I ventured to Houston, Texas for the first time last week. While my schedule was packed with work commitments, you know I couldn’t pass up the chance to indulge in some good eats for dinner. So, let’s dive into my latest foodie escapade as I take you on a flavor-packed journey through two must-visit spots—Lucille's and Pappas Bros. Steakhouse. From elevated Southern comfort to steakhouse elegance, my taste buds were in for a treat!

Lucille's: Where Southern Soul Meets Modern Flair

First up is Lucille's, a cozy black-owned restaurant nestled in Houston's Museum District. Stepping inside, I instantly felt the warmth of the atmosphere—like being wrapped in a hug from Grandma herself.

Now, let's talk about the food—baby, it was soooo good! I kicked things off with their seared scallops, accompanied by applewood smoked bacon, and served on grit cakes with sage brown butter. Y'all, each bite was like a symphony of flavors dancing on my taste buds! Note, there are 2 scallops with this appetizer, so it's perfect for one person. Then, I had the Texas Hold'em cocktail, featuring Pineapple Agave Margarita and Reposado Tequila. It was so good that I wanted to order a second one, but I’m more of a one-drink kind of girl.

For the main course, I went with the crowd favorite—the YARDBIRD. Picture this: crispy fried chicken, smoked mash, collard greens, and honey-spiced gravy. It was like a soulful Sunday dinner, elevated to gourmet status. And can we talk about the vibe? From the soulful tunes to the Black excellence vibes, Lucille's felt like home away from home. Learning about the restaurant’s roots made me love it even more, and you can learn more about Lucille’s history here.

Pappas Bros. Steakhouse: A Timeless Tradition with a Modern Twist

Next up, I ventured to Pappas Bros. Steakhouse in the heart of Houston's Galleria area. Walking in, I was greeted by the aroma of sizzling steaks and the sound of live music, so I was off to a good start from the jump. I started my meal with warm bread and butter—simple yet oh-so-satisfying. Then came the fried oysters—a new experience for me, but hey, why not try something different, right? I’m more of a chargrilled oysters girl, so I wouldn’t get those again, but they weren’t bad.

For the main event, I went with the classic filet, cooked to a perfect medium rare and served with savory mashed potatoes. It was like a taste of luxury, with each bite melting in my mouth. I would definitely visit here again.

Houston's culinary scene gave what it needed to give, at least based on these two restaurants. Two others that caught my eye, but I didn’t have time to check out were Warwick’s and Cocody, so I’ll check those out next time.

Tap in: Have you ever been to Houston? Let me know.