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Mac and cheese spots in Houston

A mac and cheese that offers something truly unique, rather than the same bland, baked-in-a-tray version you can make at home.

Based on 653 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Brisket & Rice image 1
Brisket & Rice image 2
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Barbecue restaurant

Old church building hosts a quirky Austin vibe with black-and-white wallpaper and sturdy wood/metal chairs. Indoor space feels loud and busy, filled with families and friends enjoying authentic BBQ aromas. Tables offer BBQ sauce in squeeze bottles, enhancing the casual, hands-on dining experience.

Fusion of Asian and Texas craft BBQ creates a unique flavor profile. Dishes like brisket fried rice stand out with their distinct combinations.

Creamy and delicious, the mac and cheese stands out with its rich texture. It pairs well with hearty dishes like brisket fried rice and sausage, making it a solid choice for a comforting meal.

People are saying

"The fried rice with brisket and Chinese sausage exceeded my expectations."

"The brisket Mac and Cheese is tender, juicy, and flavorful."

"I experienced a unique fusion of Asian cuisine and Texan barbecue."

Good to know

1

Expect long lines, especially on weekends; arrive early to avoid waiting.

2

Parking is limited; consider using overflow parking in the adjacent dirt area.

3

Beef ribs are served only on Saturdays, so plan your visit accordingly.

02
Emilia's Havana image 1
Restaurant

Hidden behind an unassuming kitchen, a speakeasy-style venue offers a vibrant Cuban atmosphere with dim lighting and vintage decor. Live Latin bands create an engaging, dance-friendly energy that draws a lively crowd. The space blends intimate live entertainment with a sense of exclusivity and fun.

A totally unique vibe fills the atmosphere with delicious flavors and great music creating an exclusive night experience.

Lobster mac and cheese comes in a huge portion that can feed five people. Truffle mac and cheese offers a rich and creamy texture that redefines comfort food.

People are saying

"The speakeasy atmosphere felt intimate with dim lighting and warm wood."

"The food here is incredible, a perfect 10 out of 10."

"The lobster mac and cheese was the best dish."

Good to know

1

There is a minimum spend of $100 per person.

2

Entry costs $25 per person.

3

Drinks are priced around $30 each.

03
Prime 131 image 1
Steak house

Open kitchen with custom grills and fire pit cooking creates an interactive dining experience. Atmosphere blends intimate Korean BBQ tables with outdoor seating, offering varied dining styles. Energy ranges from lively bar area to quieter, secluded spots ideal for date nights.

Appetizers include a dish with five crab cakes. The ricotta stuffed mac and cheese offers a unique twist on a classic side. The atmosphere and flavor profiles deliver a highly unique dining experience.

Creamy texture and rich flavors define the ricotta stuffed mac and cheese. It pairs well with steaks and stands out as a flavorful, perfectly cooked side.

People are saying

"The bone marrow here is beautifully prepared and very rich."

"The bar seating offers engaging service and great cocktails."

"The macaroni side here is a unique, delicious twist."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially for private rooms.

2

Valet parking is available, but free parking is also in the same lot.

3

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers for a limited time.

04
The Waffle Bus image 1
American restaurant

Bright neon signs and a vibrant red exterior create a bold visual identity. Spacious seating includes both indoor and outdoor options, with multiscreen nature videos adding a calming touch. Music plays loudly, contributing to an energetic atmosphere that complements the unique, waffle-themed decor.

Offers a unique twist on classic comfort food with a welcoming ambiance and charming character. Serves authentic tastes for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or snacks in a food truck setting.

Creamy mac and cheese appears on several dishes like the burger and hot mess fries. Kids enjoy the mac and cheese, and it pairs well with the chicken waffle sandwich.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, creative, and delicious."

"The White Cheddar Mac And Cheese was good."

"The Chicken Waffle Fryder Sandwiches are a unique and amazing combination."

Good to know

1

There is minimal parking available around the building.

2

The menu offers a variety of sweet and savory options made with fresh ingredients.

3

You place your order on a tablet, allowing for substitutions and clear upcharges.

05
Brenner's on the Bayou image 1

Multi-level outdoor deck overlooks a bayou with waterfalls and lush foliage, creating a romantic candlelit ambiance. Live music, including piano and guitar performances, adds to the relaxing atmosphere. The setting combines beautiful views with a covered patio bar and fire pits for a memorable dining experience.

Outdoor deck with bayou views and fire pits creates a unique dining experience. Large glass windows and a staircase add to the charming atmosphere.

Offers lobster mac and cheese that stands out as amazing and outstanding. The truffle mac and cheese and shrimp versions maintain high quality and consistency.

People are saying

"The outdoor space here is a beautiful, lush garden with a private vibe."

"The food here is outstanding and cooked to perfection."

"The lobster mac and cheese had an entire lobster tail."

Good to know

1

Happy hour menu features specials from 4-7pm on weekdays.

2

Reservations are required for dinner service, especially on weekends.

3

Valet parking costs $5, but can be crowded during peak hours.

06
Levant BBQ image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Modern interior blends Mediterranean touches with cowboy boot vases and cute lamps for a cozy yet sophisticated vibe. Warm and welcoming atmosphere invites diners to enjoy generous portions of halal barbecue. Complimentary soft serve ice cream adds a unique, casual finish to meals.

Smoky Texas BBQ meets a Syrian twist with vibrant spices and Halal Mediterranean flavors. Unique sides and generous portions set it apart from typical barbecue spots.

People are saying

"The food here is clean, flavorful, and the meats are the highlight."

"The brisket here is tender and seasoned perfectly."

"The brisket here is so tender and full of flavor."

Good to know

1

Levant BBQ is halal.

2

Levant BBQ does not serve pork.

3

Levant BBQ is the only halal brisket place I know in Houston.

07
Bungalow image 1
Steak house

Steak house offers a stylish, fast-paced vibe with a beautiful rooftop lounge and complimentary champagne on arrival. Music sets a perfect tone while bartenders craft notable cocktails. Seating varies, with some areas feeling narrow and others more private.

Food features unique flavors and careful preparation. The space offers a stylish bungalow vibe with a beautifully designed atmosphere.

Creamy texture with lobster chunks defines the mac and cheese here. It pairs well with rich dishes like steak and seafood, making it a hearty side option.

People are saying

"The service here is outstanding, with amazing recommendations."

"The mac and cheese is rich, creamy, and one of the best."

"The servers here are so educated about the menu and specials."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs until 7 PM with great deals on food and drinks.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially during busy hours.

3

A two-hour dining limit is enforced, not disclosed at reservation.

08
Tejas Brewery image 1

Rooftop brewery offers amazing skyline views and a relaxing breeze that create a laid-back atmosphere. Live music adds to the vibrant energy, while spacious seating welcomes groups, families, and dogs. The setting encourages sharing snacks and enjoying craft beers alongside a city backdrop.

Unique appetizers arrive with drinks, each bite packed with bold flavors. One-of-a-kind brews and seasonal offerings add to the distinct menu options.

Mac and cheese bites stand out with a rich, delicious flavor. The elote mac and cheese balls taste average and come in small portions priced at 18 dollars for three.

People are saying

"The food here has awesome service and atmosphere."

"Their Michelada mix is unique and changed my perception of them."

"The Mac and Cheese here is amazing and delicious."

Good to know

1

Tejas Brewery offers a brewery tour on the first floor for $10.

2

Happy hour runs from 3 to 6 PM on weekdays with discounted drinks.

3

Trivia night happens every Wednesday at 7 PM with no entry fee.

09
Taste of Texas image 1
Steak house

Steakhouse with a true Texan theme and museum-quality artifacts creates a bright, lively atmosphere. The space feels welcoming and festive, often featuring seasonal decorations and a salad bar accompanying meals. Families with children are common, making it less suited for quiet conversations.

Choosing your own steak from the butcher adds a very unique dining experience. The layout stands out for a BBQ spot, and the bar offers classic cocktails and unique drinks alongside a salad bar with unique dressings and toppings.

Sides include mac and cheese that stands out for its flavorful richness. It pairs well with dishes like ribeye steaks and Brussels sprouts.

People are saying

"The salad bar here is so fresh with tons of great options."

"The steaks here are perfectly cooked, juicy, and full of flavor."

"The ribeye was medium and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are essential, especially during peak times, to avoid long wait times.

2

Expect wait times of 3 to 4 hours without a reservation.

3

Parking can be difficult during busy hours; consider arriving early.

10
Doves Restaurant image 1
Southern restaurant (US)

Southern restaurant with beautiful, classy decor featuring deep green tones creates a sexy and elegant atmosphere. A live DJ plays hip hop music at a balanced volume, setting a lively yet conversational mood. The place draws those seeking a top-notch dining and entertainment experience.

Unique food menu offers flavors not found elsewhere. The ambience and design stand out with a distinct style. A doorman highlights the patio and amenities that add to the unique feel.

People are saying

"The lamb chops at these dinner spots are amazing."

"The service here is so attentive and professional, it's rare to find."

"You have to try the Mac and Cheese; it's perfect."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for busy weekends.

2

Bottomless mimosas are available for $17.99 during Saturday brunch.

3

Live music is featured during the week, enhancing the dining experience.

11
Toca Madera Houston image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with intimate dim lighting and thoughtful design creates a romantic, upscale vibe. Live DJ and fire dancers add dynamic energy alongside flaming cocktails and desserts. The crowd dresses up, enjoying a high-end experience with exceptional food and drinks.

Flaming Tomahawk presentations by the chef create a unique dining spectacle. Dim lighting, chic decor, a live DJ, electric guitarist, and fire thrower performer add a distinctive ambiance. Menu items and cocktails, including a green Bloody Mary, offer flavors not found elsewhere.

People are saying

"The food and atmosphere for dinner spots here are amazing."

"The food here is so flavorful and unique."

"I might return just for the truffle mac and cheese."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for special occasions like birthdays.

2

Happy hour is available on Tuesdays with discounted drinks.

3

Fire performers entertain guests on select Friday and Saturday nights.

12
Cutten Kitchen image 1
Southern restaurant (US)

Large open space with gorgeous interior and clean, well-kept environment creates a welcoming, family-friendly vibe. Music features a live DJ playing R&B and hip hop, keeping energy lively and upbeat. Plenty of seating offers good views for games and photo opportunities.

Food stands out with unique flavors and hot servings. Chips & Queso and chicken sliders offer distinctive tastes that differ from the ordinary.

Chicken pairs well with Cajun Grill seasoning alongside cheesy, traditional mac and cheese that stays true to classic, simple flavors.

People are saying

"The American food, like chicken and waffles, is so good."

"The food here is surprisingly unique and shockingly delicious."

"I thought the mac and cheese was exceptionally good."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 3-7pm with great deals on food and drinks.

2

Ladies night is on Thursdays featuring a DJ and special offers.

3

An 18% service charge is automatically added to bills for parties of two or more.

13
Juliet image 1
Steak house

Upscale steak house with a theater vibe and live saxophone music on Thursdays creates a relaxing atmosphere. Small, beautifully designed space includes a photo booth area separate from dining. Guests enjoy specialty cocktails and expertly cooked dishes like lamb chops and Korean short rib tacos.

A movie theme runs through the whole place, creating a theater vibe even before entering the dining room. Tables get popcorn as a unique touch, and the atmosphere offers plenty of spots for pictures.

Sides include white cheddar mac & cheese with bacon, truffle, and lobster. The dish is rich and flavorful, complementing the main courses well.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was delicious."

"The food here has a unique flavor that's a cut above ordinary."

"The Mac and Cheese was very cheesy and creamy."

Good to know

1

Valet parking is mandatory and costs $20.

2

Expect to pay around $800 for two people, including drinks.

3

Happy hour runs from 5:30 to 7 pm during the week.

14
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store image 1

Combination of restaurant and store creates a unique setting with colonial-style furniture and a large fireplace. Atmosphere feels warm and inviting, evoking a sense of relaxation and nostalgia. Seasonal decorations and old-school candies in the store add to the distinctive experience.

A combined store and restaurant creates a unique setting. The general store features distinctive products not found elsewhere, while the breakfast menu includes unique twists on classic dishes.

Mac and cheese comes with a burnt cheese topping by design, though some orders arrive without it. Variations include Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese and classic sides like mashed potatoes and biscuits.

People are saying

"The biscuits here are fantastic and the service is great."

"Ms. Kim's friendly personality made our dining experience unique."

"Their Mac and cheese was delicious and tasty."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging, so go early or later in the day to avoid the rush.

2

Expect long wait times, especially during peak hours; plan for at least 1-2 hours.

3

The restaurant has electric car chargers and large RV parking spaces available.

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