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How has the barbecue scene in Houston evolved?
- The barbecue scene in Houston has experienced fast growth in the last few years, as witnessed by the booming popularity of barbecue trailers and popup restaurants.
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What types of barbecue dining options are available in Houston?
- Options range from food trucks with picnic table dining to more high-end establishments, catering to all tastes and preferences.
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What are the must-try barbecue dishes in Houston?
- Whether you are looking for the perfect smoked brisket, house-made sausage, or a pulled pork sandwich, Houston has something to satisfy any barbecue lover.
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1. Killen's Barbecue, Pearland
Savor smoked brisket and enjoy an exciting, affordable BBQ trip worth the drive.
Killen's Barbecue, Pearland is Chef Ronnie Killen's namesake barbecue joint. Chef Killen was trained at Le Cordon Bleu, and he has also had extensive experience in a popular steakhouse. His attention to detail and understanding of flavor profiles has turned the restaurant into a local favorite. The dining room is consistently packed with diners enjoying large portions of beef ribs, tender, succulent brisket, and house made sausage links. While the smoked meat dishes are what bring the masses to Killen's, they also serve a very good fried chicken. Make sure to leave room for their sides. The potato salad and creamed corn are especially tasty. Plan to wait in line for a table. Fortunately, the restaurant serves free Lone Star beer to those who are waiting, which makes the wait a lot more bearable.
3613 Broadway Street, Pearland, TX 77581, Phone: 281-485-2272
2. The Pit Room, Montrose
Dig into Texas-style meats and enjoy a fun, casual weekend outing with family.
The Pit Room, Montrose serves Central Texas-style BBQ in a rustic venue with a nice patio. Menu highlights include their smoked brisket, ribs, and three types of sausage that are all made in house. Side options include house-made charro beans, coleslaw, jalapeno-vinegar potato chips, and more. One of the highlights of the Pit Room is the selection of pickles and other condiments on the complimentary pickle bar. From marinated scallions, brined cucumber, and carrot to red chili salsa and a range of other sauces, the choices are seemingly endless. The menu also includes tacos, Texas chili, beer & wine, and dessert. Finish your meal with the sour cherry pie for a special treat.
1201 Richmond Avenue, Houston, TX 77006, Phone: 281-888-1929
3. Barbecue Inn, Greater Heights
Taste old-school barbecue and savor an affordable, easy comfort food stop with retro vibes.
Barbecue Inn, Greater Heights has been a mainstay on Houston's restaurant scene for more than 70 years. They serve up traditional barbecue food in a retro setting. The old-fashioned, family-run restaurant has gained quite a local following over the years. The menu is straightforward and includes a selection of barbecue dinners, sandwiches, fried chicken, seafood plates, and salads. In addition, you can order your favorite barbecue to go by the pound. They have a selection of traditional BBQ sides including French fries, baked beans, baked potatoes, and more. Finish your meal with a down-home slice of pie or cheesecake.
116 West Crosstimbers Road, Houston, TX 77018, Phone: 713-695-8112
4. Corkscrew BBQ, Spring
Line up for brisket and enjoy an exciting, kid-friendly meal on a weekend trip.
Corkscrew BBQ started out as a food truck that ran its entire operation out of a pink and black tractor trailer. The trailer-served BBQ became so popular that they ran out of food in the early afternoon practically every day. They have since moved to a pink and black building with a bit more space. However, it's still recommended to show up early if you hope to avoid a long wait. Long lines of locals and tourists start forming before lunch, and they only prepare enough food for the size of their dining room. They serve one of the best briskets in Houston. It is oak-smoked and has a perfectly blackened crust and moist interior. They also serve tasty ribs, loaded potatoes, and spicy pork sausage.
26608 Keith Street, Spring, TX 77380, Phone: 832-592-1184
5. Demeris Barbecue, The Heights
Savor classic plates and enjoy a cheap, satisfying stop with family or friends.
Demeris Barbecue, The Heights has been a Houston favorite since 1964. They serve traditional heaping piles of Texas-style barbecue with scrumptious sides. They offer a sampler platter of mixed BBQ including brisket, pulled pork, and sausage with two sides such as coleslaw and corn. The most popular menu item is a sliced beef sandwich that is especially popular with the lunch crowd. They offer dining room seating as well as a drive-thru for quick service. Additionally, Demeris offers catering, which is quite popular and often used for local events. They frequently cater weddings, rehearsal dinners, and other special parties.
1702 West Loop N, Houston, TX 77008, Phone: 713-681-7204
6. Fainmous BBQ, Katy Norris
Good Tennessee-style barbecue is hard to come by in Texas, but Knoxville native Jamie Fain does it right at Fainmous BBQ, Katy Norris. The restaurant serves tasty turkey legs, smoked chicken wings, and scrumptious rib tips. There are also traditional options like beef brisket, pulled pork, and sausage links. If you are looking for a sandwich-style meal, try the praiseworthy pork chop sandwich or the pig burger. There are several excellent side options, but the coleslaw is especially top-notch. They are quite popular and occasionally sell out, so plan to get there early to guarantee an opportunity to try this local favorite.
1201 Oliver St, Houston, TX 77007, Phone: 713-728-9663
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