"This one’s possibly the youngest “classic” in Houston but no less worthy. James Beard Award-nominated chef Chris Williams cements his great-great-grandmother Lucille B. Smith’s legacy at this Houston restaurant, which touts favorites like her legendary chili biscuits. The handmade biscuits are dressed up with house chili, cheddar cheese, and harissa cream, and were the stepping stone for what is deemed the first hot roll mix in the States. Also to try: the yardbird (buttermilk-brined fried chicken served with braised greens and peppercorn gravy); oxtail tamales or the braised oxtails piled over chile-flecked cheddar grits; and, as a classic starter, the boudin balls." - Marcy de Luna