The latest list is OUT! Every few years, editor Daniel Vaughn and his team travel the state, eating at hundreds of joints to find the best. As someone who covers Houston’s food scene for work and on my blog, I love seeing so many local spots get the recognition they deserve, even in the Honorable Mentions.
Truth Barbeque has quickly become a staple in Houston’s barbecue scene. Known for its Central Texas-style brisket with a robust bark, the restaurant also offers standout sides like tater tot casserole and desserts such as the triple chocolate cake. (Photo above courtesy Ben Sassani)
- Address: 110 S Heights Blvd, Houston, TX 77007
- Hours: Tuesday to Friday: 11 AM–3 PM & 5 PM–7:30 PM; Saturday: 11 AM–7 PM; Sunday: 11 AM–4 PM; Closed Monday
Brisket & Rice offers a unique fusion of Texas barbecue and Vietnamese flavors. Signature dishes include brisket-topped fried rice and the “Poor Man’s Macaroni.” The restaurant is set to relocate to a larger space at 6166 Hwy. 6 N., providing more parking and seating.
- Current Address: 13111 FM 529, Houston, TX 77041
- Hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 11 AM–7 PM; Closed Monday
Pinkerton’s Barbecue is celebrated for its tender meats and flavorful sides. Highlights include the brisket-topped mac and cheese and the “candy paint” pork ribs.
- Address: 1504 Airline Dr, Houston, TX 77009
- Hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 11 AM–9 PM
Bar-A-BBQ started as a food trailer and has since established itself in a cozy house setting. The menu features cold-smoked brisket, house-made sausages, and a notable chocolate cornbread pudding.
- Address: 21149 Eva St, Montgomery, TX 77356
- Hours: Tuesday to Friday: 10:45 AM–6 PM; Saturday: 8 AM–6 PM; Sunday: 10:45 AM–4:30 PM; Closed Monday
Operating from a trailer next to a gas station, Jennings & Co. BBQ is a father-son venture known for its well-seasoned brisket and unique sides like bacon-fat cooked cabbage and sweet corn soufflé.
- Address: 16050 Walden Rd, Montgomery, TX 77356
- Hours: Saturday and Sunday: 11 AM–7 PM
CorkScrew BBQ has evolved from a humble food trailer to a Michelin-starred establishment. Patrons rave about the pulled pork, pepper-flecked ribs, and rotating cobbler offerings.
- Address: 26608 Keith St, Spring, TX 77373
- Hours: Wednesday to Saturday: 11 AM–4 PM; Closed Sunday to Tuesday
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Situated along Grand Parkway, Rosemeyer Bar-B-Q operates from a collection of trailers and picnic tables. Beyond traditional barbecue offerings, they serve specials like ostrich steak and house-made ice creams.
- Address: 2111 Riley Fuzzel Rd, Spring, TX 77386
- Hours: Thursday to Saturday: 11 AM–3 PM; Closed Sunday to Wednesday
While they didn’t crack the Top 50, these Houston-area joints still earned praise from Texas Monthly’s barbecue editor Daniel Vaughn.
Space City B-B-Q, Baytown
Vaughn called out the sweet and salty glaze on the pork belly burnt ends as the kind of dish that makes you plan your next visit before finishing your first.
Blood Bros. BBQ, Bellaire
No other joint on the list embraces culinary mashups like this one. Vaughn pointed to items like the Pho-Strami sandwich and brisket chow fun as proof that boundary-pushing barbecue is alive and well in Texas.
Feges BBQ, Bellaire
While the smoked meats hold their own, Vaughn noted the real challenge is choosing between sides. Hog-fat cornbread, spicy Korean greens, and pimento mac and cheese are just a few standouts.
Gatlin’s BBQ, Houston
Vaughn praised the smoked wings and pork ribs, but also made a point to recommend the turkey sandwich with herb mayo and Swiss, calling it a surprise standout.
J-Bar-M Barbecue, Houston
The juicy chicken halves and giant spareribs impressed Vaughn, as did the sides—especially the cauliflower au gratin and tomato salad.
Roegels Barbecue Co, Houston
Vaughn wrote that Roegels has stepped up its brisket game and now serves some of the best in town. He also noted the kimchi pork boudin as a unique and successful twist.
Brett’s BBQ Shop, Katy
Weekend beef ribs remain a highlight here, but Vaughn suggested keeping an eye on their rotating Summer of Sandwiches menu for something new and craveable.
Killen’s Barbecue, Pearland
Alongside a strong lineup of meats, Vaughn pointed to the creamed corn, collard greens, and brussels sprouts as essential sides to complete the plate.
Harlem Road Texas BBQ, Richmond
Vaughn appreciated chef Ara Malekian’s approach, noting that the seasoning on the half chicken and pork ribs showed subtlety and depth.
Tejas Chocolate + Barbecue, Tomball
It’s the only barbecue joint in Texas that makes its own chocolate. Vaughn highlighted the chile relleno sausage and advised not to leave without grabbing a truffle or two.
