Ah, grilled cheese. A belly-warming classic that’s been conquering lunchtime hunger pains since the dawn of time. At Twisted Grilled Cheese, founder Ahmad Fobbs did well by this staple, adding a few delicious riffs to the mix to keep things exciting. He first launched this cheesy (in the best way possible) concept as a food truck, pumping out gooey sandwiches like Philly Chicken and Cheesesteaks, Smoky Brisket, and Pepperoni. TGC quickly expanded their efforts to a brick-and-mortar location, which allowed for even more sandwich magic. We’re talking gourmet grilled cheeses stuffed with grilled mushrooms, spinach, artichokes, and a dash of buttery lobster, because seafood pairs well with pretty much everything.
How to book: Stop by for counter service.

Nestled along the outskirts of Downtown Houston, this glitzy mainstay knows how to pack a crowd. Seriously—it’s not easy to snag a reservation, and we’re all too often left to drool over their Instagram feed of fine eats courtesy of executive chef Tobias Dorzon. Spearheaded and owned by former Houston Rockets player James Harden, Thirteen flourishes in its sleek architecture and succulent brunch and dinner menus, which dabble in traditional Texas chophouse fare with a bit of a modern twist. Dinner guests can nosh on comforts like Country Fried Chicken, Pork Chops slathered in sauteed corn relish, and Lasagna, or go big with their buttery Grass-fed Ribeyes, Blackened Lobster Tails, and savory Egg Rolls remixed with seafood mac and cheese.

When it comes to exploring Houston’s ever-evolving culinary scene, you’re bound to indulge in some unforgettable experiences. Seriously—you might fall into a food trance just one appetizer in, and ChòpnBlọk is a perfect example of such a phenomenon. In the summer of 2018, owner Ope Amosu (who grew up in Lagos, Nigeria before immigrating to Houston with his family) set out to redefine fast-casual eating while spreading the West African culinary gospel with an innovative pop-up dining experience. His mission was a knock-out success, and it wasn’t long before ChòpnBlọk scored a permanent home in one of the city’s newest food halls, POST Houston. Sign up for a one-of-a-kind dinner and you’ll be treated to treasures such as smokey rice bowls crowded with finely chopped veggies, ripe stewed plantains, and steak skewers steeped in a ginger marinade and set to a soundtrack of Afro-beats and compelling conversation.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating.

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 delicious old-school comforts, sharing and reinterpreting some of her best recipes. We’re talking (or rather gushing) about a surplus of chicken and seafood sandwiches, catfish, and buttery grits, plus Roasted Hen paired with baked mac and cheese and Great Grandma’s famous (and totally poppable) Chili Biscuits.

Pitmaster Rayford “Ray” S. Busch’s low-and-slow 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 dirty rice, smoked mac and cheese, and fried corn on the cob.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating, order takeout via Toast or get delivery via Caviar.

Local pitmasters recently named Gatlin’s one of the city’s best places to score great barbecue 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.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating or order take-out via Toast.

Owner Esther Lewis-Bernard has soul food in her blood—her great grandmother Mary Lewis was known for her country-style cooking, and her mother, Mamma Lewis, mastered Cajun cuisine. A pit stop at Esther’s Cafe (which is looking to expand to a larger space nearly a mile away from its Northside location) is the best way to immerse yourself in that history, from rich traditions like Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti and Smothered Pork Chops to delectable accompaniments like mac n’ cheese, creamy potatoes, and carefully formed cornbread. 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, so you can get your fill and feel good doing it.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating.

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, Curry Goat, Creole-style Whole Snapper, and spot-on Jerk Chicken and Shrimp. Pair your poison with a side of fried plantains 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, order takeout via Toast, or get delivery via Favor.

Houston native Marcus Davis has built quite the community around this hearty breakfast spot—one that typically shows up in droves to dig into seriously enticing morning pick-me-ups like Katfish and Creamy Grits, an entire lineup of satisfying breakfast sandwiches, Smothered Biscuits and Gravy, and DIY omelets galore. TBK has been around for nearly two decades, but it’s never too late to jump in line and see what all the crispy, crunchy, and oh-so-buttery fuss is about.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating, order takeout via Toast, or get delivery via Favor.

There’s been a ton of comfort foods and smoked meat on this list so far (and rightfully so), but we think it’s high time for a veggie break. Get your green fix at this decade-old plant-based food truck-turned-brick-and-mortar location courtesy of owners Matti Merrell and Rodney Perry. Chow down on juicy paninis layered with maple jerk garbanzo and curried tempeh, raw dishes like walnut chorizo-based tacos and nori rolls teeming with almond pâté, Cauliflower Nuggets, and a pleasing lineup of cold pressed juices, smoothies, and elixirs to help wash it all down.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating.

The late Roy Burns Sr. started selling barbecue to the Acres Homes community back in 1973, and a hometown star was born. 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 very same building where it all started, as grandsons Cory and Carl Crawford helped restore the original back in 2012. Opt for crowd-pleasers like tender slip-off-the-bone ribs, homemade links and beef slabs enjoyed solo or tucked into saucy sandwiches and loaded baked potatoes, dirty rice, and more.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating or get delivery via Caviar and Uber Eats.