1929 Po-Boy Kitchen — Restaurant in Houston

1929 Po-Boy Kitchen 411 Smith St, Houston, TX 77002 Executive Chef/Owner: Monica Landry “Mama Mo”

Happy Sunday fellow foodies. Several weeks ago a friend asked if I’d heard of 1929 Po-Boy. I said, “No.” She said I’m going tonight and I’ll let you know how things go. She sent pictures and without waiting for her feedback, I texted back, “I’m adding this restaurant to my list of restaurants to visit.”

Today I got a sitter for my Mom with the express intention of visiting after my errands to place a To-Go order of the Oxtail Yakamein and a Fried Oyster Po-Boy.

I called before heading there to ask if I could place my order via the phone. The kind voice who answered advised that I could place the order via their website. She then asked what I would like to order. I told her I was coming for the Oxtail Yakamein. She let me know it would be an hour and a half before the next batch would be ready. I cried, “Boooooooooo! And explained I’d gotten a sitter so I could come visit today.” But I told her I’d come anyway and just order other items.

When I arrived I was greeted and welcomed like family by Brittney. I decided in that moment I was going to wait for the Oxtail Yakamein. “Mama Mo” walked out, saw me standing there and said, “It’s the smile for me.” When she stepped back into the kitchen I asked Brittney, if she was the pleasant person I’d spoken to on the phone. She said, “No. That was the owner and pointed toward the kitchen.” I asked, “Is that “Mama Mo?” I’d read the inception story on the website the night before. “Mama Mo” came out of the kitchen again and told Brittney to give me a sample of their fresh batch of Strawberry Lemonade with mint, called Elysian Fields. I welcomed a refreshing beverage. It was delicious, so of course I added it to my order. Brittney gave me a separate cup of ice. I sat at that counter and tried to sip slowly, but it was so delicious, only the last bit of ice made it to the car.

While I waited for my food I asked “Mama Mo” if I could take a picture. She came out to the front and asked a gentleman to take a picture of us. She stayed and talked to me. Y’all, it was like meeting new family. She shared that they’ve only been open 9 months, but how much she loves this journey. And it shows. All of the staff was friendly, welcoming and happy, which is a direct mirror of “Mama Mo.”

Now for the food....I ordered Oxtail Yakamein with all the Add-ons: shrimp, crabmeat, and collard greens, Red Beans and Rice, Fried Green Tomatoes, and the French Quarter Po-Boy with fried oysters and fried avocado. To top it off, I was blessed with the Sweet Potato Bread Pudding.

As a testament to the culinary delight I experienced, I am writing this review, while in full “ITIS” recovery. I honestly didn’t know what to start with, but since my whole reason for visiting was the Oxtail Yakamein, I grabbed my fork and started my journey, yes it was a journey of wonderful tastes. It was simultaneously spicy and tangy. The noodles were fresh and had a sweet taste (I’m not sure if that’s the correct or best description of the noodles) that paired perfectly with the egg, greens and broth. I then moved to the red beans and rice. I loved the flavor, but I needed to move on to the Oyster Po-Boy. At this point I was practically rocking in my chair. I added my condiments and went to work. I didn’t want to get too full so I stopped eating the delicious French Bread and just binged on the Fried to perfection Oysters.

I left just enough room for the Fried Green Tomatoes (I only ate 1), but I was still doing my happy dance in my chair so I finished my meal with the Sweet Potato Bread Pudding. Lawd the Praline Sauce, oh my Heaven, the Praline Sauce.

Overall 10/10.

“Mama Mo” Your Mama, Her Mama and Her Mama are smiling down and applauding you from the Heavenly Kitchen.

Houston go visit and thank me later. I’m going back next time and...

Located inside of the Lyric Food Hall, the atmosphere is very casual but nice and elegant with a modern flair. Simply order at the counter and have a seat. You can scan the QR code at your table and it can be delivered, or pick it up yourself. Staff: The staff at 1929 is very friendly and pleasant. I get the sense that they enjoy working there and very upbeat with positive vibes. Cleanliness: simply 5 star, everything is spotless. Food: This is where 1929 shines like new money! I have been here on several occasions and have tried different menu items. The Po-Boys are amazing and extra huge if you swing for the larger portion. Not that the small is small...nope, its big! The bread is soft and just perfect for smushing down onto your po boy. Their remoulade sauce is fantastic and spicy but not too much spice. It is also not sweet like some remoulade sauces at other restaurants. The options are nearly endless for the type of protein for your po-boy. Choices are Catfish, Cod, Soft Shell Crab, Oyster, Roast Beef, Shrimp, and even Fried Green Tomatoes. You even have the option on most of the protein to be fried, blackened or grilled. I recommend blackened because it lends a bit of extra spice and everything nice. However, the breading on the fried is a delicate breading that goes well with the bread too. I've had the blackened catfish (Canal Street), and the shrimp with Fried Green tomatoes (Garden District) on separate occasions. My dining companions had the fried cod and the Pontchartrain (roast beef). All were fantastic and each of us were eager to share a bite to receive confirmation of our own taste buds. On a different occasion I decided to try the "veggie" gumbo (Gumbo Z'Herbes), because everybody loves a good gumbo. I thought it would be fun to try one without all of the proteins. It came out with deliciously sautéed collard greens and rice nestled in the roux/soup. It exceeded my expectations. The broth was lovely and dark and the sharpness of the collard greens held its own very nicely. Next time I will try the traditional style (Swamp Water) with the proteins. I know folks can be picky about their gumbo. Just remember, not everyone is going to make it like your mama's gumbo, but this "veggie" gumbo hit the spot for me. Now, if the gumbo doesn't tickle your fancy, this next dish WILL! The Yakamein, that is creole for OH_MY_GOD this dish is amazing!! It is a very dark broth with ramen noodles, oxtail, boiled egg, and jalapeño peppers. It is a fusion of Asian & Creole cuisine believed to have come about during the western railroad expansion through Louisiana when Chinese immigrants building the railroads and met the Creole people of Louisiana. It is simply divine and you owe it to yourself to try it. It is very rich and layered with flavors. It hits the spot on a cold winter day. Not to be outdone by the Yakamein, the Sweet Potato Bread Pudding is by far the best bread pudding I have ever had. I usually don't like bread pudding because it is a weird texture thing for me. This bread pudding is somehow different. I don't know if it is the sweet potatoes that makes the texture change from mush to velvety or what but it is soooo good. The sweet praline sauce that goes onto it combined with the sweet potatoes, lends the dish as the perfect balance between savory and sweet. You simply have to try it. It is the southern star of the 1929...

10’s Across the boards!!!! I absolutely love this place! The food and the service are all tens in my book! I came here about two weeks ago… After hearing from a coworker about how good the gumbo was… I am from New York city and have been working downtown Houston for the last five weeks. The food in houston is so good, so I knew I was in for a treat or at least I’d hoped.

I imagined I would get the gumbo but when I arrived there and looked at the menu, I was a bit on the fence about several things. I just didn’t know what to get I mean everything sounded really good. There was a young lady there, who had just placed an order and she was with another friend who had also just placed an order they seemed to be frequent customers, so I asked what they would recommend. One of the young ladies exclaimed, “I absolutely love the Oxtail Yakkamein!” I responded, “the oxtail what?“ She said it again, and laughed. Once I heard about what all was in it, I knew I had to try it.

The young man behind the counter, Shawn, was the one who helped me place my order! What a sweetie! I wound up getting the Oxtail Yakkamein with some yummy seafood on top, as well! Woweeee! And I really mean, woweeee! What a dish! I don’t think I’ve ever eaten a dish like this! The oxtails were humongous and incredibly tender and flavorful! I could barely finish one in my first serving. I definitely ate on this dish three times and was full all three times so know that the price is absolutely perfect! The broth, the collard greens, the boiled eggs, the seafooood!!! Oh my goodness! This place is a must!!!

P.S. Shawn also gave me a sample of the sweet potato bread pudding! Yummmmm! I love this place and the people that work here!

I leave for NY just after Christmas and am hoping to get back there to get this dish before I leave!

I tried to get this dish again today, but since the owner and chef that prepares this dish was on vacation, the dish was unavailable. There was a young lady and a young man that were working there and they took very good care of me considering I placed an order online for the dish and then when I went to pick it up, it was unavailable. I wasn’t even mad, lol, they were so kind and gracious, and sent me away with a few eggrolls and some rice and beans. The food was so good and hit the spot really nicely before my performance this evening....