Lunden D.
Yelp
I finally had the chance to stop by The Gripper Kitchen in Pearland, which was recommended by my mother in law and let me tell you--this spot lives up to the hype! Black owned BTW! I heard it was definitely a go to spot so I had to see what the hype was all about! From the moment I walked in, I could tell it was a popular spot because it was busy inside, but that just reassured me that the food was about to be on point. My mother-in-law and I decided to order to-go since it was packed, and while we waited, I asked the cashier what he recommended. Without hesitation, he told me to go with the catfish and the Philly cheesesteak sliders--and let me tell you, he did NOT disappoint. (I forgot his name).
The catfish was perfectly seasoned and fried to crispy golden perfection only drawback that the size was small for the price. The breading had just the right amount of crunch while keeping the fish tender and flaky inside. I've had my fair share of fried catfish from the four corners of the USA, but this ranked top 5 & was easily some of the best I've had in a long time. You can tell they put love into their food, and it wasn't greasy or overcooked--just fresh, flavorful, and cooked right.
Now the Philly cheesesteak sliders! Omg bruhhhhh these were next-level. The bread was soft and buttery, and the steak was juicy, well-seasoned, and loaded with gooey stringy melted cheese. They had just the right amount of onions and peppers to give it that classic Philly flavor without overpowering the meat. Each bite was packed with flavor in which it felt like a concert in my mouth cause I was humming, and I honestly could have eaten a whole tray of them.
To wash it all down, I got their limeade Kool-Aid, and it was exactly what I needed. Sweet, tangy, and refreshing--it took me right back to childhood. It paired perfectly with the meal, and I could tell they don't skimp on making it just right. (aka that S word)
Overall, The Gripper Kitchen will have a grip on you if you get a chance to tap in at there spot. The food was hot, fresh, and full of flavor, and the service was great even with how busy they were. The cashier's recommendation was spot on. They definitely stand out in Pearland fasho!