Discover Houston’s Black-Owned Restaurants
Houston’s 9th Annual Black Restaurant Week is now underway (March 31 - April 14, 2024), showcasing Houston’s diversity of Black-owned restaurants and culinary businesses. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore the tastes of Houston in local restaurants serving African American, African, and Caribbean cuisine. All participating restaurants across Houston, Beaumont, and additional surrounding metro areas have specials on their menus and some signature events. Black Restaurant Week was founded in 2016 to support Black chefs in Houston. Since then, it has expanded to include food trucks, dessert businesses, and more. Here are just a few of the restaurants you can experience during Black Restaurant Week. And keep in mind that these restaurants will still be there after the event is over, so make plans to visit.
Bungalow Downtown Dining
Bungalow Downtown Dining (photos above), co-founded by Mojeed Martins and Jonathan Reitzell, is an upscale downtown restaurant loved by local and visiting foodies. Guests can choose from a vibrant and high-energy bar that features a variety of luxurious cocktails, a beautiful dining room with gold accents and plush velvet booths, and multiple private dining spaces, as well as a state-of-the-art rooftop patio with views of Downtown Houston. The menu includes prime steaks, fresh seafood, chef-driven dishes, and decadent desserts. Try Blackberry Lamb Ribs, Wagyu Meatball Pasta, or Pan-Seared Red Fish crowned with crab and bacon butter. For dessert, don't miss Lush Lemon Meringue Tart or Chocolate Dome.
Kiss Houston
Kiss Houston presents an exclusive 3-course dinner special for Black Restaurant Week, priced at $55 per person. For an irresistible pairing, complement your meal with a delectable Lobos 1707 tequila cocktail. On April 3rd, join the crowd for the electrifying kickoff event of Black Restaurant Week! Experience the essence of vibe dining amidst breathtaking panoramic views of the Houston Downtown skyline. Savor special drink offerings featuring the exquisite Lobos 1707 tequila.
Taste of Nigeria
At Tiffaney and Rasak Odewale's Taste of Nigeria, they cook with the freshest West African ingredients and use traditional recipes passed down by generations. Their menu is so authentic you can taste it in your soul, and with everything from oxtails to pepper soups available, you’ll have no trouble finding a favorite dish. They’ll even bring it to you with their delivery and catering services. So let your appetite take over at Taste of Nigeria and prepare for the finest dining experience.
LA Burgers & Daiquiris
Home-made hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, and more with Louisiana twists. LA Burgers & Daiquiris is also known for offering one of Houston's best vegan and veggie burgers. Try their Bayou Classic Combo for $13, which includes a home-style burger dressed with the usual suspects: lettuce, tomatoes, mustard pickles, onions, seasoned fries, and a fountain drink, or Beef Sliders for $7.
Gotti's Restaurant & Bar
For Creole and Cajun cuisine, visit Gotti’s restaurant. Their menu is filled with southern delicacies such as fried catfish, shrimp, Cajun fried chicken, cornbread hushpuppies, and many other unique pairings in Houston.
Wing Quarter Daiquiris & Creole Kitchen
Wing Quarter is a local, family-owned establishment proud of their Louisiana roots. Expect one the best Hot Wings and Cajun and Creole cuisine in town in a unique experience that blends the sounds, the food, the art, and the hospitality of the French Quarter without having to leave the neighborhood. Try five jumbo wings served with creole-seasoned fries or dirty rice, celery stick, dressing, and a fountain drink, or their delicious Boudin Balls served with ranch!
Pur Noire Urban Wineries
Don't miss visiting the only winery in Downtown Houston, Pur Noire Urban Wineries. Enjoy a beautiful and intimate urban oasis in the city's heart at Houston's premier black-owned winery, where guests can hear directly from the wine producers and take bottles home to enjoy throughout the festival weekend. Every Friday, they offer Pur Pairings - Food & Wine Fridays ($49), a guided and interactive flight of four premium and award-winning wines and four chef-curated food pairings. On the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, you can enjoy Pur Pairings That Speak To The Soul ($75), an immersive sensory experience led by co-owner Carissa Stephens. Journey through a guided and interactive tasting flight of five premium, award-winning wines and five specially curated chef food pairings.
Ray's Real Pit BBQ Shack
Ray’s Real Pit BBQ Shack is a family-owned and operated BBQ restaurant that prides itself on excellent smoked meats and delicate fried treats. Located in the heart of the historic Third Ward district, it is a pillar within the community. Check out their specials, including The Max Plate ($31.95) that has it all - your choice of 4 of our signature smoked meats accompanied by freshly battered fish with two of homemade sides, or Ray's Brisket or Turkey Nachos ($14.95) - nachos loaded with 5-cheese blend homemade pico and guacamole and of course with your choice of brisket or turkey, among others.
See a full listing of Black Restaurant Week participating restaurants.
Photos: Courtesy of restaurants mentioned in this post.