7 editor picks in Houston.
7 american bbq places in Houston we have eaten in, sorted by editor score. All cuisines in Houston | American Bbq across every city.
Houston barbecue runs on post oak and patience, and the brisket-and-beef-rib tradition here pulls as much from the German-Czech meat markets of central Texas as from the city itself. Truth BBQ on Heights Boulevard is Leonard Botello IV's smokehouse, the Brenham original relocated to the Heights, while Pinkerton's Barbecue keeps a Heights room on Airline Drive. Outside the loop, Killen's Barbecue in Pearland and CorkScrew BBQ up in Spring carry the same post-oak discipline, and Goode Company Barbeque on Kirby Drive marks where commercial Texas barbecue first reached the city.
Truth BBQ in Houston is Leonard Botello IV's Heights Boulevard smokehouse, the Brenham original relocated in 2019, with post-oak-smoked brisket Texas.
OrderBrisket fatty, sliced thick. Pulled pork. A side of pinto beans and a slice of the strawberry cake.
TipOpen Wed to Sun, lunch only until they sell out (usually 2 to 3pm). Get there by 11am for brisket; the line moves fast.
Killen's Barbecue in Pearland (south of Houston) is Ronnie Killen's smokehouse on East Broadway, a Michelin Bib Gourmand 2025 pick with a Texas beef rib.
OrderThe Texas beef rib (one is enough for two), brisket fatty and the creamed corn side.
TipTuesday through Saturday lunch only, sold out by mid-afternoon. The beef rib runs out first; order it on entry.
CorkScrew BBQ in Spring (north of Houston) is the Buntin family smokehouse on Keith Street, a Michelin Bib Gourmand-recognised post-oak barbecue room.
OrderBrisket and pork ribs combo. The mac and cheese is one of the better Houston-area sides.
TipWednesday to Saturday 11am to 4pm only. Lines start by 10:30; brisket sells out by 2pm most days.
Pinkerton's Barbecue in Houston is Grant Pinkerton's Heights smokehouse on Airline Drive, a Michelin-recognised joint with brisket, smoked turkey and the new.
OrderBrisket fatty, smoked turkey, beef ribs when they show up.
TipOpen Wed to Sun for lunch only. The newer 3801 Farnham Upper Kirby location opened January 2026 and has shorter lines.
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.
OrderBrisket and a jalapeno pork sausage link. Jambalaya. Pecan pie to close.
TipMultiple Goode Company locations across Houston exist. The Kirby flagship is the original and the only one with the screened porch.
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.
OrderThe Texas beef rib. Brisket fatty. The creamed corn.
TipLunch 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.
OrderBrisket fatty. The strawberry cake (the legend of Truth). Pulled pork.
TipWed to Sun lunch only until sold out, usually 2 to 3pm. Get there by 11am for brisket.
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