Unearth The Voyage
Texas is famous for its barbecue and steaks, but some diners are proving that vegetables can be just as exciting. The meat-and-three tradition—picking one protein and three sides—comes from Southern cooking, and it’s alive and well across the Lone Star State. At these eight spots, the vegetable plates are so delicious that they often outshine the main course, with perfectly seasoned greens, crispy fried okra, and buttery squash stealing every bite.
Mama’s Daughters’ Diner — Dallas / Irving
Walk into Mama’s Daughters’ and you’ll immediately notice the lengthy sides menu that rivals any main course list. This Dallas-area gem carries a true meat-and-three setup, but the vegetable selections are impressively vast.
Turnip greens, fried okra, baked squash, black-eyed peas, red beans, green beans, and collard greens are just a few of the options waiting for you. Each side is prepared with care and seasoned to perfection, making it hard to choose just three.
The restaurant even offers a dedicated Vegetable Plate where you can pick four sides without any meat at all. This option proves that the vegetables here aren’t just afterthoughts—they’re the stars of the show, drawing diners back week after week.
Avalon Diner (Katy Freeway) — Houston
Part of the Meat & Three restaurant group in Texas, Avalon Diner brings the classic trio-style dining experience to Houston’s busy Katy Freeway. The concept is simple but effective: choose your protein and let the sides do the talking.
Following the chain’s reliable format, Avalon offers vegetable-driven choices that complement the hearty meats perfectly. Their menu rotates with seasonal favorites, ensuring fresh and flavorful options every visit.
Regulars know to come hungry because the portions are generous and the vegetables are cooked just right. Whether you’re craving something fried, baked, or simmered, Avalon delivers Southern comfort with every plate. The diner atmosphere makes it a great spot for families and friends looking for honest, homestyle cooking.
This Is It Soul Food — Houston
Since 1959, This Is It Soul Food has been serving up comforting home-cooked meals that feel like Sunday dinner at grandma’s house. This Houston institution is more cafeteria-style than a strict meat-and-three, but the side dish selection is unmatched.
The menu is loaded with classics: collard greens simmered with just the right amount of spice, candied yams that melt in your mouth, and creamy mac ‘n’ cheese that’s hard to resist. Each side is made from scratch daily, honoring old family recipes.
Locals and visitors alike pile their trays high, often skipping the meat entirely to enjoy a full vegetable plate. The no-frills setting and friendly service make every meal feel welcoming and genuine.
Drew’s Place — Fort Worth
Tucked away in west Fort Worth, Drew’s Place has earned a loyal following among soul food lovers. The restaurant appears on many local best-of lists, and for good reason—the sides here are just as celebrated as the proteins.
Fried chicken might be the headliner, but the mac & cheese, collard greens, and other vegetable sides carry equal weight on every plate. Each dish is seasoned with a homestyle touch that makes you feel right at home.
Drew’s doesn’t rush the cooking process, and you can taste the difference in every bite. The greens are tender, the mac is rich and cheesy, and the cornbread is perfectly crumbly. It’s the kind of place where regulars know the staff by name and everyone leaves satisfied.
Sweet Georgia Brown — Dallas
Sweet Georgia Brown takes a buffet approach to soul food, offering a generous spread that lets diners sample as many sides as they want. This Dallas favorite frequently draws praise for its impressive variety of vegetable options.
Collard greens, candied sweet potatoes, creamy mac & cheese, and perfectly seasoned green beans are just a few highlights on the buffet line. Each dish is replenished regularly to ensure freshness and flavor.
Diners rave about the quality and the ability to try multiple sides without committing to just three. The casual, all-you-can-eat format makes it perfect for families and groups. Whether you’re a vegetable lover or just curious, Sweet Georgia Brown proves that sides can absolutely steal the spotlight in Southern cooking.
Mikki’s Soul Food Café — Houston
Known for warm hospitality and generous portions, Mikki’s Soul Food Café brings homestyle cooking to Houston with a focus on quality and flavor. The menu offers a wide range of classic Southern sides that truly shine.
Collard greens, creamy macaroni, savory beans, and more are prepared daily using tried-and-true recipes. Each side is hearty and full of flavor, allowing the vegetables to take center stage on your plate.
Mikki’s understands that the best soul food isn’t just about the meat—it’s about the love and care put into every dish. The portions are large enough to satisfy any appetite, and the friendly service makes you feel like family. Many regulars skip the meat entirely and go straight for a veggie-packed plate.
Larry & Laney’s Soul Food — Houston
Featured in numerous Texas soul food guides, Larry & Laney’s has built a reputation not just for their meats, but for the outstanding complement of classic Southern sides. The restaurant honors traditional recipes while adding their own special touch.
Collard greens simmered to perfection, rich and creamy mac & cheese, and other vegetable favorites make every meal memorable. The sides are seasoned just right, balancing flavor without overpowering the natural taste of the vegetables.
Larry & Laney’s keeps the atmosphere relaxed and welcoming, making it a neighborhood favorite. The portions are filling, and the quality is consistent, which keeps diners coming back. Whether you’re ordering a full meat-and-three or just loading up on veggies, you won’t be disappointed by the care put into every dish.
Gatlin’s Fins & Feathers — Houston
Though Gatlin’s Fins & Feathers focuses on seafood and comfort food, the classic Southern vegetable sides are what elevate the entire dining experience. This Houston spot understands that great sides make a great meal even better.
Collard greens cooked low and slow, savory baked beans, and creamy mac & cheese are just a few of the standout options. Each side is thoughtfully prepared to complement the seafood and other main dishes on the menu.
Gatlin’s brings a touch of refinement to soul food without losing the homestyle feel. The restaurant’s attention to detail shows in every bite, whether you’re enjoying catfish or a veggie-forward plate. The sides here prove that vegetables deserve just as much attention as any protein on the menu.
