Houston is arguably Texas’ foodie capital where you can discover incredibly unique and diverse flavors. There are so many places to try out around town, from local food trucks to major chain restaurants to gourmet offerings.
Choosing the best place for you can be overwhelming but we will give you some recommendation so you can identify your next place to eat.
Be sure to come hungry to satisfy your mouth-watering cravings for the best food spots in Houston. Whether you’re looking for BBQ with meat that falls off the bone, incredibly fresh seafood, a solid burger or a boozy breakfast take a look at these top 10 Houston restaurants.
1. Goode Company BBQ
Goode Company BBQ, or Goode Co., is a staple in the Houston foodie scene if you’re looking for the best BBQ in town. Since opening in 1977, the popular restaurant has expanded to several locations to serve their carnivor dishes. Goode Co. has a wide selection of grilled meats, from brisket to sausage, and topped with their Hall of Fame BBQ sauce. Grab a slice of their signature jalapeño cheese bread and pecan pie for dessert. The restaurant features a line order set up where the food gets prepared right in front of you. You can dine-in, and some locations offer outdoor picnic tables. It even has live music on select nights.
2. The Pit Room
The Pit Room is known for having the best meat quality in Houston. It specializes in ribs, smoked brisket, and various sausages – each tender and flavorful. The Texas-style BBQ restaurant invites you to immerse in the authentic dining experience. Order one of the specialty meats or get a combo to try a range of foods on the menu. You’ll find all of the classic sides like mac & cheese or potato salad. All meals come with a slice of bread and a pickle. The Pit Room features a rustic restaurant setting with food served on tin trays. You can enjoy the outdoor dining, accompanied by a cold beer.
3. Gatlin’s BBQ
Many locals recommend eating at Gatlin’s BBQ, where every dish is full of flavor. The family-owned restaurant has many meats to choose from, including smoked brisket sandwiches, spicy sausage, and beef ribs. The three-meat platter is one of the most popular to try them all. And be sure to top them off with the savory BBQ sauce. You’ll find all of the best sides that go perfect with the BBQ, including baked beans, fried okra, corn, and more. Each meal comes with a slice of white bread that you’ll wipe up any remaining BBQ sauce when you’re finished. Gatlin’s BBQ has a comfortable dining room with lots of seating and TVs for enjoying your meal.
4. Captain Tom’s Seafood & Oyster Bar
Captain Tom’s is one of the top-rated restaurants in Houston for seafood. The moment you arrive at the venue, you’ll see the boat-shaped restaurant with a nautical theme on the inside. It has a unique bar-style seating inside. If you’re lucky enough to get a seat, you’re in for a delicious meal. Grab a plate of oysters or a couple of dozen to enjoy between your group. You’ll also find other seafood favorites, including shrimp, crab, and gumbo, on the menu. You’ll have plenty of options for toppings and sides to complete your meal. It’s a bustling restaurant that the locals rave about the excellent food and service.
5. Crawfish & Noodles
Houston has a famous crawfish season annually from January to July, where it’s the best time to dig into crawfish. Located in Chinatown, Crawfish & Noodles combines the local favorite crawfish with Vietnamese cuisine. It’s a modern dining venue to enjoy some of the rich seafood and Cajun flavors. Crawfish & Noodles is famous for its spicy crawfish. You’ll get a large plate of crawfish topped with spicy Cajun. You’ll have a choice of other seafood dishes, including oysters and shrimp. If you can’t get enough of the Cajun flavor, order your favorites with a Cajun twist like the Cajun crab legs or Cajun fries.
6. The Burger Joint
The Burger Joint might sound like a hole-in-the-wall place, but it’s actually a modern restaurant that serves what many would consider the best burger in Houston. Its menu of gourmet burgers offers something good to eat for everyone. The burgers come with thick Angus beef locally sourced in Texas (there are also specialty burgers with alternative meats). You’ll have your choice of toppings and a toasted bun – it’s the perfect texture with every bite. Some of the other menu items include sandwiches and hot dogs. You can go with the standard onion rings or choose the tasty sweet potato fries. You can accompany your meal with various drinks, from milkshakes to craft beer. You can sit out on the outdoor patio to enjoy the incredible burgers.
7. Whataburger
Not everyone has time to sit for a long meal, but the good news is that you can still have a fantastic meal on-the-go. Whataburger is a fast-food chain restaurant that serves some of the best burgers. The most popular burger is the classic Whataburger that you can get with a single or multiple patties. It specializes in customizing your burger exactly how you like it so that you’ll always be satisfied and looking forward to your next visit. Whataburger is a regional chain that started in Texas in the 1950s. Ever since it’s been a favorite restaurant for locals and highly recommended for people visiting the state. It’s hard to miss the distinct restaurant design with a vintage orange color you’ll find at each of the many locations.
8. Bubba’s Texas Burger Shack
Bubba’s Texas Burger Shack is a small restaurant that packs major flavor. Tucked underneath the Southwest Freeway, it’s a frequent stop for truckers and road trippers looking for a hearty meal in Houston. Bubba’s is famous for the bison burgers and patty melts – it’s the first restaurant in Houston to offer the meat, and you’ll be glad you tried it. The burgers come simple or get some Texas-style toppings like thick-cut bacon. Meals come with a side of chips or chili. You’ll also have a selection of local Texas craft beers to wash down the burger.
9. The Breakfast Klub
Come hungry to The Breakfast Klub to eat at one of Houston’s best brunch spots. You’ll always see people lining up around the corner of the building waiting to get a taste, especially on the weekends. It opens in the morning and closes at 2 PM every day. The Breakfast Klub is a soul food diner serving the best brunch specials. As soon as you enter, you’ll smell the sweet syrup. Order the classic chicken and waffles or the catfish and grits. The fluffy waffles and crunchy chicken is more than enough to understand why it’s one of the best restaurants. It also has a location in the airport, so you can get a taste of Houston’s best food right when you arrive.
10. Snooze, an AM Eatery
You might not want to hit snooze on your alarm clock too many times because you might miss out on dining in at Snooze, an AM Eatery. Wake up early to get a taste of one of the top brunch spots in Houston. Snooze, an AM Eatery, is a trendy chain restaurant boasting a retro atmosphere. You’ve never had food like Snooze because all of your breakfast favorites add a twist. Order a stack of specialty pancakes or try one of the breakfast pot pies. The restaurant also serves vegan options. And the best part is the full bar. Get an authentic brunch experience with Bloody Mary cocktails or craft beer.
