Jump Links: Classic Smokehouses | Fusion & Innovative BBQ | Neighborhood Gems
In a city known for its incredible food scene, nothing quite captures the heart of Houston’s culinary identity like its barbecue. The search for the best BBQ in Houston takes us on a delicious journey through classic Texas smokehouses, innovative fusion spots, and beloved neighborhood joints. Whether you’re craving tender brisket, fall-off-the-bone ribs, or creative smoked dishes, the diverse landscape of BBQ in Houston has something for every taste.
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Also check out these articles – Best Tex Mex in Houston, Best Mexican Restaurants in Houston, Best Tacos in Houston, Best Summer Camps in Houston, and Best Steakhouse in Houston!
Best BBQ Houston: Classic Texas-Style Smokehouses
Killen’s Barbecue
Image credit: Killen’s BBQ Facebook
The lines here are a testament to their legendary status. Served cafeteria-style, you can load your tray with massive beef ribs and their famous tender brisket.
Insider Tip: Save room for the bread pudding—it’s widely considered some of the best in the state.
Operating Hours: Monday Closed | Tuesday – Thursday 11 am – 7 pm | Friday – Saturday 11 am – 8 pm | Sunday 11 am – 6 pm | Until sold out
Where: 3613 E Broadway St, Pearland, TX 77581
How Much: $25 – $45 per person
CorkScrew BBQ
This husband-and-wife-run smokehouse in Spring is celebrated for high-quality smoked meats and scratch-made sides.
Operating Hours: Wednesday – Saturday 11 am – 4 pm | Until sold out
Where: 26608 Keith St, Spring, TX 77373
How Much: $20 – $40 per person
Pinkerton’s Barbecue
Image credit: Pinkerton’s Barbecue Facebook
Featured on Texas Monthly’s Top 50, Pinkerton’s is a local favorite for glazed pork ribs and flavorful boudin.
Operating Hours: Monday Closed | Tuesday – Thursday 11 am – 10 pm | Friday – Saturday 11 am – 10 pm | Sunday 11 am – 9 pm
Where: 1504 Airline Dr, Houston, TX 77009
How Much: $25 – $50 per person
Truth BBQ
Originally from Brenham, Truth BBQ has quickly earned a reputation for its juicy pulled pork and standout house-made sausage.
Operating Hours: Lunch: Tuesday – Sunday 11 am – Sell Out | Dinner: Tuesday – Saturday 5 pm – Sell Out
Where: 110 S Heights Blvd, Houston, TX 77007
How Much: $30 – $55 per person
Fusion & Innovative BBQ Houston
The Pit Room
Image credit: The Pit Room Facebook
Masterfully blending barbecue and tacos, this spot offers beef rib tacos alongside traditional Tex-Mex sides like elote.
Operating Hours: Breakfast Tacos: Daily 7 am – 10:30 am | BBQ: Daily 11 am – 9 pm
Where: 1201 Richmond Ave, Houston, TX 77006
How Much: $15 – $35 per person
Feges BBQ
Known for an experimental approach, try the “pig wings” and Moroccan-spiced carrots for a break from traditional fare.
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday 11 am – 2 pm
Where: 3 Greenway Plaza, Suite C-210, Houston, TX 77046
How Much: $20 – $35 per person
Harlem Road Texas BBQ
Chef Ara Malekian smokes his meats over aged wine barrels, providing a unique depth of flavor to the brisket and chicken.
Operating Hours: Monday – Tuesday Closed | Wednesday – Friday 11 am – 8 pm | Saturday – Sunday 11 am – Until sold out
Where: 9823 Harlem Rd, Richmond, TX 77407
How Much: $25 – $40 per person
Neighborhood Gems: Local BBQ Favorites
Gatlin’s BBQ
Image credit: Gatlin’s BBQ & Catering Facebook
A family-run institution serving St. Louis-style spare ribs and Southern classics like gumbo and dirty rice.
Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday 7 am – 6 pm | Sunday Closed
Where: 3510 Ella Blvd Bldg C Ste A, Houston, TX 77018
How Much: $20 – $35 per person
Roegels Barbecue Co.
A go-to for standout mac ‘n’ cheese and unique items like their smoked pork belly and bourbon banana pudding.
Operating Hours: Daily 11 am – Sold Out
Where: 2223 S Voss Rd, Houston, TX 77057
How Much: $20 – $40 per person
Fainmous BBQ
Bringing Tennessee-style hickory-smoked meats to Houston, this spot also offers impressive vegan options like BBQ cauliflower.
Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday 11 am – 5 pm | Sunday Closed
Where: 1201 Oliver St #50, Houston, TX 77007
How Much: $15 – $30 per person
Know Before You Go
While many of the top-rated BBQ Houston spots are located within the Inner Loop and the Heights, legendary smokehouses like Killen’s and CorkScrew BBQ are found in surrounding suburbs like Pearland and Spring. Most of these locations are within a 30-minute drive for Greater Houston residents and often sell out by mid-afternoon, so plan to arrive early!
Common Questions about BBQ in Houston
Are these BBQ spots kid-friendly?
Yes, most Houston barbecue restaurants are very family-oriented with casual cafeteria-style seating. Spots like Gatlin’s are particularly great for families.
When is the best time to visit?
For the most popular spots like Killen’s or Truth BBQ, it is best to arrive 15-30 minutes before they open to ensure you get your choice of meats before they sell out.
Is there vegan BBQ in Houston?
Absolutely! Fainmous BBQ offers dedicated vegetarian and vegan options like BBQ cauliflower and spinach casserole.
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