Houston’s relationship with barbecue is not a trend; it is a living, breathing part of the city’s cultural DNA. Unlike regions bound by a single rigid tradition, the Bayou City operates as a culinary melting pot, absorbing influences from East Texas, Central Texas, and the Deep South. This unique convergence has created a landscape where classic smoked brisket coexists with Vietnamese-Cajun influences and Mexican-inspired barbacoa. For locals and visitors alike, the sheer volume of options can be overwhelming, making the search for the perfect bite feel like a treasure hunt.
Navigating the Houston smoke scene requires an understanding that “the best” is subjective, varying wildly depending on whether you prioritize a peppery bark, a sweet glaze, or a perfectly rendered fat cap. The city is home to legendary pitmasters who have been tending fires for decades, as well as a new generation of innovators pushing the boundaries of what barbecue can be. From unassuming strip-mall joints to massive, sprawling beer gardens, the ambiance is as varied as the meat itself. To truly appreciate the depth of talent here, one must be willing to stand in line, embrace the humidity, and eat with their hands.
Quality in Houston begins with the wood. Post oak remains the undisputed king of fuel, providing a clean, steady heat that allows beef to shine without overpowering it with mesquite’s harshness. However, the true differentiator is time. The best establishments refuse to cut corners, often starting their fires in the pre-dawn hours to ensure that brisket has the necessary twelve to sixteen hours to transform into a buttery, tender masterpiece. This dedication to craft over convenience separates the true artisans from the pretenders.
While brisket is the standard by which most Texas joints are judged, Houston’s excellence extends far beyond the cow. The city’s proximity to the Gulf Coast ensures a steady supply of high-quality Gulf seafood, which occasionally makes an appearance on the smoker. Additionally, the influence of the city’s massive Asian-American population has led to some of the most exciting fusion barbecue in the country. You will find smoked duck, char siu pork, and boudin stuffed with unexpected ingredients, proving that Houston’s smoke rings are not bound by geography.
A common mistake for first-timers is assuming that a long line guarantees a life-changing meal; while often true, some of the best pits in the city are hidden in gas stations and grocery store parking lots. The true measure of a Houston barbecue joint is the texture of the meat at 2:00 PM. If the brisket is still moist, the ribs still have structural integrity, and the sausage is still snapping, the pitmaster has mastered the science of heat retention and humidity control. Conversely, a dry, chalky slice indicates a batch that peaked hours ago.
Understanding the side dishes is equally important. In Houston, sides are not an afterthought; they are a competitive advantage. Creamy mac and cheese, spicy charro beans, vinegar-based slaw, and jalapeño cornbread often rival the proteins for attention. A well-crafted side can elevate a good plate of meat into a transcendent experience, providing the necessary acid or fat to cut through the richness of the smoke. Never judge a Houston pit solely by its brisket; the banana pudding or peach cobbler at the end of the line is often the ultimate test of a kitchen’s soul.
Below is a curated guide to the establishments that define Houston’s current barbecue identity. These selections represent a blend of legacy institutions that have shaped the city’s palate and modern newcomers who are redefining the future of smoke. Whether you are a purist seeking a perfect slice of lean brisket or an adventurer looking for a smoked twist on a classic dish, this list offers a starting point for a delicious journey through the Bayou City.
Truth BBQ
| Address | 110 S Heights Blvd, Houston, TX 77007 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 8:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 8:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 8:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Phone | (832) 835-0001 |
Absolutely amazing. The staff was fantastic - the food was incredible...we got in Line at 9am so we were the first ones in At 11:00. The best Barbecue I have ever had. The sides were also amazing and the deserts were in point. Even the pickles they make there are awesome. They even gave us a tour of the back -- we got to see where they cook 80+ briskets at a time. Also
.. that day they had the beef rib and the tres leches cake. Both were incredible...but the beef rib was out of this world.
Woooooow! While going here on vacation we thought there’s nothing better good option to get but authentic Texas BBQ. Based on all the reviews we read, The Truth seemed like the place to go and we are so happy we got to experience it. Ofcourse when we pull up there’s a lineup out the door so we knew it was going to be good (the line moves quick, we waited for about 15-20 minutes). We got the Texas Trinity for 3 peoples and it was ALOT of food, you’ll for sure have left over. Brisket was the standout. So soft and moist, it was just perfect. The sausage and ribs were also amazing! We also had the 4 pint of sides and chose tatter casserole, Mac & cheese, corn pudding and coleslaw. There were so many other options too that we would’ve loved to choose from. All the sides were amazing, our favourite was the corn pudding, it was a bit sweet too which made it a perfect sweet and savoury meal. Such an amazing experience and the staff were very friendly and kind. Great job and keep up the amazing work.
Truth Barbeque was my first time trying authentic Texas barbecue, and it completely exceeded my expectations. The brisket was honestly the best meat I’ve ever eaten in my life—perfectly smoked, incredibly tender, and full of flavor. The sides were just as impressive and really creative, especially the corn pudding, which was absolutely delicious. I also loved how inventive the menu was, with items like a brisket smashburger and a brisket Philly cheesesteak sandwich alongside the classic barbecue. Every bite was incredible, and I can’t wait to come back!
The BBQ and sides are not standouts. I asked the guy cutting brisket for slices from the point, and he gave me some from the point and some from the flat. He also gave me a tip of the point. The tip was excellent with lots of bark and good texture. The piece from the point was tender but almost too soft and lacked much bark. The piece from the flat was not very tender or moist and lacked bark. I almost didn’t bother to finish it. The tatertot casserole and slaw were nothing special. I had a jalapeño cheddar jack sausage that was good. I also tried the ribs, which had more bark than the brisket (!). They were very tender and delicious. I don’t usually use sauces with Texas BBQ and thought the mustard and red sauce were excellent. (Yellow sauce is from the part of SC where I am from, and the red sauce had a vinegar base that borders on Lexington NC style)
Finally made it to Truth BBQ in the Heights and it absolutely lives up to the hype. From the moment you walk up, the space has that clean, modern Texas BBQ feel, laid back but still elevated.
The brisket was the standout, perfect bark and packed with flavor without being too heavy. The sausage had that snap and smoky kick and the mac & cheese + tarot tot casserole were next level comfort food..
Smash burger was simple, but done really well with that crispy edge and melty goodness.
Inside, the vibe is open and welcoming, great for groups or just sitting and enjoying your food alone.
Only thing to note, be ready for a line because it’s popular for a reason. Today we went around 2:00pm on a Tuesday and there was zero line.
Overall: Some of the best BBQ in Houston. Definitely worth it
The Pit Room
| Address | 1201 Richmond Ave, Houston, TX 77006 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 – 10:30 AM, 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 7:00 – 10:30 AM, 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 – 10:30 AM, 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 – 10:30 AM, 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 7:00 – 10:30 AM, 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 7:00 – 10:30 AM, 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 7:00 – 10:30 AM, 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (281) 888-1929 |
Spacious.. they have a patio room with a huge tv, bar seating, and tables all around. It was like a tourisy bbq spot because they had like a tiny little gift shop like spot where you can buy trinkets or souvenirs.
They have sandwiches and tacos. The best thing there is probably the brisket though. It’s moist and fatty and easy to eat. The ends weren’t hard, charred, or chewy. I don’t think there was like seasoning or flavor was heavy but the quality of the meat was delicious.
The sides weren’t the best or even best selection. Just the basic corn bread, steamed okra, green beans, and a few others.
They had like garnishes at the condiment bar. They have sauces like coffee bbq, hot sauce, habernaro, and bbq sauce.. the bbq sauce is the best. The coffee bbq sauce literally taste like espresso and was weird. The habernaro sauce was just straight medium spicy but no extra flavor or sweetness to it. The hot sauce is more like Louisiana or Tabasco type of hot sauces.
Staff was friendly, food was pretty good and overall the place has a cozy vibe. Inside there isn't a ton of seating but they do also have a bar area outside with more indoor/outdoor seating. Overall the food was good, chicken was a little dry but the brisket and elote were very good. I enjoyed the condiment bar having pickled onions ,jalapeños and more toppings.
This was my first time visiting The Pit Room. I was not impressed, especially after paying almost $30 per person (we only drank water)
Food: The brisket was a not really flavorful, felt like I was having brisket made outside of Texas. The ribs were tasty but not as tender as ribs ought to be. I tried the ocra side dish and didn't like it because it had eay tio much garlic. The best thing I had was the pickled vegetables.
Atmosphere: only a few tables inside, so we had to sit outside. It was warm and muggy and not a very nice way to have customers eat. Also, there were constantly flies landing on our food. The best thing was a lady who was contracted to do musical bingo.
Judging by the good reviews I saw online... I think we expected better. The meat was okay, brisket and turkey were pretty decent. Pork rib was nothing to write home about... And neither were the sausages really. The baked beans.. tasteless. Flavorless. I don't know how else to put I it. The corn was decent. Overall, pretty disappointing considering all the accolades we saw online.
The food was delicious and cooked to perfection. The Mac and cheese was delicious but the cheese was very saucey. The pork ribs had a lof of flavor and were fall of the bone. The brisket also fell apart with my fork, and the venison sausage wasn't as gamey as I expected it to be. Would return but the portions felt small
Rays Real Pit BBQ Shack
| Address | 3929 Old Spanish Trl ste. 300, Houston, TX 77021 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (713) 748-4227 |
Very delicious!!!! This was our first visit and I am a hard BBQ critic. The brisket and sausage were very delicious. We loved the beans. The potato salad, cucumber salad and dirty rice were the top stars- extremely delicious. You must try these sides. The portion size was plenty. The lady in the red hat was so friendly and awesome. She was the perfect employee to greet a first time customer. I will be a repeat customer.
Ok I've just started eating here! The last 2 times the food was delicious 😋. But this time I don't know what happened. First of all the order was wrong the lady showed me the food but quickly, I asked for brisket and got ribs, the cucumber salad was delicious but most of the juice ended up in my rice and the bread was soggy. Do I couldn't eat the bread or half of the rice. I've called on Monday morning but no answer just a advertising of the business. This was last Saturday they're closed on Sundays. My schedule hasn't permitted me to stop by this week cause when I get off they're closed. I don't want free food maybe a discount on my next order and prepare customers food to go a little better in containers.
We found ourselves in the area and discovered this unassuming gem. Reviewers are right they run out of the ribs early, so we got the brisket, pork sausage, and the Big Herb Burger which were all delicious and a great value. My husband loved the brisket and Mac and cheese especially, but I highly recommend the Big Herb Burger, its a giant burger with bacon and a mound of brisket and barbecue sauce. So good!
We saw this restaurant on Eat Like a Local. It looked soooo good that we came a couple of hours later. The barbecue was amazing!!! We ordered pork rib plates with sides and a brisket potato, loaded with meat.
The potato salad was made with pickles and mustard and was very good. The dirty rice was Cajun with spices and meat.
The restaurant is in a strip mall. We found a parking spot right away. It stayed pretty busy the whole time we were there, with a line to the door.
I’d have given more points for atmosphere, because the dining space was very clean and the furnishing were what you’d expect for a barbecue restaurant, but the music was so verrrrry loud that it was difficult to hear the cashier and also to converse at the table.
I always come to Rays when I want some good catfish.
They fry it just right. The potato salad is top tier. Some of the best I have had since my grandmother passed.
Burns Original BBQ
| Address | 8307 De Priest St, Houston, TX 77088 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (346) 869-1402 |
Burns isn’t just selling food.
The food is phenomenal tender brisket, boudin that smoking with flavour. Coming here I didn’t bother to pick up my phone, I enjoyed the experience and as I was eating it started to get a little sentimental. This style of cooking isn’t everywhere, so I am very grateful to have been apart of the burns legacy. Just by being a returning customer. Here you can eat and not worry about who’s looking because everyone focus is on their own plate. I haven’t tried any other major bbq places.. why go anywhere else?
Burns meet the standards, more like above.
Thank you for your hospitality!
Brisket is good, not great. The homemade sausage is fantastic. The baked beans and dirty white rice are good, not great. The value is great, because you get a lot of meat for the price of a 2-meat plate. The brisket is very moist but extremely limp, falling over the fork like a wet noodle. The marbled brisket has lots of connective fat throughout, but it's not undercooked. Nice smoke ring, but almost no bark. Folks that like generous bark will be disappointed. If you hate fighting flies for your food while eating outdoors, don't come here. The food is good, but there are plenty of places with better brisket between North Loop 610 and FM 1960 (Gatlin's, Southern Q, Triple J's).
This dish was truly enjoyable from start to finish. It would be even better if the potato came without foil, saving the extra step, plus having the sour cream mixed inside would add more flavor in every bite. Even with those small preferences, the taste was excellent, comforting, satisfying, absolutely delicious.
I got the 3 meat plate with brisket ribs and homemade hot links . Ribs were cooked perfectly. Brisket had good bark and tender. Bbq sauce was good not too sweet like most spots . Plenty of outdoor seating . Everyone one was very kind.
On our way back to San Antonio we stopped by Burns always wanted to go and Man it did not disappoint at all the Service,atmosphere, and experience was what we expected. Finally got some real BBq and not Bill Millers lol. And at the end got a history lesson on all the houses with a red trim thank you Burns BBQ we will be back
Gatlin's BBQ
| Address | 3510 Ella Blvd Bldg C Ste A, Houston, TX 77018 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (713) 869-4227 |
OMG! I saw Chef Greg on the TV show BBQ Brawls. I immediately reached out to my co-worker from Houston asked if she ate here. She said she hadn't personally but heard good things about it. I knew I was in H-Town the following month. Definitely was stopping by. How lucky were we to met Chef Greg that day! He was there and took good care of us. We loved the food. Got a to go order for my daughter. I am from Dallas and had to get on the road. However, I sent several people through that day. They all said the same thing. They loved the BBQ and will be back! Guess what so will I!! Thank you so much Chef Greg for your hospitality.
Came in for an early lunch around 11am. I walked in and nobody was ahead of me. Ordered my food and despite the restaurant being empty I still waited about 10 minutes for my order to come up. Seemed strange for a BBQ place but whatever. It was disappointing to see the portion sizes after paying $24 before tax and tip for a 2 meat plate. As for the quality of the food, I wasn’t impressed. It was good but not great. The moist brisket was good and moist but didn’t blow me away with flavor and was about room temperature like it had been sitting out a while. The lean slices were ok IF you ate the fat with it, otherwise super dry. It was basically cold and confirmed for me that it had been sitting out a while. Usually when you go to a restaurant you expect it to come out of a food warmer but it was well below food warmer temp. In fact, none of the food was hot, not even the sides. However, the mac n cheese had good flavor and the dirty rice was pretty good too despite being lukewarm. The turkey was prepared well and had good moisture but again, lukewarm at best. Overall, the meal was a disappointment after reading the reviews but the meal was serviceable hence the mid rating.
My barbecue was exceptional! The brisket was so tender I could cut it with my plastic fork and my baby back ribs came right off the bone. The flavor was Smoky and peppery. Gaitlin's has a tangy BBQ sauce that is a match made in heaven for their meat. My collard greens we're so tasty and so was my dirty rice. Gatlin's earned a new customer in me. The family is on site and their workers are very kind and attentive. They love to please the customer as much as they love cooking barbecue. That's a lot of love. ❤️
Popped in and theycreated me my own little TX BBQ Bento-Box on the go!
Baby Backs crazy good, jalapeño cheddar on point, and the moist brisket had great flavor and perfect texture, great job!
This is a hidden gem. You'll drive past it because its in a small shopping center. But it's worth the stop. Must try! When they have ex presidents and mayors visiting, there's a reason. Recommend trying cucumber salad side. Ask for Regina.
Pappas Bar-B-Q
| Address | 1217 Pierce St, Houston, TX 77002 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:00 – 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 6:00 – 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 6:00 – 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 6:00 – 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 6:00 – 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (713) 659-1245 |
My first Houston BBQ experience and conveniently located in downtown. I really loved the open atmosphere and the open seating with plenty of space on a Griday afternoon. I ordered the Rib trio and it was very delicious, and the staff recommended the potato salad and the creamed corn as the go-to sides and it was awesome! We also ordered a kids meal - and everything was room temperature - so the brisket and the fries were just ok. But the original sauce helped with the brisket! It was still nice to add and try it but the ribs were the best.
The place was clean, staff regularly cleaning off the tables and floors. This place also has a drive thru, but it was really nice experience to just relax inside and eat. Enjoy!
Amazing food. Such a comfy environment and you get amazing quality for your $. The agua frescas are so yummy. Great BBQ and burgers!
Great customer service. Easy in and easy out. Quick serve. Price is a decent price for the portion.
Good taste for lunch.
Great place to hang out with your coworkers.
Above average BBQ where you get your money’s worth. I ordered a sliced beef Poboy, some fries and a large iced tea for $28. Good food, definitely be back.
One of my favorite casual, fair priced, barbecue spots in Houston. I’ve been to several locations but this one is Located conveniently in downtown, I frequent this spot on late evenings after wedding rehearsals, or other events at the Co Cathedral of the Sacred Heart across the street.
Triple J's Smokehouse
| Address | 6715 Homestead Rd, Houston, TX 77028 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (713) 635-6384 |
Triple J is my go to BBQ whenever I am in the area. They have consistently put out great food through the years, and you know it is good when there is a line of people waiting in queue outside the restaurant during a down pour.
The J special (three meat) is the best.. and if you get the slab of ribs, you will love it!
I also love their green beans as a side. Nicely seasoned with kicks to it. I love it so much that I would order double green beans as my choice of two sides. It is that good 👍
Triple J’s Smokehouse is easily one of my favorite BBQ spots now. The food was crazy good and definitely lived up to the hype. I ordered the Big Ass Loaded Potato, and the flavor was perfect from start to finish. They also have a great drink selection, fast service, and a very clean restaurant. The staff was cool and welcoming, which made the experience even better. Extra parking in the back was a nice bonus. Definitely worth trying, and I’ll absolutely be coming back again.
So the first thing I would tell you is, there is plenty of parking in the back of the building. My first impression as I drove up was there was only five cars in the front but as soon as I opened the door during lunchtime, people were wrapped around the dining area waiting patiently for the food. I would also make sure that you know what you’re gonna get. I got the two piece plate so it just comes with the meat. The reason why it’s because if you choose chicken, you a quarter leg.. if you choose the three meat plate, you can’t get the chicken. They won’t divide it up for you. If I owned a barbecue joint, I do the same thing triple J smokehouse doing it right from the get go! By the looks of the pictures they’re fully ingrained into the community. Great job, fellas and ladies.
Definitely a must go to BBQ spot when you visit HTX. We got the J's plate with the ribs, brisket and sausage and two sides. We also got the chicken plate to take advantage of trying all their sides, even though we skipped the fries and went w two sides of green beans 😄 meat was tender and juicy; brisket was tender and juicy and dipped in the sauce was delicious (we brought it back home and added hot sauce 🔥). The sausage was nice with the bbq sauce as well. The ribs were tender and fall off the bone 🤘🏾 Chicken was extremely tender and juicy. I wasn't feeling the potato salad, but the beans more than made up for that.
Definitely in our top 3 for the best BBQ in Houston, TX! Our family of 7 had more than enough food, and I have to say they have the best BBQ sauce I've ever had!
Check out our review on Insta.
— The Eliott Family of 7
Goode Company BBQ
| Address | 5109 Kirby Dr, Houston, TX 77098 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM |
| Phone | (713) 522-2530 |
The meat was perfectly smoked, incredibly tender, and packed with flavor. Every bite tasted authentic Texas barbecue. The atmosphere was warm, rustic, and full of character, making the whole experience even better. The staff were friendly and welcoming. Definitely one of the best BBQ spots I’ve visited in Houston. Highly recommended!
We ordered takeout and had a large variety of meats and sides. The Mac and cheese is creamy and delicious. The beans are tasty and unique with a special addition of possibly apple in them? The turkey was surprisingly very tasty and tender as well.
Hard to go wrong here, but I recommend the loose brisket and jalepeño cheese bread. If you ask for it chopped, they won't be using an ice cream scoop to dish out last week's beef/sloppy joe. You will get brisket, cut-to-order, chopped in front of you. Try the jambalaya for one of your sides. Pictured is a pound of loose brisket. If you prefer lean brisket, I'm afraid I can't help you. But they have it. Also famous for their pecan pie. My favorite BBQ in Houston for decades now.
I guess being from New York I would be called the Yankee down in Houston.
Well, this Yankee absolutely loves the barbecue at this place.
We tried everything. And nothing disappointed us one bit. Great service, friendly staff, and really great prices.
I recommend this place to the fullest!
First time back in a few years and wasn’t the way I remembered it So the food was good but fell a little short on portion size. I ordered a sliced brisket poboy, side of beans and an iced tea totaling $24.75. The Poboy wasn’t worth it, all bread little meat. Y’all should get the sandwich instead. We won’t be back, not worth the $$$, I’d recommend Pinkertons down the street for about the same price. More like 2.5 stars ⭐️ not 2. It’s meh. 🫤
Pinkerton's Barbecue
| Address | 1504 Airline Dr, Houston, TX 77009 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (713) 802-2000 |
This was probably a top 10-20 meal I’ve ever had in my life. The ribs, both the beef rib and the glazed pork ribs were insane. The brisket was also excellent. The sides were decent. I liked the jambalaya better than the Mac and cheese. The banana pudding was really good. Overall 5 star, loved it.
I had a great meal at Pinkerton and would recommend it! The line is about a 45 minute wait from the corner outside to sitting down with food. I was surprised they only had one person slicing brisket and one slicing pork ribs given how busy they were. A few more hands back there would really help keep things flowing.
Once I sat down, the food did not disappoint. The mac and cheese was outstanding — creamy, velvety, and honestly one of the best I’ve had. The brisket was moist and packed with flavor, a fantastic start to the meal. The pork ribs were also excellent: very skillfully cooked, extremely tender, and delicious. I did try both the dry-rubbed and candied ribs back-to-back, and I was surprised how similar they tasted — I had a hard time telling them apart. Still, the ribs themselves were wonderful.
The coleslaw was solid and above average, though a little on the mayonnaisey side and not super distinctive in flavor. The banana fosters was good but also lacked a distinct special flavor.
I liked how they swithed up the sauces and made the original sauce, tha carolina gold which is different from the traditional texas bbq way.
Overall, the meats and mac and cheese were fantastic. Pinkerton is doing a lot right, and I’d go back if I was a local!
Came for lunch with some friends as one suggested this place had amazing barbecue. The line was long about an hour, but it was totally worth it. An employee works through line selling mini beers, red dollar, which was amazing for the heat outside. Once inside you start cooling off and seeing the menu. We order some brisket along with beef rib, and a bunch of sides. Let’s talk about the important part of the food which was the rib and the brisket. The beef was so tender and delicious that I didn’t even want to try the brisket. Flavor was perfect, it was so tender that it came off the bone like nothing. The brisket was tender, moist with an amazing flavor. The barbecue sauce that was spicy was also very good. I’m not sure if he was a manager, but somebody kept walking around asking people if they needed anything and hyping up tables which I thought was cool. Good place to come eat with friends and family.
Everything was delicious. Juicy brisket we loved the bark , tender pork ribs, creamy Mac n’cheese and juicy chicken. The only thing we weren’t too crazy about was the jalapeño cheese rice it needs seasoning ours was bland. The staff were all amazing. Be ready to stand in line it was around the corner when we left but it is worth the wait. 💖
The best BBQ I've ever had. Ribs, duck and chorizo jambalaya, jalapeño and cheese rice, peach cobbler, and banana pudding. Gracious hospitality. Wish it wasn’t so far away. Thank you to the waiting line water delivery person. This Canadian had a hard time with the 100+ degrees.
Pizzitola’s Heritage BBQ
| Address | 1703 Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77007 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (713) 227-2283 |
Pizzitola's is the real deal — Houston barbecue history done right. The pit smoke hits you before you even get to the counter, and the brisket delivers: a good smoke ring, real bark, and enough fat rendered to keep it moist without being greasy. The sausage had good snap and the sides tasted homemade rather than an afterthought.
What sets this place apart is the atmosphere — it's been around since 1935, and you can feel it. No frills, just a family-run spot that's been perfecting the craft for generations. Service was friendly and quick.
If you're looking for old-school Texas barbecue without the trendy markup or the hour-long wait some of the newer spots demand, this is your place. Highly recommend.
Probably top 3 bbq spot in Houston imo. I went with the three meat sampler to truly get a taste of this historic restaurant. I was very suprised when tasting the food. The ribs were smoky and soft, with a pretty simple taste of salt and pepper. Once you add the sauce, it enhances it to the next level in my opinion. Brisket had a strong smokey and beefy flavor, and I got a fatty piece so that made it extra nice. Then the sausage was amazing as someone who isnt a hig sausage fan. Once again that smoker did it magic and gave the sausage a smoky taste, along with a slight sourness signature with sausages that paired perfectly together. Sides arent as up to standard, but the Texas caviar suprised me despite its simplicity. Overall, would recommend if you want to feel a true historical taste of old Texas BBQ
Bbq was great, first time visitor, old school feeling which I love. The service was excellent. I wish the portions were a little more fuller for the price especially the potato. I would go back again when I get a chance.
Me and my girlfriend, were visiting from out of town, and I mean Illinois out of town, Go Bears !!! We usually do our research,when eating and traveling,so when we had seen, a You tube with Mark Weins who we love, and also watch come here we had to try. 😉 It was delicious!!!. 😋 you can really taste the flavor from those old smokers just like the owner states in the video the flavor coming off those ribbs, and brisket was amazing 👏 it's hard to explain the taste. You know it's barbeque, but that flavor Wow.. 😋 Texas is known for Barbeque and ther are a ton of places to eat but, is it real Barbeque ?or commercialized, This is the real Deal here no cutting corners for quantity just your down home delicious Barbeque,and thats not a shot at anyone else just my opinion.The hospitality when you 1rst walk in the door from Cindy our server Loved her, to the kindness and friendliness from Estaban, to the attention of the Pit Master Eudel and Ruben to the food let's just say what a great group of people working here. Just felt right. Yeah this was a great a Great choice 👍 I even got another 1/2 slab to go.. This crew is truly a asset to keeping the history and flavor going.. 🙌 We absolutely loved it here..Thanks again Cindy Estaban and Pit Masters Eudel and Ruben ..
Well, I must have been living under a rock. This place is fantastic. Great food, great environment. Friendly staff. Very family friendly.
Brisket fajitas are amazing. Everything looks great. 10/10 I will be back and will bring the kids.
MadMax BBQ Catering Food Truck Only LLC
| Address | 3723 W Orem Dr, Houston, TX 77045 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | (281) 616-1664 |
INCREDIBLE! Truly incredible food, service and professionalism.
Mad Max BBQ catered our son’s law school graduation party at our home this past Saturday, and they did an absolutely amazing job from start to finish. The food was outstanding — every guest kept talking about how delicious everything was!
Beyond the incredible BBQ, the service and professionalism they provided truly made the event special. The team was friendly, organized, attentive, and made everything run smoothly so we could simply enjoy celebrating with family and friends.
We had a wonderful experience and would highly recommend Mad Max BBQ for any event or special occasion. Thank you for helping make our son’s graduation celebration such a memorable time!
🌟 They Absolutely Knocked It Out of the Park! THEY DIDN'T DISSAPOINT!!!!
We hired MadMax BBQ to cater our recent family reunion, and our guests are still raving about the food 2 weeks later.
The brisket, sausage, chicken, pulled pork & ribs were smoked to absolute perfection Packed with a deep, rich flavor that didn't even need sauce. Beyond the incredible food, the catering team was professional, prompt, and incredibly friendly. If you want flawless catering that will have your whole family talking, hire them!
This All Purpose Seasoning is my new secret ingredient! The flavor is amazing, low sodium & will compliment any dish perfectly. A complete game changer, indeed. This seasoning is absolutely fantastic & a must have! I will definitely have my order on repeat. Subscription please! Thank you MadMax BBQ for your delicious seasoning. I appreciate you!
We had the pleasure of being catered by Mad Maxx for our family reunion, and they absolutely knocked it out of the park. The brisket was hands-down some of the best we’ve ever had—perfectly cooked, flavorful, and just top-notch. The chicken was just as impressive, and every single side—from the green beans to the potato salad and mac & cheese—was delicious.
Beyond the food, they were amazing. They were friendly, professional, clean, organized, and right on time. Everything was set up and ready to go without a hitch, which made the whole experience smooth and stress-free for us.
You can tell they take pride in what they do—from the quality of the food to the way they treat their customers. We couldn’t have asked for a better catering experience and will definitely be using them again. Highly recommend!
The Mad Max BBQ All purpose seasoning was very flavorful on my chicken and burgers. Great taste. I definitely will buy again and recommend.
Brookstreet Bar-B-Q
| Address | 1009 Missouri St, Houston, TX 77006 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | (713) 234-3165 |
We always stop by when we are downtown. This was our go-to favorite restaurant when we lived here.
They have authentic Texas BBQ. Some of my favorites are the chopped beef sandwich, the chopped beef baked potato, and their corn. The bread pudding is my all time favorite.
They also have consistently good tea!
Went on a Wednesday and was concerned that it was almost empty. But it was great! I eat BBQ atleast once a week, usually in Houston. This place is near the top. I got ribs, brisket and jalepeno sausage. All 3 were good. My fiend got the flat side of the brisket and his was a little dry. People we friendly and portions were healthy!
I enjoyed it here. The food was very good, the service was great with smiles, and I really liked the atmosphere there.
We stopped in Brookstreet BBQ while in town, and it was so good. The food was delicious, and the staff were really friendly and extremely welcoming! They even gave us a bottle of their original barbecue sauce to take with us, which was such a nice touch.
If you’re in the area and love good barbecue, it’s definitely worth stopping by.
The service was counter service.
The smoker smelled fantastic, but the worst is dried brisket there is nothing more disappointing to walk into a fantastic smelling establishment and get meat that is so dried out.
The sausage was okay, but between the dried out ribs and brisket it was extremely disappointing because the reviews recommend this place for Barbecue!
And Barbecue IS NOT Cheep so to serve it to paying guests dry was very disappointing 😕
Roegels Barbecue Co
| Address | 2223 S Voss Rd, Houston, TX 77057 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Phone | (713) 977-8725 |
Ordered online and this is what I received. I asked for pickles and onions in the order notes and didn’t get any. The brisket is flavorless and tough and is in fact burnt which I told them over the phone that it was and they told me it wasn’t. You can clearly see in the picture that it is. Mac & cheese is also flavorless and the cucumber salad is soggy. I also had 2 slices of bread which were dry. Overall the food was not good and I feel that it is not worth the price. I won’t be eating here again, but everyone has their own opinions so just try for yourself.
(Update : I read your comment and I did call the location and spoke with the manager before giving my review. I was told that the food was not burnt and the portion size was okay and was dismissed when I did bring up the issue. Which you can see in the picture that the portion size is not okay and that the food is burnt and dry. I feel that as a company the customer service needs to be better and the quality of food could be better as well.)
Great tasting BBQ and a variety of seating options which helped when trying to avoid people talking on speaker phone.
Customer service was top notch.
Brisket and Ribs were tasty and moist. Didn't need a sauce, and the house sauce helped kick it up a notch.
Moist brisket was good. Lean brisket was dry and had too large of a fat cap. Sausage was good. I wouldn't make a special trip but id come back if I was as in the area.
We hosted a rehearsal dinner for our son and fdil. Her family is not from Texas and we wanted to welcome them the best way we knew how. Of course that had to include the best bbq in Katy and the Houston area. From the moment I called to inquired until the actual event Russell was so accommodating. Everyone raved about the food and the atmosphere/vibe. It was everything we wanted and more. The food was outstanding as always. The brisket was moist and flavorful, the turkey was cooked perfectly, ribs were fall off the bone and the pulled pork was so good it did not even need bbq sauce. The sides were scrumptious!! I personally love their cucumber salad and cornbread casserole. Thank you for making our night memorable! We can’t thank you and your staff enough!!
I eat at Roegels a lot. I mean.... excessively. This is my #1 BBQ spot in Houston hands down! The brisket is ALWAYS on point, the specials are a must-order. The sides are excellent. If you can make it on a Saturday when they’re doing Whole Hog DO IT. I can’t say enough good things about this food, and the owners Russell and Misty Roegels are great folks. Go now!!!
Goode Company BBQ
| Address | 20102 Northwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77065 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | (832) 678-3562 |
Visiting Texas from WA and this restaurant was recommended by locals. The BBQ was excellent. Had the 2 meat combo with Brisket and Pork Ribs. The baked potato with the fixings was so good. Had a good time with friends. When in Texas you have to try Texas BBQ!
WOW!!! The ribs were so tender and juicy. The BBQ Sauce, not too spicy and not too sweet. Baked potatos were fresh and flakey. Service was SPECTACULAR!!! Overall this is one of the best BBQ places I have ever had the pleasure of dinning at and I will return. I wish they had Beef Ribs because I know those would be good as well.
I pulled up on Goode Co to get a 3 meat plate. The glaze on the turkey was mmmmhhhmmm good! The chicken and ribs were flavorful too and perfectly smoked. I love their green beans! I not sure what the specific name is for them, but the onions and tomatoes in the recipe makes it so tasty. The dirty rice was bussin too!
Service was friendly and the rustic decor gave me that true southern feeling and classic Texas BBQ feel.
It’s a pretty solid spot for bbq. I wish the portions were a bigger though.
Had the loaded baked potato. And my only question is: WHAT IS UP WITH YOUR BBQ SAUCE? It more or less resembled tomato sauce. Where’s that good ole Texas kick? Where’s the flavor? Better bbq sauce out of store bottle. Pecan pie solid.
We ordered a 1/2 pound of brisket and a 1/2 pound of sausage. We arrived when the app said it would be ready and we're then told it would be 10 ore minutes for the sausage. 15 minutes later we were told that it would be 20 more minutes for the sausage. We re-selected chicken. Brisket was now cold.
The girl working the window was great and apologized and offered dessert for free. She saved this from being a 1 star.
Possibly unrelated, but my credit card info was stolen and this was the last purchase I made. There may be an issue with the online ordering service.
Central Texas Bar-B-Q
| Address | 8101 Airport Blvd #39, Houston, TX 77061 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Saturday: Closed Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (713) 641-3360 |
Central Texas Bar-B-Q has quickly become my favorite best kept secret in H-Town!! Conveniently located mere minutes from Hobby Airport, I really look forward to eating there whenever I fly in to visit family, friends and for business. I love their authentic down-home atmosphere, courteous staff and the fantastic menu of awesome barbecue dishes and sides-- Especially their delicious brisket and bread pudding!! Stop by and give them a try: You won't regret it!!
Always come back to this hidden gem for the best bbq in Houston. Outstanding food, fair prices, super clean and excellent service. Hard to find people and places like this.
We love CTB. My personal
Favoriteis the chopped beef potato and it never disappoints! Its the best I’ve had to date. Amazing and friendly staff always! Our company also orders catering all the time and it’s always a huge hit!
I visited for lunch and this place did not disappoint! Great service and even better food. All of the items I selected were delicious. The server recommended the bread pudding and it was the best I have ever had!
I wish I could give a 5 but my taste buds must be off. I feel like it’s not as good as the last time I was here, about 10 years ago. To me, the brisket is very good, the ribs are good, sauce isn’t my personal favorite but it’s good. I thought the cheeses broccoli rice was too cheesy which I know sounds odd. I was looking forward to the potato salad but it had a weird cleaning chemical taste to me, like there’s a vinegar in it that I’m not used to. The deviled eggs was similar and maybe some people like that.
I love that they have a fixins bar with pickles and bread and jalapeños and stuff like that. The workers were super nice.
Tips for Choosing the Best BBQ in Houston
Selecting the right spot requires more than just typing "BBQ near me" into a search engine. To ensure you get the highest quality experience, you should consider the timing of your visit, the specific cuts you prefer, and the operational style of the restaurant. The following tips will help you navigate the Houston barbecue landscape like a local, ensuring you never leave a smokehouse disappointed.
Go early, but not too early. The sweet spot for visiting a Houston barbecue joint is usually between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Arriving right at opening ensures you get the freshest possible meat, but arriving too late—say, after 2:00 PM—risks encountering dried-out slices or sold-out favorites like beef ribs and burnt ends.
Prioritize the "Holy Trinity" on your first visit. If you are visiting a new place for the first time, order the brisket (a mix of lean and fatty), a pork rib, and a sausage link. This combination allows you to evaluate the pitmaster’s control over fire, moisture, and seasoning across different proteins. If these three items are excellent, you can safely explore the rest of the menu on your return visit.
Look for the smoke ring and the bend test. A quality slice of Texas brisket should have a distinct pink smoke ring just beneath the bark. When you pick up a slice, it should bend easily over your finger without breaking, but it should not fall apart like pot roast. If the meat is mushy or gray, the pitmaster has likely steamed or held the meat improperly.
Do not sleep on the "weird" menu items. Houston’s character is defined by its diversity, and its barbecue is no different. If you see smoked boudin, Thai green curry sausage, or brisket pho on the menu, order it. These fusion items are often where Houston pitmasters showcase their true creativity and technical skill, often surpassing the standard offerings.
Check the bread situation. In Texas, white bread, saltines, and tortillas are more than just filler; they are tools. A high-quality house-made tortilla or a fresh, soft bun indicates a kitchen that pays attention to detail. If a restaurant serves stale bread or low-quality pickles, it is often a red flag regarding the care they put into the main proteins.
The beauty of Houston’s barbecue scene lies in its refusal to be boxed in by a single definition. It is a city where a third-generation pitmaster can stand next to a first-generation immigrant, both producing world-class smoked meat that reflects their unique heritage. This dynamic tension between tradition and innovation ensures that the scene never stagnates, constantly pushing the boundaries of what low-and-slow cooking can achieve.
Ultimately, the best barbecue in Houston is the one that makes you stop talking. It is the moment when the noise of the dining room fades away, and all you can focus on is the peppery crust, the rendered fat, and the lingering taste of post oak smoke. So grab a roll of paper towels, order an extra pound of brisket for the road, and enjoy the delicious diversity that makes this city one of the greatest barbecue capitals in the world.
