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 that defined Houston barbecue.
Signature dishes: Beef rib, Brisket
Must order: The Texas beef rib (one is enough for two), brisket fatty and the creamed corn side.
Tip: Tuesday through Saturday lunch only, sold out by mid-afternoon. The beef rib runs out first; order it on entry.
Address: 3613 E Broadway St, Pearland, TX 77581, Houston
CorkScrew BBQ in Spring (north of Houston) is the Buntin family smokehouse on Keith Street, a Michelin Bib Gourmand-recognised post-oak barbecue room with brisket and pork ribs.
Signature: Brisket, Pork ribs
Order: Brisket and pork ribs combo. The mac and cheese is one of the better Houston-area sides.
Tip: Wednesday 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 2026 Upper Kirby second location.
Signature: Brisket, Smoked turkey
Order: Brisket fatty, smoked turkey, beef ribs when they show up.
Tip: Open Wed to Sun for lunch only. The newer 3801 Farnham Upper Kirby location opened January 2026 and has shorter lines.
Tacos Tierra Caliente in Houston is the long-running taco truck on West Alabama in Montrose, with al pastor sliced from the trompo and an ice house next door.
Signature: Tacos al pastor, Carne asada tacos
Order: Three al pastor tacos with pineapple. The carne asada. A Mexican Coke and a side of consomme.
Tip: The truck is parked next to the West Alabama Ice House; bring your tacos inside for a beer. Cash and card.
Frenchy's Chicken on Scott Street in Houston is Percy Creuzot's 1969 Third Ward Creole fried chicken counter, two blocks from Texas Southern University and a Houston Sunday tradition.
Signature: Creole fried chicken, Dirty rice
Order: Three-piece dark meat with dirty rice and red beans. A peach cobbler to close.
Tip: Sunday after church is the line. Weekday lunch is the move. The Scott Street counter is the original; multiple satellites exist.
Bludorn in Houston is Aaron Bludorn's New American room on Taft Street since 2020, with a lobster pot pie and Gulf-seafood menu that defined Montrose's tasting-menu corridor.
Signature: Lobster pot pie, Whole branzino
Order: The lobster pot pie. It is the dish that put the room on every national list and never came off.
Tip: Book three weeks out for a Friday or Saturday. Bar seats open up at 5pm if you walk in early.
March in Houston is the Goodnight Hospitality tasting-menu room on Westheimer Road from chef Felipe Riccio, with six- or nine-course menus rooted in one Mediterranean region per season.
Signature: Six- and nine-course tasting menus rooted in one Mediterranean region per season
Order: The full nine-course menu. Anything less misses the regional arc.
Tip: The wine pairings (June Rodil curates) are unusually well-judged. Take them.
