In the heart of Bellaire, Blood Bros. BBQ has captivated the local culinary landscape, led by siblings Robin and Terry Wong alongside their childhood friend Quy Hoang. This beloved barbecue joint has earned recognition with a Michelin Bib Gourmand label, offering a unique blend of classic barbecue staples infused with Vietnamese flavors, as well as inspirations drawn from other Southeast Asian and Mexican cuisines. Diners can indulge in signature dishes like brisket fried rice, thit nuong pork belly burnt ends, and smoked turkey bánh mì, showcasing the vibrant tastes that the owners cherished during their upbringing in Alief.
Another standout in the Houston barbecue scene is Brett’s, located further out in Katy. With smoked meats crafted on a vintage 40-year-old offset steel pit fondly known as “the Beast,” this establishment offers an unrivaled barbecue experience that justifies the drive. Guests can savor tender brisket, succulent pork ribs, and flavorful sausage, all complemented by Brett’s house-made barbecue sauce, which strikes a perfect balance between sweetness and a hint of spice. The brisket is particularly popular, whether enjoyed on its own or incorporated into chili gravy-drenched enchiladas.
In the Acres Homes neighborhood, a barbecue joint that started small has grown into a local favorite. This restaurant has four locations and offers ample options for groups, highlighted by the massive 10-pound Roy Burns BBQ baked potato, designed to serve 15 people, and the MLB special—smoked ribs alongside a pound of your choice of links. Diners can also enjoy filling dinner plates and sandwiches, while those looking for non-red-meat options can opt for a delightful half- or whole chicken with enticing sides. Additionally, for convenience, Burns Original BBQ also sells their meals at local Kroger grocery stores, making their beloved dishes even more accessible.
Corkscrew Barbecue has earned a Michelin star, transitioning from a successful catering business into a full-fledged restaurant that draws barbecue enthusiasts from near and far. Located in Old Town Spring, Corkscrew is known for its melt-in-your-mouth brisket, smoky beans, creamy potato salad, and a particularly decadent three-cheese mac and cheese. Sourcing is crucial to their philosophy, featuring prime-grade all-natural beef from Creekstone Farms, fresh turkey from Fresh Farm Turkeys, and a mixed sausage made from Akaushi beef and all-natural pork. Diners are encouraged to arrive early; Corkscrew is open only until 4 PM or until sold out, Tuesday through Saturday.
Husband-and-wife duo Patrick and Erin Feges took their humble beginnings in the Greenway Plaza food court and expanded into a more comprehensive restaurant in Spring Branch in 2021. This location offers the traditional barbecue favorites alongside inventive dishes like smoked wings and a gourmet cheeseburger, along with a full bar and an outdoor play area for families. Diners particularly appreciate the unconventional sides that stand out from the usual offerings, including sweet-and-spicy Brussels sprouts, pimento mac and cheese, and hogfat cornbread. Feges Barbecue also has weekly specials, including family-friendly discounts on Wednesdays.
Greg Gatlin’s barbecue establishment has been a fixture in Houston since 2010, serving up authentic East Texas-style barbecue. Known for an array of smoked meats, including brisket, sausages, pork ribs, turkey, and chicken, Gatlin’s also boasts equally reputable sides such as potato salad, coleslaw, mac and cheese, and baked beans. Breakfast fanatics can start their day at Gatlin’s with breakfast tacos, shrimp and grits, and the hearty GBBQ Big Boy sandwich, a tasty triple-decker featuring fried eggs, smoked ham, spicy sausage, bacon, American cheese, and a sweet jam.
Henderson & Kane General Store offers an intriguing combination of local groceries and some of the best barbecue in the city. The menu features an impressive assortment of smoked meats, including peppery brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and smoked boudin. For those looking to sample more, the Pitmaster Plate provides an excellent option for sharing. Beyond the meats, patrons can indulge in unique house specialties like a meaty macaroni and cheese, Frito pie, and flavorful loaded potatoes paired with spicy Texas red chili.
Nestled in Houston, J-Bar-M brings together a smokehouse, beer garden, and live music, creating a vibrant dining atmosphere. Guests can fill their plates with a choice of smoked meats, including brisket, pork ribs, turkey, and pulled pork, alongside a selection of savory sides. Notably, the barbecue joint also offers Tex-Mex specials like pulled pork tacos and brisket enchiladas, with dinner exclusives such as the smoked brisket burger and brisket queso available after 5 PM.
At the renowned Killen’s BBQ, the Pearland location remains the flagship spot for an unforgettable barbecue experience, despite the restaurant’s other branches within Houston. Known for its well-seasoned brisket, pork ribs, and jalapeño cheddar sausage, Killen’s also offers delightful appetizers that are particularly praised—like their famous deviled eggs. The slightly longer drive for those residing inside the Loop is well worth it for the high-quality eats.
Grant Pinkerton’s barbecue haven has attracted a diverse following, including notable fans such as billionaire entrepreneur Bill Gates. The dining experience at Pinkerton’s is characterized by a traditional barbecue setting where patrons weave through a line while being served expertly sliced smoked meats. Their brisket is widely acclaimed, while the fall-off-the-bone glazed pork ribs are particularly memorable for their balance of heat and sweetness. Guests are also encouraged to try unique offerings such as duck and sausage jambalaya and the irresistible smoked bread pudding.
The Pit Room has made significant strides since its 2016 debut in Montrose, quickly earning a reputation for quality smoked meats paired with delectable side dishes. Food enthusiasts especially rave about its tacos, particularly those served on handmade flour tortillas infused with smoked brisket fat. Tacos filled with brisket, pulled pork, or chicken are a must-try, while breakfast tacos are served daily from 7 AM to 10:30 AM. The Pit Room has since expanded into a larger location in Memorial City, complete with an ice cream bar and an extended menu for even more options.
Emerging from humble beginnings as a food truck, the legacy of Rayford S. Busch spans back to 1984, transitioning from mobile barbecue to a permanent restaurant on OST in 2011. A favorite among the community, the baby-back ribs and rib-tip sandwich are still iconic, while the oxtail plate has grown to be a specialty worth trying. Lee sure to save room for the sweet desserts, notably the peach cobbler and the delightful Sock It to Me cake.
At Roegels Barbecue Co., the emphasis is on serving quality smoked meats that shine without the need for sauce. Diners can select a plate filled with juicy brisket, jalapeño cheddar sausage, and turkey, complemented by a variety of sides. The restaurant also features a menu of unique items known as ‘Something Different,’ showcasing creations like brisket macaroni and cheese and loaded fries, which are hearty enough to double as a meal. Seasonal sandwich specials provide further temptations, including fan-favorites like the pastrami Reuben and barbecue Cuban.
Finally, Tejas Chocolate & Barbecue in Tomball combines two beloved foods into an extraordinary culinary experience. Originally a chocolate goods store, it has gained substantial popularity for its smoked meats, prompting a robust barbecue offering alongside its sweet chocolates. Guests can explore traditional choices such as brisket, pulled pork, and turkey, all while indulging in remarkable specialties like the link chile relleno sausage and the cult-favorite carrot soufflé.
From Blood Bros. BBQ in Bellaire to Tejas in Tomball, the Houston barbecue scene offers diners a vast array of flavors, techniques, and culinary creativity, making it a must-visit destination for barbeque enthusiasts.
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