Whether you’re visiting Houston or live in the area, you definitely need to pay a visit to one (or all) of these top BBQ joints. Texas BBQ is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, so stop by and sample delicious entrees and freshly made sides.
Gatlin’s BBQ
Gatlin’s BBQ recently opened a second location on Ella that is much larger than its original location on 19th Street, so there is plenty of room for the crowds of people that flock there on a daily basis. Owner and pit boss Greg Gatlin is known for his trio of smoked ribs, which includes St. Louis-inspired spareribs, beef ribs, and baby back ribs that are short and full of flavor.
Other options include classic chopped brisket, sausages, sliders, and pulled pork or chicken sandwiches. You can also opt for meat platters, served with sides like baked beans, collard greens, smoked corn, mac and cheese, and more. Save room for classic Southern desserts, including peach cobbler, bread pudding, lemon pound cake, and banana pudding.
The Brisket House
If beef brisket is your go-to BBQ comfort food, be sure to pay a visit to The Brisket House. It has two locations: one on Woodway Drive and the other on Center Street in Deer Park. The signature dish is tender and flavorful brisket, available in a 6-ounce, 8-ounce, or one-pound special, served with a whole pickle, onion, slab of cheddar cheese, and bread on butcher paper.
Classic menu options are also available, such as pulled meat sandwiches, sausages served country style or with jalapenos, loaded baked potatoes, potato salad, mashed potatoes, and coleslaw. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a slice of pecan pie.
Jackson Street BBQ
During baseball season, this location fills up quickly because of its proximity to the Astros’ ballpark. But even if it’s crowded, the food is worth the wait. The top menu item is a fresh and fluffy biscuit stuffed with cheddar cheese, jalapenos, and brisket burnt ends, meat that is double smoked for extra flavor and texture. You can also sample ribs, sausage, and chicken, served with sides like loaded baked potatoes topped with smoked meats, fried mac and cheese, dirty rice, collard greens, and coleslaw.
The location also has a take-out menu available if you want to eat at home. Dessert options include homemade chocolate chip cookies and pecan pie.
Pappa Charlie’s BBQ
Started as a food truck, Papa Charlie’s BBQ recently opened a brick-and-mortar location on Rusk Street because of its popularity. It’s a veteran-owned business with a menu that includes delicious options such as boudin, brisket, chicken, turkey, ribs, and sausage. Side dishes pair well with the smoky and flavorful meats, like pinto beans, potato salad, spicy slaw, mac and cheese, and greens. Get there early to pick your favorites because if menu items sell out, they’re gone for the day.
With so many delicious spots to choose from, it’s easy to find a place to enjoy your next BBQ meal in Houston.
This photo, “Brother Jimmys Ribs,” by Eric Kilby used under CC BY-SA 2.o. “Brother Jimmys Ribs” is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.o by Gay Family Kia.
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