Truth BBQ in Houston is Leonard Botello IV's Heights Boulevard smokehouse, the Brenham original relocated in 2019, with post-oak-smoked brisket Texas Monthly's Top 50 list backs every year.
Signature dishes: Brisket, Pulled pork
Must order: Brisket fatty, sliced thick. Pulled pork. A side of pinto beans and a slice of the strawberry cake.
Tip: Open Wed to Sun, lunch only until they sell out (usually 2 to 3pm). Get there by 11am for brisket; the line moves fast.
Address: 110 S Heights Blvd, Houston, TX 77007
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.
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: Beef rib, Brisket
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.
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.
