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Gumbo and étouffée in Houston

A bowl of gumbo and a plate of étouffée is the only way to get a full taste of the coast.

Based on 567 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Lil Kessie's Mobile Kitchen, LLC image 1
Lil Kessie's Mobile Kitchen, LLC image 2
Lil Kessie's Mobile Kitchen, LLC image 3
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Mobile kitchen serves authentic Louisiana soul food with large portions and spicy, flavorful dishes like gumbo, oxtails, and seafood okra. Atmosphere feels like home-cooked meals with stellar hospitality. Regulars include those seeking genuine Southern flavors and hearty meals.

Gumbo here is flavorful and packed with shrimp. The seafood gumbo stands out as rich and satisfying.

Crawfish etouffee stands out with rich, bold flavors. The dish pairs well with catfish and greens, creating a hearty, flavorful meal.

People are saying

"This gumbo tastes like it's right from Louisiana home."

"The crawfish étouffée here is to die for."

"The Jambalaya hit the spot with its spicy flavor."

Good to know

1

Portions are larger than most eateries in Houston.

2

They charge a fee for credit card payments; cash is preferred.

3

Expect authentic Louisiana flavors in every dish.

02
Treebeards image 1
Southern restaurant (US)

Cafeteria-style Southern restaurant with a hearty menu featuring chicken fried chicken and seafood gumbo. Atmosphere is not too noisy with plenty of seating, catering mainly to downtown workers. Prices stay reasonable, and proceeds support homeless aid.

Seafood gumbo stands out with rich flavors and pairs well with dishes like etouffee. The chicken and sausage gumbo complements jalapeño cornbread nicely, and the gumbo features a notable roux.

Baked catfish pairs with crawfish étouffée for a rich combo. The 'Rookie' plate offers half gumbo and half étouffée, with options like shrimp étouffée alongside red beans and rice.

People are saying

"This lunch spot's fried chicken is juicy and seasoned just right."

"The Rookie plate, half étouffée, is a good choice if you're unsure."

"The seafood gumbo here is amazing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but expect a busy lunch crowd.

2

Chocolate cake may not always be available; check before ordering.

3

The restaurant offers reasonable prices for generous portion sizes.

03
Abe's Cajun Market image 1
Cajun restaurant

Giant decorative tree anchors the dining room, creating a unique atmosphere with a laid-back, cozy vibe inspired by the bayou. The place fills up at lunch with a family-oriented, relaxed crowd enjoying authentic Cajun flavors in a semi self-serve setting.

Seafood gumbo stands out with dense Cajun flavors and pairs well with cornbread. Options include chicken and sausage gumbo and sides like red beans, creamy corn, and boudin, all offering rich, authentic tastes.

Crawfish etouffee stands out with rich, savory flavors. Shrimp etouffee also shines alongside dishes like gumbo and fried okra.

People are saying

"The fried shrimp and catfish platters here are great."

"I found the gumbo to be very good."

"The crawfish étouffée here is amazing and on point."

Good to know

1

Kids eat free at Abe's Cajun Market every Monday after 4 pm.

2

The price of the catfish platter is less than $20.

3

A large bowl of gumbo, cornbread, and a drink costs $12.

04
Kick’n Flavor image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant offers a quiet upscale setting with a family-oriented, welcoming vibe and candle-lit atmosphere. Music plays softly, enhancing the homey feel. Known for excellent daiquiris and high-quality Southern dishes like gumbo and étouffée.

Seafood Gumbo stands out with tender crab, juicy chicken, and a perfect blend of spices. Both Seafood and Chicken Gumbo offer rich, delicious flavors with a spicy kick.

Shrimp and crawfish étouffée comes topped on fried fish and served over rice. The étouffée tastes good but the rice can be extremely soggy as if it was sitting and reheated.

People are saying

"The seafood gumbo was heavenly and packed with flavor."

"The boudin here is smoked perfectly and so delicious."

"I plan to return to try the Étouffée again."

Good to know

1

Expect a 30-minute wait during peak hours.

2

Parking is ample and easily accessible.

3

Credit cards incur an additional $5 fee.

05
Calliope’s - South Main image 1

Bright, clean, modern interior creates an upscale yet welcoming atmosphere. Energy stays warm and inviting, with a focus on authentic Cajun flavors and generous portions. Known for best crawfish, exceptional poboys, and crispy seafood baskets, it stands out as a genuine Cajun spot with reasonable prices.

Gumbo stands out with its very flavorful broth and okra that adds a nice touch. It ranks above typical versions found elsewhere and pairs well with other dishes like seafood boil and shrimp po-boy.

Sauce features a yellow, creamy, buttery roux that differs from the usual tomato base. The etouffee sauce tastes rich and the Cajun Pasta version comes with a very spicy kick.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, tasty, and reminds me of home."

"The gumbo here is flavorful and made my mouth water."

"The shrimp and crawfish étouffée was delicious."

Good to know

1

Prices are reasonable, especially for the generous portions offered.

2

The restaurant is very clean and well-maintained.

3

Happy hour is available, providing discounts on select items.

06
Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seafood restaurant with a classic vintage look and vibrant, upbeat atmosphere. Loud music and busy crowd create a noisy environment that suits special occasions and romantic dinners. Indoor lighting and outdoor seating offer varied dining experiences.

Seafood gumbo stands out with rich, deep flavors. The Swamp Thing and other gumbo varieties deliver excellent taste that deserves attention.

Spicy etouffee features large shrimp and crawfish with a rich, flavorful sauce. It pairs well with dirty rice and sometimes comes with blackened chicken or catfish.

People are saying

"The food here is always so delicious."

"I loved their Gumbo; it was so good."

"The crawfish étouffée here is excellent, maybe the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for larger parties or busy times.

2

Expect a 15-20 minute wait even on weeknights with empty tables.

3

The restaurant has a limited vegetarian option, mainly Greek salad.

07
Creole Kitchen and Daiquiris image 1

Small, cute dining space with a quaint picture wall and background R&B music sets a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. A drive-thru service adds convenience despite the location next to a gas station. The vibe stays warm and lively with great music enhancing the mood.

Gumbo comes with rice and offers a Creole flavor that matches traditional Louisiana style. Options include a lunch special and to-go servings paired with po’boys.

Shrimp and crawfish etouffee stands out for its rich flavor and pairs well with fried catfish. The dish consistently impresses with its creole style and hearty portions.

People are saying

"The seafood here is immaculate, especially the crispy fish."

"The seafood gumbo was amazing, rated 10/10."

"I was shocked at how delicious the shrimp and crawfish étouffée was."

Good to know

1

Daily lunch specials are available, check the menu for details.

2

Free Daiquiris are offered when the Texans win a game.

3

The restaurant is located next to a gas station, which may surprise visitors.

08
BB's Tex-Orleans image 1
Cajun restaurant

Casual space blends Texas and New Orleans styles with New Orleans wooden art and upbeat music from the 70s and 80s. Atmosphere feels comfortable and full of character, with a dog-friendly outdoor patio featuring ceiling fans and heat lamps. Energy stays relaxed, making it easy to hold conversations.

Offers chicken sausage gumbo with a rich, flavorful base. Combines gumbo with other dishes like Boudin balls and empanadas for a hearty meal.

People are saying

"You have to try the shrimp and grits; they're amazing."

"I highly recommend the chicken and sausage gumbo."

"The redfish étouffée was good."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers $5 frozen drinks from 3 pm.

2

Kids eat free on Tuesdays.

3

Happy hour features discounted oysters and drinks.

09
Hebert's Specialty Meats image 1
Meat products store

Clean, sunlit space combines meat market and authentic Cajun eatery with separate entrances. Atmosphere balances wide variety of fresh and frozen meats with limited seating in the eatery. Regular deliveries from Louisiana support genuine regional flavors and specialty processing services.

Gumbo and crawfish etouffee stand out as flavorful dishes here. The gumbo served is frozen, which affects its freshness compared to other places.

Crawfish étouffée stands out with a rich, flavorful taste. It pairs well with the gumbo, both offering a satisfying, hearty experience.

People are saying

"You have to try their Cajun food; the gumbo and crawfish etouffee are amazing."

"I've been stopping by this lunch spot for years for a good meal."

"I found the crawfish étouffée to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Hebert's Specialty Meats offers a wide variety of fresh and frozen meats.

2

They process wild deer and hogs if brought in, skinned and quartered.

3

The eatery has limited seating, which may require waiting during busy times.

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