15 Important Basic Eating places in Houston

Pull up a seat at one in all our 15 highlights of Houston’s oldest eating places which were serving up basic dishes throughout town for greater than 50 years.

Every of those eating places have been landmarks in Houston for greater than 50 years—a few of them stretching towards a full century of service.

In a metropolis overflowing with numerous culinary cultures, James Beard Award winners, and stylish fare from the most recent must-try eating places, we’re highlighting among the locations that have been right here first.

Take a look at a few of our picks for these important historic eateries round city, then snag a seat so you may eat like a neighborhood.

15 Important Historic Eating places in Houston

Christie’s roots return to a fried fish po’ boy stand in 1917 | Courtesy of Christie’s Seafood & Steaks

Christie’s Seafood & Steaks in West Houston | 1917 – One of many solely locations in Houston that may declare a century of service, Christie’s constructed its fame on the fried fish po’ boy and have since expanded to incorporate recent Gulf catches and shrimp sandwiches, baked oysters, strip sirloin steaks, and rather more. The family-owned seafood home may be discovered simply west of Fountain View Drive alongside Westheimer, which opened at this location in 1965. Open at 11am each day; closed Mondays.

– One of many solely locations in Houston that may declare a century of service, Christie’s constructed its fame on the fried fish po’ boy and have since expanded to incorporate recent Gulf catches and shrimp sandwiches, baked oysters, strip sirloin steaks, and rather more. The family-owned seafood home may be discovered simply west of Fountain View Drive alongside Westheimer, which opened at this location in 1965. Open at 11am each day; closed Mondays. West Alabama Ice Home in Montrose | 1928 – Almost 100 years in the past, this neighborhood hang-out bought its begin as a literal ice home, promoting blocks for residence fridges, however now gives a smattering of its signature crimson picnic tables alongside the road and within the spacious yard to grow to be one of many metropolis’s bonafide communal watering holes. Swing by for an ice chilly brew and pair it with choices from close by taco truck, Tacos Tierra Caliente. Monday to Saturday 10am to midnight; Sunday midday to 11pm.

– Almost 100 years in the past, this neighborhood hang-out bought its begin as a literal ice home, promoting blocks for residence fridges, however now gives a smattering of its signature crimson picnic tables alongside the road and within the spacious yard to grow to be one of many metropolis’s bonafide communal watering holes. Swing by for an ice chilly brew and pair it with choices from close by taco truck, Tacos Tierra Caliente. Monday to Saturday 10am to midnight; Sunday midday to 11pm. Pizzitola’s Bar-B-Cue close to Washington Avenue | 1935 – Throughout 5 many years, the open-pit joint initially generally known as Shepherd Drive BBQ was ran by John and Leila Davis, an African American couple that served as one of many founding households of Houston’s BBQ scene. At the moment, Pizzitola’s (named for Jerry Pizzitola, who stewarded the spot after John’s demise) serves up lots of the identical no-frills choices alongside the unique sauce recipe in a basic East Texas BBQ dine-in ambiance. Open each day 11am to 8pm; closed Sundays.

– Throughout 5 many years, the open-pit joint initially generally known as Shepherd Drive BBQ was ran by John and Leila Davis, an African American couple that served as one of many founding households of Houston’s BBQ scene. At the moment, Pizzitola’s (named for Jerry Pizzitola, who stewarded the spot after John’s demise) serves up lots of the identical no-frills choices alongside the unique sauce recipe in a basic East Texas BBQ dine-in ambiance. Open each day 11am to 8pm; closed Sundays. Avalon Diner in River Oaks | 1938 – A one-time addition to the Avalon Drug Retailer, the “justly well-known” basic American diner serving up breakfast all day has branched out to incorporate newer areas in West Houston and Stafford. And whilst you can decide up an omelette or pancakes off the griddle any time of the day, the unique drug retailer burger and hen fried steak are can’t-miss dishes. Unique location on Westheimer is open Monday to Friday 6:30am to 3pm; Saturday and Sunday 7am to 3pm. Different areas’ hours differ.

Because the Twenties, West Alabama Ice Home has offered ice chilly drinks on their spacious patio | Courtesy of West Alabama Ice Home

Lankford Grocery & Market in Montrose | 1938 – Initially doling out fruit after which deli sandwiches till the Nineteen Seventies, Lankford’s huge, messy burgers are a real Houston staple and longtime Houstonians undoubtedly could have a contact of nostalgia for the greasy stacked patties, gooey cheeses, and toppings that ooze out of the bun—just like the mac and cheese, jalapeño, bacon and fried egg-topped Grim Burger that’s a crowd favourite. Sunday to Wednesday 9am to 3pm; Thursday and Friday 9am to 8pm; Saturday 7am to 8pm.

– Initially doling out fruit after which deli sandwiches till the Nineteen Seventies, Lankford’s huge, messy burgers are a real Houston staple and longtime Houstonians undoubtedly could have a contact ofnostalgia for the greasy stacked patties, gooey cheeses, and toppings that ooze out of the bun—just like the mac and cheese, jalapeño, bacon and fried egg-topped Grim Burger that’s a crowd favourite. Sunday to Wednesday 9am to 3pm; Thursday and Friday 9am to 8pm; Saturday 7am to 8pm. Tel-Wink Grill in Gulfgate | 1940 – Close to the intersection of Phone Street and Winkler Drive, this daytime diner attracts crowds within the late mornings, so be ready to stake a spot early or make a good friend within the fast-moving line. However fret not, the wait is price it when plates of biscuits and gravy, triple decker sandwiches, or basic breakfast choices hit the desk. Monday to Friday 6am to three:30pm; Saturday 6am to 2:30pm; Sunday 7am to 1:30pm.

– Close to the intersection of Phone Street and Winkler Drive, this daytime diner attracts crowds within the late mornings, so be ready to stake a spot early or make a good friend within the fast-moving line. However fret not, the wait is price it when plates of biscuits and gravy, triple decker sandwiches, or basic breakfast choices hit the desk. Monday to Friday 6am to three:30pm; Saturday 6am to 2:30pm; Sunday 7am to 1:30pm. Cleburne Cafeteria in West College | 1941 – Eighty years and a couple of devastating fires later, the cafeteria on the nook of Bissonnet and Edloe retains coming again because of its religious regulars that frequent the counter service restaurant each week (and typically each day). Identified for his or her delectable vacation feasts, Cleburne additionally contains a standing menu of recent meats, fruits and veg courtesy of native farmers markets, and daily-made desserts and bread. The eating room is very large however plan forward in the event you drop by on Sundays as strains can get lengthy. 11am to 8pm each day; closed Saturdays.

– Eighty years and a couple of devastating fires later, the cafeteria on the nook of Bissonnet and Edloe retains coming again because of its religious regulars that frequent the counter service restaurant each week (and typically each day). Identified for his or her delectable vacation feasts, Cleburne additionally contains a standing menu of recent meats, fruits and veg courtesy of native farmers markets, and daily-made desserts and bread. The eating room is very large however plan forward in the event you drop by on Sundays as strains can get lengthy. 11am to 8pm each day; closed Saturdays. Cream Burger in Third Ward | 1946 – Seventy-five years after Verna and Willie Greenwood opened the easy burger and ice cream stand close to Scott Avenue, their daughters, Beverly and Sandra, proceed serving up an easy menu of burgers, scorching canine, fries and ice cream. The cash-only spot is standard with the group and close by college college students. Open at 11:30am each day; closed Sundays.

Brunch choices from Harry’s Restaurant in Midtown | Courtesy of Harry’s Restaurant

Barbecue Inn in Independence Heights | 1946 – Throughout three generations (and hopefully a fourth), the family-owned retro eatery has been dishing ribs alongside signature hen fried steak and fried hen plates to diners who’ve helped make it a Houston establishment. Open each day 10:30am to 9pm; closed Sundays and Mondays.

– Throughout three generations (and hopefully a fourth), the family-owned retro eatery has been dishing ribs alongside signature hen fried steak and fried hen plates to diners who’ve helped make it a Houston establishment. Open each day 10:30am to 9pm; closed Sundays and Mondays. Harry’s Restaurant Cafe in Midtown | 1948 – Alongside Tuam Avenue, the favored brunch haven attracts huge lunchtime crowds which might be after its menu of Greek-inspired classics, omelettes, Latin breakfast dishes, downhome Southern plates, and different gadgets that quantity to a tour of the globe in your fork. Monday to Friday 7am to 2pm; Saturday and Sunday 7am to 3pm; closed Tuesdays.

– Alongside Tuam Avenue, the favored brunch haven attracts huge lunchtime crowds which might be after its menu of Greek-inspired classics, omelettes, Latin breakfast dishes, downhome Southern plates, and different gadgets that quantity to a tour of the globe in your fork. Monday to Friday 7am to 2pm; Saturday and Sunday 7am to 3pm; closed Tuesdays. Someburger within the Heights | 1955 – As soon as a Texas chain consisting of 40 eating places, the Someburger location on the nook of Studewood and eleventh Avenue within the Heights is a beloved establishment to the neighborhood, immediately recognizable in its inexperienced naked bones constructing trimmed in yellow. However although the store could also be small, the no-nonsense burgers served up are huge in taste and simply paired with hand-dipped milkshakes and malts for a basic American meal. 10am to 8pm each day; closed Sundays.

– As soon as a Texas chain consisting of 40 eating places, the Someburger location on the nook of Studewood and eleventh Avenue within the Heights is a beloved establishment to the neighborhood, immediately recognizable in its inexperienced naked bones constructing trimmed in yellow. However although the store could also be small, the no-nonsense burgers served up are huge in taste and simply paired with hand-dipped milkshakes and malts for a basic American meal. 10am to 8pm each day; closed Sundays. The Unique Kolache Shoppe in South Houston | 1956 – Not removed from the Gulfgate space, this family-owned store has handed Czech recipes from technology to technology, guaranteeing that Houston’s early risers all the time have entry to the scrumptious, fruit-filled pastries that Texans have come to like. The savory sausage klobásníky rolls additionally make an ideal companion to the candy selection and, in the event you add a cup of espresso, then your morning meal is ready at this no frills bakery on Phone Street. Monday to Saturday 5am to midday; Sunday 6am to 1pm.

Sandwiches, fried wings, and oxtail mac-and-cheese at Houston’s This Is It Soul Meals | Courtesy of Houston’s This Is It Soul Meals