If you're hunting for the best BBQ in Houston, you've come to the right place. The largest city in Texas is more than just a hub for space exploration and oil—it's a barbecue lover's paradise. From melt-in-your-mouth brisket to beef ribs that'll make you swoon, Houston's BBQ joints are a carnivore's dream come true.
Whether you're a local or just passing through, don't miss the chance to dig into some of the best BBQs the Lone Star State offers. So grab a napkin (or ten) because we're about to explore Houston's BBQ scene, and it will get messy—in the best way possible!
Table of Contents
Best Barbecue in Houston
Truth Barbeque
Let's begin with Truth BBQ, a Houston spot making waves in the Texas barbecue scene. Owner and pitmaster Leonard Botello IV started small, selling just three briskets daily from a roadside shack in Brenham in 2015. Fast-forward to today, and he's got a bustling joint in Houston Heights that Texas Monthly ranked #3 in the state. Walking into Truth BBQ, you're greeted by a pit room filled with big black smokers and an intoxicating aroma. The menu is a meat lover's fantasy: brisket that rivals Austin's finest, mouthwatering pork ribs, and housemade spicy sausage in flavors like jalapeño cheddar and pepperjack.
And let's not forget the sides—corn pudding and green beans were our picks, and they did not disappoint. Additional options include potato salad, Brussels sprouts, and a tater-tot casserole. Desserts include classics like banana pudding and, more uniquely, Texas-size slices of homemade 3-layer cakes. Botello's mom, Janel, and head baker, Laquita Wilkins, bake the cakes from Botello family recipes. They're available for takeout so that you can skip the long lines. What sets Truth BBQ apart? It's summed up on a sign on their wall: wood, smoke, time, and love. Truth BBQ proves Houston can hold its own in the Texas BBQ game.
110 S Heights Blvd, Houston, TX, truthbbq.com
Tejas Chocolate + Barbecue
Yeah, you read that right—chocolate and barbecue under one roof! Located in Tomball, north of Houston, this BBQ spot has become a destination for meat and chocolate lovers. What started as a small-batch chocolate-making venture has become one of Texas's most talked-about BBQ joints. When you walk in, you'll first notice the aroma of smoked meat mingling with the sweet scent of cocoa. On the barbecue side, their brisket is a must-try. It's smoked to perfection and has a flavorful bark that'll have you returning for more.
There's pork belly, which you can order on its own or atop one of their stacked baked potatoes. Other savory sides include bacon cole slaw and carrot souffle. And don't even get me started on their dinosaur-sized beef ribs. But save room for dessert because their handcrafted chocolates are equally divine. Whether a giant truffle or a chocolate bar, you'll taste the passion and craftsmanship in every bite. Tejas Chocolate + Barbecue is a one-of-a-kind experience that proves unlikely pairings can make the most memorable meals.
200 N Elm St, Tomball, TX, tejaschocolate.com
Khoi Barbecue
Launched in 2017 by brothers Don and Theo Nguyen, Khoi ("smoke" in Vietnamese) specializes in Viet-Texas barbecue. I hadn't encountered Khoi Barbecue until the 2023 BBQ Fest in Lockhart, where I was blown away by their curry rice with pulled pork. Lemongrass vermicelli pulled pork was also on the menu that day, as was a pandan Basque cheesecake that left a lasting impression. Pitmaster Don Nguyen had spent the night barbecuing two whole hogs with Palmira Barbecue of Charleston, SC, and the results were incredible. Khoi has been operating as a pop-up, though rumor is they're now looking to open a permanent location in Houston. I can't wait.
Pop-up events in Houston, TX. Visit khoibarbecue.com for details.
Blood Bros. BBQ
Next, let's chat about one of the best barbecue joints in Houston that's breaking all the traditional molds: Blood Bros. BBQ. This isn't your granddad's barbecue joint; it's a fusion of flavors that celebrates the city's diverse culture. Founded by three childhood friends, Blood Bros. offers a unique twist on classic Central Texas BBQ, incorporating Asian and Cajun influences into their menu. You'll find options beyond the usual brisket and ribs when you enter this laid-back Bellaire neighborhood spot. Think smoked turkey banh mi and Gochujang glazed pork ribs—flavors you won't typically find in a Texas BBQ joint.
Purists can still order the Texas trinity (tender brisket, pork ribs, and housemade sausages) should they choose, but I enjoy their non-traditional menu items more. Desserts include an oatmeal cream pie, cupcake of the day, and blueberry peach cobbler. Blood Bros. is one of the best Houston barbecue joints because it is willing to experiment while respecting the Texas barbecue tradition. It's a culinary adventure that pays homage to Houston's melting pot of cultures, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to expand their BBQ horizons.
5425 Bellaire Blvd, Bellaire, TX, bloodbrosbbq.com
Feges BBQ
Co-owners Patrick Feges and Erin Smith bring a unique flair to traditional barbecue, combining Patrick's passion for smoked meats with Erin's fine dining background (including Per Se in NYC). The beef brisket is a showstopper, with a smoky bark and tender meat that practically melts in your mouth. The sides and desserts also help set Feges BBQ apart. Kel and I ordered the elote corn salad, hog fat cornbread with cinnamon butter, and Money Cat potatoes. We ended our first dinner at Feges with a slice of Erin's dreamy banana and caramel cream pie.
Feges BBQ started in the Greenway Plaza food court. However, we chose to dine at its second location in Spring Branch, a proper restaurant with a more extensive menu.
Spring Branch: 8217 Long Point Rd, Houston, TX, fegesbbq.com
Greenway Plaza: 3 E Greenway Plaza Suite C210, Houston, TX
Roegels Barbecue Co.
In 2014, pitmaster Russell Roegels and his wife, Misty, opened their namesake BBQ joint in the Uptown district of West Houston. They were on the illustrious Texas Monthly Top 50 list within three years. Tens years after Roegels Barbecue Co. opened its doors, Kel and I walked through them. Inside, the dining room was full of locals getting their 'cue on, and (much to my delight) there was no line. I ordered the brisket grilled cheese for $16 and was surprised and delighted by how much meat was packed between the buttery slices of bread. Kel was elated by her $19 pork belly plate, which came with two sides (we picked potato salad and cucumber tomato salad). We were both impressed by the meaty, well-seasoned slices of pork belly. Lunch was complete when we finished off a cup of classic banana pudding together.
2223 S Voss Rd, Houston, TX, vossroad.roegelsbarbecue.com
Killen's Barbecue
A 2024 road trip from Austin to Galveston Island provided my first opportunity to dine at Killen's Barbecue in Pearland, TX. Chef-owner Ronnie Killen picked his hometown of Pearland, about 20 miles south of downtown Houston, for his eponymous BBQ joint. Killen grew up cooking at area restaurants and, in 1997, received formal training at Le Cordon Bleu in London, where he graduated first in his class. Kel and I shared the hearty beef rib plate with two sides (we chose creamed corn and string beans) plus ¼ pound of moist brisket and pork belly burnt ends. The pork belly was particularly meaty and was my favorite of the proteins. We enjoyed a slice of the creme brulee cheesecake and traditional banana pudding for dessert. Bread pudding, pecan pie, carrot cake, and churros are also available, ensuring no dessert lover needs to leave empty-handed.
Original Location: 3613 E Broadway St, Pearland, TX, killensbarbecue.com
CorkScrew BBQ
Let's again venture north of Houston to Spring, Texas, where CorkScrew BBQ has held court for years. Husband-and-wife duo Will and Nichole Buckman founded Corkscrew. It offers a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. The brisket is the star of the show, smoked for hours until it reaches that perfect balance of tenderness and flavor. But don't overlook their other offerings, like the succulent pulled pork and tasty turkey. What sets CorkScrew apart, though, is their commitment to quality. They sell out regularly—and for good reason. So, if you're planning a visit, get there early and prepare to be wowed. CorkScrew BBQ is a must-visit for anyone serious about Texas barbecue.
26608 Keith St, Spring, TX, corkscreworders.com
Gatlin's BBQ
Established in 2010, Gatlin's is a family-owned BBQ restaurant "where love is the secret ingredient." A reader on Feastio's Facebook page recommended I check this spot out for Southern barbecue, and I did just that on my most recent trip to Houston. Kel and I shared a two-meat plate with ¼ pound of moist brisket and ¼ pound of baby back ribs. The cashier said most customers choose the spare ribs as they're a few dollars cheaper.
I can't speak for those, but I did feel the baby back ribs were better than the smoked brisket. I chose the mac 'n cheese and cucumber salad for the sides. Other options include dirty rice, candied yams, and collared greens. Unfortunately, they were sold out of desserts when we arrived (12:45 p.m.).
3510 Ella Blvd Bldg C Ste A, Houston, TX, gatlinsbbq.com
Conclusion
BBQ lovers, we've taken you on a smoky journey through some of Houston's best barbecue joints, from the traditional at Truth BBQ to the sweet and savory combo at Tejas Chocolate + Barbecue and the cultural fusion of Blood Bros.
Each spot brings its unique flair to the picnic table, proving that Houston is a heavyweight in the Texas BBQ scene. Whether you're into classic brisket or experimental flavors or want a darn good rib, H-Town has you covered. So, the next time you find yourself in the greater Houston area, hit up one or more of these BBQ spots. Remember to arrive early, come hungry, and save room for dessert. Happy feasting, y'all!
In case you've already the spots I've mentioned and are hungry for more, here's a short list of the barbecue restaurants I've yet to visit:
- Pinkerton's Barbecue - This restaurant made Texas Monthly's list of the best BBQs in the state for its San Antonio location, but the Houston one is the original.
- Burns Original BBQ - In business since 1973, this old-school barbecue joint was featured in a 2016 episode of Anthony Bourdain's Parts Unknown.
