Top 10 BBQ Spots in Houston: Where to Get the Best Brisket in the Bayou City
When it comes to Texas barbecue, Houston is serving up some of the boldest flavors and smokiest meats in the state. From slow-smoked brisket and juicy ribs to jalapeño sausage and next-level sides, H-Town's BBQ scene is as diverse as the city itself. Whether you're a lifelong local or just visiting, here are 10 can’t-miss BBQ joints in Houston and nearby cities that have earned legendary status.
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1. Truth BBQ – The Heights, Houston
Ranked Top 10 in Texas by Texas Monthly
Address: 110 S Heights Blvd, Houston, TX
Truth BBQ is the place for authentic Texas BBQ done the traditional way—post oak smoked, served with scratch-made sides and massive layer cakes. Pitmaster Leonard Botello IV delivers juicy brisket, perfectly charred ribs, and jalapeño-cheddar sausage that have earned national fame.
2. Pinkerton’s Barbecue – Houston
Instagram-worthy patio & craft beer
Address: 1504 Airline Dr, Houston, TX
A favorite for locals and tourists alike, Pinkerton’s is known for its caramelized bark brisket, rich boudin, and buttery bourbon peach cobbler. Their Heights location offers a backyard vibe with serious pitmaster cred.
3. Blood Bros. BBQ – Bellaire
Fusion BBQ with Asian flavors
Address: 5425 Bellaire Blvd, Bellaire, TX
This trailblazing joint blends Texas BBQ with Vietnamese, Thai, and Chinese influences. Think brisket burnt ends with gochujang glaze and Thai peanut slaw—pure creative brilliance.
4. Gatlin’s BBQ – Garden Oaks, Houston
Family-owned, flavor-packed
Address: 3510 Ella Blvd, Houston, TX
Known for their soulful seasoning and Southern hospitality, Gatlin’s serves some of the most consistently excellent brisket and ribs in the city, plus banana pudding worth the trip alone.
5. Feges BBQ – Greenway Plaza & Spring Branch, Houston
Chef-driven, modern BBQ
Addresses:
3 Greenway Plaza, Houston, TX
8217 Long Point Rd, Houston, TX
Owned by a husband-wife chef duo, Feges BBQ fuses traditional smokehouse staples with creative sides like Moroccan-spiced carrots and pimento mac ‘n cheese. Bonus: weekday lunch at their Greenway location is perfect for BBQ-loving professionals.
6. J-Bar-M Barbecue – EaDo, Houston
🎶 Live music meets serious meat
Address: 2201 Leeland St, Houston, TX
A sprawling indoor-outdoor BBQ destination with a full bar, live music stage, and pit-smoked perfection. The brisket and beef ribs steal the show.
7. Brett’s BBQ Shop – Katy
Hidden gem with old-school charm
Address: 25220 Kingsland Blvd, Katy, TX
This small shop delivers big flavor. Brett’s earns BBQ street cred with their bark-heavy brisket, flavorful turkey, and house-made sausage links that pack a punch.
8. Killen’s Barbecue – Pearland
Celebrity-level BBQ with major bite
Address: 3613 E Broadway St, Pearland, TX
Chef Ronnie Killen’s spot in Pearland draws BBQ pilgrims from across Texas. Expect flawless execution, from pepper-crusted brisket to creamed corn and colossal beef ribs.
9. Roegels Barbecue Co. – West Houston
Pitmaster’s favorite pit stop
Address: 2223 S Voss Rd, Houston, TX
Roegels flies under the radar but overdelivers on flavor. Their brisket is textbook perfection, and specials like Carolina pork or pastrami offer delicious variety.
10. Tejas Chocolate + Barbecue – Tomball
BBQ + handmade chocolate = magic
Address: 200 N Elm St, Tomball, TX
Yes, you read that right: they serve world-class BBQ and craft bean-to-bar chocolate. Brisket, housemade sausage, mole sauce, and chocolate truffles? Say less.
Honorable Mentions Across the Region:
Corkscrew BBQ – Spring
Rosemeyer Bar-B-Q – Spring
Bar-A-BBQ – Montgomery
Jennings & Co. BBQ – Montgomery
1775 Texas Pit BBQ – College Station
Space City B-B-Q – Baytown
Harlem Road Texas BBQ – Richmond
🧭 Plan Your BBQ Crawl
Create your own BBQ passport by visiting each of these joints and tagging us on social @Houston.Unlimited. Every pit has its story—and every bite tells you why Houston is a BBQ destination in its own right.
Have a favorite not on the list? Drop us a line and we’ll smoke out the next hidden gem.
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