Goode Company Barbeque is a texas barbecue restaurant in Rice Village Upper Kirby, Houston.
Goode Company Barbeque on Kirby Drive in Houston is Jim Goode's 1977 mesquite-smoked barbecue room, the city's introduction to commercial Texas barbecue.
Editorially verified May 18, 2026 by Lewis Vaughan, TableJourney editor. Source.
Signature dishes: Brisket, Jalapeno pork sausage
Must order: Brisket and a jalapeno pork sausage link. Jambalaya. Pecan pie to close.
Tip: Multiple Goode Company locations across Houston exist. The Kirby flagship is the original and the only one with the screened porch.
Address: 5109 Kirby Dr, Houston, TX 77098
Hugo's in Houston is Hugo Ortega's regional Mexican room on Westheimer since 2002, a James Beard winner with cochinita pibil, chiles en nogada in season.
Signature: Cochinita pibil, Sunday brunch buffet
Order: Cochinita pibil. The Sunday brunch buffet. Tableside hot chocolate.
Tip: Sunday brunch books two weeks out. Lunch on weekdays is the easier slot.
Killen's Barbecue in Pearland is Ronnie Killen's smokehouse on East Broadway, a Michelin Bib Gourmand 2025 pick with a Texas beef rib that defined Houston.
Signature: Beef rib, Brisket
Order: The Texas beef rib. Brisket fatty. The creamed corn.
Tip: Lunch only Tuesday through Saturday; sold out by mid-afternoon. The beef rib runs out first; order on entry.
Truth BBQ in Houston is Leonard Botello IV's Heights Boulevard smokehouse since 2019, with post-oak-smoked brisket regularly ranked on Texas Monthly's Top 50.
Signature: Brisket, Strawberry cake
Order: Brisket fatty. The strawberry cake (the legend of Truth). Pulled pork.
Tip: Wed to Sun lunch only until sold out, usually 2 to 3pm. Get there by 11am for brisket.
Coltivare in Houston is the Heights Italian room on White Oak Drive from Ryan Pera, with wood-fired pizzas, on-site vegetable gardens and a small-plates menu.
Signature: Wood-fired Margherita pizza, Garden salad
Order: Margherita pizza, whichever pasta is on the daily board, the salad from the back garden.
Tip: Walk-in only, party of six max. Get there before 6pm or wait an hour.
Nancy's Hustle in Houston is the EaDo bistro on Polk Street since 2017, with Nancy Cakes cornbread, a much-copied burger and a serious natural-wine list.
Signature: Nancy Cakes (cornbread with bottarga butter), Burger
Order: Nancy Cakes and the burger. Pasta of the day. Order from the by-the-glass list.
Tip: Bar seats are first-come, dining room takes reservations. The patio in mild weather is the play.
Mala Sichuan Bistro in Houston is the Bellaire Boulevard Sichuan room since 2011, a Michelin-recommended kitchen with serious mapo tofu, dan dan noodles.
Signature: Mapo tofu, Dan dan noodles
Order: Mapo tofu, dan dan noodles, dry-fried green beans, chilli-oil dumplings.
Tip: Cold appetiser cabinet near the door has marinated beef and tendon that are the menu's quiet stars.
