Houston, Texas, is a city renowned for its diverse culinary offerings, from Mexican to Vietnamese, Cajun to Mediterranean. But when it comes to food that defines the Lone Star State, BBQ is king. Houston’s BBQ scene is vibrant, constantly evolving, and rich in history. This guide will take you through some of the best BBQ joints in the city, offering you a taste of authentic Texas barbecue, from traditional brisket to lesser-known cuts and regional styles.
A Rich BBQ Tradition
Before diving into the specific joints, it’s important to understand what makes Texas BBQ so special. Texas BBQ isn’t just a meal—it’s a ritual. The key meats are brisket, sausage, ribs, and sometimes turkey or chicken. Central to Texas BBQ is the low and slow smoking technique, which imparts deep, smoky flavors into the meat. Wood choices, such as oak, post oak, and mesquite, further enhance the flavors.
Houston has a variety of BBQ traditions, with influences from different parts of Texas and beyond. Whether you’re looking for classic Texas brisket or something with a modern twist, Houston’s BBQ scene has something for everyone.
1. The Brisket House
Located in the heart of downtown Houston, The Brisket House is a must-visit spot for any BBQ enthusiast. Specializing in slow-cooked, tender brisket, this establishment has garnered a loyal following. The brisket here is perfectly marbled, cooked until it melts in your mouth, and served with a generous layer of bark.
Aside from the brisket, The Brisket House also offers mouthwatering ribs, sausage, and classic sides like mac and cheese and coleslaw. The ambiance is laid-back, making it a great spot to relax and enjoy some top-tier BBQ.
What to try: Brisket, sausage, mac and cheese.
2. Franklin Barbecue (Houston Outpost)
A name that has become synonymous with Texas BBQ excellence, Franklin Barbecue originally made waves in Austin, but its Houston outpost carries the same level of fame. Known for its legendary brisket, Franklin Barbecue has earned a reputation as one of the best BBQ joints in Texas.
Franklin’s brisket is tender, juicy, and smoked to perfection, with a perfectly balanced bark. Though it’s often a challenge to get in due to the long lines, the wait is well worth it. The restaurant also serves up delicious sides, including baked potatoes topped with BBQ, and classic Texas-style sausage.
What to try: Brisket, burnt ends, and potato salad.
3. Hickory Hollow Restaurant
While Hickory Hollow might not be the first name that comes to mind when thinking of Houston BBQ, this hidden gem offers a unique experience that shouldn’t be overlooked. Known for its rustic charm and massive portions, Hickory Hollow serves BBQ that’s consistently delicious.
The brisket is slow-cooked to perfection, offering a perfect combination of tenderness and smokiness. The sausages here are also a local favorite, along with the classic sides. For a true Texas BBQ experience, Hickory Hollow offers a hearty meal in a cozy, family-friendly environment.
What to try: Brisket, sausage, and homemade pies.
4. Gatlin’s BBQ
Gatlin’s BBQ, located in the Heights neighborhood, has quickly risen to fame in Houston’s BBQ world. This family-owned joint is celebrated for its amazing smoked meats and top-tier service. The owners, members of the Gatlin family, have a passion for BBQ that’s evident in every dish they serve.
The standout dish here is undoubtedly the brisket, which is perfectly seasoned and smoked over oak wood. The ribs, sausage, and turkey are also exceptional, and the sides—like their famous baked beans and creamy coleslaw—round out the meal beautifully. Gatlin’s BBQ is a must-visit for anyone in search of authentic, flavorful Texas BBQ.
What to try: Brisket, ribs, turkey, and baked beans.
5. Killen’s BBQ
Killen’s BBQ, located in Pearland, just outside of Houston, is one of the city’s most celebrated BBQ spots. Chef Ronnie Killen’s expertise in BBQ has earned this joint a top spot on many “Best BBQ in Texas” lists.
Killen’s BBQ offers an array of perfectly smoked meats, including brisket, ribs, sausage, and turkey. The brisket here is especially remarkable, known for its juicy tenderness and smoky flavor. Their ribs are also a crowd favorite, and the sides—such as their mac and cheese and creamed corn—are always spot-on.
What to try: Brisket, ribs, sausage, mac and cheese.
6. The Brisket King
As the name suggests, The Brisket King is all about brisket. Located in the heart of Houston, this BBQ joint prides itself on offering one of the best briskets in the city. The meat is smoked to perfection, with a rich, smoky flavor that stands out in every bite.
In addition to the brisket, The Brisket King offers other BBQ favorites, including ribs, sausage, and smoked turkey. The sides are simple yet satisfying, with options like cornbread and fried okra. Whether you’re a BBQ connoisseur or a casual fan, The Brisket King is a great spot to indulge in some of Houston’s best barbecue.
What to try: Brisket, ribs, cornbread.
7. Pizzitola’s BBQ
Pizzitola’s BBQ has been serving up Houston-style BBQ since 1935, making it one of the city’s most historic BBQ joints. While the restaurant has been around for decades, it still manages to maintain a sense of authenticity and timeless appeal. The brisket here is smoky and tender, with a rich bark that BBQ lovers adore.
Aside from brisket, Pizzitola’s serves up some amazing sausage and ribs. The restaurant also has a selection of traditional sides like potato salad, beans, and coleslaw. Pizzitola’s is perfect for those looking to experience Houston BBQ with a side of history.
What to try: Brisket, sausage, potato salad.
8. Luling City Market
Though originally founded in Luling, Texas, Luling City Market’s Houston location has become a beloved BBQ destination. Known for its unique “dry rub” brisket, Luling City Market offers a distinct BBQ flavor that sets it apart from others in the city.
The brisket here is smoky and packed with flavor, with the dry rub creating a delicious crust on the outside. The sausage is also a highlight, as are the side dishes like their tangy pickles and fresh bread. Luling City Market is a great choice for those looking for something a little different in their BBQ experience.
What to try: Dry rub brisket, sausage, and pickles.
9. Smokin’ Joe’s BBQ
Smokin’ Joe’s BBQ is another gem in the Houston BBQ scene, offering a casual and relaxed dining experience with an emphasis on high-quality smoked meats. The brisket is smoky and tender, with a deep flavor that comes from hours of slow cooking. They also serve up mouthwatering sausage, pork ribs, and turkey.
The sides at Smokin’ Joe’s are just as impressive, with options like baked beans, coleslaw, and potato salad. With its welcoming atmosphere and fantastic food, Smokin’ Joe’s is a great spot for BBQ lovers in Houston.
What to try: Brisket, ribs, baked beans.
10. Brisket Bar
The Brisket Bar is a modern take on the traditional BBQ joint, offering an elevated dining experience in a chic, urban environment. The menu is centered around brisket, with a variety of options ranging from classic smoked brisket to brisket tacos and brisket sandwiches.
The brisket here is tender and flavorful, with a beautiful bark and rich, smoky flavor. The sides are creative and delicious, including options like street corn and loaded potato salad. The Brisket Bar is a great choice for those looking for a unique, contemporary twist on Texas BBQ.
What to try: Brisket tacos, brisket sandwich, and street corn.
Honorable Mentions
While the above BBQ joints are some of the best in Houston, there are plenty of other spots worth checking out. These include:
- Mickey’s BBQ: Known for their tender ribs and flavorful brisket.
- The Original BBQ Chicken Shack: A local favorite for smoked chicken and pork.
- Smitty’s BBQ: Famous for its perfectly smoked sausage and unique BBQ sauce.
- Brothers BBQ: A beloved spot for both classic BBQ and inventive new dishes.
Conclusion
Houston’s BBQ scene is diverse, vibrant, and constantly evolving. Whether you’re craving classic brisket, smoked ribs, or something a little different, the city has something to offer every BBQ lover. From historic spots like Pizzitola’s BBQ to modern joints like The Brisket Bar, Houston is home to some of the best BBQ in the world.
No matter where you go, one thing is certain: you’re in for a true Texas BBQ experience that will leave your taste buds wanting more. So, grab a plate, dig in, and savor the smoky, tender, and flavorful delights that make Houston’s BBQ scene so special.
This guide highlights just a fraction of what Houston’s BBQ scene has to offer. Every food lover visiting the city should explore more and discover new favorites. Happy eating!
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