation for its wide selection of craft beers and mead — once the Vikings' drink of choice.

2243 Richmond Ave, Houston, TX 77098
(713) 526-5460
(713) 526-5460

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Taste of Nigeria

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With an extensive menu boasting everything from meat pies and moi moi to pepper soups, this seat-yourself restaurant is the perfect place to stop in to get your fix of Nigerian cuisine without distraction. Entrees like ogbono, ground mango seeds with tilapia or chicken, or the suya platter with jollof rice make this a go-to for Houston’s largest West African immigrant community.

5959 Richmond Ave Suite 160, Houston, TX 77057
(713) 589-9055
(713) 589-9055

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Mo' Better Brews

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Boasting dishes like peach cobbler pancakes, flatbread pizzas, and its fan-favorite chik’n fried shrooms and grits, drizzled with either 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.

1201 Southmore Blvd, Houston, TX 77004
(832) 740-4297
(832) 740-4297

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Sparkle's Hamburger Spot

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With everything from burgers to breakfast tacos in the Third Ward, this old-school carryout is a favorite of locals and famous Houstonians like rapper Paul Wall. Keep it classic with a bacon cheeseburger or the excellent chili cheeseburger, and pair it with one of Sparkles’s frozen daiquiris and a side of fries.

4420 Emancipation Ave, Houston, TX 77004
(713) 225-8044
(713) 225-8044

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Turkey Leg Hut

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Stuffed with everything from crawfish mac and cheese to dirty rice, smoked turkey legs are the name of the game at this Third Ward restaurant. Houstonians know the drill — waiting in line, listening to music, and watching the flashy cars pass by is somewhat of a rite of passage, but you can avoid a long wait by going for lunch on a weekday.

4830 Almeda Rd suite A/B, Houston, TX 77004
(832) 787-0770
(832) 787-0770
Stuffed turkey leg from the Turkey Leg Hut.
With big portions, creative combinations, and celebrity sightings, Turkey Leg Hut is a restaurant every Houstonian and visitor needs to experience at least once.
Amy McCarthy/EHOU

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Lucille's

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Led by executive chef Chris Williams and chef Khang Hoang, the family-run restaurant pays homage to Williams’ great-grandmother while harnessing flavors of the South. Lucille’s revived recipes have resulted in delectable classics like cheesy chili biscuits, baked macaroni and cheese, braised oxtails, and fish caught straight from the Gulf, that is masterfully fried, roasted, or blackened depending on the dish. There’s “pork & beans” crafted from a bone-in pork chop and three-bean ragu with creamed collard green kimchi, and oxtail tamales — a spin on a Texas favorite.

5512 La Branch St, Houston, TX 77004
(713) 568-2505
(713) 568-2505

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Himalaya Restaurant

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Helmed by chef Kaiser Lashkari, this Indian and Pakistani restaurant is one of the best of its kind in the city and the country, making it an important stop for visitors whenever in Space City. The Mahatma Gandhi District mainstay goes beyond the classics like saag paneer and tikka masala, and promises generous portions of its iconic dishes, including its crispy, spicy Himalaya fried chicken — HFC, for short — which is served with a magic mustard sauce, and its tender hunter’s beef.

6652 Southwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77074
(713) 532-2837
(713) 532-2837
Himalaya’s crispy fried chicken, topped with slices of lemon.
Himalaya offers fried chicken with an Indo-Pak flair.
Bill Addison/Eater

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Mala Sichuan Bistro

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With five Houston area locations, including outposts in Katy, Sugar Land, and the newest in Heights, Mala is a pioneer when it comes to flavorful Sichuan cuisine in Houston. With its co-owner Cori Xiong hailing from Chengdu, a town in the Sichuan province, the restaurant harnesses hometown flavors in its top sellers like spicy dan dan noodles, the saucy mapo tofu, red oil dumplings, and green tea and bacon fried rice.

9348 Bellaire Blvd, Houston, TX 77036
(713) 995-1889
(713) 995-1889

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Blood Bros. BBQ

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Founded by three Alief natives, this Bellaire smokehouse combines Asian flavors and Central Texas-style barbecue in a way that is undeniable to the tastebuds. Stay for the brisket,  fall-of-the-bone ribs, togarashi smoked chicken, juicy jalapeno-cheddar sausage, brisket fried rice, and pork belly burnt ends — and consider ordering in bulk to take some home for later. Advance orders require a minimum of five pounds of meat, and must be placed 48 hours in advance via Blood Bros’s website.

5425 Bellaire Blvd, Bellaire, TX 77401
(713) 664-7776
(713) 664-7776
Blood Bros brisket with a peppery bark.
Blood Bros. taps into its Texas community with Asian flavors and local barbecue techniques that make for an undeniable combination.
Blood Bros. BBQ/Facebook

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Pho Dien

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One of the city’s essential pho destinations, the broth at this Asiatown spot is simmered for at least 12 hours, making it rich, fragrant, and dare we say, healing. Opt for the full experience with a traditional combination bowl of beef soup, which comes with rare steak, flank, tendon, tripe, and meatball, or modify your protein as you see fit with 17 different varieties. Be sure to pair it with a Vietnamese coffee or salty soda lemonade for the full experience.

11830 Bellaire Blvd #C, Houston, TX 77072
(281) 495-9600
(281) 495-9600
A bowl of Pho Dien’s brisket pho, complete with onions and jalapenos.
When in search of a soothing meal, Pho Dien in Asiatownis a go-to spot, offering up pho with broths that have been simmering for hours.
Pho Dien

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Crawfish & Noodles

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Viet-Cajun crawfish is a distinctly Houston dish, and there’s no better place to find it than this James Beard Award-nominated spot in Asiatown. Big, juicy mudbugs are tossed in a spicy, buttery, garlicky sauce that will have even skeptical crawfish newbies coming back for more. Though crawfish is the most obvious order, other dishes, including the basil fried rice, pho, and fried seafood options, including the salt-pepper crab are worthy options.

11360 Bellaire Blvd #990, Houston, TX 77072
(281) 988-8098
(281) 988-8098

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Afrikiko

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Whether Nigeria or Ghana makes the best jollof rice is up for debate, but this beloved Ghanaian restaurant, located off of Bissonnet Street and the Southwest Freeway, makes a strong case for having the best. Enjoy classics like goat pepper soup, beef stew, egusi soup, and cassava in a casual, convivial atmosphere.

9625 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX 77036
(713) 773-1400
(713) 773-1400
Fried fish and soup at Afrikiko.
Ghanian restaurant Afrikiko serves the spices and flavors of West Africa.
Esra Erol/Eater

Helen's Kitchen

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Helen’s, the self-proclaimed “best Jamaican food in Houston,” serves up dishes like oxtails, curried goat, jerk wings, roti, and, the national dish of Jamaica, ackee and saltfish. They also offer a wide variety of tropical drinks including both sorrel and Jamaican soda.

14608 S Post Oak Rd, Houston, TX 77045
(713) 413-9022
(713) 413-9022

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Pier 6 Seafood & Oyster House

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Though a bit of a drive from Houston, the waterfront views and fresh Gulf oysters are definitely worth sitting in traffic. Helmed by executive chef Joe Cervantez, Pier 6, a James Beard-nominated lux restaurant, boasts a menu packed with locally caught fish transformed into dishes like crispy cornmeal-crusted snapper served with shrimp etouffee.

113 6th St, San Leon, TX 77539
(281) 339-1515
(281) 339-1515

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TRIS

24 Waterway Ave #125, The Woodlands, TX 77380

Tapping into American, French, and Asian cuisine at this Woodlands steakhouse, Chef Austin Simmons confirms why he is one of the best chefs in the region. Playing with various ingredients, most notably brown butter, diners are bound to find exciting, seafood-forward dishes in addition to its various cuts of beef, including Korean butter-poached crab loaded on a toothsome kimchi pancake, lobster toast with yuzu aioli and smoked trout roe, and a creamy crab truffle ravioli. Top the rich experience off with its wine pairings or one of its brown butter Old Fashioneds with an infused bourbon.

24 Waterway Ave #125, The Woodlands, TX 77380
(281) 203-5641
(281) 203-5641

Squable

632 W 19th St, Houston, TX 77008

Carbs reign supreme in the most pleasant way at this modern European restaurant in the Heights. Find a strong selection of sharable small plates, ranging from a dutch baby pancake with ricotta to marinated mussels served with calico beans and bonito aioli, and larger plates, like the bolognese lasagna with pickled collards. The famed French cheeseburger smothered in raclette cheese can be selfishly devoured on one’s own.

632 W 19th St, Houston, TX 77008
(832) 834-7362
(832) 834-7362

Feges BBQ Spring Branch

8217 Long Point Rd, Houston, TX 77055

Feges’s menu goes beyond barbecue staples like brisket, boudin, and pulled pork. Here, you’ll find fancier sides like Moroccan-spiced carrots, spiced cracklins, and pimento mac and cheese; sumptuous sandwiches and wings, plus a wide selection of adult beverages, including $10 frozen margaritas. The restaurant also offers entire racks of ribs and vacuum-sealed slabs of brisket to go, so if you go home empty-handed, that’s on you.

8217 Long Point Rd, Houston, TX 77055
(346) 319-5339
(346) 319-5339

Phat Eatery

23119 Colonial Pkwy suite b-2, Katy, TX 77449

Helmed by James Beard Award-nominated chef Alex Au-Yeung, Phat’s focus on Malaysian street food staples like roti canai and satay skewers have helped establish this restaurant as a must-try dining destination. Trendy yet casual and affordable, diners should prepare to order a slew of its signature dishes, like its big and juicy curry-sauced crawfish, its addictive shrimp dumplings, and dishes like sizzling black pepper beef and Hainanese chicken with a trio of sauces for dipping.

23119 Colonial Pkwy suite b-2, Katy, TX 77449
(832) 913-6382
(832) 913-6382

Truth BBQ

110 S Heights Blvd, Houston, TX 77007

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 second location in the Heights serves competition-level barbecue with a backyard flair. Visitors can delight in complements like corn pudding, tater tot casserole, and delectable cakes crafted by Botello’s mother, Janel, and Truth’s head baker Laquita Wilkins.

110 S Heights Blvd, Houston, TX 77007
(832) 835-0001
(832) 835-0001

Xin Chao

2310 Decatur St, Houston, TX 77007

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 home state of Texas with dishes like spicy, buttery Viet-Cajun oysters, smoked beef rib flat rice noodles made with 44 Farms ribs, and lemongrass-buttermilk fried chicken with pandan rice, pickled cucumber, beef tallow aioli, and hot satay honey.

2310 Decatur St, Houston, TX 77007
(832) 740-4888
(832) 740-4888

POST Market (Food Hall)

401 Franklin St Suite 1200, Houston, TX 77002

A bustling food hall that reflects everything that’s hot in Houston cuisine right now, Post is a prime choice when looking to explore the city’s variety. With ChòpnBlọk’s heartwarming curry rice bowls showcasing West African foodways, decadent cakes at Lucy Pearl’s, and South American cuisine, there’s something for everyone.

401 Franklin St Suite 1200, Houston, TX 77002
(713) 999-2550
(713) 999-2550

Bludorn Restaurant

807 Taft St, Houston, TX 77019

With its New American-French-inspired style and Gulf Coast-heavy dishes, chef Aaron Bludorn’s upscale namesake restaurant is a local mainstay. Dishes like decadent sea urchin spaghetti, its comforting lobster-chicken pot pie, and its short rib ravioli are worthy orders. Appetizers are equally compelling, with options like a charred octopus, a Tarte flambee, and savory maitake mushrooms with a preserved lemon vinaigrette.

807 Taft St, Houston, TX 77019
(713) 999-0146
(713) 999-0146
A long narrow flatbread.
Bludorn has quickly become a favorite in Houston since opening in August 2020.
Caroline Fontenot

The Original Ninfa's on Navigation

2704 Navigation Blvd, Houston, TX 77003

Founded in 1973, this humble yet iconic Tex-Mex neighborhood spot’s claim to fame is introducing the country to juicy pieces of chargrilled beef skirt steak served in tortillas or “tacos al carbon” — or what’s known today as fajitas. Enjoy sizzling platters of its take on this signature dish, plus queso flameado and mango-habanero margaritas for a truly Houston Tex-Mex feast.

2704 Navigation Blvd, Houston, TX 77003
(713) 228-1175
(713) 228-1175

Xochi

1777 Walker St Ste A, Houston, TX 77010

Houston’s Mexican scene would not be complete without James Beard Award-winning chef Hugo Ortega, who has explored the cuisine time and time again with his other locations, including Urbe and his namesake, Hugo’s. This Downtown restaurant dives into the Oaxaca region, boasting a tasting of its four classic moles; memelas served with roasted pork rib and tomatillo-avocado sauce; and plenty of cocktails made with agave-based spirits.

1777 Walker St Ste A, Houston, TX 77010
(713) 521-2239
(713) 521-2239
Tacos de Chicharron crispy pork belly, blue corn tortilla, refritos, pickled red onion, salsa martajada.
Xochi is one of the city’s best new restaurants to serve up Oaxacan cuisine, and Houston agrees.
Bill Addison/Eater

Pizaro's Pizza Napoletana

1000 W Gray St, Houston, TX 77019

Pizaro’s is serious about the art of the hand-tossed, tender, saucy, and wood-fired Neapolitan pizza — so serious that it earned certification from the prestigious Vera Pizza Napoletana organization for adhering to its specific list of requirements. But this pizzeria is skilled in other styles, too, serving up thin and cheesy New York-style pies, and fluffy Detroit-style pizzas with crispy edges. Keep it classic with a margherita pie, or order the Detroit-style Sweet Pea, which is topped with caramelized onions, bell peppers, and Italian sausage.

1000 W Gray St, Houston, TX 77019
(832) 742-5200
(832) 742-5200

Turner's

1800 Post Oak Blvd. Entrance on, Ambassador Way, Houston, TX 77056

This moody, white tablecloth restaurant on Post Oak is perfect for date night or a weekday splurge, thanks to dishes like creamy lobster bisque and beef carpaccio with king crab, as well as solid raw bar options. Caviar service is on offer for those who are really looking to ball out, while rigatoni in vegetarian bolognese and roasted branzino with white beans and preserved lemons serve as excellent entree choices.

1800 Post Oak Blvd. Entrance on, Ambassador Way, Houston, TX 77056
(713) 804-1212
(713) 804-1212

Nancy's Hustle

2704 Polk St Ste A, Houston, TX 77003

Harnessing a variety of flavors, this cozy East Downtown gem draws in Houston crowds with its laid-back vibe and intriguing cuisine, including its “pickle party” served with Spanish chorizo and cheese, lamb tartare, and the famous griddled Nancy cakes served with butter and soaked trout roe. Be sure to try its featured pasta dish of the week.

2704 Polk St Ste A, Houston, TX 77003
(346) 571-7931
(346) 571-7931
Nancy Hustle’s Nancy cakes.
Post Oak restaurant Nancy Hustle wows with signature dishes like the Nancy cakes, which are complemented with a cultured butter, smoked trout, roe, and chives.
Mai Pham

Traveler's Table

520 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77006

Indecisive eaters will have a field day at this trendy brunch hot spot, which showcases spins on cuisines from around the world all on one menu and a host of cocktails. Foray to the Caribbean with the jerk chicken and braised oxtails, to Asia with the jungle curry or soft shell crab pad Thai, or to Africa and the Mediterranean with beef cheek ravioli and Nigerian steak suya skewer with jollof rice. Whatever you do, start with the crab samosas.

520 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77006
(832) 409-5785
(832) 409-5785

Riel

1927 Fairview Street, Houston, TX 77019

Chef Ryan LaChaine’s creations at this Montrose hotspot range from playful to artsy, but always delicious. Happy hour packs on the fun with a classy riff on McDonald’s Filet-o-Fish, and a blackened rice and skirt steak-stuffed Korean “crunchwrap” that could put Taco Bell to shame. Dinner hours produce fusions that are just as exciting, with dishes like mushroom empanadas, kimchi carbonara, melt-in-your-mouth butter sliders, and tempura cauliflower.

1927 Fairview Street, Houston, TX 77019
(832) 831-9109
(832) 831-9109

Related Maps

Cali Sandwich & Fast Food

2900 Travis St, Houston, TX 77006

With one of the largest Vietnamese populations in the country, banh mi is an essential Houston dish, and this no-frills Midtown shop is one of the city’s best destinations for a quick and killer sandwich. Whether you prefer your banh mi stuffed with beef, grilled chicken, barbecue pork, or meatballs, the options here are all excellent and under $5.

2900 Travis St, Houston, TX 77006
(713) 520-0710
(713) 520-0710

March

1624 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77006

Chef Felipe Riccio’s reservation-only tasting menu restaurant is set on providing an experience that transports diners to different regions of the Mediterranean roughly every quarter. Previously, March captivated diners with the cuisines of the historic region of Occitania, spanning the South of France. This season, it dives into the Balearic Islands in Spain; Corisca, France; and Italian Islands, including Sardinia, Elba, Malta, and Cyprus with six or nine courses.

1624 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77006
(832) 380-2481
(832) 380-2481

Giacomo's Cibo e Vino

3215 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77098

This beloved neighborhood cafe offers some of the city’s best Italian food in a relaxed and homey setting. Get your pasta fix with more than a dozen delicious to choose from, including the peppery spaghetti alla carbonara and the meaty tagliatelle bolognese, plus other entrees like spicy fennel meatballs in a tomato cream sauce. Its wine list, boasting more than 100 varieties, ensures you have a sip for every bite.

3215 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77098
(713) 522-1934
(713) 522-1934

Street to Kitchen

6501 Harrisburg Blvd, Houston, TX 77011

An “unapologetically Thai” restaurant, Street to Kitchen doesn’t mince words about its commitment to staying true to its culinary roots. Look forward to chef Benchawan Painter’s drunken noodles, rice bowls topped with crispy pork belly and pork Panang curry, super-fresh green papaya salad with dried shrimp and crushed peanuts, and stir-fried Thai basil beef. Order the mango sticky rice. It’s one of the best desserts in the city.

6501 Harrisburg Blvd, Houston, TX 77011
(713) 428-1975
(713) 428-1975

The Breakfast Klub

3711 Travis St, Houston, TX 77002

Don’t let the line out the door intimidate you — With a stamp of approval from Beyonce and more than 20 years in the culinary game, the Breakfast Klub has more than earned its keep as a Houston institution. This legendary Midtown restaurant serves up staples like its iconic and flavorful chicken and Belgian waffles, delivering the perfect balance of sweet and salty, plus crispy catfish and grits, cheesy breakfast sandwiches, and more, all with a jazzy backdrop.

3711 Travis St, Houston, TX 77002
(713) 528-8561
(713) 528-8561

93 Til

1601 W Main St, Houston, TX 77006

This lounge-y Montrose spot tucked away in a neighborhood next to the Menil, serves vibes unlike any other place in the city. 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 Lung Ly delivers compelling dishes like the half brick chicken with Spanish chorizo and lobster mushrooms, a not-so-basic patty melt with havarti cheese and bacon jam, 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.

1601 W Main St, Houston, TX 77006
(281) 846-6405
(281) 846-6405

Nobie's

2048 Colquitt St, Houston, TX 77098

Inspired by the owner’s grandmother, this Montrose restaurant takes on a homey feel in a former bungalow that aims to serve comforting dishes with culinary flair to a vinyl soundtrack. A fluctuating menu here keeps things interesting, but expect dishes like super-fresh raw oysters, pull-apart milk bread with smoked trout roe, and Nonno’s pasta — a stellar tagliatelle bolognese that, thankfully, isn’t going anywhere.

2048 Colquitt St, Houston, TX 77098
(346) 319-5919
(346) 319-5919

The Pit Room

1201 Richmond Ave, Houston, TX 77006

Find barbecue with a tinge of Tex-Mex at The Pit Room in Montrose, where freshly smoked meats pair with sides like charred okra, chips and queso, and chicharrones with hot sauce. The brisket and smoked chicken tacos are also standouts. Grab a plate and an icy cold beer and head next door to the patio to watch the Astros or Rockets play while dining.

1201 Richmond Ave, Houston, TX 77006
(281) 888-1929
(281) 888-1929

Kata Robata

3600 Kirby Dr suite h, Houston, TX 77098

Chef Manabu “Hori” Horiuchi cooks up a constantly changing menu with fresh fish flown in almost daily from Japan, making way for delicious sushi, including maki rolls and an impeccable omakase experience. But with Kata Robata’s name being a shortened reference to fireside cooking, the restaurant is also sure to incorporate the hot side of things, with grilled meats cooked on the robata, and dishes like lobster and crab ramen, fried green tomatoes with kimchi aioli, and uni chawanmushi, a tender egg custard that packs a briny punch. Though some may argue that the miso lobster mac and cheese doesn’t belong at a Japanese restaurant, it’s a must-try.

3600 Kirby Dr suite h, Houston, TX 77098
(713) 526-8858
(713) 526-8858
Sashimi and maki at Kata Robata.
With catches flown in almost daily, Kata Robata’s menu boasts fresh sashimi and maki rolls, and other dishes packed full of flavor.
Kata Robata/Facebook

Hobbit Cafe

2243 Richmond Ave, Houston, TX 77098

Founded as one of Houston’s first vegetarian-friendly restaurants in 1972, the Hobbit Cafe is an institution tied to real-life memories and fiction for many locals. Housed in a quirky old house, the cafe dedicates itself to the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, meaning diners will find loads of LOTR reference and food items, like its dragon wings, which are coated in a Jamaican jerk sauce, plus veggie-packed eats, massive burgers, and fresh dishes like gazpacho and mezze platters. Over the years the Hobbit has also gained a reputation for its wide selection of craft beers and mead — once the Vikings' drink of choice.

2243 Richmond Ave, Houston, TX 77098
(713) 526-5460
(713) 526-5460

Taste of Nigeria

5959 Richmond Ave Suite 160, Houston, TX 77057

With an extensive menu boasting everything from meat pies and moi moi to pepper soups, this seat-yourself restaurant is the perfect place to stop in to get your fix of Nigerian cuisine without distraction. Entrees like ogbono, ground mango seeds with tilapia or chicken, or the suya platter with jollof rice make this a go-to for Houston’s largest West African immigrant community.

5959 Richmond Ave Suite 160, Houston, TX 77057
(713) 589-9055
(713) 589-9055

Mo' Better Brews

1201 Southmore Blvd, Houston, TX 77004

Boasting dishes like peach cobbler pancakes, flatbread pizzas, and its fan-favorite chik’n fried shrooms and grits, drizzled with either 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.

1201 Southmore Blvd, Houston, TX 77004
(832) 740-4297
(832) 740-4297

Sparkle's Hamburger Spot

4420 Emancipation Ave, Houston, TX 77004

With everything from burgers to breakfast tacos in the Third Ward, this old-school carryout is a favorite of locals and famous Houstonians like rapper Paul Wall. Keep it classic with a bacon cheeseburger or the excellent chili cheeseburger, and pair it with one of Sparkles’s frozen daiquiris and a side of fries.

4420 Emancipation Ave, Houston, TX 77004
(713) 225-8044
(713) 225-8044

Turkey Leg Hut

4830 Almeda Rd suite A/B, Houston, TX 77004

Stuffed with everything from crawfish mac and cheese to dirty rice, smoked turkey legs are the name of the game at this Third Ward restaurant. Houstonians know the drill — waiting in line, listening to music, and watching the flashy cars pass by is somewhat of a rite of passage, but you can avoid a long wait by going for lunch on a weekday.

4830 Almeda Rd suite A/B, Houston, TX 77004
(832) 787-0770
(832) 787-0770
Stuffed turkey leg from the Turkey Leg Hut.
With big portions, creative combinations, and celebrity sightings, Turkey Leg Hut is a restaurant every Houstonian and visitor needs to experience at least once.
Amy McCarthy/EHOU

Lucille's

5512 La Branch St, Houston, TX 77004

Led by executive chef Chris Williams and chef Khang Hoang, the family-run restaurant pays homage to Williams’ great-grandmother while harnessing flavors of the South. Lucille’s revived recipes have resulted in delectable classics like cheesy chili biscuits, baked macaroni and cheese, braised oxtails, and fish caught straight from the Gulf, that is masterfully fried, roasted, or blackened depending on the dish. There’s “pork & beans” crafted from a bone-in pork chop and three-bean ragu with creamed collard green kimchi, and oxtail tamales — a spin on a Texas favorite.

5512 La Branch St, Houston, TX 77004
(713) 568-2505
(713) 568-2505

Himalaya Restaurant

6652 Southwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77074

Helmed by chef Kaiser Lashkari, this Indian and Pakistani restaurant is one of the best of its kind in the city and the country, making it an important stop for visitors whenever in Space City. The Mahatma Gandhi District mainstay goes beyond the classics like saag paneer and tikka masala, and promises generous portions of its iconic dishes, including its crispy, spicy Himalaya fried chicken — HFC, for short — which is served with a magic mustard sauce, and its tender hunter’s beef.

6652 Southwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77074
(713) 532-2837
(713) 532-2837
Himalaya’s crispy fried chicken, topped with slices of lemon.
Himalaya offers fried chicken with an Indo-Pak flair.
Bill Addison/Eater

Mala Sichuan Bistro

9348 Bellaire Blvd, Houston, TX 77036

With five Houston area locations, including outposts in Katy, Sugar Land, and the newest in Heights, Mala is a pioneer when it comes to flavorful Sichuan cuisine in Houston. With its co-owner Cori Xiong hailing from Chengdu, a town in the Sichuan province, the restaurant harnesses hometown flavors in its top sellers like spicy dan dan noodles, the saucy mapo tofu, red oil dumplings, and green tea and bacon fried rice.

9348 Bellaire Blvd, Houston, TX 77036
(713) 995-1889
(713) 995-1889

Blood Bros. BBQ

5425 Bellaire Blvd, Bellaire, TX 77401

Founded by three Alief natives, this Bellaire smokehouse combines Asian flavors and Central Texas-style barbecue in a way that is undeniable to the tastebuds. Stay for the brisket,  fall-of-the-bone ribs, togarashi smoked chicken, juicy jalapeno-cheddar sausage, brisket fried rice, and pork belly burnt ends — and consider ordering in bulk to take some home for later. Advance orders require a minimum of five pounds of meat, and must be placed 48 hours in advance via Blood Bros’s website.

5425 Bellaire Blvd, Bellaire, TX 77401
(713) 664-7776
(713) 664-7776