—————————————————— Eat This: Oysters at Punk's Simple Southern | Eating Our Words | Houston | Houston Press | The Leading Independent News Source in Houston, Texas

Menus

Eat This: Oysters at Punk's Simple Southern

Although my first visit to Punk's Simple Southern proved mediocre, the restaurant seems to have gotten its act together. Somewhat. Despite the fact that we had made a reservation 72 hours in advance, no tables were available when we arrived; the manager then set up a table approximately three feet from the door, which opened regularly bringing in gusts of 40-degree air. No thanks, we'll wait for (non-refrigerated) seating.

Forgiving that small snafu was easy, however, when it was followed up by otherwise very attentive service plus some delicious and well-executed albeit slightly overpriced dishes. (The worst offender is the fried chicken, which costs $40 for a whole bird.)

The hush puppies and the various biscuits (especially those stuffed with "ham and jam") are terrific and can by themselves make for a reasonably satisfying happy hour meal. If you're craving protein, however, but not in the mood for a burger (if you really were, would you be at Punk's?), and/or don't eat fish tacos at non-TexMex joints, then please go for the oysters.

This story continues on the next page.

KEEP THE HOUSTON PRESS FREE... Since we started the Houston Press, it has been defined as the free, independent voice of Houston, and we'd like to keep it that way. With local media under siege, it's more important than ever for us to rally support behind funding our local journalism. You can help by participating in our "I Support" program, allowing us to keep offering readers access to our incisive coverage of local news, food and culture with no paywalls.
Joanna O'Leary