HOUSTON – If you know, you know. Tucked away in Southeast Houston, Backyard Boil House has been quietly serving up some of the city’s most crave-worthy dishes for the past five years. Beloved by locals - and now the secret’s finally out for the rest of us - this restaurant is the definition of a hidden gem.
Backyard Boil House is the dream of husband-and-wife team Ed and Nina Micheaux, who traded Houston’s nightlife scene for the kitchen. After years of running popular lounges and bars, they wanted to create something different: a neighborhood spot with five-star food in a laid-back, welcoming environment. “We wanted to provide a better food option where you didn’t have to leave the neighborhood to get quality food,” Ed explained. And judging by the crowd of loyal regulars, they’ve more than delivered.
From the outside, Backyard Boil House is unassuming - no flashy sign, no big banners. But step inside, and you’ll find a warm, lively space filled with music, laughter, and plates piled high with Gulf Coast favorites. Nina calls it “a place where you come in, make a friend, maybe see an old one too.”
The food is made to order, with a focus on freshness and quality. Highlights include the crawfish étouffée, snapper and branzino, and a rich, smoky gumbo built from a homemade dark roux. Don’t miss the crab rice, a dish so popular many order it as a shared starter. And then there’s the burger - a juicy house grind of ribeye and filet mignon - and the catfish sandwich, a massive, crispy slab of fish tucked between thick Texas toast, that’s become something of a local legend.
It’s this balance of quality and comfort that makes Backyard Boil House special. “We’re five-star food in a casual environment,” Nina says. Add in Ed on the turntables, spinning tracks from back in the day, and you’ve got an atmosphere that’s equal parts restaurant and reunion.
The secret might be out, but one thing’s certain: Houston’s in on a good thing. Backyard Boil House isn’t just a place to eat - it’s a neighborhood staple that feels like home.