Nominate a restaurant

Nominations for recognition in Savoring History: Houston’s Legacy Restaurants are open through January 16, 2026.

Anyone may submit a nomination with the restaurant’s permission. A jury will review all submissions to identify establishments that embody Houston’s cultural and culinary heritage. Selected nominees will receive legacy restaurant recognition, and one outstanding establishment will be named Legacy Restaurant of the Year.

Why nominate a historic Houston restaurant?

• Preserve and share local history: Help tell the story of a restaurant that has shaped Houston’s cultural and community heritage.

• Recognize a valued institution: Honored restaurants receive an official Preservation Houston certificate and window decal acknowledging their significance.

• Strengthen local businesses: Nominations spotlight long-standing establishments that sustain Houston’s character and economy.

• Connect to preservation resources: Award recipients gain access to Preservation Houston’s network, programs and learning opportunities.

• Enhance community identity: Raise your neighborhood’s profile as a destination for heritage tourism and cultural appreciation.

Who’s eligible?

To be eligible for legacy restaurant recognition, a business must have been in continuous operation for 20 years or more and contribute to the history and identity of a neighborhood, community or the city as a whole. In addition, the business must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Has been owned and operated by successive generations of the same family

• Cultivates and sustains cultural traditions through instruction, mentorship or the passing down of traditional knowledge

• Is located in a City of Houston-designated landmark building or within a City of Houston historic district