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If you live in Houston, chances are high you love Texas barbecue. In fact, Houston has some of the top barbecue joints around the nation. Whether you live in the loop, over in Katy, or up north near The Woodlands, you are sure to find an outstanding BBQ joint to relax, chow down on some smoked brisket or pork ribs, and have an ice cold beer. Hungry for some smoked meats and barbecue? Houston has some of the best barbecue joints around and here are 7 of the best. Share on X
Hot Houston Area Barbecue Spots
If you are looking for some astonishingly good barbecue, Houston is home to a plethora of top-notch barbecue joints. Here are seven must-try barbecue locations that will have your mouth watering from the moment you step in the door and smell the meat slowly cooking.
- Corkscrew BBQ
- Gatlin’s BBQ
- The Pit Room
- The Brisket House
- Tejas Chocolate Craftory
- Willow’s Texas BBQ
- Killen’s Barbecue
1) Corkscrew BBQ
They began catering, then moved to a small food truck off Sawdust Road, and now they are one of the number one barbecue joints in Houston. Located in Old Town Spring, owners Will and Nichole Buckman have created the perfect place to dine on delicious spare ribs, pulled pork, and a whole lot more. They even have a great yard for the kiddos to play in!
2) Gatlin’s BBQ
Gatlin’s began in 2010 and is owned by former Rice University football player, Greg Gatlin and his family. In 2015, they moved into their new 4,200 square-foot location in Oak Forest where they serve two kinds of pork ribs, three kinds of sausages, and a variety of Louisiana inspired side items.
3) The Pit Room
If you like your meat smoked low and slow, then you’ll love the Pit Room. Their menu hosts everyone’s traditional barbecue favorites, but they’ll also tempt your taste buds with their killer tacos with tortillas made from jalapeno brisket droppings, house-made jalapeno and vinegar potato chips, or their homemade chicharrones.
4) The Brisket House
This modest little restaurant set in a strip mall will surely surprise you with their big barbecue flavors. They smoke their brisket for 16 hours to make it pull-apart tender, and their peppery pork ribs are some of the city’s finest.
5) Tejas Chocolate Craftory
Don’t let the name fool you, the Tejas Chocolate Craftory crafts some of the tastiest barbecue around. They smoke their meats 12-16 hours over post oak and offer daily specials like: beef pastrami ribs or their delicious pastrami Reubens. Make sure to save room for their delicious sides, like their special carrot souffle!
6) Willow’s Texas BBQ
If you are ever in The Heights, make sure to keep your eyes open for Willow’s bright red food truck. Don’t worry–it’s kinda not hard to miss! They have some terrific menu options sure to make your mouth water, like traditional smoked turkey, pork ribs, and sausage. Grab your food to go, or enjoy the nice weather while eating at a picnic table outside.
7) Killen’s Barbecue
Killen’s takes barbecue up a few notches and has been visited by celebs such as J.J. Watt and Arnold Schwarzenegger. This upscale barbecue joint is located in Pearland, about 20 miles from downtown Houston. The Le Cordon Bleu-trained owner and chef, Ronnie Killen, brings his white-table-cloth background to his dishes. Enjoy wagyu brisket, beef ribs with crunchy black pepper bark, croissant bread pudding, and more.
Best Barbecue Joints in Houston
ProTip: If you don’t feel like going out for barbecue, find a good recipe, invite some friends over, fire up your Big Green Egg and grill up a fine meal of your own.
Needless to say, there is no shortage of delicious barbecue options in Houston. Give each of these hot spots a try and see which is your favorite!
Contact us to learn more of the best barbecue joints in Houston.
