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Texas might be famous for barbecue, but the Lone Star State serves up incredible soul food that goes way beyond brisket and ribs. From crispy fried chicken to creamy mac and cheese, these restaurants bring comfort food traditions from across the South right to your table. Each spot on our list offers something special that makes locals keep coming back for more. Get ready to discover amazing flavors that will warm your heart and fill your belly.
1. Aunt Bill’s Soul Food Cafe in Katy
Walking into Aunt Bill’s feels like stepping into your grandmother’s kitchen on Sunday afternoon. The smell of cornbread and fried chicken fills the air while friendly staff treats everyone like family.
Their famous catfish comes out golden and flaky, served alongside creamy coleslaw and buttery mashed potatoes. The green beans are slow-cooked with ham hocks, giving them that perfect Southern flavor that makes you want seconds.
Don’t leave without trying their peach cobbler, which locals say is the best dessert in all of Katy.
2. Tillie Marie’s Comfort Food in Killeen
Military families from nearby Fort Hood have made Tillie Marie’s their home away from home for over two decades. The restaurant serves generous portions that remind soldiers of their childhood dinners.
Their smothered pork chops are legendary, covered in rich gravy that soaks perfectly into fluffy rice. The candied yams are sweet enough to be dessert, while the collard greens have just the right amount of spice.
Breakfast lovers should try their chicken and waffles, which combines crispy fried chicken with fluffy Belgian waffles drizzled in maple syrup.
3. Seed to Soul Food in Taylor
Farm-fresh ingredients make all the difference at Seed to Soul Food, where the owner grows many vegetables in her own backyard garden. This connection to the land shows in every bite of their seasonal menu.
The fried green tomatoes are crispy outside and tender inside, served with a tangy remoulade sauce. Their okra and tomatoes dish celebrates summer flavors, while the black-eyed peas are cooked with onions and bell peppers.
Save room for their sweet potato pie, made from scratch using a recipe passed down through three generations of the owner’s family.
4. Lamar & Niki’s Pit Barbecue and Soul Food in Bryan
While barbecue might be in the name, Lamar and Niki’s soul food sides often steal the show from their smoked meats. College students from nearby Texas A&M University line up for comfort food that reminds them of home.
The mac and cheese is baked until golden brown on top, with three different cheeses creating the perfect creamy texture. Their corn pudding is sweet and savory, while the dirty rice is packed with flavor from sausage and spices.
Try the red beans and rice on Mondays, following the traditional New Orleans custom that brings good luck all week long.
5. Sweet Georgia Brown in Dallas
Named after the famous jazz song, Sweet Georgia Brown brings music and soul food together in perfect harmony. The walls are covered with vintage blues and jazz posters that transport diners to another era.
Their fried chicken is marinated overnight in buttermilk and secret spices, creating incredibly juicy meat under a perfectly seasoned crust. The cornbread dressing is a holiday favorite served year-round, while the turnip greens are cooked low and slow.
Sunday brunch features chicken and waffles alongside live jazz music, making it the perfect way to spend a lazy weekend afternoon.
6. Esther’s Cajun Café & Soul Food in Houston
Esther brings Louisiana flavors to Houston with recipes learned from her grandmother in New Orleans. The restaurant combines Creole cooking with traditional soul food, creating unique dishes you won’t find anywhere else.
Their jambalaya is packed with shrimp, sausage, and chicken, while the gumbo has a dark roux that takes hours to perfect. The fried catfish is seasoned with Cajun spices that give it extra kick.
Don’t miss the bread pudding with whiskey sauce, which perfectly ends any meal with its rich, boozy sweetness that melts in your mouth.
7. Drew’s Place Soulfood in Fort Worth
Drew learned to cook from his mother and aunts, and now he shares those family recipes with Fort Worth diners who appreciate authentic flavors. Every dish is made from scratch using techniques passed down through generations.
The oxtails fall off the bone after hours of slow cooking, served over creamy grits that soak up every drop of gravy. The cabbage is cooked with smoked turkey, while the yams are candied to perfection.
Their pecan pie is made with Texas pecans and has become so popular that people order whole pies for special occasions and holidays.
8. Soulful Street Bites in Addison
Food truck culture meets soul food tradition at Soulful Street Bites, where classic comfort foods get a modern twist. The mobile kitchen serves up familiar flavors in creative new ways.
Their soul food tacos stuff traditional sides like mac and cheese and collard greens into flour tortillas, creating handheld comfort food. The chicken and waffle sliders are perfect for sharing, while the loaded sweet potato fries come topped with pulled pork.
The banana pudding is served in mason jars, making it easy to enjoy this creamy dessert while walking around Addison’s entertainment district.
9. Soul 2 Soul in Galveston
Ocean breezes and soul food create the perfect combination at Soul 2 Soul, where fresh Gulf seafood meets traditional Southern cooking. The island location gives this restaurant a unique coastal twist.
Their shrimp and grits feature jumbo Gulf shrimp over stone-ground grits with andouille sausage. The fried oysters are plump and crispy, while the seafood gumbo combines the best of both land and sea.
The key lime pie uses Florida limes but captures the laid-back island spirit that makes Galveston special. Outdoor seating lets you enjoy your meal with Gulf views.
10. Mikki’s Soulfood Cafe in Houston
Mikki’s small dining room fills up fast because word has spread about their incredible home-style cooking. The limited seating means you might wait, but regulars say the food is worth every minute.
The smothered chicken is tender enough to cut with a fork, covered in onion gravy that’s perfect over rice. Their lima beans are cooked with ham hocks until creamy, while the cornbread is slightly sweet and crumbles perfectly.
The lemon cake is made fresh daily and often sells out by evening, so arrive early if you want to try this three-layer masterpiece.
11. Whip My Soul in Austin
Austin’s food scene gets a soul food injection at Whip My Soul, where traditional recipes meet the city’s creative energy. The restaurant attracts music lovers and foodies who appreciate authentic flavors.
Their hot wings come in five heat levels, from mild to blazing, all served with cooling ranch dressing. The mac and cheese gets topped with breadcrumbs and baked until bubbly, while the green beans are cooked Southern-style with bacon.
Live music on weekends pairs perfectly with their comfort food menu, creating the kind of atmosphere that makes Austin special for both locals and visitors.
12. Tha Neighborhood Kitchen in Dallas
Community spirit thrives at Tha Neighborhood Kitchen, where the owner knows most customers by name and remembers their favorite orders. The restaurant feels like eating at a friend’s house where everyone is welcome.
Their meatloaf is made with a secret blend of seasonings and topped with tangy glaze that caramelizes in the oven. The mashed potatoes are whipped until fluffy, while the green peas are cooked with onions and butter.
The coconut cake is a towering three-layer creation covered in fluffy white frosting and toasted coconut flakes that disappear quickly from the dessert case each day.