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Jean’s Diner is a family owned and operated business in downtown Houston. Shown seated at one of the restaurant’s many tables are, clockwise from bottom left, Tabatha Jennings, Palmer Clarett, Willie Jean Clarett and Fantayshia Jennings. (FLOYD INGRAM I CHICKASAW JOURNAL)
ESTABLISHED: 1989
ADDRESS: 324 W. Madison St., Houston
PHONE: (662) 456-0022
HOURS: Monday-Thursday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday Noon to 3 p.m. Closed on Saturday
It’s home-cooked food served hot and fast and Miss Jean is always proud of it.
Jean’s Diner is a Houston landmark that packs diners in at lunch daily for those wanting good food that looks and tastes like it came out of momma’s kitchen
Located on West Madison Street, the restaurant’s parking lot starts filling around lunch each day but empties quickly as workers head back to the job site, factory or office.
“We are working folk and we serve food that working people need to get the job done,” said owner Willie Jean Clarett. “We have a different menu every day, but people learn what we are serving and show up for their favorite.”
The plate lunch is simple – your choice of meat, two vegetables, bread, a drink and desert.
“Chitterlings, pig feet, fried chicken, fried liver and the pot pie are the favorites,” said manager Tabatha Jennings. “We also serve a lot of turnip greens, potatoes, macaroni and cheese and okra, too. We also sell a lot of fried pies, ribs and chicken and dressing.
“It’s soul food,” she said with a smile. “Miss Jean has her own special recipe for each item and makes sure it tastes right before it goes to the table. She is very careful about what she serves because her name – the family name – is on every plate.”
Jean’s Diner also caters and can serve small or large gatherings. It specializes in weddings, family reunions, company parties and church events.
Chickasaw Journal