Jump To: Classic | Fusion & Flavor-Forward | Neighborhood Favorites
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 and delicious landscape of BBQ in Houston has something for every taste.
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Also, check out our articles on Vietnamese Restaurants in Houston, Date Night Restaurants, Chinatown Restaurants Houston, and Kids Eat Free Houston.
Craving a great BBQ and plans for the weekend? Be sure to check out our guide to the best Things to Do in Houston this Weekend, where BBQ outings and more are part of the fun.
BBQ in Houston: Classic Texas-Style Smokehouses
Killen’s Barbecue
Image Credit: Killen’s Barbecue
The lines at Killen’s Barbecue are a testament to their delicious food, served cafeteria-style so you can load up your tray with exactly what you want. Don’t miss their tender brisket, massive beef ribs, and rich pork belly burnt ends. Pair your order with must-try sides like my favorites, the creamed corn and potato salad, and save room for the popular bread pudding.
Where: 3613 E Broadway St, Pearland, TX 77581
Operating Hours: Monday CLOSED | Tuesday – Wednesday 11:00 am – 7:00 pm | Thursday – Saturday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm | Sunday 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Image Credit: Corkscrew BBQ
This charming, husband-and-wife-run smokehouse is celebrated for its high-quality smoked meats and messy-but-delicious barbecue sandwiches. At CorkScrew BBQ, everything is made from scratch, from their excellent meats to their in-house cobblers, sides, and sauces.
Where: 26608 Keith St, Spring, TX 77373
Operating Hours: Sunday – Tuesday CLOSED | Wednesday – Saturday 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Image Credit: Pinkerton’s Barbecue
Known for its exceptional quality, Pinkerton’s Barbecue is a Houston favorite, and one of mine, celebrated for its glazed pork ribs, flavorful boudin, and mouth-watering smoked brisket. This acclaimed restaurant, featured on Texas Monthly’s Top 50 BBQ Joints list, makes everything from scratch daily, including their famous blueberry cobbler.
Where: 1504 Airline Dr, Houston, TX 77009
Operating Hours: Monday CLOSED | Tuesday – Thursday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm | Friday – Saturday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm | Sunday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Born in Brenham, Truth BBQ brought its slow-cooked brisket to Houston, quickly earning a reputation for its incredible barbecue. While the lines may be long, the wait is worth it for their juicy pulled pork, tender ribs, and house-made sausage. Be sure to save room for their standout sides and a slice of their famous homemade cake.
Where: 110 S Heights Blvd, Houston, TX 77007
Operating Hours: Monday CLOSED | Tuesday – Friday 11:00 am – 3:00 pm & 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm | Saturday 11:00 am – 8:00 pm | Sunday 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
BBQ in Houston: Fusion & Flavor-Forward Barbecue
The Pit Room
Combining two Houston favorites, The Pit Room masterfully blends barbecue and tacos in a single menu. Here you’ll find classic smoked meats like beef ribs and pulled pork alongside creative taco fillings and sides like elote and charro beans. It’s a true Tex-Mex collaboration that celebrates the best of both cuisines. Check out other Mexican restaurants in Houston, too!
Where: 1201 Richmond Ave, Houston, TX 77006
Operating Hours: Daily 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
Known for their creative take on barbecue, Feges BBQ, I think, is a Houston must-try, serving up delicious classics alongside inventive dishes like pig wings and beef belly burnt ends. The married couple behind the restaurant also takes an experimental approach to their sides, with options like Moroccan-spiced carrots and elote corn salad elevating the dining experience.
Where: 3 Greenway Plaza, Suite C-210, Houston, TX 77046
Operating Hours: Saturday – Sunday CLOSED | Monday – Friday 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
With a focus on exceptional quality, Harlem Road Texas BBQ is a no-frills destination where meat is the main event. Chef Ara Malekian slow-smokes brisket, chicken, and pork over aged wine barrels, infusing every cut with rich flavor. Although the shop is rustic and small, the food sells out quickly, so arrive early to get a taste of this Houston favorite.
Where: 9823 Harlem Rd, Richmond, TX 77407
Operating Hours: Monday – Tuesday CLOSED | Wednesday – Friday 11:00 am – 8:00 pm | Saturday – Sunday 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
BBQ in Houston: Neighborhood Favorites & Local Gems
Gatlin’s BBQ
For some of the best barbecue in Houston, I suggest heading to Gatlin’s BBQ, where they serve up St. Louis-style spare ribs that can be ordered by the rack. This family-run spot also offers a full menu of Southern favorites, including gumbo, dirty rice, and fried okra. You can also look into restaurants with playgrounds in Houston for the perfect outing.
Where: 3510 Ella Blvd Bldg C Ste A, Houston, TX 77018
Operating Hours: Sunday CLOSED | Monday – Saturday 7:00 am – 6:00 pm
Image Credit: Roegels Barbecue
A Houston favorite for classic barbecue, Roegels Barbecue Co. serves up all the staples, from smoked sausage and chicken to their standout mac ‘n’ cheese. This family-run spot also goes above and beyond with unique menu items like their overstuffed Reuben, rich smoked pork belly, and famous bourbon banana pudding.
Where: 2223 S Voss Rd, Houston, TX 77057
Operating Hours: Daily 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Image Credit: Fainmous BBQ
For a taste of Tennessee in the city, look no further than Fainmous BBQ in Houston, where the owners bring their Knoxville roots to life with hickory-smoked meats and vinegar-heavy sauces. Beyond their delicious pulled pork and ribs, they also offer some of the best vegetarian and vegan barbecue options in the city, like BBQ cauliflower and spinach casserole. Make sure to read up on the other healthy restaurants Houston has to offer, too!
Where: 1201 Oliver St #50, Houston, TX 77007
Operating Hours: Saturday – Sunday CLOSED | Monday – Friday 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Hi, I’m a longtime Houston resident who loves exploring the Bayou City with my two dogs. When I’m not out and about, you can usually find me in my garden or working on my latest blog.