We’re Cassidy’s Mesquite Kitchen in downtown Houston. When people walk in, they’re usually here for one reason—our chicken fingers. They’ve heard about them from a friend, a co-worker, or someone who had one plate and couldn’t stop talking about it.
We don’t hide behind gimmicks. There’s no over-the-top sauce names or crazy presentation. It’s simple: we make fresh, mesquite-grilled food, and our chicken fingers have become something of a legend around here.
Why Ours Are Called the Best Chicken Fingers in Houston
There’s a difference between “good” and “worth driving across town for.” Ours fall into the second category. We hand-cut every strip in our kitchen. They’re brined, seasoned, breaded, and fried in-house—nothing comes from a freezer bag. The outside crunches, the inside stays juicy, and they always come out hot.
Most places rush the process or rely on the fryer to do all the work. We don’t.
We use mesquite-smoked seasoning in the flour mix, and we let them rest before they hit the plate. That quick pause right after frying makes sure the coating sticks and doesn’t go soggy.
What Comes with Our Chicken Finger Plate
If you’re coming in for chicken fingers, here’s what you’re getting:
- A full plate of fresh, house-breaded chicken fingers
- Seasoned fries or onion rings
- Our house dipping sauce (plus ranch or honey mustard if you ask)
- A slice of Texas toast
You can swap the sides, double the meat, or load it up with extra sauce. People have their routines, and we don’t get in the way of that.
Check directions to our downtown location
How We Got Here: From Burgers to Fingers
We started as a burger joint. That’s what Cassidy’s Mesquite Kitchen was known for when we opened our doors. But once we added chicken fingers to the menu, something changed. People started coming in just for them. Then they brought friends. Then someone left a review that called them “the best chicken fingers in the world.” And it stuck.
We didn’t plan for that to happen. We just made them the right way.
Over time, we started selling more chicken than burgers, especially on lunch breaks and Fridays. Today, they’re our top seller.
What Makes Our Chicken Different
There’s no trick here. We use quality chicken, but it’s how we treat it that matters.
- We brine the meat. That locks in the moisture.
- We season the flour with mesquite spices. That gives it depth.
- We fry in small batches. That keeps it crisp.
- We serve it hot. Always.
Here’s how our process stacks up to what you’ll find at chain restaurants:
| Step | Cassidy’s Mesquite Kitchen | Chain Restaurant |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken source | Fresh, never frozen | Bulk-frozen pre-cut |
| Prep method | Hand-cut, hand-breaded | Pre-processed and par-fried |
| Seasoning | Custom mesquite spice blend | Generic flour and salt |
| Cooking | Small batch fryer, timed by eye | Conveyor fryer |
| Served | Fresh off the line | Held in warmers |
Why Locals Keep Coming Back
We’re not off the Beltway. We’re not tucked behind a shopping plaza. We’re in downtown Houston, and we serve the kind of food you don’t forget after one plate.
Most of our business comes from regulars—construction crews, lawyers, students, teachers, city workers. They all know they can count on a solid meal without the hassle.
It’s fast without being rushed. It’s fresh without being overhyped. We just make good food and let the plates speak for themselves.
Other Menu Items That Pair with the Fingers
The chicken fingers may be the star, but we’ve got other items that hit hard:
- BBQ Beans and Rice – slow-cooked with smoked brisket ends
- Fried Pickles – house-battered, crisp, and salty
- Jalapeño Mac – creamy with a kick
- Mesquite Grilled Burgers – still on the menu, still solid
- BBQ Plates – pulled pork, ribs, brisket, and more
Explore our full BBQ and burger menu
Serving Downtown Houston with Straightforward Food
We’ve served people on lunch breaks, before Astros games, after jury duty, during power outages, and in every situation you can imagine. This is the kind of food that cuts through the noise.
We don’t do delivery through big apps. If you want our food, come grab a table, or order for pickup. We move fast, but we don’t hand your meal to a stranger in a Prius.
We’re part of downtown Houston. We feed people who live and work right here.
Customer Favorites (Based on Weekly Orders)
| Item | % of Orders Each Week |
|---|---|
| Chicken Finger Plate | 42% |
| Mesquite Grilled Burger | 20% |
| Brisket Sandwich | 12% |
| Fried Catfish Basket | 8% |
| BBQ Combo Plate | 7% |
| Kids Chicken Fingers | 6% |
| Add-On Fried Pickles | 5% |
What Customers Say About the Chicken Fingers
“No one else in Houston does chicken like this. Crunchy, juicy, and that sauce? Unreal.”
— Alex R., Midtown
“Cassidy’s fingers are everything Raising Cane’s wants to be.”
— James W., Downtown Houston
“I come twice a week. The staff knows my order. It’s not just food—it’s my reset button.”
— Reggie S., Metro Bus Driver
How to Get Here
We’re located in downtown Houston, not far from the courthouses and office buildings. You can find us right off the street, with easy walk-in access.
If you’re parking, there’s usually open metered spots during lunch. If you’re walking from nearby, just follow the smell of mesquite smoke.
Want to Eat and Run?
You can call ahead, and we’ll have your order bagged and ready. We also do group orders for downtown offices. You tell us how many plates and what sides—done. No app required.
Come in, eat good food, and get back to your day.
You Can Taste the Difference
No freezer burn. No soggy fingers. No mystery meat. Just clean, simple, mesquite-seasoned chicken that hits right every time.
Whether you’re here on your first visit or your fiftieth, the plate comes out the same: hot, crunchy, and made with care.
See You in Downtown Houston
If you’re looking for the best chicken fingers in Houston, don’t overthink it. Just come to Cassidy’s Mesquite Kitchen. We’ll be behind the counter making plates like we always do.
📍 Downtown Houston
🕐 Open daily for breakfast & lunch
📞 Walk-ins welcome, call ahead for pickup
