Nestled in Houston's Third Ward, This Is It serves up hearty soul food staples like oxtails, mac 'n' cheese, and candied yams in a cozy, cafeteria-style setup perfect for a casual bite with that homemade feel.
"When the appeal of fancy restaurants has worn thin, and you want something straightforward and satisfying, turn to Houston This Is It, the archetype for good soul food in the city. Everyone convenes at the Third Ward spot over cups of sweet tea and styrofoam trays filled with one entree and three sides. We always get candied yams and mac and cheese." - gianni greene, chelsea thomas, julie takahashi
"Established in 1959, Houston This Is It Soul Food has an undeniable footprint in the Third Ward. It functions a bit like an elementary school cafeteria, but instead of square-cut slices of pizza and a fruit cup, trays are loaded with stewed oxtail, giant baked turkey wings, and smooth, buttery mashed potatoes. A standard dinner tray here comes with one entree and three sides, and you can’t go wrong with a fried chicken dinner and the classic mac and cheese-candied yam-cabbage trifecta to round out your plate. You’ll see just about everyone, from construction workers having fried fish on their lunch break, to college students making the most of their budget with discounted food trays." - chelsea thomas, gianni greene
"A soul food restaurant in Third Ward visited by Kelly Rowland, known for its pepper steak patties." - Brittany Britto Garley
"A dependable spot for classic Southern comfort food, Houston This Is It Soul Food has been in the Third Ward since 1959. When you order a plate from here, you choose your entree and sides elementary school cafeteria-style—except instead of square pizza, you’ll find rows of tender pork chops, gooey macaroni and cheese, sweet and spicy candied yams, and crispy fried chicken. Carrying your food back to your table feels significantly less intimidating than elementary school, plus we love their intimate patio outside. " - gianni greene, chelsea thomas
"A dependable spot for classic Southern comfort food, Houston This Is It Soul Food has been in the Third Ward since 1959. When you order a plate, you choose your entree and sides elementary school cafeteria-style—except instead of square pizza, you’ll find rows of tender pork chops, gooey macaroni and cheese, sweet and spicy candied yams, and crispy fried chicken. Carrying your food back to your table feels significantly less intimidating than elementary school, plus we love the intimate patio outside." - gianni greene, chelsea thomas
