Gatlin’s BBQ Pitmaster to Celebrate Houston’s Independence Heights Culinary Traditions With New Restaurant

Gatlin’s Fins & Feathers will serve up fried chicken, fresh seafood, gumbo, and more

Gatlin’s BBQ owner and pitmaster Greg Gatlin will open his second restaurant in the city, tapping into the culinary traditions of his upbringing in the historic Independence Heights.

Lindsey Cooper

Located at 302 W. Crosstimbers Street, Gatlin’s Fins & Feathers will be a “love letter” to the neighborhood under the lead of Gatlin and co-chef and co-owner Michelle Wallace, it will serve up epic comfort foods Gatlin ate growing up, ranging from fried chicken to gumbo to seafood. Even the restaurant’s space — the former location of Herrera’s Mexicatessen Restaurant — an establishment Gatlin and his family frequented growing up — seems like a full-circle moment, according to a release.

Lindsey Cooper

Designed by H3D Hospitality Group’s lead architect Craig Schuster, the 3,000 square foot space can seat around 80 people and will serve lunch and dinner, with an emphasis on brunch, which is anticipated to be busy given the close proximity to the neighborhood’s churches.

The restaurant follows Gatlin’s first establishment, Gatlin’s BBQ, which he opened in 2010 to great acclaim. The restaurant has been named one of the best barbecue joints in the state by Texas Monthly. Eater has reached out to Gatlin’s team and will update this story when more information is available.