Blog 3853 – 06.10.2026

I Remember Alfred’s

When I first came to Houston in January of 1973 to attend Gulf Coast Bible College, my Uncle Joe who had lived in Houston since the early nineteen sixties introduced me to two of his favorite Houston eateries, Antoine’s sandwich shop and Alfred’s Delicatessen.  Antoine’s, established in 1962, still has several thriving locations selling their famous Po’ Boy sandwiches.

Alfred’s first opened in 1948 and at one time had several popular locations around the city. Before they finally closed their last location in the nineteen nineties they had become an institution in Houston.

I grew up in Chattanooga, Tennessee and had never eaten a Po’ Boy sandwich nor eaten at a delicatessen so I trusted my more experienced uncle to guide me in those first choices. I have tried several of the different Antoine sandwiches over the years, but the original red wrap, Uncle Joe’s first recommendation, is still my favorite.

On my first visit to Alfred’s, my uncle recommended the hot corned beef with a fried egg on top. It was delicious and became a favorite that I also suggested to others. Alfred’s roast duck dinner was another dinning treat that I experienced at Alfred’s.

Soon two generations of Houston will have arisen who have no recollection of Alfred’s Delicatessen.

Eateries come and go, some are missed by those who knew them, yet far more quickly fade from memory. Alfred’s left an indelible mark on my heart and a warm satisfied spot in my tummy. My dear Uncle Joe passed some years ago. I can still see the sparkle of pride in his eyes as he welcomed me to his adopted hometown of Houston sharing Antoine’s and Alfred’s with me. For over fifty years it has been my hometown too. I remember Uncle Joe and I remember Alfred’s.

Your friend and fellow traveler,

David James White