In honor of Women’s History Month, we’ve put together a short list of 10 fantastic women-owned businesses in Houston. While this is merely a drop in the bucket as far as the way women have contributed to the greatness of our city, we’d be remiss not to spotlight the impact of women on Houston’s incredible culinary scene.
1. Bosscat Kitchen & Libations
At first glance, the Bosscat Kitchen & Libations gives the impression of a rough and tumble restaurant. The interchanging wood and exposed brick walls, overhanging scent of whiskey, and slight steampunk aesthetic makes the establishment resemble a straightforward, brick-and-mortar American grill.
In some ways it is. But the Bosscat Kitchen is so much more. Founded by Leslie Nguyen, Bosscat’s kitchen offers a lunch, brunch, happy hour, and main menu with tantalizing options in each one.
2. Cuchara
Cuchara is a Mexican City bistro in Houston opened since 2012. Created by Ana Beaven and Charlie McDaniel, the colorful restaurant offers brunch, lunch, dinner, and most importantly, drinks. With multiple varieties of tequila, Cuchara makes margaritas par excellence, their house one is made with Espolón blanco, Pierre Ferrand dry curaçao, and fresh lime juice. While there, be sure to check out its vibrant array of murals painted by Cecilia Beaven.
3. Fluff Bake Bar
Bars, cookies, cakes, cupcakes, pies, and tarts – get the sweet-tooth loot at Fluff Bake Bar. Owned by Pastry Chef, Rebecca Masson – named Best Pastry Chef by Houston’s My Table Magazine , awarded Best Ice Cream by H Texas Magazine, and affectionately known as the Sugar Fairy in the city’s culinary circles – Masson blends nostalgic childhood favorites with traditional French pastry making.
4. Harold’s
Located on 19th Street in the Heights, Harold’s offers fine southern cooking with a view. Founded and renovated by Alli Jarret, the women-owned business in Houston offers brunch, lunch, and dinner, as features crave-worthy options such as their Creole Benedict, Crawfish Fondue, Beer Battered Fish, and Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie.
5. The Toasted Coconut
Inspired by the 20th parallel north, The Toasted Coconut is a laid back, rum-swirling tropical outpost in the heart of Montrose. Owned by husband and wife-duo, Martin and Sara Stayer, their libation menu courtesy of award-winning bar director, Sarah Troxell, features refreshing, tropical, and “Big N’Boozy” cocktails.
Order a Vamos A La Playa with Del Maguey Vida mexcal, Uruapan Charanda-blended rum, pineapple shrub, and lime juice, to accompany their delectable tiki-inspired bites.
6. Angel Share
Angel Share is a gorgeous new bar in Downtown, Houston. Located in what was previously the OKRA Charity Saloon, Angel Share keeps the kindness alive by donating its monthly proceeds to a given charity. Owned by Mary Ellen Angel, the bar itself is part shrine to saint Dolly Parton while it regularly celebrates other female legends.
7. Pur Noire
Pur Noire is a winery and tasting room located in downtown, Houston. Owned by husband and wife team, Kenneth and Carissa Stephens, Pur Noire is Houston’s first black-owned urban winery. With the name itself is a nod to the Carissa’s French Creole roots, Pur Noire offers custom-blended wines at an accessible price hitting all the right notes. Walk-ins are welcome but reservations are encouraged.
8. Phil & Derek’s
Owned by married couple Shon and John Cruise, Phil and Derek’s is a southern creole-style eatery, jazz lounge, and comedy speakeasy. On Saturday and Sunday mornings, Phil & Derek’s Restaurant and Jazz Bar offers visitors a taste of their cajun-spun brunch menu. Complete with southern comfort favorites, brunch-goers can venture with a gustatory trip to New Orleans with an order of their Gumbeaux, Voodoo Spring Rolls – fried spring rolls packed with spicy crawfish tails, andouille sausage, roasted corn, and Sriracha aioli sauce – or dive into a Seafood Platter.
9. Pondicheri
Helmed by Chef Owner, Anita Jaisinghani, Pondicheri is a restaurant, bar, and bake lab on the southwest corner of Kirby and Westheimer is an absolute must when your sweet tooth is hangry: luscious layered Carrot Cake, yummy Gulab Jamun Doughnuts, a little something called Chai Spiced Pie – plus an array of vibrant cocktails to wash it all down – Pondicheri is hard to beat.
10. Rainbow Lodge
Escape to the woods this sweet season without leaving the city limits at Houston’s Rainbow Lodge. Tucked along the banks of the bayou, the Rainbow Lodge is an elegant restaurant located in a historic cabin. Its menu features upscale American fare inspired by lodge lifestyle, including wild game and seafood. Entrees range from $25 – $57, sides not included.