Where to Eat during Houston Black Restaurant Week
Don't miss out on the drunken plantains at Jamaica Pon Di Road.
Black Restaurant Week is back for its ninth annual campaign in the Houston area to uplift 84 African American, African, and Caribbean businesses.
In 2016, Warren Luckett, Falayn Ferrell, and Derek Robinson originally designed Black Restaurant Week to be a Houston-only event, but it has since expanded to 15 markets around the country. The goal of the campaign is to help shine light on places that may not have the dollars to promote themselves through marketing, public relations, or advertising.
According to James Beard Foundation’s 2023 industry report, this might be especially helpful for businesses in 2024. Last year, 53 percent of culinary business owners experienced lower profits and other challenges due to rising food and labor costs, which have impacted profit margins, as well as menu and pricing since 2022. For some, this is especially devastating as the pandemic has increased restaurant owners’ debt over the past four years.
Now, it’s time for the community to give back to those who feed us. From March 31 to April 14, Houstonians have the opportunity to support, strengthen, and bring awareness to deserving businesses throughout the city.
Here are five of the best deals Houston food lovers will find during this year’s Black Restaurant Week. Check the website for the full list.
Craft Burger's sandwiches don't hold back on the cheese.
Image: Madelynne Grace
Craft Burger
Downtown
Who doesn’t love a good burger? Houstonians can indulge by visiting Craft Burger at its Finn Hall location downtown (the Katy location is not participating).
For BRW, Craft Burger will offer the oxtail cheeseburger, served with fries or onion rings and a soft drink, for $22; the Houston Hot Catfish with fries, onion rings, and a soft drink, for $19; or buttermilk fried chicken and waffles for $17. The restaurant offers vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.
Dandelion Café serves breakfast items and Southern food like shrimp and grits.
Image: Courtesy of POP Studios PR
Dandelion Café
Bellaire
Those wanting to indulge in some good ole Southern food for breakfast (served all day), brunch, or lunch should make their way over to Dandelion Café in Bellaire.
The restaurant’s 2024 BRW menu includes shrimp and grits, a Mimosa Monday BOGO deal, a Taco Tuesday BOGO, half-off pancakes on Wednesday all day, and Thirsty Thursday with $3 smoothies, beers, and mimosas all day. And for those with dietary restrictions, the restaurant offers vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, plus milk alternatives. Don’t sleep on the various jams, salsas, and syrups made in-house.
Fainmous BBQ
Sawyer Yards
This spot in Sawyer Yards is perfect for barbecue lovers looking to branch out with Tennessee-style smoked meats, which is what Fainmous BBQ is known for.
Diners looking to support this business during BRW will have the option to choose from one meat dinner plate with a drink for $17.99; a two-meat dinner plate with a drink for $20.99; loaded tots topped with spicy queso for $12 (meat can be added for $5); a sandwich, side, and drink combo for $15; or a sammie with chips and a drink for $10.
A pineapple tea is complimentary with every entrée on the BRW menu, and meat options include ribs, sausage links, pulled pork, or pulled chicken.
Jamaica Pon di Road brings island vibes to Acres Homes.
Jamaica Pon Di Road
Acres homes
This Caribbean restaurant in Acres Homes is the perfect place for Houstonians wanting to feel like they’re on vacation among the spot’s straw umbrellas and giant deck.
This year, Jamaica Pon Di Road’s BRW special menu includes Rasta pasta—bowtie pasta covered in creamy vodka sauce seasoned with jerk spices, topped with an assortment of peppers—and a “nuff” food plate, which allows diners to choose from one entrée and two sides, both running $15.99. Or opt for an Eric Eats Combo, an oxtail cheesesteak with one oxtail eggroll and one of the restaurant’s three signature drinks, for $39.99. Vegan and vegetarian options are also available.
Ray’s Real Pit BBQ Shack
OST
This casual, family-owned barbecue spot on Old Spanish Trail prides itself on its smoked meats and fried treats.
This year, its BRW special menu offers four choices: the Max plate for $31.95, which includes four of Ray’s smoked meats with freshly battered fish and two sides; Ray’s brisket or turkey nachos for $14.95; a three-piece catfish and four shrimp for $22.95, served with one side; and the Big Herb Burger for $13.95, which is made with a half-pound burger patty topped with chopped brisket, bacon, shredded cheese, and warm barbecue sauce. Ray’s also serves beer and wine.
