Taste Kitchen + Bar

Brunch restaurant · Downtown

Taste Kitchen + Bar

Brunch restaurant · Downtown

5

420 Main St, Houston, TX 77002, USA

Photos

Taste Kitchen + Bar by null
Taste Kitchen + Bar by null
Taste Kitchen + Bar by null
Taste Kitchen + Bar by null
Taste Kitchen + Bar by null
Taste Kitchen + Bar by null
Taste Kitchen + Bar by null
Taste Kitchen + Bar by null
Taste Kitchen + Bar by null
Taste Kitchen + Bar by null
Taste Kitchen + Bar by null
Taste Kitchen + Bar by null
Taste Kitchen + Bar by null
Taste Kitchen + Bar by null
Taste Kitchen + Bar by null
Taste Kitchen + Bar by null
Taste Kitchen + Bar by null
Taste Kitchen + Bar by null
Taste Kitchen + Bar by null
Taste Kitchen + Bar by null
Taste Kitchen + Bar by null
Taste Kitchen + Bar by null
Taste Kitchen + Bar by null
Taste Kitchen + Bar by null
Taste Kitchen + Bar by null
Taste Kitchen + Bar by null
Taste Kitchen + Bar by null
Taste Kitchen + Bar by null
Taste Kitchen + Bar by null
Taste Kitchen + Bar by null
Taste Kitchen + Bar by null
Taste Kitchen + Bar by null
Taste Kitchen + Bar by null
Taste Kitchen + Bar by null
Taste Kitchen + Bar by null
Taste Kitchen + Bar by null
Taste Kitchen + Bar by null
Taste Kitchen + Bar by null
Taste Kitchen + Bar by null
Taste Kitchen + Bar by null
Taste Kitchen + Bar by null
Taste Kitchen + Bar by null

Highlights

Late-night chicken & waffles menu plus fusion Southern fare & cocktails served in a casual space.  

Featured in Eater
Placeholder

420 Main St, Houston, TX 77002, USA Get directions

tastedowntownhtx.com
@tastekitchenbar

$$ · Menu

Reserve

Information

Static Map

420 Main St, Houston, TX 77002, USA Get directions

+1 713 485 5803
tastedowntownhtx.com
@tastekitchenbar

$$ · Menu

Reserve

Features

dine in
takeout
delivery
payment credit card
Tap to pay
reservations
wifi
outdoor seating

Last updated

Mar 4, 2025

Powered By

You might also like

Terms of Use • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy
 © 2025 Postcard Technologies, Inc.
@eater

"A location of popular Houston all-day brunch restaurant Taste Bar and Kitchen, owned by chef Don Bowie, should open on 17th Street at nearby high rise the Atlantic." - Beth McKibben

A Second Location of Brunch and Breakfast Restaurant Atlanta Breakfast Club Is Opening at Atlantic Station in Midtown Atlanta - Eater Atlanta
View Postcard for Taste Kitchen + Bar
@eater

"Taste Bar and Kitchen announced support for Turkey Leg Hut's dress code and plans to enforce a similar policy. The announcement received mixed feedback from its Instagram followers, with some supporting the move and others viewing it as exclusionary." - Amy McCarthy

After Turkey Leg Hut’s Dress Code Drama, Midtown Restaurant Taste Bar and Kitchen Follows Suit - Eater Houston
View Postcard for Taste Kitchen + Bar
@eater

"Houston bartender Bevin Biggers claims she was fired for questioning and tweeting openly about her restaurant’s response to news that an employee had allegedly tested positive for the virus. Taste Bar and Kitchen allegedly continued to serve customers even after a staff member caught coronavirus." - Brittanie Shey

Taste Bartender Says She Was Fired After Complaining About Covid-19 Mismanagement - Eater Houston
View Postcard for Taste Kitchen + Bar
@eater

"Bevin Biggers, a bartender at Taste Bar + Kitchen, rented a U-Haul truck and stationed herself at various spots downtown to hand out more than 10,000 bottles of water, several hundred snack packs, and first aid kits to protesters marching for George Floyd." - Brittanie Shey

A Houston Bartender Kept Marchers Hydrated and Fed as They Honored the Life of George Floyd - Eater Houston
View Postcard for Taste Kitchen + Bar
@eater

"Taste Bar & Kitchen, a new destination for all things waffles, will officially make its debut in Midtown Houston this week. The restaurant will open at 3015 Bagby Street, offering a menu that’s focused on sweet and savory interpretations of the classic pairing of chicken and waffles. In addition to brunch service, the restaurant will also be open until midnight daily and 2 a.m. on the weekends to satisfy any late-night waffle cravings." - Amy McCarthy

Late-Night Waffles Arrive This Week In Midtown [Updated] - Eater Houston
View Postcard for Taste Kitchen + Bar

DeMariah Benoit

Google
I loved all the food! The BBQ wings were amazing—definitely my favorite! The oxtail and grits had the perfect blend of flavors, and the gumbo was delicious. The jerk chicken had just the right amount of spice, and the cheesecake was the best I’ve ever had. Everything was fantastic, but one thing I didn’t appreciate was being charged an extra gratuity after 10 PM without prior notice. We finished before 9:50 PM but didn’t receive our bill until 10:06 PM, and then got hit with the fee. While I’ll definitely return for the food, I don’t recommend going late since these fees aren’t mentioned or listed on the menu. We ended up paying almost $15 per ticket, and there were only four of us. I would recommend letting people know this. Besides this we were welcomed with love and smiles. I’ll be back, during the day 😉💜

Hope Ogunbamiyo

Google
This is by far one of my favorite spots in H-town!!!! From the time you walk in the door to the time you leave, this place is a vibe. The staff are EXCELLENT, the food is SPECTACULAR, and the ambiance is BEAUTIFUL!!! This black-owned restaurant is nothing short of EXTRAORDINARY!!!!!!! I’ve not had one bad experience with food or service. The management walks around checking on the patrons and keeping the positive vibes flowing. Definitely add this spot to your plans!!! Not a bad thing on the menu…and every single Elevated Grits plate is fabulous…you are welcome!!!!!!!!!!🤗

Anthony Parris

Google
I had the pleasure of celebrating my birthday brunch at Taste Kitchen and Bar in Houston, and it was an amazing experience. The restaurant itself is super cute, and the service from our waiter was fantastic. But the true star of the experience was the food. We started with the jerk lamb chops, which were phenomenal—probably the best meal I've had in a long time. I highly recommend them! We also tried the lobster mac and cheese, which was rich and delicious, paired perfectly with collard greens on the side. I absolutely loved that dish. Next, we had the grits with catfish. While the catfish left something to be desired—it was a bit bland and lacking in flavor—the grits were a standout. They were seasoned beautifully, and I wish I had gotten more. The drinks were cute and tasted great, adding to the fun of the brunch. Overall, I can’t wait to return to Taste Kitchen and Bar for another fantastic meal.

BB

Google
Great spot to go for Brunch. The food and drinks are great, you will not be let down. The service is wonderful. Everyone is kind, polite and respectful. This restaurant is always busy.

Kendra Horton

Google
If you're ever in Houston, you have to check out Taste Kitchen +Bar. Great ambiance with excellent food and drinks. The service was phenomenal as well. I ordered the shrimp and grits as well as a French 75. Soooo good! My cousin ordered the oxtail and grits and that was delicious too! The oxtail were tender and seasoned to perfection. Next time I'm in Houston, I'll definitely be back!

Khrissy Gibson

Google
Great place for some great and amazing food. The staff is very knowledgeable and friendly. The food is very flavorful, hot and fresh. My husband and I could not stop talking about the fried chicken smothered in gravy. The Best in Texas. The lobster bites are a must to try.

LT

Google
Overall experience was great, it took our party of 4 30 minutes to get a table at 8pm. What I didn’t like was to make a reservation on line will cost you $50 per person in your party. Regardless if you eat $50 dollars worth or not, the money will be placed on your bill and you are not refunded the difference. Food had flavor in every bite, drinks are strong, but service was slow. During rush hour I feel the establishment did their best to accommodate everyone. No parking on site. It’s DOWNTOWN!!

Joseph Robinson Entertainment

Google
**Taste Kitchen, Houston, TX – A Hidden Gem for Comfort Food Lovers** Nestled in the heart of Houston, Taste Kitchen offers a blend of comforting, Southern-inspired dishes with a contemporary twist. Whether you're a foodie seeking new flavors or someone just looking for a satisfying meal, this place has something to offer. ### Atmosphere The restaurant has a laid-back, welcoming vibe with modern yet homey decor. The staff is warm and attentive, making sure you feel right at home. While it’s not a high-end establishment, the casual setting makes it ideal for anyone looking for a relaxed dining experience. ### Food The menu at Taste Kitchen is packed with soulful dishes, and their focus on quality ingredients shines through. Here’s a quick breakdown of some standout items: **Chicken and Waffles** A fan favorite, this dish perfectly balances crispy fried chicken with fluffy, golden waffles. The chicken is well-seasoned with a delightful crunch, while the waffles have a buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with their house-made syrup. **Shrimp and Grits** If you're into seafood, their shrimp and grits are a must-try. The grits are creamy, and the shrimp is cooked to perfection, bathed in a rich, flavorful sauce that adds depth without overpowering the dish. **Pork Chops** The grilled pork chops are juicy and tender, served with sides like collard greens and mac 'n' cheese. Each bite is packed with smoky, savory goodness that showcases the kitchen's ability to elevate classic Southern dishes. **Vegetarian Options** Though heavy on meat-centric dishes, Taste Kitchen doesn’t leave vegetarians behind. Their veggie plate, loaded with seasonal vegetables and grains, is a lighter but equally flavorful option. ### Drinks The drink selection includes a variety of craft beers and wines, plus refreshing house-made lemonades and teas that complement the Southern comfort food. ### Service Service is efficient and friendly, with staff going the extra mile to ensure you're satisfied. They’re quick to recommend dishes or adjust based on dietary preferences. ### Value For the quality and portion sizes, Taste Kitchen offers good value. You’re looking at a mid-range price point, but it feels justified considering the fresh ingredients and the generous servings. ### Final Verdict Taste Kitchen is a great spot for anyone in Houston looking to indulge in comforting Southern fare with a modern edge. The inviting atmosphere, friendly service, and standout dishes make it worth a visit, whether you're craving a hearty meal or something a little more refined. **Rating: 4.5/5**

Darlene O.

Yelp
Not my first time dining at Taste but first time at this new location. Well it's new to me lol. LOVED it! I had to ask myself why I hadn't been back since my first time trying. It definitely wasn't that I didn't enjoy the food because the food and drinks and happy hour specials were amazing. It had to be because of the parking. It's downtown off Main Street. I was fortunate to snag a parking space off Prairie St which was free I guess after a certain time. I arrived after 6:30pm and when I tried to pay through ParkHouston it said $0 for 12 hours, maximum parking. I did see a $12 lot and then other random street parking on my drive to the restaurant. HAPPY HOUR SPECIALS Monday through Friday $8 frozens, there are other drink deals but I can't remember. $8 for 8 wings and $1 per additional wing (add in increments of 2) $6 lamb chops (jerk or garlic herb) DRINKS I ordered the peach frozen drink and it was veryyyyy good. It had something carbonated in it not sure if it was a wine or sprite but it was a refreshing spin. FOOD JERK LAMB CHOPS I highly recommend this. The $6 special is what lured me in and my server Toni suggested I get the jerk option. She was spot on with her recommendation. It was perfectly cooked at medium temperature how I wanted it and seasoned well. I loved this so much I ordered two more to go and a side of garlic mashed potatoes. GARLIC MASHED POTATOES Nothing award winning but still good. The price is kind of hefty at $7. Any additions like cheese or gravy is an extra $3. At that price point the cheese and/or gravy shouldn't be an extra charge in my opinion. CHICKEN WINGS From their Instagram page I thought the special was $1 per wing. It's only offered after you buy 8 wings for $8 minimum. I highly recommend the spicy ranch (suggested by my waitress Toni) and orange pepper flavors breaded. Sooooo good and crispy and perfectly seasoned. Served with ranch dressing but not needed. I also ordered two mango habanero and I wasn't a big fan of these. TASTE OF SOUL REALLY enjoyed this dish and they give you a ton of food. I ordered dark. Got a leg and thigh fried and in brown gravy atop white rice with collard greens and yams. Chicken was well seasoned which I didn't expect nothing less because I enjoyed the wings so much. Because I wanted to try everything I kept my sides and added BACON GOUDA MAC. What I would do next time is skip the Mac and cheese (I will explain later) and sub the mashed potatoes or try the corn instead of the greens. The greens were kind of bitter. I had to add hot sauce to finish it. Not heavy on the turkey. There is turkey but it's not prominent. I love big visible pieces of turkey throughout my greens and when I received it I had to dig through the greens to see strings of turkey meat sparsely throughout the collard greens. Kind of disappointing. The yams were excellent. Perfect amount of sweetness and still had some firmness. Also comes with a cornbread waffle. Unique way to serve cornbread. It was ok. I would have liked it sweeter and a bit softer/not as dry. It wasn't hard but I love my cornbread sweet and moist. BACON GOUDA MAC Heaping cup of Mac and cheese with chopped bacon on top. It wasn't bad but I am not a fan of a creamy, wet Mac and cheese. I prefer a dry and cheesy Mac and cheese like a macaroni pie. That is my only complaint taste was good though. SERVICE I enjoyed my server Toni. She was attentive, responsive and she provided great suggestions when I asked. She also bagged my items! VIBES I almost didn't come because I had read multiple reviews that mentioned the music was too loud. I actually thought it was a good volume. 90s and early 2000s R&B played (Aaliyah, Mary J Blige, Dru Hill, Isley Bros etc). I was able to take a phone call during my dinner. What I will say is the two tables next to me were talking loud so I couldn't enjoy the music as I would have liked but I don't think their music is intolerably loud or as one reviewer said club loud. VIEWS The restaurant is two stories. I had the perfect seat in the corner to the right when you reach the top of the stairs. Loved the floor to ceiling windows. I can't wait to come back.

Cary N.

Yelp
The food is delicious here. Ordered some buffalo wings to go with our drinks and they had heat. So flavorful but good with spice. The drinks are made well too. The restaurant is a bit dark and music kinda loud but it was clean and had full of people. The service was good and professional.

Christine N.

Yelp
Came here for my brothers birthday and it ended in tragedy. We were running late but my brothers had the table and were putting in orders for us. The waitress harassed them, threatening to call the manager after 30 minutes stating that she 'wasn't making money if they just sat at the table.' They hadn't even gotten their food yet. Fast forward, we get there and she's hassling them to pay, but OUR food orders hadn't even hit the table yet. So why is half the table paying and being rushed out?! Laughable. Literally she was rushing my brothers out while we waited for our food. It was a mess. Happy Birthday right? She didn't care. I have never seen this kind of behavior before but my sister said it was common in this this type of restaurant, I don't even know what that means. I feel this restaurant is all hype. The food is mediocre and they are predatory to a crowd that they feel will accept this abuse. I understand time limits on tables, but do it with tact and within reason. If your kitchen still has orders to fulfill at the table, relax and complete the transaction. Stop being aggressive and bullying patrons with your own issues for monetary gain. There were plenty of open tables in the restaurant that day, so I am guessing she just wanted to turn tables quickly for her benefit regardless of the consumer experience. SAD! I urge this restaurant to get better staff and keep them trained! I will not be returning EVER.

Andre D.

Yelp
Food was delicious, delightful, and delectable. Ambiance was amazing! The best part of our experience was our excellent server Danielle! She was welcoming and wonderful and provided 1st class service!

Shaundria S.

Yelp
I arrived there 30 minutes before closing and was told we have 10 mins to put our order in and I was okay with that. They made sure we will get our food but I didn't feel rushed. I order the lemon pepper wings with a side of collard greens, I also order I believe it was a blueberry lavender martini. I can tell it a vibe in there but since we wasn't there that long I can't tell you for sure. Next time I'm in Houston I will for sure be back and order the lamb chops.

Tiffany J.

Yelp
I can tell you know that this place is always crowded! The vibe is super casual. They play r&b music (which I love). If you are planning to visit, be sure to book a reservation. Once we made it, they sat us within five minutes. The sever was super helpful and friendly. We started out with drinks and appetizers and got them pretty quickly. I ordered the oxtails and grits. They were good, but they don't give enough for the price. Maybe it was a bad batch. The oxtails didn't have enough meat on them. I also had bacon and eggs. They were good and prepared the way I like them. This is a cool brunch spot that is definitely worth the try if you are in the area!

Anne Marie O.

Yelp
I wanted to love it but: Ambiance: Music was as loud a you would expect for a club, during lunch! Food was SO SALTY!!! And overpriced. The amount was good but every item was over seasoned. Even the spinach sale was y in dressing. I wanted to love it but will not be going back. Pros: service AWESOME AAND FRIENDLY and the sangria was STOUT!

Charmaine E.

Yelp
10 out of 10-- highly recommend!! This spot is too cute not to add to your list of places to visit! The Jerk Lamb did not disappoint, and the sweet potato waffles, chefs kiss!! Now I could have done without the Mac and cheese (or it might have been a off day) but the greens gave everything and a little extra! Not to mention, everything that passed our table looked amazing and smelled amazing the drinks, the food, some of the staff ‍ Enjoy your visit to Taste Kitchen + Bar, it is an experience!! Also, make a reservation.. you've been warned.

Faith J.

Yelp
Came here for brunch yesterday! The wait time was not along and we were seated as soon as we walked in. Also to mention, ASK for Erin!! She was amazing and very attentive towards us. The management was on point and the other workers made us feel welcomed! My friend and I got the smothered fries as an appetizer and it was super delicious , I wish they added more gravy onto it though. I ordered the catfish sandwich and the gouda macaroni cheese and it came out super hot. My friend ordered the taste breakfast and everything looked amazing. I would recommend brunch, date night, or any special occasion.

Vaughn O.

Yelp
Came here for brunch during anniversary weekend. Great ambience, great food, great boozy mimosas, great service.

Barbara C.

Yelp
The food was excellent, even though we had to wait a while for our table. It was well worth it. The atmosphere was terrific, and I will be back! Q

Daezha B.

Yelp
This place is a MUST every time I'm in Houston! This time was a little different, as I was unable to physically go there due to conference obligations. However, I was excited to see that they were on UberEats! I ordered shrimp and grits with a side of fruity pebbles waffles. Everything was 10/10! I didn't take pictures due to it not being as aesthetically pleasing as it would be dining in, but the flavor profile was just as amazing as always!

Angie M.

Yelp
Food was perfect and no waiting for a table on a Saturday evening! The atmosphere was great, music was loud but upbeat. Made it a little difficult to converse at our table. The service could have been more attentive. I would go back. After dinner we headed next door to Off the Record for a drink.

Christone M.

Yelp
I love chicken and soul food ...... but this was just horrible . The service is great . The ambiance is cool it had live music ........ but the food was just overpriced and no eatable . For 40$ I expected a bit more food but @ a " black owned " I kind of expected it. The mash potatoes was just extra salty . The chicken white meat salty . The breast ... wasn't fresh and hard to eat. Ended up tossing it away..... Although I must say I had the jerk chicken there once before it was tasty but ... I would say this place is a hit or miss ... stick to the drinks and vibes . You'll be risking it by ordering expensive salty food .

Chynna M.

Yelp
Went to yelp looking for something quick to eat and found this spot. I think I got lucky with the parking so I can't talk too much about that. The grits were so good! The jumbo was also great. And the drinks did the job lol. The service was friendly,quick, and they made sure to keep checking on us. Very spacious as far as seating definitely will be back again!

Melissa G.

Yelp
Amazing fries! I wish we could have tasted the rest of the food! Absolutely awful service- didn't order our entree as we just sat at the bar ignored. Such a weird experience as we were so exited to try the chicken and waffles . Ended up paying our bill and leaving.

Beverly F.

Yelp
Late night live music and pretty good food. The service was excellent! The music and live entertainment was great. Hubby however couldn't get his wings cooked crispy like he requested twice. He was disappointed and asked to have them taken off of the bill. Overall nice spot.

Genae W.

Yelp
Although I was shocked about the wait time on an early morning weekday I can definitely understand after visiting this establishment why it's a Houston destination. The waiters and servers are pleasant, there is seating, good music, and the food.... The food was freshly prepared and everyone was pleased with their entree. Perfectly prepared lamb chops, well fried catfish, and biscuit waffles that melt in your mouth. There were no to go plates because all plates were cleaned!

Dia T.

Yelp
Wait time is a little long for a reason. Food is good, service is friendly and good- HOWEVER, during my last visit we waited forever and were starving... so we ordered appetizers. Our meal came and we never got the appetizers we were waiting to dig into! It is a loud setting with everyone's excitement and noise e going through the establishment- but who cares- the food is great!

Adrienne M.

Yelp
Taste Kitchen + Bar is such a VIBE! Perfect for brunch or dinner, date nights, girls nights, etc. The guy sitting next to my friend and I even had his laptop out. If you looked them up already, I know their waffles caught your eye and that is exactly what I ordered. Half with chocolate chip and half with fruit. It was delicious! I loved their beverage options as well. Strawberry orange juice, fresh squeezed lemonade and orange juice. Mix them together and they'll serve you a "sunrise." Service was on POINT! I wasn't feeling the best this day and lost my voice, our waiter was patient and made sure I had tea and honey the entire time. If you're looking for a spot with good food, music, drinks and service, Taste Kitchen + Bar is your SPOT!

Diona W.

Yelp
I meet a friend here before going to a performance around the corner. I did not have high hopes since I went to the first location in Midtown before it closed. First it is a big spot and cute but the bar stools are not realistic. They are cute but no one older than 30 would enjoy sitting in the cork looking barstool. Service is terrible! I ordered one drink and it took 20mins plus my friend asking three people if we could get my drink to which one said she would find our waiter. Our waitress we saw maybe three times in a span of two hours. I will say one young man was nice and when he asked if we needed something he came back in minutes with what we wanted. Food: the chicken wings were perfect! They were crispy and seasoned really well. My friend got the greens and another side but I don't remember what it was. The greens were good as well. My sweet potatoes were far too sweet and I love sweets. The Gouda Mac and cheese could have used some garlic and onion powder along with all the other seasonings. Drinks: my friend said the strawberry lemon drop was better than the regular. The two drinks I got were just too sweet for my liking. All in all would I go back? No. Am I surprised by the service? No. I love going to black restaurants but I have a standard for all restaurants and sadly many are lacking in service.

Jamie A.

Yelp
I use to love taste, bar and kitchen. Think with new management and change of location it has gone down in quality. The food is still good and I often frequent to take guest from out of town, but I do not rush to go anymore. Server is usually good, but sometimes out of touch and often when I first walk in the restaurant, the hostess are not the most friendly, they seem like they are irritated with their job. Cool atmosphere for downtown.

Jennifer M.

Yelp
My favorite brunch spot. I love the pecans waffles and Nashville hot chicken. Perfect combination. I met a friday here with my baby. Not kids friendly at all lol. But he just seat in his stroller which was ok. We seat upstairs so the music wasn't too loud.

Beth K.

Yelp
My boyfriend and I stumbled upon this restaurant while walking Around downtown, and I have never been happier. We decided to try some breakfast and when I say it was amazing, it was amazing! We tried the fruity pebbles waffles and the avocado toast with eggs on top. Wow! That's the word I have to use because it was amazing! Wow! The fruity pebbles waffles came with 3 small ones. They had fruity pebbles baked into each one, yumm!! Hot syrup was served on the side and some lightly powder sugar on top. Holy cow were these good! Just blown away. My boyfriend had the avocado toast with scrambled eggs on top and he said, the best he's ever had. We were blown away by the food. It was so good and by the time we were done, there was a line of people waiting to be seated. Now I need to add, the restaurant was beautiful, welcoming and comfortable. The service was by far top notch and we had such a wonderful experience. I highly recommend this beautiful Houston gem! Run, don't walk! I can't wait to go back and try more of the menu!! I wish I'd gotten photos but we enjoyed this so much, we forgot! Go try this gem out!!

Nicole D.

Yelp
Taste was a wonderful culinary experience. While there is a bit of a wait, we got lucky and snagged seats for 2 at the bar. The bar offers full service and the entire team there was absolutely wonderful. We enjoyed Sunday brunch with champagne and of course had to try some chicken and waffles but that blackened chicken sandwich with a fried egg has my heart. We'll def be back but prob during the week when it's not as busy. The ambiance was very casual, great music, and a friendly vibe.

Susan B.

Yelp
We had a party of 7 so had to wait as staff got the table ready. The girls were thirsty after our 5 block walk and needed water. Cool place, industrial, has upstair seating as well. We came for breakfast so started with mimosas, strawberry and watermelon. We decided on the Taste Breakfast Sandwich but somehow got the Taste Breakfast which comes with all the regular breakfast item which was fine. There are different menus for breakfast and lunch. Really wanted to try something different. Next time...

Sharda B.

Yelp
Pulled up to Taste Kitchen and Bar for a brunch biz meeting, and it was straight fire ! Shoutout to our host Paige, who brought all the good vibes and made sure we were well taken care of. The Cajun seafood pasta? A whole vibe--seriously, so good. The place has a dope atmosphere, perfect jams, and bomb food. If you're not hitting up this Houston spot, you're sleeping on it. Trust me, this place is a repeat offender in the best way. And when you go, make sure you ask for Paige--service on point!

Marshay D.

Yelp
Was told Taste + Kitchen Bar was very good from locals. It was absolutely a good time for sure! The hostess sat us down, downstairs with very good music and a nice bar. It was very private and intimate with a nice ambiance. The food and drinks were good! For my drink I ordered the popular patron watermelon margarita that was very tasty and I don't even like watermelon like that. For my food I ordered the smothered chicken with greens, yams, and rice. The food was def bomb with the perfect seasoning. I tried some of my friends Mac & Cheese and that was good too! I recommend to get this entree it fills you up most of the day. Our server was very sweet and amicable! She was very welcoming and continued to check if we needed anything. However, I did not quite care for the photos that they take since I'm sure they knew we weren't from there. They charge you for the photos and don't let you take it on your phone. They put it in a frame and Eve thing cute idea, but not everyone will be willing to pay. It is what it is though! Despite that situation, it was a wonderful time with great food and ambiance. I recommend here for brunch! It's a vibe I'll for sure come back visiting Houston! Parking is street parking that you have to scan and pay. -Marshay D.

Tiffany S.

Yelp
Had the taste of soul and cocktail and want to go back again and again! When I say the meal was amazing loved everything about it. I don't even like biscuits but the "biscuit waffle" was even a star for me. I got the gravy on the side and regretted it cause I wanted to soak everything in it! Mac and cheese was the perfect combo of pasta and cheese and flavor was 10 out of 10! Even the drink got me feeling good half way through completion. Must try on your visit to H-Town!

Jessica A.

Yelp
Don't walk, RUN!! The hospitality is REAL our server was Eniah not sure if I'm spelling it correctly. But she was beyond helpful and patient. And the food was a topper this taste like grandmas cooking. I could cry!! The restaurant gave off a modern but clubby feel. Definitely worth a flight to come back and eat again. Thanks to the amazing team!

Requel P.

Yelp
Taste continues to satisfy my soulfood cravings. This is probably my most visited spot in Houston. I like how this location is more spacious than the former one. Although it can still get packed and the wait can be annoying. It's a nice vibe tho. During my most recent visit I tried their Jerk Chicken sandwich and it came with fries. Im not one to usually order sandwiches but this was a great option since I wanted something light.

Kayla H.

Yelp
My husband, my cousin and I visited this place in Houston. The jerk lamb chops were good as well as the sides. I do wish i would have gotten brunch instead because i heard great things about the lamb chops with grits and eggs. The service was great, our waitress checked on us numerous times to make sure we were good and the wait wasn't long at all. I love how the restaurant had 3 levels and it was VERY CLEAN!!!! I have never been to a place so clean!!!

Brisje G.

Yelp
Taste is definitely my favorite restaurant in Houston hands down. I went for breakfast /brunch today around 11am since I experienced dinner on my last visit. Our server was amazing, drinks boozy, and food bussin'! I ordered the jerk chicken with peach cobbler waffles. It was the perfect combo for those craving something sweet and spicy. The chicken was tender and flavorful. The waffles were a bite out of heaven. To drink, I got the tropical punch mimosa. It was hands down the best mimosa I have had to date. The taste was on point. The music was a great vibe too. Thank you taste for living up to your name!

SJ K.

Yelp
First time here for Sunday brunch and will be back for the food & vibes! Food was delicious and our waitress gave us great recommendations. We started out with bacon & lobster smoked Gouda Mac & cheese (it came heavy on the bacon!) and also the regular smoked Gouda Mac & cheese (very creamy). The portions for the Mac & cheese were appetizer sized, but still enough to get multiple bites in between 3 ladies. For entrees, the shrimp & grits were AMAZING, full of flavor and the red velvet mini waffles were perfectly soft with that subtle hint of fresh chocolate. The waffle order come with 4 waffles, so I had some to take home since I was comfortably full! For drinks, get the elderflower mimosas and thank me later! ;) Great music (but not too loud that you can't hear your conversations) & great vibes. FYI, they require a $50 deposit/person for reservations (even if you add someone to your party after you all arrive) & an extra 4% surcharge is added when paying w credit cards. The upstairs ceiling is low.

Jackie B.

Yelp
Customer service was top tier. It was a two hour wait due to the Beyonce show being in town . However , we were only a party of two so they seated us at the bar . The bartenders were very friendly and prompt. The Cocktails were good . I definitely recommend the watermelon mimosa. The food was just okay. The lobster was over cooked .

Vonni H.

Yelp
This place was amazing. Portion sizes were plentiful and flavor was just right. Never had a fried lobster... now I can't unsee it . The service was good and our server was Diamond. She had 9 of us and she was great and very nice. Checked on us often to make sure we were good. The place inside is really nice we say upstairs. The music was RnB... will come back when in town.

LeAnn T.

Yelp
Where do I start? Though parking was...we'll, parking, I mean the restaurant is downtown. And for the restaurant to be open on a Labor Day we weren't picky. We had a bit of a wait, but that again was expected. They sat us in a portion of the restaurant I didn't know existed...it was the basement, but it wasn't bad as they have it set up nicely. Food came quickly and was impeccable! So good that we overlooked being in the basement and the wait we had. And to top it off, David, our server was so sweet, kind, thoughtful and made our time here a wonderful experience! So, food? Check. Wait Staff? Check. Coming back again? Check and check!!! Thank you, David! Thank you, Taste!

Ra T.

Yelp
My daughter and I were visiting Houston for the HBCU All-Star softball game. We mentioned Taste Kitchen to our Uber driver, Shay, and she sang its praises. We decided we would come here for breakfast and we are so glad that we did. We had the deep-fried lobster bites, the veggie waffles with fried cauliflower, which was delicious and my daughter had the Nashville hot chicken with waffles. My daughter is a mac & cheese connoisseur so we also ordered the Gouda mac & cheese, which was amazing! A 10 out of 10 experience and the restaurant is so cute. It has an upstairs downstairs, multiple screens so you can watch games. The other customers were friendly as well. Thank you Houston! This was a grand slam, our server, Tee. went out of his way to make sure we were comfortable and had what we needed. If you are in downtown Houston and want breakfast or brunch, you will not miss with this!!!

Kentereian T.

Yelp
This is always my favorite place to take ppl. My favorite meal is the jerk chicken and waffles. I only take a bit of the waffle since I mainly do no carbs but the new location as a great ambience and has way more room than the previous location.

Marquita G.

Yelp
I met up with a friend for an early celebration, and e thought Taste would be a great idea. I'm told this is a new location, and besides downtown parking, the location is great. We decided to sit at the bar to quickly be serviced. Our bartender, Curtis, was amazing. My friend ordered a Dusse cocktail and I had a frozen one (sadly can't remember the name). For mains- my friend had the chicken and waffles, while I ordered the shrimps sandwich. The food was great but I don't think it matched the price. The hours are great for a late night bite, but I wouldn't intentionally return on my own.

Diane P.

Yelp
Pros: Ok Ambiance Food is delicious & consistent Great service Cons: Pay for Parking Parking is far Tax the hell out of you Jerk Lamb: 10 Mac and Cheese: 10 Yams or Sweet Potatoes: 10 Greens: 10

Kristopher W.

Yelp
I had a chance to try Taste on a Friday afternoon for a brunch. To my surprise it was very busy. We didn't have reservations but only had to wait ten minutes. We sat upstairs and I ordered the jerk chicken and red velvet waffles. The best that I have had! Everything was delicious! In addition, I split a carafe of watermelon mimosa which had the right amount of champagne in it. Very good! The ambiance was a good vibe with good music playing. The only concern I have is how close the tables are to each other. Other than that, this was a great brunch experience!

Nena W.

Yelp
First time at this location and I absolutely LOVE IT. Invited my mom and her husband for brunch with me on a Saturday morning. I made reservations before arriving, which I definitely recommend doing, it just made everything so much easier. We enjoyed everything about the new location. We sat at the top, all ordered drinks and entrees. We all tried a little bit of everyone's order on the table. Now when I tell you everything was DELICIOUS! I mean it! This was my 3rd time at taste but first time at this location. I love the windows that wrap around the restaurant, it just gives it a bright and open feeling. I don't remember our servers name but she was great. Helped me figure out which drink to get after being torn between 2. I can't wait to come back, just knowing that the food is going to be delicious has me upset I'm not there now. See you soon!

Makayle H.

Yelp
Food was very delicious, everybody cleaned their plates! I was happy to snag a reservation because they're usually booked up!

Lonnetta P.

Yelp
I was excited to have this dining experience yesterday with friends for a birthday celebration. Right away I knew I had to prepare myself for downtown parking. Luckily, I was able to snag a spot about a block away. I did see several parking lots offering $25 parking. The restaurant is also conveniently located near public transportation for those who wish to take the train. The atmosphere in the place was nice and welcoming. The music was going and I love a good playlist! For a Friday night, the music volume was appropriate although some would say they had to talk over the music during dinner. My meal choice was the cajun seafood pasta (blackened). Gulf Shrimp + lobster tail + bacon + green onions + shaved parmesan tossed in linguini and cajun cream sauce. The portion size was good and food was seasoned well. The pasta had just the right amount of spice. It did take a while to receive my meal but worth the wait. As for my cocktail, I ordered a sidecar. The drink came to the table after dinner arrived to the table which was different as we ordered drinks first. Honestly, this review could have easily turned from 3 to 5 if it wasn't for the wait time. I wouldn't have noticed the wait time as much if we had our cocktails to sip on while we waited. We had time to possibly enjoy several but we were just left waiting. Our server was so nice and accommodating. We sat upstairs with a view of Main Street. I look forward to trying some other menu items maybe even dessert next time.

Chell H.

Yelp
Yum! For starters, our waiter was the bomb dot com! (I don't remember his name) We had the lamb chops as an appetizer and they were cooked to perfection..so crispy! I had the lobster BLT and loved every bite! Make sure you make a reservation beforehand because the wait list can get very long.

Roxy H.

Yelp
Great service. Popped in for breakfast for Loved it!! I had the jerk chicken and waffles. The waffles were nice and crispy on the outside and soft inside. They were topped with powdered sugar, caramel and whipped cream. So good! The jerk chicken was flavorful and tender. Could use a little jerk sauce type gravy on the side but I loved it. The bartender talked me into getting a drink lol. I got a Hennessy mimosa. Very interesting and very worth the persuasion. A must visit in Houston!

S L.

Yelp
Stopped by for a to go order of gumbo and tomato soup ($50). It was not very busy. Took way too long for soup order. Another person ordered real food after me and her order came before mine. I should not be waiting for soup. Got home both soups were salty salty salty. The decor was nice. Not a great first impression.

Kay T.

Yelp
Today was amazing Xy was literally a JOY!! She was very helpful and she took care of our EVERY need!!! The food was SUPERB!!! If you're thinking about going..... GOOOOOO!! Run don't walk!!