If you had to name the most “Texas” things in existence, the list might include cowboy hats, George Strait, and, most importantly, barbecue. And, as the biggest city in the Lone Star state, Houston more than delivers on the meal front. But, with such a bunch of brisket bastions to choose from, where does one even begin when wanting to grab some BBQ in H-Town?
That’s where our handy guide to the best BBQ in Houston comes in. Let it serve as your roadmap to the best cuts of sausage, turkey, beef, and all the fixings your appetite can handle.
Related: How to Meet People in Houston
Restaurants with the Best BBQ in Houston, TX
The Pit Room
Neighborhood: Montrose
Address: 1201 Richmond Avenue, Houston, TX 77006
Cost: $$
As everyone knows, the two pillars of Texas cuisine are barbecue and Tex-Mex. And popular Montrose protein palace, The Pit Room, does your stomach the favor of taking the best of both of these flavor worlds and combining them. At this barbecue hot spot, you won’t just find Texas meat staples, like beefy, Czech-style sausages and pulled-pork-loaded Frito pies, but also fresh corn-filled elote and crisp, homemade chicharrones as well. As tempting as the offerings themselves is the chance to enjoy it all alongside an ice-cold Lone Star on the expansive, outdoor seating area and bar they share with their sister restaurant, The Patio.
What to Eat:
Experience both of The Pit Room’s signature cuisines in one bite by ordering their brisket tacos. The tortillas in this dish are not only topped by succulent, smoky brisket, but are even griddled in freshly rendered fat from the brisket as well, making it one of the menu’s most meaty masterpieces.
Blood Bros. BBQ
Neighborhood: Shenandoah
Address: 5425 Bellaire Boulevard, Bellaire, TX 77401
Cost: $$
For brisket that’s anything but basic, head to Houston New School-style barbecue sensation, Blood Bros. Started by a group of childhood friends who all grew up in the city’s Alief neighborhood, this spot blends the classic cuts of smoked meat with inventive tastes that echo the founders’ Vietnamese and Chinese heritages. And, from their brisket fried rice to the smoked turkey banh mi, the accolades have poured in from some of the most prestigious food reviewers in the country, including the New York Times, Texas Monthly, and Bon Appétit.
What to Eat:
While there’s no wrong choice when it comes to the menu at Blood Bros, it would be a mistake not to add a round of their pork belly burnt ends to your lunch tray. Glazed in a combination of flavors that include peach, habanero, and bourbon, you can’t help but pig out on this delicious dish.
Gatlin’s BBQ
Neighborhood: Shepherd Park Plaza
Address: 3510 Ella Boulevard Building C Suite A, Houston, TX 77018
Cost: $$
Started by Mary and Henry Gatlin, and now helmed by their son, Greg, this Houston go-to shows that great Southern barbecue works best as a family affair. And, while “ribs only” may be one of the traditional tenets of Texas BBQ, the cooks at this strip mall-located joint are not afraid to get their hands in some serious sauces – most notably in Gatlin’s delectable St. Louis-style ribs, which are covered in an equally sweet and tangy sauce for that lip-smacking sensation. Don’t sleep either on the Cajun dirty rice, which they still make from Mary’s own longstanding family recipe.
What to Eat:
The exceptional service from the wait staff here is eclipsed only by the size of local favorite dish, the Gatlin’s Kitchen Sink Sandwich. This meal, fit for a giant, loads heaps of onions, jalapeños, sliced brisket, and sausage, between two slices of bread.
Pinkerton’s Barbecue
Neighborhood: Woodland Heights
Address: 1504 Airline Drive, Houston, TX 77009
Cost: $$
If classic Hill Country Texas barbecue fits your cravings, you’ll find it at down-home Houston spot Pinkerton’s. With wood-paneled walls and old-school tray service, the vibe here feels low-key and casual, but flavors kick the experience up a notch. They coat everything from the turkey to the brisket in a savory, peppery crust that harkens back to the Texas barbecue spice rub tradition, while items like boudin and jambalaya speak to a greater Southern cuisine influence.
What to Eat:
Houston is famous for its candy-painted cars, so it makes sense that Pinkerton’s takes that hometown concept to the next level with its “candy-paint” pork ribs, as they like to call it on social media. In this dish, their famous sticky-sweet decadent barbecue sauce (which you can also buy and take home with you) covers perfectly cooked pork ribs.
Truth BBQ
Neighborhood: Crestwood Glen Cove / Rice Military
Address: 110 South Heights Boulevard, Houston, TX 77007
Cost: $$
When we say that Truth BBQ is one of the best places to grab Texas barbecue in the whole state, we mean it. Expect a line out the door of this building, a former car repair shop turned restaurant space, any day of the week, but it’s worth the wait to get a taste of their tender cuts of turkey, garlic-flavored sausage links, and cheesy tater tot casserole. And, while it may be tempting to stuff yourself silly with their savory offerings, save room for a hefty slice of their banana caramel cake at the end of your meal.
What to Eat:
At Truth BBQ, you’ll want to risk it for the brisket — which, in this case, exemplifies all the reasons why Texas is world-famous for this particular barbecue staple. Their signature dish is moist on the inside, smokey on the outside, and everything your stomach could want.
Eat the Best BBQ in Houston Every Day
Want to dig into some brisket 24/7 at these restaurants with the best BBQ in Houston? Make meat part of your routine by meeting with one of AptAmigo’s expert agents about setting up a home base in Houston. They will make finding a luxury apartment in Astro City as easy as ordering that second round of coleslaw.
Check out The Best Luxury Apartments in Houston to get an idea of what’s available.
