Esther's Cajun Café & Soul Food - Southern restaurant (US) in Houston - 5007 N Shepherd Dr, USA

Esther's is well known in the Acres Homes/Studewood communities as one of THE best black owned soul food restaurants in town. The atmosphere is great, from indoor outdoor seating to the home flair interior with a touch of elegance. You're greeted with a smile, and let's not forget the lines that await you to get to the food galore (you better get there early) or the grandmas kitchen aroma. The food is amazing, and the deserts are good. Make your way to Shepherd, drive, and try it for yourself.

Things that i liked - macaroni and cheese (not baked or burnt), potato salad (great flavor), and cornbread (soft and cake-like). Things that were OK - Salisbury steak (Pepper Steak) and rice. Had plenty of gravy. Plenty of leftovers including some cobbler i put in my fridge for later. lI need to try the desserts the next time I'm in town.

The quality of the food was not up to the mark as it was old and had an unpleasant taste. The oxtails were undercooked and the macaroni was overly sweet. The cabbage had a smoked flavor and had a mixture of collard and mustard greens. The only good things were the gravy and the Kool-Aid. Unfortunately, there was a fight among the coworkers which resulted in police intervention. Due to this, the place seemed quite disorganized and lacked proper management. I definitely won’t be returning. 👎🏻12/4/23..

I was visiting Houston and desperately wanted some soul food before traveling back home. My daughter and son-in-law highly recommended we visit Esther's. We were NOT disappointed! They offer a wide selection and dish up heaping portions of their tasty menu. Fried chicken. Peppered steak. Smothered pork chops. Oxtails. Collards. Okra. Black-eyed peas. Candied yams. Mac-n-cheese. Homemade cakes and cobbler. I could go on and on! The prices are on point (we spent $150 for seven people - with free drink refills), and the superb service was given with smiles from the staff. We didn't get a chance to meet Esther but hope to do so when we visit again. If you are visiting Houston or are even a native, GO! GO! GO!!!

1st timer and we came in through the side door it was a little confusing as far as the direction of the line but we finally “figured it out”we didn’t see a menu or anything as far as ordering options we just “figured it out” we got to the register and my husband asked what the purple juice was she didn’t hear him so I said it again and the cashier said that’s not purple and nothing else lmbo so I asked what it was she said tea okay what’s the orange juice she said that’s not orange juice that’s Kool aid lmbo again alrighty then. The total was $52 we also got cheesecake and peach cobbler with our food they were both good the sides were good but both meats were a little tough and the gravy was slightly bland but had a good flavor. The restrooms were clean.

I had candied yams, mac and cheese with a side of FLY and some good ole friend chicken. I won’t be back though. Lady being disrespectful to this man in front of everybody. I didn’t care what was going on, but really? In front of the customers? We were told the fried chicken would’ve been done in about 10-15 minutes so we left and came back and we waited another 10 minutes because she didn’t know what everybody wanted. Couldn’t finish my candied yams though. It was so good but I lost my appetite once I saw that fly in my macaroni cheese and I already ate half, which had no flavor, but I was starving. We had two of the same thing and it was definitely overpriced.

Been hearing how awesome this place has been so I decided to give it a try. The food was on point. Everything tasted homemade and I didn't get the itis afterwards! I went during lunch so there wasn't much of a push for atmosphere but the primary reason we go out to eat is to eat, so you'll enjoy it. The inside was a bit cold so we ate on the patio. The food is well seasoned and not oversaturated with salt. I'll be back again and again!

First time here. Came with coworkers who suggested it. Nice place, clean and open. Food served cafeteria style. Lots of good options. Looked and smelled good. The staff was friendly and fast. Beverages are self serve. I got the meatloaf served on rice with okra and mac n cheese. You get nice size portions, I could not finish mine. You should not leave hungry. Food was good, well seasoned and hot. I am sure I will be back again some day soon.