HOUSTON SUPER BOWL
A FOODIE’S GUIDE
With the Super Bowl coming to Houston in less than 25 days, these city streets are soon to be buzzing. With thousands of visitors from all over the country setting their sights on Houston, every party host is expected to deliver and satisfy. No interest in standing in front of a smoky fire pit for hours? Don’t have the kitchen capacity to cook a million chicken wings for your ravenous guests to consume? Or maybe you just want something a little different (soul food? seafood?) for your football feast. Today is your lucky day, because Gristle & Gossip has the ultimate Houston Super Bowl Black Restaurant Guide. Remember, when all else fails, you can always rely on UberEats.
BREAKFAST + BRUNCH
THE Breakfast Klub
3711 Travis St, Houston, TX 77002
7:00 am –2:00 pm
TBK is Houston’s hotspot for diner-style American grub & stick-to-your-ribs soul food. Their famous chicken & waffles are worth a try, as well as their fish & grits. Pro-tip: There is always a line at THE Breakfast Klub, it’s part of the nostalgia, so be patient and polite.
Lucille’s Houston
5512 La Branch St, Houston, TX 77004
10:00 am – 3:00 pm (Sunday Brunch)
Sunday Brunch at Lucille’s is always a treat, especially since the addition of their new covered outdoor patio! If the weather in Houston is nice, this is where you should fill your belly before heading off to watch the big game! The menu features southern classics like shrimp & grits, croissant french toast and of course granny Lucille’s famous chili biscuits! Pro-tip: Opt-out of the brunch cocktails and order the “El Tigre” a spicy, Bloody Mary like concoction made with tequila. Thank me later!
Holley’s Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar
Address: 3201 Louisiana St, Houston, TX 77006
11:00 am – 2:00 pm (Sunday Brunch)
Looking for a delicious brunch boasting of scrumptious seafood and boozy cocktails? Visit Holley’s Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar. This eponymous and chic eatery is a favorite of mine because owner and Executive Chef Mark Holley is one of the kindest guys in the business. I’m wowed by Holley’s menu each time I visit. Pro-tip: Go with the gumbo, and if you’re really looking to party before the game, knock back a couple of Holley’s Texas Mimosa’s.
COFFEE + DESSERT
The Doshi House
Address: 3419 Dowling St, Houston, TX 77004
11:00 am – 2:00 pm
The Doshi House is a homey spot located in the Houston’s Third Ward, focusing on global vegetarian & vegan soups, sandwiches & mains, plus coffees & teas. Pro-tip: This is a very small, intimate coffee shop offering local, Green Way coffee and full leaf teas. You can’t go wrong with one of their delicious soups or smoothies. The Pink Panther smoothie is my favorite!
Not Jus Donuts
Address: 2020 Dowling St, Houston, TX 77003
8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Momma Jackson’s cakes, cookies and pies have turned some of my craziest days into the sweetest nights. If you’re looking for comfort, stop here while in town. Any place that has all of their sweet treats packaged to go, is my kind of place. Pro-tip: The lemon chess pecan pie is to DIE for.
E-dub-a-licious Treats
Address: 2316 Elgin St, Houston, TX 77004
11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Turn to page 34 of Houstonia Magazine‘s Super Bowl Edition to learn all about Ella. The lady behind the magic at Crumbville, a cookie pop up located on the corner of Elgin and Dowling. As an official “crumbhead” I can’t live without Ella’s cookies, stuffed cups and brownies. Her vegan oatmeal cookie is my favorite, it has kale in it. Pro-tip: Follow her on Facebook for her hours. Stop by and grab yourself a “Peachy-cob-a-licious” cookie or a mouthwatering Banana stuffed cup.
Cupcake Kitchen
Address: 4211 Caroline St c, Houston, TX 77004
12:00 pm – 7:00 pm
CPK Houston is a colorful Cupcake Kitchen offering more than 20 classic, specialties and gourmet cupcakes and some tasty extras every day. Pro-tip: Get a box of four cupcakes because when you walk into her quaint little spot, you’re going to be hit with the “I want everything bug!” Don’t say I didn’t warn you!
BURGERS + BBQ + BAKED POTATOES
Ray’s BBQ Shack
Address: 4529 Old Spanish Trl # C, Houston, TX 77021
11:00 am – 8:00 pm
If you’re a local Houstonian then you know what’s up! Ray’s BBQ Shack is THE best place in Houston for Texas BBQ. From the sauce to the succulent meat, Ray’s has heart and culture. I’ve been coming here religiously for the past 5 years and have no intentions of stopping. Pro-tip(s): Ray’s closes at 8 pm on the dot, not 8:01. They will close and lock the door at 8 pm, no questions. Put your phone away while ordering. They will not wait on your conversation to end. Order the fried corn on the cob!
The Stuffed Baked Potato Factory
Address: 6362 Martin Luther King Blvd, Houston, TX 77021
11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Some of the most delicious stuffed baked potatoes are being served at The Stuffed Baked Potato Factory. These aren’t your average russet baking potatoes though, these are special potatoes the size of a small child’s head. Pro-tip: Wear your stretchy pants!
Sparkles Hamburger Spot
Address: 1515 Dowling St, Houston, TX 77003
6:00 am – 7:00 pm
A no frills, old-school carry-out joint serving up a menu of jumbo patties & handmade fries. Their burgers remind me of those thick “patty-licious” burgers my mother would make when I whined about wanting a fast food sandwich. Pro-tip: Grab yourself a Jalapeno burger and wash it down with an original Root Beer ice cream float, made with homemade ice cream!
VEGETARIAN + VEGAN
Green Seed Vegan
Address: 4320 Almeda Rd, Houston, TX 77004
11:00 am – 8:00 pm
I’m not a vegan or a vegetarian but the food at Green Seed Vegan is so good, you won’t know it’s meatless. Their sandwiches, smoothies and cold pressed juices are amaze-balls. This is a great spot for quick, casual and healthy dining (if you’re into that kind of thing!) Pro-tip: The Cali Burger is absurd for the main ingredient to be cauliflower. GSV’s gently seasoned, hand-cut sweet potato fries and their “all green everything” cold pressed juice, will make your insides smile.
Sunshine’s Health Food Store Vegetarian Deli
Address: 3102 Old Spanish Trail Houston, Texas
10:00 am – 7:00 pm
I LOVE THIS PLACE. I’m here all the time for lunch and it’s always packed. Their garlic kale and red beans and rice are just two of my favorite items. They also sale E-dub-a-licious Treats here! Pro-Tip: You MUST try the vegan nachos. They are delicious, spicy and pure perfection.
DISHES OF THE DIASPORA
LUCY Ethiopian Restaurant & Lounge
Address: 6800 Southwest Fwy. Houston, Texas
11:00 am – 11:00 pm
LUCY is more than a restaurant for nourishment, but a cultural experience and journey into Ethiopia. The decorum and presentation of the establishment is of a high class welcome. Every inch of the restaurant has a specific story and was solely created and designed by owner Suzani. Pro-tip: Try any of Suzani’s authentic Ethiopian cuisine including her Vegetarian, Fish, Poultry, Beef items.
Reggae Hut
Address: 4814 Almeda Rd, Houston, TX 77004
11:00 am – 9:00 pm
THE place for Caribbean dishes, such as meat-filled patties & jerk chicken. Their Jerk shrimp is legit too! Pro-tip: Pair your meal with a yummy ginger beer (non-alcoholic) or a Jamaican cream soda.
Cafe Abuja
Address: 15015 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77082
11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Café Abuja restaurant serves the finest authentic Nigerian cuisine in the city of H-Town, and the service is top notch! I feel at home when I visit, and can’t leave without ordering the Suya Platter with Beef, it’s so good and the spice level is just my speed. Pro-tip: The Fried Plantains, aka “Dodo” are filling and are great alone or as a side.
NIGHT LIFE
UnWine On Almeda
Address: 4420 Almeda Rd. Houston, Texas
4:00 pm – 11:00 pm (midnight Friday and Saturday)
UnWine on Almeda is a great place to enjoy robust wines and great food. Their South African wines are my favorite. I suggest you ask for anything from Branwar Wines, the only black owned wine distributors in the city. Their Pinotage is a classic, and pairs well with the entire menu. Pro-tip: Order the kale chicken salad and spinach dip. You will have enough to share!
Live Oak Lounge & Grill
Address: 2533 Southmore Blvd f, Houston, TX 77004
4:00 pm – 2:00 am
Led by renowned Chef Javani King, Live Oak Bar & Grill brings a brilliant upscale and contemporary feel to the table. Chef King, who has gained national respect for his culinary skills, integrates an American cuisine infused with Southern traditions. Pro-tip: Valet ($20)
Alley Kat
Address: 3718 Main St. Houston, Texas
4:00 pm – 2:00 am
Great place for late night cocktails, good vibes and beautiful melanin. Wednesday – Saturday are the best nights to visit. Pro-tip: Houston’s local celebrity DJ’s the “Waxaholics” spin on Thursday nights. Go see them!
