ChopnBlok, a West African quick service restaurant, will open a brick-and-mortar location in Montrose in time to celebrate Nigerian Independence Day.

What's special about it

Founder and chef Ope Amosu said he intends to showcase the diversity of West African cuisine to a broader audience with his restaurant, according to a September news release.

The new space, located along Westheimer Road, will expand ChopnBlok's menu and service options from its food hall station at downtown entertainment venue Post Houston. Officials will also debut a cocktail program inspired by ingredients of the African diaspora, per the release.
ChopnBlok founder Ope Amosu is a semifinalist for a 2024 James Beard Award for emerging chef. (Courtesy StuffBenEats)
Amosu, a semifinalist for a 2024 James Beard Award for emerging chef, grew the brand from a pop-up dinner series, per the release. The expanded venue has the historical context of being located within the original boundaries of Houston's Freedmen's Town—a municipality established in 1865 by formerly enslaved people post-Juneteenth and one of the oldest Black communities in the city.

“We’re bringing more than just food to the Montrose community,” Amosu said in a statement. “This space is our love letter to the African diaspora, and we want our patrons to celebrate the vibrancy and diversity of West African culture in tandem with the creativity that defines Montrose.”
The expanded menu at the standalone restaurant will feature West African influenced dishes. (Courtesy StuffBenEats)
Main course




The food at ChopnBlok includes Nigerian culinary staples with broader West African influences, according to the release.

Signature dishes include protein and rice bowls called blok pairings, with ingredients such as boneless short rib, Cameroon prawns, red stew, Sengalese peanut curry, rice and beans.
The golden features smoky jollof rice, chicken, vegetables and plantains. (Courtesy StuffBenEats)
Other menu items include suya steak skewers dusted in Yaji peanut pepper spice, seasonal salads and plantain bread pudding.

The debut cocktail program features many Black-owned wines and alcohol brands. Drinks include the Chopman—which is inspired by Nigeria's version of the American Shirley Temple; the Manyarita, a native twist on the classic margarita; and the Calabash Colada, which mixes dark rum with nutmeg, coconut milk and turmeric.
Manyaritas are ChopnBlok's native twist on the classic margarita. (Courtesy StuffBenEats)
The features

ChopnBlok Montrose will span 3,000-square-feet with seating for 82 in the dining room and bar, and room for 20 more on the outdoor patio, per the release. The location will offer on-site parking.




The larger kitchen allows flexibility to provide both comfortable table service and grab-and-go meal options, according to the release.

Interior design elements are inspired by the art, textiles and architecture of West Africa and are juxtaposed with the culture and experiences of African Americans and the broader diaspora.
Interior design elements are inspired by the art, textiles and architecture of West Africa and are juxtaposed with the culture and experiences of African Americans and the broader diaspora. (Courtesy StuffBenEats)
Key elements include:
  • A stenciled mud wall
  • Aso Oke-inspired back bar, bar facade and community tables
  • A brag wall featuring artwork, prints and accessories from African and diaspora artists
  • Custom wallpaper by Nigerian artist Uzo Njoku
  • Ethically-sourced, handmade African products
  • Curated book displays supplied by Houston-based bookstore Kindred Stories
In addition, the restaurant will serve as a community gathering space and cultural hub, per the release—hosting events such as live music nights, panel discussions and special dinner programs.