There's no question about it: Houston barbecue is phenomenal. It's always been better than most places in the U.S. (we are talking about Texas, after all). But in recent years, Space City's 'cue scene has really grown into itself. No longer can Austinites claim to stand head and shoulders above their barbecue brother, who lives a couple of hours away.
What makes Houston barbecue unique to Austin BBQ or Dallas BBQ is that it borrows the best from each of the state's regions. Through the '50s, the city's pitmasters embraced East Texas-style barbecue of slow-roasted meats slathered in a sweet, tomato-based sauce. However, there were also a significant number of BBQ joints in Bayou City that served sausage and pork-heavy dishes with a Cajun twist. By the '60s, brisket had joined the fray, cooked low and slow and rubbed with little more than salt and pepper — classic Central Texas style.
Houston experienced a bit of a BBQ Dark Age in the '90s, where automated pits saw restaurants churning out heaps of fast, cheap, and poor-quality barbecue. But in the mid-2000s, the all-wood smokers were back with a vengeance, propelling Houston's return to the top.
Today, Korean, Vietnamese, Chinese, Mexican, and Tex-Mex traditions have also been added to the melting pot — er, pit — making Houston a primo destination for some of the most diverse and delectable smoked meats of all the best BBQ cities in the country.
Here are some of Houston's most essential barbecue establishments.
Pinkerton's
pinkertonsbbq/instagram
At Pinkerton's, Grant Pinkerton, a passionate and self-taught pitmaster, takes the reins. He's known for crafting inventive dishes like the Masa Pancake with pulled pork and salsa verde. But their hands-down fan-favorite dish is the glazed pork ribs. What truly sets Pinkerton's apart is the commitment to locally sourced, high-quality ingredients, resulting in mouthwatering dishes like the fatty brisket and smoked turkey.
Truth Barbeque
truth_bbq/instagram
Truth Barbeque, led by pitmaster and owner Leonard Botello IV, is all about authenticity and flavor. Botello honed his skills in small-town Brenham and brought his expertise to Houston. The 18-hour smoked brisket is the star, along with house-made sausage and juicy duroc pulled pork. It's a no-frills approach with a focus on classic Texas barbecue done to perfection.
Killen's BBQ
killensbbq/instagram
Ronnie Killen, a renowned figure in the Houston food circuit, manages Killen's BBQ along with several other successful restaurants. Here, it's all about the meat. Their pork belly burnt ends and beef rib are standout choices, making the establishment a popular haunt for locals and celebrities alike. Killen's also boasts delectable side dishes - don't pass over the potato salad or creamed corn.
Feges BBQ
fegesbbq/instagram
Patrick Feges and Erin Smith cater to the power lunch crowds of Houston, keeping their counter on the Greenway Plaza food court open exclusively from 6:30 AM to 3 PM. You can't go wrong with the barbecue staples here: the brisket and ribs are divine. But they also serve outstanding featured specialties such as the beef belly burnt ends and the pig wings. Feges isn't afraid to get creative, especially with the sides, which include an Indian-inspired yogurt-based coleslaw.
The Pit Room
thepitroom/instagram
The Pit Room combines two beloved Texan culinary traditions: barbecue and tacos. The cooks here create a tantalizing menu featuring beef and pork ribs, housemade Czech-style sausage, and a Frito pie topped with smoked brisket. The barbecue tacos are excellent, but the meat also holds its own sans tortilla.
Blood Bros
bloodbrosbbq/instagram
Blood Bros is known for infusing Asian flavors into their barbecue under the culinary expertise of the team. With dishes like Vietnamese-inspired smoked boudin, Korean-inspired smoked lamb ribs, and thit nuong pork belly burnt ends, they offer a truly unique fusion. The bold and diverse spices they use add depth and complexity to every bite.
Roegels Barbecue Co.
roegelsbarbecue/instagram
Roegels Barbecue Co. is a family-owned and operated establishment, with Russell managing the meat and Misty taking care of the sides. They excel in smoked house-made sausage, brisket, whole barbecue chicken, and classic sides like mac 'n' cheese. Be sure to explore their featured daily specials for epic culinary experiences, like the pastrami Reuben on Thursdays and the smoked turkey katsu on Mondays.
Gatlin's BBQ
GatlinsBBQ.com
Gatlin's BBQ is a family-owned joint known for its classic Texas barbecue. Owner-pitmaster Greg Gatlin has a focus on producing top-quality smoked meats. Their St. Louis-style ribs, brisket, pastrami turkey sandwiches, and Cajun-style dirty rice are customer favorites. As are the sammies (try the house-made smoked bologna) and the breakfast options (especially the brisket biscuit sandwich).
Corkscrew BBQ
corkscrewbbq/instagram
Husband-and-wife duo Will and Nichole Buckman helm Corkscrew BBQ in Old Town Spring. They serve saucy brisket sandwiches and sticky pork spare ribs, and their commitment to quality and flavor shines through in every dish. Don't let the long lines deter you. The wait is worth it, and they keep things moving along at a brisk pace.
Tejas Chocolate + Barbecue
tejaschocolate/instagram
Tejas Chocolate + Barbecue is a unique combination of barbecue and artisanal chocolates. Their brisket, smoked over post oak, is a star attraction. The inventive desserts, like the "brisket chocolate truffle" and smoked spice-infused craft chocolates, make this place truly distinctive in the Houston barbecue scene.
