My Neighborhood Guide: Historic Third Ward in Houston, Texas
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Explore the best of Houston’s Historic Third Ward in 2021 and learn about its rich Black history through the eyes of a current resident with generations-deep roots in the area, including restaurants, outdoor activities, and art exhibits. Originally published February 2018. Last Updated September 2021.
Welcome to the neighborhood! I’m coming up on my fifth year as a homeowner in the Historic Third Ward Neighborhood of Houston, Texas. My connection to this part of town began a long time ago, though. My mom was raised here–my house is actually on the same street as the one she grew up in–and my parents met here when my dad was a student at Texas Southern University. A little more on that in a bit. This post is a guide to help plan your visit to our neighborhood full of Black history (in the making), historic homes, natural beauty, and cultural landmarks. Oh, and of course good food and plenty of fun things to do. Let’s get into it.
If you’re planning to visit Houston and love supporting Black-owned businesses, you’ll love these posts, too!
Black History of Third Ward
Third Ward is one of Houston’s original four wards and has a reputation for being a historically Black neighborhood that was once like a self-sufficient town inside the city with Black doctors and dentists, Black-owned stores, etc. In the early 1900s, Black and white residents made up equal parts of the segregated community. White flight followed by an influx of Black residents from other parts of Texas and Louisiana, changed the makeup of Third Ward into majority Black, which is around the time my grandparents moved here. They ran a lounge and a hair salon and raised my mother in a home on the same street that I live now.
So what is Third Ward Houston known for? Over the last century, Third Ward, also called “The Tre,” has been a hub for Black culture and advancement. Houston’s Black Panther Party organized here, along what is now Emancipation Avenue and not too far from the current Houston NAACP office. Many prominent Black politicians, activists, and artists make their homes here, and Third Ward is sometimes called the Black River Oaks. (If you drive through during the holiday season, you’ll be treated to some gorgeous and massive Christmas light displays.) This area is also known for Black ownership and home to Texas’ only Black-owned bank and Houston’s only HBCU, Texas Southern University. And, in 2020, our neighborhood led the charge in Houston’s recent surge of new Black-owned businesses. Gentrification is estimated to have begun here in the late 90s/early 2000s and has changed and has shifted the makeup of Third Ward. It’s still majority Black but changing rapidly and continuously shrinking. Around the world, most people know of Third Ward as where Beyoncé is from. And Solange. And Debbie Allen and Phylicia Rashad. And many more famous Black folks.
Things to Do in my Neighborhood
Part of the reason I made a home here is that there is no shortage of things to do in Houston’s Third Ward. After returning to Houston from school, I found I spent most of my time in or around the area from church to Sunday Fundays, and Houston nightlife. A few years back, I wrote a guest post on Neighborhoods.com and took over their Instagram account to spotlight things that make this place so wonderful. Here are unique Third Ward activities you’ll want to check out.
1. Etta’s Kitchen
Shakti Baum, the mastermind behind Etta’s Kitchen is a culinary genius and I highly recommend taking one of her cooking classes or visiting the space during one of its pop-up events. Each experience is thoughtfully and thoroughly curated from the menu to the music, decor, and everything in between. The vibes are on point every single time.
2. Inner Me Studios
Inner Me Studios is one of my happy places in the city of Houston, period. I love this Black woman-owned, super inclusive and body positive space for dancing, spinning, and moving your body in a variety of ways. Whether you want to host a bachelorette event or get your daily sweat sessions in, you can do it here.
3. Project Row Houses
The row houses span five blocks and have operated for nearly 30 years with the goal of using art as an engine for social transformation. The visibility of Black art and artists in Third Ward is one of my favorite things about this space, from street murals and statement pieces like the Black Lives Matter block/George Floyd Memorial in front of Jack Yates High School to interactive spaces like Project Row Houses and our museums: The Buffalo Soldiers National Museum and Houston Museum of African American Culture. And the Station Museum of Contemporary Art in Midtown gets an honorary mention because it’s the current home of the Third Ward Gentrified Monopoly installation.
4. Vibe & Ride
Let’s Do this Houston produces a uniquely Houston experience based in Third Ward that seamlessly infuses fitness and fun with community and culture. I can’t think of anything else like it and wrote all about why I recommend everybody go for a ride. My favorite rides have been the Bey Day and Erykah Badu themed nights.
5. Parks and Green Spaces
Emancipation Park
Although we’re in the heart of city, Third Ward is home to some really beautiful parks and green spaces. You’re probably vaguely familiar with the fact that Beyoncé did get her inspiration for Ivy Park from memories of training in Parkwood Park, which is, yes, in Third Ward–Riverside, specifically. Emancipation Park is the largest and most steeped in Black history and culture. In 1872, formerly enslaved community leaders pooled funds to purchase the land where the park sits today in order to have a place to gather and celebrate Juneteenth. In 2017, a massive renovation was completed and the park continues to be a gathering spot for community events around art, music, and activism. It’s the oldest park in the state and was once the only public park Black people could visit in the city of Houston.
Here are more Third Ward parks and outdoor areas I love and recommend checking out while you’re in the area:
- Blodgett Urban Gardens – This community garden operates right across from and in partnership with Texas Southern University and hosts seasonal produce sales every Saturday morning.
- MacGregor Park – I love going on walks to MacGregor Park and fun fact: Megan Thee Stallion, another H-town representer, filmed one of her early videos around here.
- Palm Center Farmers’ Market – Technically over in South Union, they host healthy cooking demonstrations, local produce and vendors, and community education events every second and fourth Saturday morning.
- Peggy Park – Home to the Soundbites food truck festival each year during Houston Black Restaurant Week.
Third Ward Restaurants List
If you’re looking for where to eat in Third Ward, you’re in the right place. There are even more spots than this list will hold, with new eateries, cafes, and bars opening all the time but this will get you started with a happy belly. There are lots of Houston vegan restaurants in Third Ward and I’ve included them on this list. In addition to my Third Ward restaurant guide, there are a few nightlife spots to check out, too.
- Alfreda’s Soul Food* – The longest-standing soul food restaurant in Third Ward. Located on Almeda.
- Bar 5015* – A Sunday Funday staple with a popping patio, creative cocktails, and weekly steak nights. I was introduced to it as the Third Ward Sunday brunch spot.
- Blodgett Street Food Hall – Nearly 30 eateries under one roof with counter pickup for to-go, delivery, or dining in. You can order online, too.
- Cream Burger – Casual, old-fashioned burger and milkshake spot with counter ordering and outdoor seating.
- Crumbville, Texas* – Stellar cookies, stuffed cups, and other treats created for the culture–including vegan options. Try the Cookie Minaj.
- Cupcake Kitchen* – Not only do they serve up fabulous cupcakes, you can positively scrumptious lunch or dinner at the adjoining restaurant.
- Green Seed Vegan* – Health restaurant specializing in smoothies, raw juices, and elixirs. Open seven days a week. Try the caramelized plantain.
- Houston Sauce Pit* – Unbelievably delicious vegan barbecue from a food truck! Find them parked along Almeda Tuesday through Sunday evenings.
- Kaffeine Coffee* – Cafe with espresso and tea drinks, baked goods, and sandwiches– veggie options, too. Order the Chai Chai!
- LA Burger & Daiquiri* – ice cream, burgers, and frozen drinks for dine in or to-go named after Third Ward neighborhoods, Houston sports teams, and even Queen Bey, herself.
- OST Liquor* – Not a restaurant but a liquor store worth noting for its focus on Black-owned spirits and hometown signature Double Cup Cocktails available to-go!
- Reggae Hut* – Caribbean restaurant on Almeda open for lunch and dinner. I recommend the patties and curry shrimp.
- Rookie’s Cookies – Cookies by the dozen or half-dozen, cookie cakes, and milkshakes
- Soul Food Vegan* – Plant-based twists on local favorites like boudin balls and po’ boys with a mission to end food deserts and provide nutritional education to the community.
- Sparkles Hamburger Spot – They have more than just burgers but are known for giant hamburger patties, hand-cut fries, and daiquiri drinks to-go served in lightbulbs.
- Stuffed Baked Potato Factory* – Baked potatoes stuffed with everything from classic bacon to creative seafood.
- Sunshine’s* – A vegetarian deli and health food store around since the 80s with vegan options.
- The Doshi House – A relatively recently-added homey coffee shop near Emancipation Park and all the other development happening in that area. I love it for hip co-working vibes and highly recommend ordering the kadak chai.
- The Library – Cute lounge spot that serves coffee by day and wine by night.
- The Original Frenchy’s Chicken* – There are Frenchy’s all over town but the flagship location (the one Beyoncé referenced in I Been On) is here in Third Ward. It’s a must when you come to town.
- The Turkey Leg Hut* – Has become a local sensation since celebs like Drake and Snoop Dogg pulled up and were spotted online. They specialize in novelty foods like giant stuffed turkey legs and fishbowl drinks. Expect to wait in line when you go and be Instagram ready.
- This is It Houston Soul Food* – A community mainstay for over 60 years. My dad was probably most excited about me moving to Third Ward because of my proximity to This is It and their oxtail!
- UnWine on Almeda* – wine bar with two stories and a rooftop for views of The Tre from Almeda.
- Wing Quarter* – Cajun and Creole cuisine with a focus on wings and a patio.
*Denotes Black ownership
Houston Third Ward Nightlife
I hope you’ve enjoyed this look around my neighborhood and can see why I love it so much. And in case you’re wondering, the zip code for Third Ward is 77004, which we love to represent. Neighboring South Union is 77021 and the line can get blurry. Sharing is caring so make sure you pin this Houston Third Ward guide over on Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
Cool post! I visited Crumbville for the first time last week and loved it. Third Ward is definitely a great place to live, I wish I had moved there when I moved back to Houston in 2012. Prices have increased greatly since then.
I definitely agree that it’s a great place to live! Hopefully, you can find a deal in the area. Thank you for reading!
Love this post! Getting to see a neighborhood through the eyes of someone who knows and loves it so well is inspiring! I live very close to this area and I have been enjoying exploring it more and more!
Thanks so much for this article, Jazzmine. It was just what I was looking for. My daughter and I are doing a road trip through Texas, starting next week! We’ll be in Houston April 18-20 and really wanted to spend time in Third Ward. We are both deeply inspired by Queen Bey and want to see where she grew up. We’re from Alberta, Canada and Texans and Albertans have a lot in common and a friendly bond. I’ve been wanting to do this trip for years, can’t wait!!
So glad you found this article helpful, Caroline, and I hope you and your daughter enjoy visiting Texas! I have visited Alberta before and agree that we have a lot in common.