5 Tastes Of Houston Slideshow
Wings and Waffles
Where to get it: The Breakfast Klub
Wings and waffles are a classic Southern comfort food. Houston's The Breakfast Klub has been serving the dish for years. Rooted in principles of faith, family, community, and empowerment, this spot is a Houston institution, serving all kinds of customers. The founder, Marcus Davis, created the joint when he saw a need for a soulful breakfast in Houston. The restaurant has two signature items, the wings and waffles and the catfish and grits. The wings and waffles consist of a Belgian waffle with six fried chicken wings, powdered sugar, and a strawberry.
BBQ Ribs
Where to get it: Gatlin's BBQ
Texas is known for having some seriously good barbecue, and Gatlin's BBQ is home to the self-proclaimed best BBQ in Texas. Established in 2010, this family-owned restaurant has ties to both Texas and Louisiana, creating some diverse and delicious meat. For co-owner Greg Gatlin, the business started as a hobby, and has now quickly turned into the home of the most sought-after ribs in the area. The ribs and the brisket are the most popular items, served with the usual savory sides like coleslaw and baked beans.
Fried Chicken
Where to get it: Frenchy's Chicken
You can't talk about Texas dishes without talking about fried chicken. Frenchy's Chicken is popular choice when it comes to getting your chicken fix in Houston. Percy "Frenchy" Creuzot started the joint in 1969 when he moved from New Orleans to Houston. It started as a po'boy shop, but fried chicken was quickly added to the menu. The chicken is seasoned with an old New Orleans recipe and served with traditional Louisiana sides like dirty rice and jambalaya. Although the recipe may not be traditionally Texan, it is a fan favorite.
Fajitas
Where to get it: Ninfa's on Navigation
Fajitas can be found at almost every Mexican restaurant in Houston. For a traditional fajita experience, Ninfa's on Navigation is the way to go, as they are credited for popularizing the dish in Houston. Their slogan boasts, "There is only one original Ninfa's, and this is it." What started as "tacos al carbon" is now known as fajitas and is responsible for the nationwide fajita craze. The dish is still the restaurant's signature item, consisting of char-grilled chicken or beef, pico de gallo, guacamole, and chile con queso on a flour tortilla.
Another spot to get a fajita fix is Lupe Tortilla. The dish is avaliable with a variety of meats like chicken, beef, and shrimp, and the restaurant has various locations throughout the Houston area.
Cheeseburger
Where to get it: Lankford Grocery
A cheeseburger is an American classic, and Houston is known for having some of the best. Lankford Grocery boasts of having the best burgers in town. Originally a mom-and-pop grocery store, the local eatery added burgers to the menu in the '70s. The opening line of their mission statement reads, "Nothing small, nothing healthy, and nothing fast." The burgers are hand-rolled and smashed to perfection. There are various burger options available, and the first one on the menu, the Old Fashioned, is served with mayonnaise, mustard, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onions.
A beloved newcomer, Little Big's, also serves up some delicious sliders (a 3 oz., all beef patty topped with caramelized onion on a yeast roll). The restaurant also serves delicious milkshakes (the butterscotch is a favorite).