Dena D.

What a fun night...a friend was in town, and I just asked... are you willing to try a new place? With that we were off to enjoy our first time at Coarse! Let's establish one thing... it will not be our last!! The staff....so friendly, kind and made you feel appreciated The food...so many interesting pairings, OxTail dumplings, Caesar coleslaw, oh the biscuits were delicious, and the star of the show, smoked chicken fried in beef tallow. Soooo good! I hope you enjoy your dining as much as we did!! Just don't miss it!!

Aria B.

Great experience at Coarse! Chef Reginald was an excellent host and took great care of me and my Husband as we celebrated his birthday. It's a no frills, down home and genuine atmosphere. I would love to see them elevate the decor a bit but for what it is the food outshined everything else. We had so much food that I don't remember it all. The chef also sent over a few items that we were eyeing but didn't order. That made the experience feel special. We will absolutely be back! Cornbread cans Beet salad Collard greens Mac & cheese Trout brochette Smoked chicken Bread pudding - EXCELLENT

Bethania H.

Where do I begin with our experience at this restaurant? It was such a pleasant surprise from start to finish. The setting is simple yet incredibly welcoming and cozy. First impressions mean everything to me when dining out, and this place made a fantastic one. As soon as we walked in, we were warmly greeted by the hostess and seated right away. Our waitress was attentive, prompt, and very knowledgeable about the menu, making the experience even more enjoyable. A family sitting next to us told us that everything on the menu was delicious--and they were absolutely right. We started with the cornbread and dumplings, which were packed with flavor, but my favorites were the fried green tomatoes and the potatoes. Every bite offered amazing textures and rich, well-balanced flavors. You can tell that a great deal of thought, care, and dedication goes into every dish. The brisket tacos and the smoked crispy chicken were absolutely out of this world. Based on everything we tried, I can easily believe that anything on the menu would be delicious and expertly prepared. We also took the bread pudding to go. I'm usually not a bread pudding fan, but this one completely changed my mind. It was delicate, perfectly balanced, and an excellent way to end the meal. The ambiance is warm and inviting, almost like enjoying dinner at a family member's home. One of the highlights of the evening was when Chef Reginald stopped by each table to greet guests and chat with patrons. It was impressive to see him take the time to personally connect with everyone. Overall, this restaurant exceeded all of my expectations. We will definitely be back, and I highly recommend this friendly, welcoming place to anyone looking for an outstanding dining experience.

Maria B.

My partner and I decided to try something new, and we're so glad we did! The food was absolutely amazing--delicious, beautifully prepared, and made with fresh ingredients. The chef is incredibly creative, and you can really taste the passion and thought behind each dish. Everything was flavorful and memorable. Highly recommend giving this place a try!

Tiphany B.

If "don't judge a book by its cover" were a restaurant, Coarse would be it. We LOVED it. The new upscale BBQ based soul food spot from Chef Reggie Scott completely exceeded expectations. We sampled a little bit of everything. For starters, the fried green tomatoes with smoked catfish dip and hot sauced caviar were wonderful. I am still trying to figure out how they got hot sauce inside the caviar. The cornbread with pecans and honey butter was worth fighting over... #1Son got the last bite. The housemade pork rings were perfectly crisp and surprisingly light. The 22K sauce that came with them was tangy with just enough kick. The mac & cheese was balanced and well seasoned with perfectly cooked noodles and just enough truffle oil to elevate the dish without crossing over into that overpowering seasoned mustiness that truffle can sometimes become. The collard greens tasted like somebody's Mom made them just for us. And the chicken? Whew. 24 hour brine. Smoked. Flash fried. Half bird served with biscuits, three sauces, honey butter, and a housemade smoked pickled pepper. My mouth is watering again just thinking about it. Then there is the beef rib... a dinosaur sized masterpiece of tenderness. No knife needed because the bone literally slides right out. If it were not so delicious, it would almost be ridiculous... but how do you call a masterpiece ridiculous? The salmon was cooked beautifully. Not dry, not oily, not fishy. Just right. The fellas loved the tacos, but I was too stuffed to try them. The bread pudding dessert was tasty, though to us it leaned a little more "cake donut sticks" than traditional bread pudding... but my family takes bread pudding very seriously, so we might be a little biased there. And while the restaurant is currently BYOB, do not let that fool you. The service is top notch. White linens, professional pours, thoughtful menu guidance, and the kind of hospitality that makes you want to come back. I think this may become a monthly stop for us.

Corey S.

We came here for date night. I promise when you pull up don't confused, the sign is on the door and there's parking the front and back of the restaurant. My fiancee arrived before me and she was seated as Chef Reginald was explaining some of the menu. She had a big smile on her face so I know whatever he explained sounded great. He greeted me and comtinued to explain. All I can say is shoutout to Chef because I felt home. The explanations of food, the recommendations for pairings, and honestly we wanted to try a variety of things anyway but we wanted to try everything on the menu. It was so good. We started with the crispy potatoes and cornbread. The potatoes were perfect and the sauce was divine. The balance is sensational. The cornbread was moist and so flavorful. Topped with pecans, I was in heaven. Next we had the crispy chicken and houston tacos. Lets start with the chicken. Smoked fried chicken will now be forever etched in my brain. I'm not sure if I want any other type of fried chicken after. The jalapeno and light lemon pepper seasoning set the whole thing off. this dish realllllly let me know they understand balance and how to play off of flavors. Everyone has raved about the biscuits and lord knows this Louisiana boy loves a good biscuit. I needed 10 more please with some of that jam and butter. The houston tacos aren't your typical taco. A bao bun fried with brisket and topped with slaw. Now I'm not a cole slaw guy so I didn't taste that part, however I see the vision in how the flavors and textures would play together. The sauce given with the tacos is great as well. I couldve drenched them in that. The final piece here for dessert. The bread pudding. I can say this. Chef Darius, wrote a love letter to bread pudding and placed it beautifully on a plate. The crispy edges, soft inside, strawberry compote, sugar, spice and everything nice we are now brothers whether you like it or not. To anyone reading this. This is a fine dining restaurant that plenty of fine dining restaurants need to take notes from. Atmosphere, lighting, presentation, attentiveness, detail. It's all here. This is southern elevation. This isn't the genre of soul food, but there's so much soul in the food. If there were ever a way to have food make your spirit come alive, Chef Reginald Scott figured that out.

Kouazou N.

Visited Coarse by The Smoke last weekend with a friend for her birthday and had a great experience. We arrived a little early and were greeted and seated immediately. The staff was warm and welcoming, and I appreciated the thoughtful touch of the warm lavender-scented towel brought to the table when we sat down. They also offer a corkage option if you'd like to bring your own bottle. We shared the stuffed cornbread bites, oyster dumplings, and fried green tomatoes. I ordered the Suya tacos, and my friend had the Spring salmon. Everything was flavorful, well prepared, and thoroughly enjoyed. The chef stopped by our table to introduce himself and check on our experience, which I thought was a really nice. You can genuinely feel the passion he has for what he's building and his appreciation for the people supporting his business. Wishing him and his team continued success. The food was excellent, and I'll definitely be back to try more of the menu.

Jonisha T.

This was my first time at Coarse! It just so happened to be the grand opening and a friend and I made a reservation to see what all the hype was about. I have to say every aspect of the experience was a positive one that left me wanting more! The service was excellent. We were greeted and seated promptly on arrival. Our Server Tomas was welcoming and answered all of our questions about the menu. And even made us laugh a few times. The owner personally came to our table to recommend items and gave us a little bit of background on how the restaurant came to be. I saw he did this with every table which adds a special touch because you can tell he genuinely is excited for this restaurant and wants his customers to know his WHY. We thoroughly enjoyed our meal! The moist towel at the start set the tone for a beautiful evening. As my friend and I caught up over dinner we couldn't help but talk about the food. The elevated southern cuisine was surprising, but in a good way! For example, their take on the Caesar salad is different because of the ingredients, but still refreshing and delicious as it nods to its southern roots. The smoked chicken was amazing. 10/10. Perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The accompaniments that are served alongside the chicken are equally as delicious. Especially that jalapeño pepper. We also had the fried green tomatoes that are next level and toped with caviar. A must try! I can't say enough good things about the pecan cornbread cakes... I wanted to kick the plate! I'm not kidding. They are beyond good! Lastly, you have to get the bread pudding. And when I tell you it was PERFECT! That's all I'm going to say. You'll have to taste it yourself. Overall, an amazing experience from start to finish and I can't wait to go back. I have my eyes on the Brisket Ramen.

Shericka P.

I took my mom out to dinner today, and it turned into one of our best dining experiences together. The restaurant had such a warm, cozy atmosphere that immediately set the tone for a great evening. To make it even more special, Chef Reginald Scott came by our table to personally greet us. We started with the chicharrones, served with a ridiculously addictive spicy sauce that had us hooked from the first bite. For our shareable, we got the Houston tacos and the crispy smoked potatoes--both was mouth watering. My mom ordered the Spring Salmon, while I went with the "Raymon" brisket noodles, which were rich, savory, and unforgettable. We ended the night with their buttermilk bread pudding, and it was the perfect sweet finish. Every single dish was insanely delicious. I can't wait to come back!

Rashida G.

I cant keep this short, theres too much to share. What a unique and lovely experience that started from the parking lot and carried all the way through the end of our dinner! When you arrive, you will feel like you belong. By the time you leave you will be wanting to hug the staff like they are your cousins. Before we even stepped foot inside, the staff was out front greeting us, wishing my friend a happy birthday, and the hostess even came out to help us take pictures. It's the type of environment that really makes your soul smile. Something I used to really love about being a foodie in Houston but haven't experienced in a long time. 1. Southern Caesar Salad: They do this with cabbage and a house-made dressing. It was refreshing, flavorful, and definitely enough for the three of us to share. 2.Cornbread Medallions: Served with whipped honey butter and pecans. These were just beautiful. The butter is whipped up so light and airy 3. Fried Green Tomatoes: These came with a catfish dip that was straight fire. ENTREES(Large shareables) 1. The Salmon: two of my friends got this and loved it. I usually don't do salmon skin no matter how crispy it is, but whatever they did here was delicious and very palatable. 2. 48-Hour Smoked Chicken:This was my order and they really went off the chain with it. The chicken is brined for 48 hours so it's incredibly juicy and smoky, with the skin fried to perfection. The Sides: It came with two biscuits and a house-made berry jam that was the perfect compliment to that savory biscuit. And that smoked pickled jalapeño? Wow. Never had that in my life The Heart of It I can't say enough good things about this place. This is the type of food that an old Southern chef or the "Big Mama" of the family... it would bring tears to my eyes to see how beautifully these dishes have been elevated to such elegance without losing the soul or the love. Even the way the menu is written..instead of "small plates and entrees " its called small shareable and large shareable. It encourages a dynamic of love and breaking bread with those you love. The chefs came out to share information about the dishes and the inspiration behind some of the unique twists. I live all the way in North Houston, but I will absolutely be back to share a meal handcrafted by people who obviously love every moment of what they do. Thank you, Coarse by the Smoke, for renewing my outlook on dining in Houston after all these years.

I don't write reviews often, but this experience deserves every word. Tonight I had what was, without question, one of the best meals of my life. Instead of ordering traditionally, I asked the chef to simply "blow my mind." What followed was a nonstop parade of dishes that somehow kept getting better with every bite. Not a single plate disappointed. We started with the Jerk Glazed Pork Belly, Butter Pecan Cornbread, Short Rib Arancini, Crispy Smoked Potatoes, Fried Green Tomatoes, and Smoked Oxtail Dumplings. Every dish was unique, beautifully balanced, and packed with flavor. There wasn't a weak link on the table. Then came both the Beet Salad and the Southern Caesar Salad, proving that even the salads here are far from an afterthought. For our entrées, the Suya Brisket Tacos and the Crispy Smoked Chicken were absolutely outstanding. The brisket was incredibly tender with bold, layered flavors, while the smoked chicken managed to be impossibly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The Truffle Mac & Cheese was rich, indulgent, and one of the best sides I've ever had. We finished with the Seasonal Bread Pudding, which was the perfect ending to an unforgettable meal. What made the evening even more special was the chef himself. Despite our large party, he was constantly checking on us, explaining dishes, bringing out surprises, and making sure the table never stopped experiencing something new. You could feel the passion, creativity, and pride behind every single plate. The restaurant itself is unexpected. From the outside, you might drive right past it. There's no flashy sign or trendy façade--but that's intentional. The chef shared that he could have opened anywhere in Houston, yet he chose this neighborhood because he wanted to invest in it, support the surrounding community, and create something meaningful for two historic Black communities that have long deserved this kind of destination. That mission makes the experience even more powerful. If you're hesitant because of the location, don't be. The chef spoke proudly about the neighborhood and how the local community looks after both the restaurant and its guests. After experiencing the warmth inside those walls, it was easy to understand why. Houston is known for incredible food, and I genuinely believe this restaurant belongs among the very best the city has to offer. It's rare to find a place where the food, hospitality, storytelling, and purpose all come together so seamlessly. I truly believe this chef is on the path to earning a Michelin star. The level of execution, creativity, consistency, and hospitality is that exceptional. Houston--don't let appearances fool you. Hidden in one of the city's most unassuming corners is a restaurant creating some of the most memorable food you'll ever eat. Go with an open mind, trust the chef, and let yourself be surprised. This isn't just dinner. It's an experience.

Casey C.

Hey you. Yes, you. Are you hungry? Great. Then your first choice should be Coarse. My mom and I stopped by on a whim. She'd heard about a new spot on Instagram, and since we were in the area, we decided to go. It happened to be their soft opening, so there was a set menu. First off: this place is small, tucked away--a hidden gem between Northside and the Heights. We walked in and were seated immediately. Set menu, no alcohol yet (though they do have cork service). For $60: two appetizers, one entree, and dessert. My mom and I both love Caesar salad, so we each ordered one. Then I got the potatoes and she got the cornbread. That's when Reginald himself came over to greet us. And wow--what a wonderful person. Someone you can't help but root for. He told us he's been doing barbecue since COVID, and this restaurant is his attempt to get back to his roots. Let me just say, Reginald: PLEASE don't go back to barbecue. Because this was the best meal I've had in ages. When Reginald noticed we hadn't ordered the fried green tomatoes (the last option on the appetizer menu), he brought some out for us to try. Thank god he did. That bite was heaven. The best thing I've ever put in my mouth??? The potatoes were amazing. So was the cornbread. But the fried green tomatoes--GET THEM. ORDER THEM. EVEN IF YOU THINK YOU DON'T LIKE TOMATOES. TRUST ME. The Caesar salad was a star. Finely shaved cabbage, coated perfectly with Caesar, Parmesan, and pickled onion. Those pickled onions added the PERFECT level of acidity. Oh my god. That shaved cabbage was a delicious bite. Then the mains. I got the chicken, my mom the goat. OH MY GOD. The goat was rich and gamey, with a brightness to the stew--complex flavors but still comforting. And the chicken? SEASONED TO PERFECTION. They came with sauces that I FORGOT to put on the chicken because it was seasoned so well. Skin was crispy, flavored with cinnamon and other spices, and it just worked. They ran out of the bread pudding (we came a little late), so we didn't get to try it. But when I tell you this food was so good, I already know without tasting it that dessert was fire. I can't wait to come back and try it. I'm hoping Chef Reginald's career gets the attention it deserves. This man can COOK. He's bright, effusive--the whole staff was great, really. I'm looking forward to seeing how this restaurant settles after launch and once it finds its footing. Congratulations.

Absolutely incredible! Every bite tasted like it was made with love, care, and attention to detail. The chicken was some of the best I've ever had, and I'm still wondering how they got so much flavor into a roasted potato. The bread pudding was the perfect ending. The service was just as amazing--Chef Reginald personally thanked every table and even served desserts himself, which made the experience feel so special. I'll definitely be recommending this place to everyone I know. Do yourself a favor and give them a try!