As a native Houstonian, these are the go-to Houston restaurants, coffee shops, brunch spots, and hidden gems that I truly love. Whether you’re planning date night, grabbing brunch with friends, or looking for family-friendly favorites, these are the ...
Map
Sections
4
Comfort and Everyday Food
Special Occasions
Naija/African Restaurants and Grocers
Fast Food Favorites
Comfort and Everyday Food
No special occasion necessary; if I'm eating out, it's probably here.
Love the food—shrimp with garlic sauce, shrimp fried rice, panda lo mein
Panda Garden @WEST LOOP SOUTH, HTX: Home - Houston
A staple! Nuff said.
Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
I crave this place! My hubby doesn't believe in cooking his own food. I don't care as long as it's good. Don't sleep on the veggies too!
Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ
The Sugar Land location is closest to us. When I want to make sure we get all the food groups and I don't want to cook, this is where I go.
Mongolian Grill Houston, TX - Last Updated December 2025
Special Occasions
Birthdays, anniversaries, promotions, new business ventures, or just because we're special…
Love this place. Pricey but predictably always good!
Mastro's Steakhouse
Love this for birthdays, etc. They have a patio too. Great food, great ambiance!
Bludorn
It's between here and Mastros for me. Mastros wins but this is a close second!
Steak 48
Naija/African Restaurants and Grocers
Food for the culture. We have so much good Nigerian and African food in Houston. But I'm a food snob; these are my favorites.
The Original Chopnblok location. Food is great; African Fusion! Everyone loves it, Nigerian and non. Not a Buka though.
ChòpnBlọk (Downtown)
The second Chopnblok location; easier to park and get inside quickly. Love the bar and the whole ambiance. Food hits! African fusion. Not a buka although they have Buka Stew on the menu. I recommend Greens n Tings, Buka Stew, and more.
ChòpnBlọk (Montrose)
My favorite Naija in Houston. Disclaimers: expensive, portions getting smaller, oily. But hits every. Single. Time.
Grains & Solids (Amala On Point Cafe) (@grainsandsolids)
Love this place because of its proximity to my church for after-service runs, it's top-notch cleanliness, and the selection of quality goods. You can't mess up going here. Ghanaian-owned; they have something for all the West Africans.
MAKOLA MARKETPLACE
A list is not complete without Wazobia Market. I support because of their community-work, first and foremost. Two current locations to serve the Houston market.
Wazobia Market
Fast Food Favorites
Don't judge me. Back then, Burger King made me; nowadays, I stop in for a quick bite.
Gotta love their burgers!
Shake Shack
Can't but include because of the mobile app and the chicken nuggets.
McDonald's
It's a problem how often I stop in. But the mobile app and the drink consistency keep me coming back. (And the restroom access.)
