Houston's This Is It
Permanently Closed
Classic soul food diner: oxtails, mac 'n' cheese, candied yams
Classic soul food diner: oxtails, mac 'n' cheese, candied yams
"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 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
"Houston This Is It in the Third Ward is a soul food spot that delivers comfort food in a relaxed setting that feels like one big exhale. A standard dinner tray comes with one entree and three sides, and once you’ve decided on a main, it’s best to be strategic with your choice of sides. Generally, a standard macaroni and cheese-candied yam-cabbage trio will do the trick (they’re soul food heavy hitters, after all). But if you’re getting an entree with a little sauce (think smothered turkey wings), you’ll need some rice to ensure no sauce is left behind. Most folks here are regulars and can be found chatting with the staff, but if it’s your first time here, try to have your introduction with a side of oxtail on a Thursday or Saturday when they’re served." - gianni greene
"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
