Taste Kitchen + Bar Introduce
Taste Kitchen + Bar is a must-visit dining establishment in the heart of downtown Houston, Texas. More than just a brunch spot, it's a celebrated destination that brings together the rich, vibrant flavors of Southern, Cajun, and Creole cuisines. It’s an ideal place to gather with friends and family for a memorable meal, whether you’re starting your day with a hearty breakfast or enjoying a leisurely afternoon lunch. The restaurant is a true taste of the South, offering a diverse menu that caters to all palates, from classic comfort food to elevated seafood and soul food dishes. It’s also known for its fantastic beverage program, featuring a wide selection of cocktails, wine, and beer that perfectly complement the food.
Located at 420 Main St, Houston, TX 77002, Taste Kitchen + Bar is easily accessible for both locals and visitors. Situated in the vibrant downtown area, it's a convenient stop whether you’re coming from a business meeting or a day of sightseeing. For those driving, the restaurant offers various parking options, including a paid parking lot and paid or free street parking. This makes it a great choice for a spontaneous meal or a planned gathering without the stress of searching for a spot. The location is also well-connected to public transportation, making it simple to reach from various parts of the city. The central location puts you right in the middle of Houston's bustling urban scene, making it a great starting point for exploring other downtown attractions.
Taste Kitchen + Bar offers a wide array of services and dining options to make your experience seamless and enjoyable. Whether you prefer a quick bite or a full, sit-down meal, they have you covered. Here's a look at what they offer:
Dine-in: The restaurant provides a comfortable and inviting atmosphere for a full dining experience. You can enjoy table service and take your time to savor your meal. They also have counter service for those who want a quicker experience.
Reservations: Given its popularity, reservations are recommended, especially for brunch. You can book a table to ensure you don’t have to wait during peak hours. Note that there may be a deposit required to reserve a table, which is applied to your final bill.
Takeout and Delivery: If you're looking to enjoy their delicious food from the comfort of your home or office, Taste Kitchen + Bar offers both takeout and delivery services.
Catering: The restaurant also provides catering services, allowing you to bring their signature Southern flavors to your next event or gathering.
Outdoor Seating: Enjoy your meal in the fresh air with their outdoor seating options, which are also pet-friendly. Dogs are allowed in the outdoor seating area.
Happy Hour: They offer happy hour specials on both drinks and food, making it a great place to unwind after a long day.
Taste Kitchen + Bar stands out for several reasons, from its unique atmosphere to its exceptional menu and community-focused ethos. It’s a place that’s more than just about food—it's about the entire experience. Here are some of the key highlights:
Unique Menu: The menu is a highlight in itself, offering a creative twist on classic Southern dishes. From the popular Taste of Soul to the extensive list of Elevated Chicken & Waffles, there’s something for everyone. Options range from Cajun and Jerk to Nashville Hot and Vegan, ensuring a dish for every preference. Their Elevated Grits, with options like Shrimp and Oxtails, are also a fan favorite.
Black-Owned and Women-Owned: Taste Kitchen + Bar proudly identifies as a black-owned and women-owned business, which contributes to its unique identity and commitment to community. This is a point of pride for many of its customers and a reason they choose to support the establishment.
Welcoming Atmosphere: The restaurant has a casual, cozy, and trendy atmosphere that is inviting to all. It's known as a safe space and friendly to the LGBTQ+ community and is a popular spot for groups and solo diners alike. High chairs are available for families with children, making it a family-friendly venue.
Exceptional Drinks: The bar is a standout feature with a great selection of cocktails, beer, and wine. Their AM Cocktails, including Mimosas, Bellinis, and the Bloodiest Mary, are perfect for brunch, while their full bar offers everything from hard liquor to coffee. The fast and attentive service at the bar is a frequent highlight in customer reviews.
Accessibility: The restaurant is committed to being accessible to everyone, with a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking lot, restroom, and seating, making it easy for all guests to dine comfortably.
For inquiries, reservations, or to place an order, you can contact Taste Kitchen + Bar using the following information:
Address: 420 Main St, Houston, TX 77002, USA
Phone: (713) 485-5803
What truly makes Taste Kitchen + Bar a standout choice in the Houston dining scene is its unique combination of culinary excellence and a welcoming environment. The menu is a celebration of Southern and Creole traditions, offering a depth of flavor that is both comforting and exciting. Dishes like the Cajun Fried Lobster & Waffles and the Cajun Seafood Pasta showcase the restaurant’s commitment to bold, flavorful cuisine. Whether you are craving classic comfort food like Smoked Gouda Mac & Cheese or looking for something more unique like Oxtails and Grits, you’ll find a dish that will satisfy your appetite. The restaurant's reputation is built on its delicious food and its top-notch customer service, which many customers highlight as being attentive, polite, and welcoming. While some experiences may vary, the general consensus is that the staff is dedicated to making every visit a great one. The lively and trendy atmosphere makes it a great spot for social gatherings, and the fact that it is a safe space for all communities is a testament to its inclusive ethos. The combination of its diverse menu, excellent service, and prime downtown location solidifies Taste Kitchen + Bar as a premier dining destination in Houston, a place that is definitely worth a visit for anyone looking for a delicious and memorable brunch, lunch, or dinner experience.
Taste Kitchen + Bar Menu
Appetizers
- Loaded Fries $9.00
House cut fries topped with smoked gouda cheese sauce, bacon, chives, and sour cream
- Cajun Fries $10.00
House cut fries covers in cajun cream sauce, diced red and green bell peppers, bacon, shaved parmesan, and scallions
- Smothered Fries $9.00
House cut fries covered in southern brown gravy, bacon, and chives
- Fried Calamari $14.00
With house-made marinara
- Cajun Fried Lobster Bites $32.00
Served with house made tartar sauce and melted butter
- Chicken Fried Cauliflower $8.00
Toss in a Sauce (Buffalo, General Tso or Nashville Hot)
- Cajun Chicken Strips $9.00
Toss in a Sauce (Buffalo, General Tso or Nashville Hot)
- Jerk or Garlic & Herb Lamb Chops $40.00
- Taste Wings $10.00
Choice of Cajun Fried, Buffalo, Herb Lemon Pepper, Mango Habanero, Orange Pepper, or Bourbon BBQ
Soups & Salads
- BCB Signature Gumbo
Gulf shrimp, crab, chicken andouille sausage, shredded chicken, and okra
- Sweet Potato Whiskey Bisque with Cinnamon Brown Sugar Croutons
- Chicken & Waffle Salad $15.00
Chicken (fried, grilled or blackened), mix greens, cherry tomatoes, dried cranberries, spiced pecans, goat cheese, and waffle croutons, served with maple balsamic vinaigrette
- Caesar Salad $10.00
Crisp romaine, shaved Parmesan, cornbread croutons in a house-made Caesar dressing.
- Strawberry Fields $9.00
Baby arugula, sliced strawberries, spiced glazed pecans, and feta cheese served with a bourbon vinaigrette.
- Cobb Salad $14.00
Mix of shredded romaine and spring mix, boiled eggs, smoked bacon, smoked blue cheese, sliced avocados, fried chicken with a lemon vinaigrette.
- Spinach Salad $10.00
Baby spinach tossed with bacon, red onion, smoked almonds with homemade garlic buttermilk ranch
Sandwiches
- Cajun Chicken Sandwich $14.00
(Fried, grilled, or blackened) chicken breast + cheddar cheese + greenleaf lettuce + tomato + bread and butter pickles + Taste secret sauce
- Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich $15.00
Bread and butter pickles, homemade coleslaw
- Buffalo Chicken Sandwich $15.00
Blue cheese crumbles + greenleaf lettuce + sliced tomato
- General Tso Chicken Sandwich $15.00
Asian slaw
- Jerk Chicken Sandwich $15.00
Smoked gouda cheese + grilled onions + whiskey BBQ sauce
- Shrimp Sandwich $18.00
Fried shrimp patty + cheddar cheese + greenleaf lettuce + tomato + tartar sauce
- Lobster BLT Sandwich $30.00
Lobster tail (fried, grilled or blackened) + bacon + green leaf lettuce + tomato + cheddar cheese + tartar sauce
- Catfish Sandwich $16.00
Catfish (fried or blackened) + green leaf lettuce + tomato + tartar sauce
- Taste Waygu Cheeseburger $21.00
8 oz Waygu beef patty + melted smoked gouda cheese sauce + bacon + fried egg + greenleaf lettuce + tomato + Taste special sauce
Signature Entrees
- Taste Surf and Turf* $69.00
Jerk lamb chops + deep fried lobster served with braised collard greens(Rib Eye sub available)
- Taste of Soul $25.00
Smothered chicken (white or dark meat) + collard greens + candied yams + rice and gravy and choice of cornbread or biscuit waffle
- Twin Lobster* $65.00
1 Fried 8 oz lobster tail + 1 grilled 8 oz lobster tail served with smoked gouda mac & cheese
- Jerk Rack of Lamb* $53.00
Half a rack of jerk marinated grilled lamb chops served with smoked gouda Mac & cheese and braised collard greens(Rib Eye sub available and Garlic & Herb flavor option)
- Cajun Seafood Pasta $45.00
Gulf Shrimp + lobster tail + bacon + green onions + shaved parmesan tossed in linguini and cajun cream sauce
- Taste Breakfast $22.00
Two eggs any style, choice of grits or hashbrowns, bacon, and waffles(Specialty waffle +2)
Elevated Chicken & Waffles
- Cajun Chicken & Waffles $15.00
- Grilled Chicken & Waffles $15.00
- Jerk Chicken & Waffles $16.00
- Buffalo Chicken & Waffles $18.00
Topped with blue cheese and celery
- General Tso Chicken & Waffles $18.00
Topped with chives
- Nashville Chicken & Waffles $18.00
Topped with bread and butter pickles
- Smothered Chicken & Waffles $18.00
- Vegan Chicken & Waffles $16.00
Deep fried cauliflower + vegan waffles
- Cajun Fried Lobster & Waffles $36.00
Elevated Grits
Sauteed with bell peppers, bacon, white wine, and a cajun cream sauce served on top of creamy grits topped with shaved parmesan and green onions
- Catfish $20.00
- Shrimp $28.00
- Fried Lobster Tail $40.00
- Cajun Seafood & Grits $58.00
Gulf shrimp + Fried lobster tail
- Oxtails and Grits $27.00
Elevated Mac & Cheese
- Smoked Gouda $8.00
- Bacon Smoked Gouda $10.00
- Lobster Smoked Gouda $24.00
- Bacon & Lobster Smoked Gouda $26.00
- Truffle Smoked Gouda $12.00
Bacon +2, Lobster +20
Sweet Specialty Waffles
- Chocolate Chip Waffles $8.00
- Cinnamon Toast Crunch Waffles $8.00
- Fruity Pebble Waffles $8.00
- Peach Cobbler Waffles $8.00
- Pecan Praline Waffles $8.00
- Red Velvet Waffles $8.00
- Sweet Potato Waffles $8.00
- Apple Crumble Pie $8.00
Savory Specialty Waffles
- Biscuit Waffles $10.00
- Cornbread Waffles $10.00
Taste of Seafood
- Seafood Platter $56.00
8 oz Lobster tail, catfish filet, 6 gulf shrimp, and fresh cut French fries and choice of cornbread or biscuit waffle
- Catfish Platter $23.00
2 Catfish filets served with house-cut French fries and a choice of cornbread or biscuit waffle
- Shrimp Platter $32.00
A dozen butterflied shrimp served with house-cut French fries and a choice of cornbread or biscuit waffle
Sides
- Braised Collard Greens $7.00
With smoked turkey
- Candied Yams $7.00
- Sweet Cream Corn $6.00
- Garlic Mash $6.00
Add Cheese +$2Add Bacos +$2Add Gravy +$2
- White Rice $3.00
Add Gravy +$2
- House Cut Fries $6.00
- Breakfast Potatoes $4.00
- 2 Eggs Anyway $6.00
Egg Whites +$2
- Grits $4.00
Add Cheese +2
- Bacon $6.00
Pork or turkey
- Sauteed Spinach $7.00
Desserts
- Deep Fried Waffle Bread Pudding $8.00
- Whiskey Butter Cake $9.00
- Taste Cheesecake $8.00
Topping options (Pecan Praline, Fruity Pebbles, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Chocolate Chips, Sweet Potatoes, Peach Cobbler, Apple Crumble Pie)+3
- A La Mode $3.00
Bourbon Butter Pecan, Vanilla, or Cinnamon Sugar Ice Cream
Beverages
- Draft Sodas $3.00
Pepsi, Pepsi Zero, Dr. Pepper, Starry, Crush Strawberry, or Fruit Punch
- Aqua Panna $4.00
- Topo Chico $4.00
- Fresh Squeezed Lemonade $5.00
- Strawberry Lemonade $6.00
- Lemonade of the Day $6.00
- Sunrise $5.00
Lemonade & orange juice
- Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice $4.00
- Strawberry Orange Juice $5.00
- Arnold Palmer $5.00
- Coffee $3.00
- Hot Tea $3.00
- Espresso $4.00
- Double Espresso $6.00
Sweets
- Hot Cakes $10.00
Cinnamon Roll, Fruity Pebbles, Cinnamon Toast, Pecan Praline, Peach Cobbler, Apple Cobbler, Chocolate Chip +$3
- Waffles $6.00
Fruity Pebbles, Cinnamon Toast, Pecan Praline, Peach Cobbler, Apple Cobbler, Chocolate Chip +$2
- Deep Fried Bread Pudding French Toast Sticks $9.00
Served with powdered sugar and maple syrup
Savory
- Biscuit Waffles $10.00
Four mini Belgium waffle-shaped biscuitsAdd cheddar cheese +$1 or bacon +$1
- Avocado Toast $10.00
Whole grain toast, avocado smash, over easy egg, blackening season, avocado oil
Omelettes
Served with a choice of grits or hash browns and toast
- Texas Omelet $15.00
Bacon, diced green peppers, onions, and Cheddar cheese
- Seafood Omelet $19.00
Diced shrimp, green onions, tomatoes, smoked gouda cheese sauce
- Veggie Omelet $12.00
Sauteed mushrooms, onions, red and green bell peppers, and spinach
Eggs
- Taste Breakfast $18.00
Two eggs any style, choice of grits or hash browns, bacon (pork or turkey) or chicken pan sausage and toastSub Waffles +$4, French Toast +$5, Hot Cakes +$6
- Lamb & Eggs $52.00
Half rack jerk lamb chops served with two eggs any style, choice of grits or hash browns, and toast
- Steak & Eggs $32.00
8 oz flat iron steak served with two eggs any style, choice of grits or hash browns, and toast
- Taste Breakfast Sandwich $14.00
Toasted Martin potato bun, thick-cut bacon, fried egg, tomato, lettuce, and taste sauce served with hash brownsSub Flat Iron Steak +$14
Sides
- 2 Eggs Anyway $6.00
Egg White +$2
- Grits $4.00
Add Cheese +$2
- Bacon $6.00
Pork or Turkey
- Hash Browns $4.00
- Toast $3.00
Brioche or Whole Grain
- Pan Sausage $5.00
Chicken & Sage or Vegan
Beverages
- Fresh-Squeezed Orange Juice $4.00
Fresh-squeezed daily
- Sunrise $5.00
Fresh-squeezed orange juice and lemonade
- Strawberry Orange Juice $5.00
- Cranberry Juice $4.00
- Fresh Squeezed Lemonade $5.00
- Strawberry Lemonade $5.00
- Aqua Panna $4.00
- Topo Chico $4.00
- Milk $3.00
Whole or Chocolate
- Tea $3.00
Thai Green, Earl Grey, English Breakfast, Orange Chai Tea, Jasmine
AM Cocktails
- Tequila Sunrise Cazadores $8.00
Cazadores tequila, fresh squeezed oj, grenadine
- Bloodiest Mary $8.00
Highway vodka mixed with our house bloody mix, celery, olive, bacon, and spicy pickle
- Michelada $8.00
Modelo, house michelada mix, salt, lime
- Mimosa
Blood Orange, Elderflower, Watermelon, Pomegranate, Tropical Punch, Grapefruit, Raspberry, or Pineapple
- Bellini
Bellini peach juice and champagne
Coffee
- Decaf $3.00
Locally-roasted organic beans
- Cafe Au Lait $3.50
Coffee of the day with steamed milk
- Macchiato $4.50
Espresso with a dollop of milk
- Latte $4.50
Espresso with steamed milk
- Breve $4.50
Espresso with steamed half and half
- Mocha $5.00
Espresso, premium chocolate syrup and steamed milk
- Cappuccino $5.00
Espresso, steamed milk and milk froth
- Americano $4.50
Espresso and hot water
- Raspberry Mocha $5.50
Espresso, premium chocolate, steamed milk, hazelnut, raspberry syrup
Thanksgiving Pre Orders
- Pick Up Date Nov. 22nd
- Pick Up Date Nov. 23rd
Taste Kitchen + Bar Details
From the business
- Identifies as Black-owned
- Identifies as women-owned
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great wine list
- Serves local specialty
- Sports
Popular for
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Happy hour drinks
- Happy hour food
- Hard liquor
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
- Transgender safespace
Planning
- Brunch reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Usually a wait
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- High chairs
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
- Parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Taste Kitchen + Bar Photos










Taste Kitchen + Bar Location
Taste Kitchen + Bar
420 Main St, Houston, TX 77002, USA
Taste Kitchen + Bar Reviews
shrimp and gritsoxtailslamb chopscollard greensgoudapeach cobblerlobster mac and cheesepecan pralinecornbread wafflechocolate chip waffles
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1While visiting Houston, my husband and I ate brunch here. Our server Erin was wonderful! She was very attentive, positive and polite. She served our meal with a smile on her face. Every person from Taste who visited our table was polite and welcoming. VERY top notch customer service.We ordered the Tasty Breakfast and added a half order of chocolate chip waffles (for me) and red velvet (for my husband). Everything was amazing!
August 23 · Rachel RondonOff Rip There’s A Deposit To Reserve A Table. Around $50 Per Person. It Does Go To Your Overall Balance And Trust You Will Spend More On The Food So It Doesn’t Really Make A Difference. We Ended Up Waiting 20 Minutes Even Tho We Had A Reservation. Once We Were Seated And Placed Our Order It Was Very Hard To See Our Server Again. She Came One Time After The Initial Time And We Were Highly Disappointed. We Got Our Food And Was Given No Silverware And By The Time The Server Acknowledged Our Existence, Our Food Was Cold. Despite This The Food Was Decent. I Had The Taste Of New Orleans. If You Have A Louisiana Background It Was Ight. I’d Say 7/10. If You’re From Texas You’d Prolly Say 10/10. Not A Bad Dish But The Dirty Rice Just Didnt Taste Like What I’m Used To. I Got The Blackened Option As Well And I Did Like That But Something Was Just Different Idk What But It Didnt Give New Orleans To Me. My Friend Got The Shrimp And Grits Was Loved It. The Macaroni Was Okay As Well I’d Say 7/10 But Because The Cheese Was Very Hard On Top Then Soupy Under. Not Like How Baked Macaroni Normally Is. Overall The Server Did Not Make This Experience A Good One. She Initially Forgot To Put The Deposit On The Tab And If We Didnt Call It Out We Woulda Payed Double For Her Mistake. I Would Probably Try And Give This Place One More Chance Just With A New Server.
July 10 · LeahAmazing Food & Service!Brie took such great care of us during my birthday celebration—her service was warm, attentive, and on point! We had the Taste of New Orleans, Elevated Grits with Blackened Catfish, a cup of seafood gumbo, plus both jerk and bourbon BBQ wings. Everything was flavorful and cooked to perfection. Can’t wait to come back!
July 08 · Taneeka HawkinsWe loved this place so much we had to double back during our vacation. Kevin was so sweet and so knowledgeable on the menu! And he was working hard on his BIRTHDAY! No bad vibes or bad food here. The seafood & grits and lobster mac & cheese was ridiculously delicious! I don’t normally like other people’s collardgreens like my own, but thesewere exceptional and no pork!My husband said even his eggs were delicious! When we visit again we will definitely be back! Thanks Kevin!♥️
June 08 · Tiffanie BaileyTook my son and his friends to a concert and he picked this Downtown spot. Menu sounded interesting with different chicken and waffle flavor combinations. Also, I didn’t realize we went on Taco Tuesday or that they even had that special. Not just any tacos though. Again, unique flavors like lobster, jerk lamb,, smash burger plus more. They also offer a special with tacos and a top shelf margarita. And, their Happy Hour has lamb chops! Those are my fave. But, I wanted to try one of their top seller plates. The Taste of Soul plate was all flavor. The chicken cooked perfect, yams, rice and gravy taste homemade and that cornbread waffle was different and delicious. My son had the Cajun chicken and red velvet waffles and his friend had the chicken and fruity pebble waffles. Both said everything was great. All I can say is it was an all around great place to dine. Need to mention the customer service was excellent. The front hostess group made us feel very welcome and our waiter, Jeff, was super attentive. Thankful for an enjoyable experience.
June 04 · Janet Sanchez
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