The History of Soul Food and 20 Must-Try Food Joints in Texas
Discover > Best Of Texas > The History of Soul Food and 20 Must-Try Food Joints in Texas
The History of Soul Food
Texas is home to some of the best soul food in the country. The history of Texas soul food is a long and rich one, dating back to the days of slavery. Texas soul food has its roots in the African-American community, but it has also been influenced by other cultures over the years.
However, what’s soul food? Soul food is a type of cuisine that has its roots in African-American culture. This type of cuisine was created out of necessity, as slaves were often given the leftovers from their owners' meals. Soul food typically consists of hearty and filling dishes that are made with simple ingredients. Over time, soul food has become a staple of Southern cuisine, and it is now enjoyed by people all over the world.
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Soul food first became popular in the United States during the Civil War. At this time, many African-Americans were forced to leave their homes in the Southern states and move to Northern cities. In these Northern cities, African-Americans began to open up Soul Food restaurants, which served traditional dishes from the South. Soul food quickly became a hit among both African-Americans and whites, and it is now one of the most popular types of cuisine in the United States and, of course, Texas.
Soul Food Joints for That Hearty Goody-Good Meal
If you're ever in the mood for some delicious soul food, be sure to check out these 20 must-try Soul Food restaurants in Texas. You'll be sure to find something that you'll love!
Nana’s Kitchen
Nana’s Kitchen in Fort Worth, Texas is known for their soulful meals that will leave you feeling satisfied. Their menu features all of your soul food favorites, including fried chicken, collard greens, and macaroni and cheese.
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7403 John T White Rd, Fort Worth, TX 76120
(817) 653-7078
Yo Mama’s Soul Food
Nestled in a Strip Mall in Houston, Texas, Yo Mama’s Soul Food specializes in comforting hearty meals. Their oxtail plate with 3 sides is a definite must-try for anybody looking for a hearty soulful meal.
5332 Antoine Dr, Houston, TX 77091
(713) 680-8002
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Lucy’s Kitchen
In the mood for some southern hospitality? You'll want to visit Lucy's soul food restaurant. They offer a wide variety of soul food dishes, as well as some down-home cooking like fried okra and hush puppies.
106 Depot St, Elgin, TX 78521
(512) 285-9975
Simp’s
If you're looking for simple but comforting soul food, then you'll want to check out Simp’s in La Marque, Texas. They have different soul food inspired items on the menu but the staple would be their Fried Fish Dinner which has the right balance of seasoning, juiciness, and that perfect crunch.
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110 TX-3, La Marque, TX 77568
(409) 935-3200
Soul Bar-B-Que & Soul Food
Soul Bar-B-Que & Soul Food out of Tyler, Texas, is a great choice for those jonesing for great soul food picks. They offer all of your soul food favorites, including fried chicken, ribs, and collard greens. Try their barbecue and you’ll find that you don’t have to spend top dollar for some honest-to-goodness soul-filling food.
1702 Garden Valley Rd, Tyler, TX 75702
(903) 630-5641
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Juicy’s Soul Food Cafe
Fort Worth, Texas has a lot going for it but you’ll find that their soul food game is on point with Juicy’s Soul Food Cafe. Here you'll find some awesome selections that will give one of the best value-to-flavor propositions in the way of soul food. If you ever get to visit, try their beef tips that go really well with rice (how long does rice last?) - a truly filling meal.
2220 Handley Dr, Fort Worth, TX 76112
(817) 888-3642
PJ’s Table Top Southern Cuisine
Do you ever find yourself lost inside the restaurant’s menu to try to figure out what to order? PJ’s Table top Southern Cuisine isn’t one of those restaurants by serving up some soul food classics where you can mix and match your whole meal. Their smoked ribs, with its balance of flavor, crustiness, and fall-off-the bone tenderness, is a must-try!
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10 W Avenue B,Temple, TX 76501
(254) 410-7090
Ms. Mary’s Southern Kitchen
Ms. Mary’s Southern Kitchen brings that home comfort food feel into soul food classics. Their grilled pork chop with a mac and cheese side is a God-sent because of the perfect balance flavor, and texture. And if you’re in a bit of a pinch, you can order your food to-go with their drive-thru take out.
605 N Denton Tap Rd, Coppell, TX 75019
contact@msmaryssouthernkitchen
Willie P’s BBQ and Fish
Willi P’s BBQ and Fish offers up Southern Classics like their BBQ brisket, pork chops, (What wine goes well with pork chops?) smothered chicken, and oxtails. Their chopped or sliced beef paired with baked potatoes is a flavorful experience that will have you back for more. If you want to check out restaurants offering brisket in your area, check these 22 for 2022 - The Best Brisket Restaurants in Texas! Or if you’re around Dallas, don’t forget to check the best BBQ joints in the area!
142 Alvie Ln, Pollok, TX 75969
(936) 899-7310
Mrs. Kitchen Soul Food Restaurant
San Antonio’s Mrs. Kitchen Soul Food Restaurant is a perfect place for people who are missing the soul food experience. Their ribs are seasoned to perfection, top-tier catfish bursting with flavor, and some sides that are worth talking about.
5237 Walzem Rd, Windcrest, TX 78218
(210) 549-4392
Mama Frances Soul Kitchen
Inspired by good old Southern home cooking, Mama Frances Soul Kitchen serves up dishes from the heart. A must-try on their menu is their smothered pork chop served with some flavorful rice and note-worthy sides.
199 Vauthier Rd, Unit D, La Marque, TX 77568
(409) 935-6262
The Greasy Spoon
The Greasy Spoon was established with the goal of elevating Southern Cuisine through a carefully curated premium experience. A bit pricey for Soul Food, you can expect premium dishes like their perfectly seasoned Herb & Rosemary Lamb Chops (What wine goes well with lamb chops?).
636 Cypress Station Dr, Ste A, Houston, TX 77090
(281) 781-7116
Rosako’s Soul Food and BBQ
Rosako’s Soul Food and BBQ offers some soulful takes on the proud Texas BBQ classic as well as soul food picks that will have you mouth watering. Their ribs coupled with some awesome sides is a great pairing for this hole-in-the-wall food joint.
2816 Brown Trail, Bedford, TX 76021
(817) 813-8142
Granny Dee’s Kitchen
Granny Dee’s Kitchen North of Houston may look like a simple counter-serve food joint but don’t be fooled by its simple look. Order their Oxtail paired with collard greens and candied yams if you ever get to drop by to experience food made with love from this hidden gem of a soul food joint.
1950 Louetta Rd, Spring, TX 77388
(832) 381-8917
Esther’s Cajun Café and Soulfood
Great food and excellent service await those who choose to eat at Esther’s Cajun Café and Soulfood. A must try is their garlic roasted baked chicken that is my main go-to when dining here.
5007 N Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77018
(713) 699-1212
Houston This Is It Soul Food
Established back in ‘59, Houston This Is It Soul Food is as much as a great food establishment as it is a landmark for all Houstonites living along Blodgett Street. If you ever get to visit on a Friday, try their special fried catfish served with 2 sides of your choice.
2712 Blodgett St, Houston, TX 77004
(713) 521-2920
Mikki’s Soulfood Cafe
Mikki’s Soulfood Cafe serves up daily specials that are sure to delight every soul foodie out there. Try their apricot chicken if you ever get to visit with their generous servings of sides. It’s so good that it will have you coming back for it.
10500 W Bellfort ave #100, Houston, TX 77031
(281) 568-5115
Sabrina’s Kitchen
A hole in the wall soul food joint, Sabrina’s Kitchen serves up some pretty special from-the-heart food. Their wonderfully tender oxtails served with cabbage, and pinto beans (how long does pinto beans last?) is a no-brainer for both regulars and new-comers alike.
4606 Botham Jean Blvd, Dallas, TX 75215
(214) 916-0814
Sweet Georgia Brown
Sweet Georgia Brown is a great place to enjoy soul food because of the hefty amount of serving that’s packed with flavor in each bite. Try their Smoked Chicken Dinner that’s bursting with flavor and best complemented with rice and collard greens.
2840 E Ledbetter Dr, Dallas, TX 75216
(214) 375-2020
Alfreda’s Soul Food
Back dropped by colorful murals of African-American icons, Alfreda’s Soul Food has been serving up food for the soul since 1965. If you ever get the chance to dine, try their turkey wings served with green beans, mac n’ cheese, and generous amounts of gravy.
5101 Almeda Rd, Houston, TX 77004
(713) 528-0020
Today, Texas soul food is enjoyed by people of all backgrounds and is a staple of Texas culture. If you’re looking for a taste of Texas history, you can find it in the form of delicious soul food. Personally, I think to capture the nuances of the different variations of Texas soul food, I highly recommend planning a road trip dedicated to this long tradition of serving good food from the heart. And if you need more inspiration for spots to visit, then try out these celebrated soul food restaurants: This is it Soul Food Humble TX, Bernie's Soul Kitchen Round Rock, Aunt Bill's Soul Food Cafe menu in Katy TX, Ellen's Southern Kitchen menu, Soul 2 Soul Galveston menu, Saigon Texas Garland TX, Soul Food Killeen TX.
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