ChòpnBlọk

"We’re big fans of ChòpnBlọk downtown because of their fast-casual bowls flying out of the food stall. And this Montrose location is like an expansion pack of the first concept, with the same bowls making appearances, and some added newcomers. Like the Black Star Bowl, packed with grilled shrimp laced in a peanut-based dry rub and a delicious waakye fried rice with enough smokiness, we are considering it for our BBQ guide. The inside of this spot is still as vibrant—every corner filled with bright kente patterns, decorative calabash draped in cowrie shells, and artwork by West African artists." - gianni greene, chelsea thomas

"Expanded from a food stall in Downtown’s Post Houston, this new standalone Montrose restaurant is a vibrant celebration of the African diaspora that you can see, feel, and taste. While taking in the intricate decor, diners can indulge in robust combinations of West African staples like Nigerian beef red stew served with rice, beans, and plantains, and perfectly charred suya, tender skewered beef served with a yaji peanut pepper spice. The cocktails, many of which are made with African spirits, are also something to behold. Try the Dodo Old Fashioned, a mix of spiced plantain blended with bourbon, palm sugar, and bitters that’s garnished with bruleed plantain, or the Chopman, a refreshing combination of gin, citrus, hibiscus grenadine, cucumber, mint, orange soda, and bitters." - Brittany Britto Garley

"What began as a food stall in Post Houston has evolved into a beloved Montrose hotspot serving up West African eats and inventive libations. With the opening of its standalone space last fall, ChopnBlok introduces a new weekday happy hour from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Diners can relax while taking advantage of half-off its signature cocktails, which include West African flavors, like its plantain Old Fashioned. There are also $5 craft beers, $6 refreshers (mocktails), and wine selections for $9 or less. A rotating menu of food specials makes it easy to sample the restaurant’s vibrant dishes, while a live DJ on Mondays underscores ChopnBlok’s commitment to “good food and good beats.”" - Brianna Griff

"At this fast-casual food stall in POST Houston, Nigerian American chef Ope Amosu has amplified the beauty and range of cuisines across the African diaspora through customizable bowls that come with options like jollof rice, Liberian greens, braised collards, sweet plantains, and East African-style coconut curry. His second outpost, which opened in Montrose in October, features an even more expansive menu, with beef suya, red stew, and yassa curry with shrimp, plantain bread pudding, and cocktails showcasing African spirits and flavors, including an Old Fashioned made with plantain syrup and garnished with bruleed plantain. Take the owner’s lead and try one of the restaurant’s Blok pairings: The Motherland and Trad are terrific starting points." - Brittany Britto Garley

"Expanded from a food stall in Downtown’s Post Houston, this new standalone Montrose restaurant is a vibrant celebration of the African diaspora that you can see, feel, and taste. While taking in the intricate decor, diners can indulge in robust combinations of West African staples like Nigerian beef red stew served with rice, beans, and plantains, and perfectly charred suya, tender skewered beef served with a yaji peanut pepper spice. The cocktails, many of which are made with African spirits, are also something to behold. Try the Dodo Old Fashioned, a mix of spiced plantain blended with bourbon, palm sugar, and bitters that’s garnished with bruleed plantain, or the Chopman, a refreshing combination of gin, citrus, hibiscus grenadine, cucumber, mint, orange soda, and bitters." - Brittany Britto Garley