Houston’s Favorite Soul Food Restaurant Is Preparing A New Place In The Heights Area

One of Houston’s favorite soul food destinations will soon have a new outpost in Independence Heights. Esther Lewis-Bernard will bring a second location of her beloved Esther’s Cajun Coffee at 5007 N. Shepherd Dr later this fall.

The new Esther’s represents a significant improvement over Lewis-Bernard’s original location on Yale Street, which will also remain open. The much larger space will allow for more seating, a larger kitchen and, for the first time, a full bar with cocktails.

“We are not moving; we are growing, ”Lewis-Bernard said in a statement. “We will always be here in Independence Heights, where I raised my six children and my parents Nathaniel and Gladiola Lewis raised their 11 children. This is our home and we love to serve our community.

Designed by Lewis-Bernard’s daughter, Dru Evans, the restaurant’s decor will feature a vintage stove that Esther’s mother and aunt used to cook family meals. In addition, the space will include a private dining room, a take-out window at the edge of the street and a large outdoor patio.

Operating with a larger kitchen will allow Esther’s to double its offering of steam trays from eight to 16 selections. In addition to staples like oxtails, smothered pork chops, and fried chicken, the extra capacity means special dishes like turkey necks and lamb chops will be featured more regularly. Of course, accompaniments such as black-eyed peas, candied yams, cornbread dressing, etc. will be present and taken into account.

The new location’s cocktail offerings will be based on classic Southern sips. Expect choices like frozen drinks, sparkling wine paired with juice, and adult punch.

“This trip was a leap of faith for Esther,” said Glashanda Lewis-Bernard, Esther’s eldest daughter and the brand’s sales director. “She trusted the word of God, and fourteen years later, we are still growing. The legacy continues from generation to generation as three of my mother’s children are now restaurateurs: my sister Dru Evans, my brother Lonnie Dow IV and myself. This new location will allow us to serve everyone in even more ways, and we couldn’t be more excited and grateful. ”