These eateries serve up savory and Southern-style cooking like no one else

The upper Texas coast might not have the most soul food establishments, but it does have some of the best around. That’s not bragging, it’s just true. Fried chicken, smothered pork chops, sweet potatoes, fried ribs and even chitterlings are on the menu at these restaurants. So, if you’re craving some down-home comfort food, here’s where to go:

Allen’s Kitchen & Grill in Galveston features soul food staples like oxtails, greens, okra and cornbread. Photo by Stuart Villanueva

Allen’s Restaurant

This family owned soul food restaurant features mouth-watering homemade staples such as macaroni and cheese, sweet potatoes, cabbage and mustard greens. You’re going to want to try the seafood gumbo, fried pork chops and savory meatloaf, too. But save room for the sumptuous desserts.

3701 Winnie St., Galveston, 409.632.2176

Smothered pork chops are a favorite at Mama Frances’ Soul Kitchen in La Marque. Photo by Jennifer Reynolds

Mama Frances Soul Kitchen

This establishment is known as much for service as for the food. Among the customer favorites are the tender smothered oxtails or turkey necks with rice and gravy. And customers keep returning for the fried chicken and desserts such as Mama’s Peach Cobbler and Shirley’s Banana Pudding.

199 Vauthier St., La Marque, 409.935.6262

Chicken and waffles at OJ’s Soul Food & Seafood in Texas City is a sweet and savory dish for anytime of day. Photo by Kelsey Walling

OJ’s Soul Food & Seafood

This eatery might be the new kid on the block, but its food has a lot of soul. From chicken and waffles, seafood pasta, fried shrimp and fish dinners, to boudin balls and crawfish-stuffed boudin, you’ll find what you’re looking for. The traditional cheeseburger has a following, too. Ask about daily specials.

102 6th St. N., Texas City, 409.457.0812

Simp’s

For a large selection of all things soul food, this is a can’t-miss stop for locals and visitors. The Simpson family has been serving up its traditional soul food recipes, including its popular oxtails, fried chicken, gumbo, short ribs, smothered pork chops, greens, macaroni and cheese and broccoli rice and cheese, for years. There’s even enchiladas on Sundays. Loosen your belt. Portions are large.

110 state Highway 3, La Marque, 409.935.3200

ried ribs with rice and gravy, green beans and cornbread are available at Soul 2 Soul in Galveston. Patrons can order and entrée and two sides of their choice with cornbread at the restaurant. Photo by Kelsey Walling

Soul 2 Soul

Famous for its fried ribs, this island eatery also serves heaping portions of smothered pork chops, oxtails, potato salad and macaroni and cheese. Try the homemade banana pudding and made-from-scratch soups.

3104 Market St., Galveston, 409.539.4351

Viola & Agnes

If you love soul food mixed with a little Creole, then this is your spot. Once you enter the warm and homey environment of the restaurant and are greeted by the scent of savory gumbo or homemade chicken and waffles with honey butter, you’ll be hooked. The menu varies and can include dishes such as lobster and crab hushpuppies to red beans and rice, and shrimp and grits, just to name a few. If you like sides the most, the Jalapeño Blueberry Coleslaw is a must.

18091 Upper Bay Road, Houston/Nassau Bay, 281.333.2620