Food of the Red Line: Frenchy's by Reliant

Houstonist was there. On the couch, watching the glorious finish of the Dolphins-Texans game. Fuming while announcer Solomon Wilcots reminded the audience—repeatedly—that the Texans, down by five with 12 seconds remaining and no time outs, facing a third and two at the three-yard-line, ought to throw to the end zone. Really, Solomon? How about a run up the middle to get a fresh set of downs?

Yes, Houstonist was there. Pumping our fist in the air as Matt Schaub eased his way into the end zone on fourth down, we wondered when exactly it was that we became a Houston Texans fan. Unapologetically. Andre Johnson's status as a starting wideout on Houstonist's fantasy football team is completely incidental.

There might not be a better way to celebrate a home Texans win than by taking METRORail to the Reliant Park station, joining the exiting crowds and consuming mass quantities at the nearby Frenchy's Chicken. Houstonist loves few things like we love football, public transit, and food. Let this post, then, serve as the inauguration of a new series: food of the METRORail Red Line, a guide to eateries within easy walking distance of each rail stop.

Frenchy's is Houston's preeminent fried chicken chain, and with good reason: the creole-spiced chicken is outstanding, trailing only that of The Breakfast Klub in finger-lickingness. All Frenchy's locations use the same recipes, but while the original two locations (on Scott Street, near UH and TSU) are still owned by the family of founder Percy “Frenchy” Creuzot, the remainder are franchises, operated by a corporation headed by Humble native and former Aggie, Cowboy, and Texan (and current Saint) defensive back Aaron Glenn.

Unlike the other locations, which focus on takeout, the Frenchy's near Reliant is a "fast-casual" prototype (think Jason's Deli or Buffalo Wild Wings). The aesthetic is vaguely Orleanian—a smattering of red brick, wrought-iron filigree, HD televisions on the walls, patio seating—and even at that, it's not entirely successful, seeing as the restaurant is in the middle of a gigantic parking lot anchored by Ross and PetSmart. Once inside, however, all concerns melt away, replaced by an olfactory overload of deep-fried goodness.

Did we mention that this Frenchy's also has a liquor license?

Frenchy's Fried Chicken
8110 Kirby Drive
713.592.9115
frenchyschicken.com