Here in Houston, we know a little something about good barbecue. We have VERY specific opinions about how barbecue should be prepared, what sides should be included, and the right BBQ sauce to smother over everything. But there’s one thing we can all agree on: Houston has the BEST BBQ in Texas!
There are so many good ones, that it’s hard to choose a favorite. Butt if you don’t even know where to begin don’t worry. We’ve rounded up the best BBQ in Houston. Read on to enter BBQ heaven!
You haven’t had Texas BBQ until you’ve been to The Pit Room. “Two guys, two grills and a dream.” That’s the motto Michael Sambrooks and Bramwell Tripp had in mind when they established this beloved bbq joint in Montrose. Everything at The Pit Room is made from scratch, and it shows! Trust us on this one, we live only a block away and we can smell the delicious smoke 24/7.
When you visit The Pit Room, you’ll have the option to order in bulk (in-house or to-go), or you can sample individual portions of their DELICIOUS meats. Brisket, ribs, pulled pork, turkey, sausage, and more are available by the pound or half-pound, along with classic BBQ sides like mac and cheese, coleslaw, white bread, and charro beans. And in the mornings, you HAVE to try their brisket breakfast tacos. There’s no doubt that this is one of our favorite BBQ spots in Houston!
⏰ Hours:
Daily 7 AM to 9 PM
? Location: 1201 Richmond Ave., Houston, TX 77006
This popular BBQ restaurant in Spring was started as a passion project by husband-and-wife team, Will and Nichole Buckman. They started out catering for families and company parties but soon grew into their very own restaurant business. In no time, it has grown to be some of the best BBQ in Houston! Corkscrew offers all your favorite BBQ meats by the pound, but their sandwiches are what make them truly stand out.
Their Beefy Cheesy is exactly what it sounds like– a 1/2 lb of chopped beef topped with house-made cheese sauce on a warm, toasted bun. YUMMM! BBQ meat super-fans should try the Whole Hog– 1/4 lb sausage link, 1/4 lb pulled pork and a juicy rib on top of a warm bun. This one’s more meat than sandwich!
⏰Hours:
Sun-Tue: Closed
Wed-Sat: 11:00a.m.-4:00p.m.
?26608 Keith St, Spring, TX 77373
Hours:
Wednesday-Saturday 11am-Sold Out
Location:
26608 Keith St, Spring, TX 77373
Pinkerton’s has to be some of the best BBQ in Houston, and we’re not the only ones who think so! Pinkerton’s has won numerous awards and recognitions, including a spot on Texas Monthly’s Top 50 BBQ Joints list and features on the Travel Channel, Food Network, and Cooking Channel. They pride themselves on their high-quality meats and delicious sides, with care put into every bite.
Be sure to try their sliced prime brisket and smoked Jalapeño cheese sausages. You won’t regret it! For sides, Pinkerton’s offers classics such as coleslaw, mac & cheese, and potato salad, as well as Southern faves such as smoked duck & sausage jambalaya and jalapeño cheese rice. Everything here is finger-lickin’ good!
⏰ Hours:
Mon: Closed
Tue-Thurs, Sun: 11:00a.m.-9:00p.m.
Fri-Sat: 11:00a.m.-10:00p.m.
? Location: 1504 Airline Dr, Houston, TX 77009
What started as a rural shack in Brenham, Texas is now a barbecue powerhouse in the heart of Houston Heights. Ever since opening its doors in 2015, Truth Barbecue has been committed to serving up authentic Central Texas-style barbecue, with major attention to detail. And in case you were still in doubt that this is one of the tastiest BBQ spots in Houston, Truth BBQ was in the top three restaurants on Texas Monthly’s Top 50 BBQ list in 2021.
So, what’s on the menu? Order brisket, pulled pork, pork ribs, smoked turkey, or sausage by the 1/4 lb-1 lb. Then, choose from several delicious sides including baked beans, brussels sprouts, coleslaw, tater-tot casserole, and mac & cheese. But get there early! Truth will close as soon as they sell out, so definitely try this best BBQ in Houston spot early!
⏰Hours:
Mon: Closed
Tue-Wed, Sun: 11:00a.m.-4:00p.m.
Thur-Sat: 11:00a.m.-9:00p.m.
? Location: 26608 Keith St, Spring, TX 77373
Next up on our list of the BEST BBQ in Houston… Feges BBQ! Feges was founded by husband-and-wife duo Erin Smith and Patrick Feges, introducing Houston to a winning combo of fine dining and world-class barbecue. Feges offers meat by the half pound, or combo platters with 1-3 meats and a selection of sides. Choose from all of the classic barbecue faves– brisket, sausage, pulled pork, ribs, boudin, and more.
The sides are where Feges really shines through. Their menu boasts loaded potato salad, sweet & spicy sprouts, yogurt & cilantro slaw, elote corn salad, roasted eggplant, and more. Everything just sounds so delicious! For dessert, check out the rum raisin bread pudding. What a treat!
⏰ Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11a.m.-2p.m.
Sat-Sun: Closed
? Location: 3 Greenway Plaza Suite C210, Houston, TX 77046
Did you say classic Southern barbecue? We’ve got it! Gatlin’s is a family-owned and operated BBQ joint in Oak Forest that specializes in Southern-style BBQ. What started as a beloved hidden gem quickly grew into a Houston barbecue staple, and we couldn’t be more obsessed! What really sets Gatlin’s apart from the crowd is its diverse menu.
Not only can you order the classic BBQ fixins like brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and turkey, but you can also enjoy a loaded baked potato, loaded fries, or plate of wings as well. Their baked potatoes and fries pair nicely with any BBQ meat– we love the loaded brisket fries! Their wings are also delish. Definitely check out the GBBQ House Sauce to go with them. When it comes to Southern BBQ in Houston, Gatlin’s is the best of the best!
⏰ Hours:
Mon-Sat: 7a.m.-6p.m.
Sun: Closed
? Location: 3510 Ella Blvd Bldg C Ste A, Houston, TX 77018
If you’re new to Houston one thing you need to know is we love our Pappa’s restaurants. Pappa’s BBQ is no exception. There is a reason they have been able to spread to multiple locations throughout the Houston area, this is definitely a great option for BBQ in Houston. Started by two Houston natives, they are committed to bringing some of the most elevated customer service experiences in the area. You have definitely got to try one of their rib platters, and follow it up with their delicious banana parfait. They’ve even got a drive-thru, they have everything you need for a delicious BBQ night.
⏰ Hours:
Mon-Thurs: 6:00a.m.-10:00a.m., 11:00a.m.-9:00p.m.
Fri: 6:00a.m.-10:00a.m., 11:00a.m.-10:00p.m
Sat: 11:00a.m.-10:00p.m.
Sun: 11:00a.m.-9:00p.m.
? Location:1217 Pierce St., Houston, TX 77002
If we’re talking about the must-visit BBQ spots in Houston, it would be impossible not to bring up Burn’s Original BBQ. Burn’s was established in 1973 as a small local business, and almost 50 years later it’s now regarded as a BBQ icon. The same great menu that gave Roy Burns Sr. his start years ago is still a hit with their huge customer base, so be sure to get in line early if you’re planning to visit this one!
We recommend their loaded baked potatoes– you can choose up to three meats as toppings. If potatoes aren’t really your jam though, you can always go with the 1/2 lb dinner platter, which includes your choice of meat (ribs, sliced beef, sausage links, or chicken) and 2 sides. Bring on the mac & cheese and green beans! We hope you’re hungry.
⏰ Hours:
Sun-Mon: Closed
Tue-Sat: 11:00a.m.-7:30p.m.
?8307 De Priest St, Houston, TX 77088
Rudy’s BBQ started just outside of San Antonio in 1989, and today it’s one of the most popular BBQ spots in Texas. The pits are 100% wood-fired with oak at Rudy’s, so you know it’s going to be some of the best (and most accessible) BBQ in Houston. Here, you will definitely want to go for some of their delicious brisket and get yourself some corn and coleslaw on the side for a complete and delicious dinner. There are a couple of locations sprinkled around Houston, so be sure you check their website to find the closest location to you and go get some delicious BBQ!
⏰ Hours:
Sun-Thur 7:00AM-9:00PM
Fri-Sat 7:00AM-10:00PM
? Location:14620 Northwest Fwy
Houston TX 77040
The Brisket House opened in 2010, and has made a splash when it comes to BBQ in Houston already. All menu items here are smoked fresh daily, and just looking at the pictures on the menu is sure to make your mouth water. Something special about The Brisket House is that they offer Tailgate Family Packs so every time you have a party you can have some delicious BBQ to satisfy everyone in your group. You’ve got to try the brisket, it’s their namesake for a reason!
⏰ Hours:
Mon – Sat: 11am-8pm
Sun: 11am-6pm
? Location: Brisket House Woodway
5775 Woodway Dr, Houston, TX 77057
That concludes our best BBQ in Houston list, but there are new BBQ places popping up all the time. So make sure to check back here for updates, you never want to miss out on new BBQ in Houston!
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