The Turkey Leg Hut has become a Houston institution in recent years, drawing in locals and tourists alike with its mouthwatering smoked turkey legs and other delectable dishes. What started as a small food truck has now grown into a popular restaurant with two locations, attracting foodies and barbecue lovers from all over the city.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what makes the Turkey Leg Hut so special, from its history and menu to its unique dining experience. So, whether you’re a longtime fan of the restaurant or a curious newcomer, read on to discover everything you need to know about the Turkey Leg Hut.
History of the Turkey Leg Hut
The Turkey Leg Hut got its start in 2015 as a food truck in Houston, Texas. Co-founders Nakia and Lynn Price started selling smoked turkey legs from a truck in Third Ward, and quickly gained a loyal following for their unique take on the classic BBQ dish.
In 2017, the Prices opened their first brick-and-mortar location on Almeda Road, and the restaurant’s popularity continued to grow. They expanded their menu to include other Southern-style dishes, like gumbo, fried catfish, and crawfish, but the smoked turkey legs remained the star of the show.
In 2019, they opened a second location on Washington Avenue, which features a full bar and outdoor patio seating. The restaurant’s popularity shows no signs of slowing down, with long lines and wait times a common sight outside both locations.
The Turkey Leg Hut’s success has been recognized by local and national media, with features on Food Network, Travel Channel, and other outlets. The restaurant has also been recognized with awards like the Houston Press’ Best of Houston award for Best Soul Food, and has been named one of the top 50 BBQ joints in Texas by Texas Monthly magazine.
Overall, the Turkey Leg Hut’s rise to popularity is a testament to the Prices’ dedication to quality food and customer service, as well as their ability to create a unique and memorable dining experience for their customers.
Menu at the Turkey Leg Hut
The Turkey Leg Hut’s menu is a celebration of Southern and Cajun-style cuisine, with a focus on smoked turkey legs and other hearty, flavorful dishes. Here are some of the restaurant’s most popular menu items:
- Smoked Turkey Legs: The star of the show, these jumbo-sized turkey legs are seasoned with the Turkey Leg Hut’s signature spice rub and slow-smoked for several hours until tender and juicy.
- Turkey Leg Basket: A classic combo meal featuring one smoked turkey leg, two sides, and a slice of bread.
- Gumbo: This Louisiana-style stew is loaded with chicken, shrimp, and andouille sausage, and served with a side of rice.
- Loaded Turkey Legs: For those who want to take their turkey legs to the next level, the Turkey Leg Hut offers several loaded options, like the Dirty Rice Stuffed Turkey Leg and the Turkey Leg Nachos.
- Seafood: The restaurant’s seafood offerings include fried catfish, shrimp, and crawfish, as well as a seafood platter that includes all three.
In addition to these main dishes, the Turkey Leg Hut offers a variety of sides, like mac and cheese, dirty rice, and collard greens, as well as desserts like banana pudding and sweet potato pie. The restaurant also offers a selection of drinks, including beer, wine, and cocktails, as well as non-alcoholic options like sweet tea and lemonade.
Overall, the Turkey Leg Hut’s menu is a flavorful and satisfying celebration of Southern and Cajun-style cuisine, with something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re a die-hard turkey leg fan or just looking for some good old-fashioned comfort food, the Turkey Leg Hut is definitely worth a visit.
The Turkey Leg Hut Experience
Visiting the Turkey Leg Hut is about more than just the food – it’s a full sensory experience that’s as much about the atmosphere and ambiance as it is about the delicious dishes. Here are some of the things that make the Turkey Leg Hut experience so special:
- Decor: Both of their locations are decked out with eye-catching murals, neon lights, and colorful decor that create a fun and lively atmosphere. The Washington Avenue location also features an outdoor patio with seating and a bar.
- Live music: On weekends, the Turkey Leg Hut often features live music performances from local artists, adding to the lively and festive vibe.
- Long lines and wait times: One of the hallmarks of this restaurant experience is the long lines and wait times that often accompany a visit. While this can be frustrating, many fans of the restaurant argue that it’s all part of the experience – after all, anything worth having is worth waiting for!
- Interactive menus: The restaurant’s menus are printed on paper bags and can be marked up with checkboxes and notes, allowing diners to customize their orders and add their own personal touch.
- Fun and friendly service: The Turkey Leg Hut’s staff are known for their friendly and engaging service, often making jokes and bantering with customers as they take their orders.
Overall, the Turkey Leg Hut experience is a lively and fun-filled celebration of good food and good times. While the long lines and wait times can be a downside, many fans would argue that they’re all part of the charm of this Houston institution.
Customer Reviews and Feedback
One of the best ways to judge a restaurant is by its customer reviews and feedback, and this Creole Restaurant has no shortage of satisfied customers. Here are just a few examples of what people have to say about the restaurant:
“The Turkey Leg Hut is a must-visit spot in Houston. The food is incredible, the atmosphere is electric, and the staff are friendly and welcoming. You won’t be disappointed!” – John S.
“I visited the Turkey Leg Hut for the first time last week and was blown away by the quality of the food. The turkey legs were huge and full of flavor, and the sides were just as tasty. I can’t wait to go back!” – Sarah K.
“The Turkey Leg Hut is worth every minute of the wait. The food is delicious and the atmosphere is so fun and lively. If you’re in Houston, you have to check it out!” – Michael L.
“The Turkey Leg Hut has some of the best soul food I’ve ever tasted. The gumbo and dirty rice were both amazing, and the turkey legs were out of this world. I highly recommend it!” – Ashley R.
Overall, the customer reviews and feedback for the Turkey Leg Hut are overwhelmingly positive, with many people raving about the food, atmosphere, and friendly service. If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind dining experience in Houston, the Turkey Leg Hut should definitely be at the top of your list.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, the Turkey Leg Hut is a true Houston gem that’s not to be missed. With its mouth-watering turkey legs and other Southern-style dishes, fun and festive atmosphere, and friendly and engaging service, it’s no wonder that the restaurant has become a local institution in such a short amount of time.
Whether you’re a Houston native or just passing through, a visit to the Turkey Leg Hut is an absolute must. And while the long lines and wait times may be a bit of a hassle, they’re a small price to pay for such a unique and memorable dining experience.
So if you’re looking for some of the best soul food in town, or just want to see what all the fuss is about, head on down to the Turkey Leg Hut and get ready for a one-of-a-kind experience that you won’t soon forget.