API CATERING KITCHEN- (a private invitation catering) Introduce
Introduction / Overview
Hidden away in the bustling subterranean world of the downtown Houston tunnel system lies a true culinary treasure: API CATERING KITCHEN. This unique establishment, led by the passionate and talented Ms. Kim, offers an experience that feels less like a quick meal and more like a personal invitation into a Southern home. Known for its delicious and authentic Southern comfort food, API CATERING KITCHEN has built a loyal following among the downtown workforce and beyond. The restaurant’s mission is simple yet profound: to serve fresh, high-quality food daily with an unwavering commitment to outstanding customer service.
The atmosphere is casual and friendly, a perfect contrast to the fast-paced energy of the city above. As one customer noted, Ms. Kim "makes you feel like she’s invited you into her home and cooked you a wonderful meal." This personal touch is a major reason why patrons keep coming back. The menu, while focused on classic Southern dishes, is anything but monotonous. Ms. Kim’s offerings "fluctuate throughout the week," providing a fresh and exciting selection with at least three different entrée options daily. This diversity ensures there's "a dish for everyone," catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences. Whether you're in the mood for juicy turkey flats, tender pot roast, or a perfectly grilled pork chop, you're likely to find something that will delight your palate.
Beyond the daily lunch service, API CATERING KITCHEN also operates as its name suggests: a private invitation catering service. This dual function allows them to serve both individual diners seeking a quick and delicious meal and clients planning special events. The passion for cooking and serving, which began at church, has blossomed into a full-fledged business dedicated to quality and customer satisfaction. The meticulous attention to detail, from the fresh ingredients to the presentation of the food, is evident in every dish. This is a place where every meal is crafted with love and a genuine desire to provide a memorable experience.
Location and Accessibility
API CATERING KITCHEN is a distinctive find, located at 914 Main St TUNNEL, Houston, TX 77002, USA. Its location within the downtown Houston tunnel system makes it a convenient spot for office workers and anyone navigating the city's unique underground network. The tunnels offer a climate-controlled escape from the Houston heat and a straightforward path to delicious food.
For those accessing the restaurant from the street level, the location is easy to find within the Commerce Towers building. The restaurant is committed to accessibility, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance. Parking is also made convenient with both a free parking lot and free street parking available. This is a significant advantage in a busy downtown area where parking can often be a challenge. These features ensure that both walk-up customers and those driving in can enjoy their experience with ease.
Services Offered
- Takeout: A popular option for those who want to grab a delicious meal to go and enjoy it back at their office or home.
- Dine-in: Customers are welcome to dine at the restaurant and enjoy the casual atmosphere.
- Lunch: The restaurant's primary service is a quick-service lunch, popular with the downtown crowd.
- Catering: As a private invitation catering company, API CATERING KITCHEN offers a full range of catering services for private events, corporate functions, and family gatherings.
- Dessert: A selection of classic Southern desserts, like the highly recommended banana pudding, is often available.
Features / Highlights
- Authentic Southern Comfort Food: The menu is centered on classic, homemade-style Southern dishes that are flavorful and satisfying.
- Daily Fresh Menu: The menu changes daily, offering new and diverse entree options to keep things exciting.
- Personalized Service: The owner, Ms. Kim, provides a warm and welcoming experience that makes customers feel like family.
- Popular for Lunch: It's a go-to spot for the downtown lunch crowd, known for its quick service and satisfying meals.
- Catering Excellence: The business originated as a catering company and continues to offer professional, high-quality services for events of all sizes.
- Convenient Downtown Tunnel Location: A unique spot that is easily accessible to those who work in the downtown area, especially through the tunnel system.
Contact Information
Address: 914 Main St TUNNEL, Houston, TX 77002, USA
Phone: (281) 638-7357
Mobile Phone: +1 281-638-7357
What is worth choosing
Choosing API CATERING KITCHEN is a decision to prioritize delicious, homemade food and exceptional customer care. The glowing reviews from satisfied customers tell the full story of why this place is a must-visit. One first-time visitor was immediately impressed, calling it the "Best Southern Food in downtown Houston." They specifically praised the "juicy and delicious" turkey flats, "amazing" macaroni & cheese, and "yummy" red beans with rice, all of which were "made fresh every day." This commitment to freshness and quality is a core reason for the restaurant's success.
The personal connection with Ms. Kim is another major draw. As one reviewer put it, "Ms Kim has the best restaurant in the tunnels," and her kindness makes you feel "like she’s invited you into her home." This level of hospitality is a rare find and elevates the dining experience from a simple transaction to a genuine, heartwarming interaction. Her ability to cater to "everyone (no matter how picky the patron)" with a "diverse offering of southern comfort classics" is a testament to her skill and dedication. The reviewer’s personal recommendations, including pot roast, fried catfish, and gumbo, highlight the consistent quality and variety of the menu. And, of course, the mention of her banana pudding is an insider tip that signals a dessert worth trying.
In a practical sense, API CATERING KITCHEN is also worth choosing for its convenience and value. Its location in the downtown tunnel is ideal for a quick lunch without having to brave the heat. The availability of free parking, both on the street and in a designated lot, removes a common urban inconvenience. The dual function of the business—serving both daily lunch customers and providing private catering—shows a high level of professionalism and capability. Whether you need a satisfying meal for one or a full menu for a large event, Ms. Kim is ready to deliver with the same passion and quality. For anyone in Houston seeking a taste of authentic Southern cooking served with a smile, API CATERING KITCHEN is a highly recommended and truly rewarding choice.
API CATERING KITCHEN- (a private invitation catering) Details
Service options
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Popular for
- Lunch
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Comfort food
Dining options
- Lunch
- Catering
- Dessert
Atmosphere
- Casual
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
API CATERING KITCHEN- (a private invitation catering) Photos










API CATERING KITCHEN- (a private invitation catering) Location
API CATERING KITCHEN- (a private invitation catering)
914 Main St TUNNEL, Houston, TX 77002, USA
API CATERING KITCHEN- (a private invitation catering) Reviews
mac and cheesetunnelslunchgreensyamsoxtailssouthern foodgumbofried ribs
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Best Southern Food in downtown Houston located in the tunnel at Commerce Tower. I visited for the first time today and the turkey flats were juicy and delicious! The macaroni & cheese was amazing and the red beans with rice was yummy! The peach tea was sweet and refreshing. Kim makes everything fresh every day and she took great care of us. I can’t wait to come back!
July 22 · L AlvaradoMs Kim has the best restaurant in the tunnels. She’s got a dish for everyone (no matter how picky the patron) with her diverse offering of southern comfort classics.My personal recommendations are the pot roast, fried catfish, grilled pork chop and of course her gumbo. Her menu fluctuates throughout the week but she always serves at least 3 entree options for variety.She has all of the classic sides whether you’re looking for Macncheese, greens, sweet potatoes casserole or rice.Besides the delicious food that she serves, Ms Kim serves every meal with a smile and makes you feel like she’s invited you into her home and cooked you a wonderful meal.I highly recommend this restaurant to all food eaters.(Don’t forget to ask if she has banana pudding!)
May 29 · Caleb CoffeyOxtails were absolutely delicious! Kim was a sweetheart and made me feel welcomed! One of my new favorite spots!
March 07 · Sarah CoulterWanted a good southern meal on my lunch break this hit the mark. Great quality food at an affordable price. If you are in the Houston Tunnel definitely check this spot out. The fried chicken was fried to perfection, the greens were flavorful and Gouda Mac and cheese was the cherry on top.
October 18 · Alissa BrownHad the chicken rice, yams, Mac n cheese with cornbread. Everything tasted really good.
September 12 · Karen B
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