Actress Taylor Polidore Williams is a Texan through and through. Born and raised in Houston, Williams always had her eyes set on the stars. After earning her Bachelor of Arts in filmmaking, Williams took the plunge and made waves on the screen with roles in Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins, Black Lightning, and Snowfall. However, it was her role in the 2023 Tyler Perry film Divorce in the Black that led Williams to her most compelling performance, starring as Kimmie in Netflix's Beauty in Black. Part drama, part soap opera, it's become a breakout hit for the streamer and launched Williams to new heights. With this in mind, we asked the starlet for her picks in her native Houston.
Below, get to know Williams's hometown and make sure to check out more insights from our Inspectors, chefs, and celebrities.
Where do you love to eat in Houston?
Lucille’s
Food for the soul. The "Yardbird" meal with a nice glass of their homemade lemonade is my favorite, but literally the whole menu is delicious. One of my go-to places!
Where is your favorite place to unwind?
The Post Oak Hotel Spa (A One MICHELIN Key property)
I love their spa! Amazing services and the perfect, relaxing environment for a peaceful day alone or a nice time with friends.
What's your go-to for a special dinner?
Pappas Bros. Steakhouse
The most stellar service and atmosphere for a special dinner. The filet mignon or the lamb chops are wonderful entree choices and the jumbo lump crab mac and cheese is decadent. Their cocktails are delicious as well - my go-to is a French 75.
Which restaurant feels like home?
Esther’s Cajun Kitchen
I’m Creole so I love, love, love Cajun food. My favorite dish at Esther’s is the gumbo and the Cajun fried catfish meal. It’s a family-owned restaurant with great hospitality and it feels and tastes like home!
What is a spot with a great vibe and ambiance?
13
Chic and sexy environment with great food and service! It’s owned by NBA player, James Harden, and also has a speakeasy bar inside. I order multiple starters when I go. Nice date night vibes!
Where do you go for seafood?
BB’sMy favorite crawfish place in the city! I like it Tex-Orleans style. So good! Warning: spicyyyy
Best brunch spot?
Sixty Vines
Such a cute place for brunch with the girls! There are so many wines to pick from. My go-to at brunch is the Froze! My friends and I will order an assortment of the small plates and share a pizza.
Address Book
BB's Tex-Orleans
2701 White Oak Dr, Houston, TX 77007
Esther's Cajun Café & Soul Food
5007 N Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77018
Lucille's
5512 La Branch St, Houston, TX 77004
Pappas Bros. Steakhouse
5839 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77057
Sixty Vines
2540 University Blvd, Houston, TX 77005
The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston (One Michelin Key)
1600 W Loop S, Houston, TX 77027
Thirteen
1911 Bagby St Suite 100, Houston, TX 77002
Hero image: Jonny Marlow
