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3 Best Barbecue Restaurants in Houston, TX

Expert-recommended Top 3 BBQ Restaurants in Houston, Texas. All of our barbecue restaurants actually face a rigorous 50-Point Inspection, which includes customer reviews, history, complaints, ratings, satisfaction, trust, cost and general excellence. You deserve only the best!

The Pit Room - Houston, TX Barbecue Restaurants
The Pit Room - Houston, TX Barbecue Restaurants
The Pit Room - Houston, TX Barbecue Restaurants
Best Barbecue Restaurants in Houston TX - The Pit Room video
8+ YEARS IN TBR
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THE PIT ROOM

(4.9 Score)
1201 Richmond Avenue,
Houston, TX 77006 Directions

Since 2013

Specialty:

✓ Brisket ✓ Beef Ribs ✓ Pork Ribs ✓ Pulled Pork ✓ Turkey ✓ Chicken ✓ Beef Sausage (Czech Style) ✓ Pork Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage ✓ Venison Black Pepper Garlic Sausage ✓ Cole Slaw ✓ Mac n Cheese ✓ Elote ✓ Charro Beans ✓ Mustard Potato Salad ✓ Green Beans ✓ Tex Mex Tacos ✓ Brisket Tacos ✓ Pulled Pork Tacos ✓ Chicken Tacos ✓ Chili ✓ Frito Pie ✓ Loaded Frito Pie ✓ Tortilla Chips ✓ Chips and Queso ✓ Jalapeño Vinegar Potato Chips ✓ Chicharrones ✓ Market Salad ✓ Pulled Pork Hash and Egg Taco ✓ Bacon and Egg Taco ✓ Potato and Egg Taco ✓ Brisket and Egg Taco ✓ Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage and Egg Taco ✓ Chorizo and Egg Taco ✓ Seasonal Pie ✓ Ice Cream Sandwich ✓ Cookies

"The Pit Room is a popular barbecue spot known for its Texas-style BBQ and tacos. The restaurant has a cozy, rustic setting with a nice patio, perfect for enjoying a meal with a good selection of beer and wine. The Pit Room, led by chef Michael Sambrooks, is the perfect place for special events like birthdays or retirements. The menu can be tailored for different occasions, and their breakfast tacos, served with refried beans, are a standout. They also offer a condiment bar with salsa, pico de gallo, and more to enhance your taco. The Pit Room also provides free quotes for customized catering services and is dedicated to serving the community with its passion for great food. Their dinners come with two sides and a slice of white bread. High chairs are available for kids. They offer free parking.

2026 Update: They offer take-out and delivery options for customer convenience. They also operate another location in Houston. Gift cards are available for customers. Contact them for private events inquiries."

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Price:

Meats
Brisket
12 Lb $16.5
1 Lb $33
Beef Ribs
1 Lb $34
Pork Ribs
12 Lb $13
1 Lb $26
Pulled Pork
12 Lb $10.5
1 Lb $20
Turkey
12 Lb $12.5
1 Lb $25
Chicken
Half $11
Whole $22
Sausage
Beef Czech Style $6
Pork JalapeñO Cheddar $6
Venison Black Pepper Garlic $6
Sides
Single $5
Pint $9
Quart $15
Cole Slaw
Mac N Cheese
Elote
Charro Beans
Mustard Potato Salad
Green Beans
Sandwiches
One Meat $13
Two Meat $16
Dinners
One Meat $21
Two Meat $24
Three Meat $27
Tex Mex
2 Tacos $20
3 Tacos $23
Sharing
Feast No. 1 $125
Feast No. 2 $170
A La Carte Tacos
Brisket Tacos $6.5
Pulled Pork Tacos $5.5
Chicken Tacos $5.5
Texas Red Chili
Chili
Cup $9
Bowl $12
Frito Pie $14
Loaded Frito Pie $18

Contact:

(281) 888-1929

Mon: 10am - 10pm
Tue & Wed: 11am - 9pm
Thu-Sat: 7am - 10:30am|11am - 9pm
Sun: 7am - 9pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

Pinkerton's Barbecue Houston - Houston, TX Barbecue Restaurants
Pinkerton's Barbecue Houston - Houston, TX Barbecue Restaurants
Pinkerton's Barbecue Houston - Houston, TX Barbecue Restaurants
Best Barbecue Restaurants in Houston TX - Pinkerton's Barbecue Houston video
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PINKERTON'S BARBECUE HOUSTON

(4.8 Score)
1504 Airline Drive,
Houston, TX 77009 Directions

Since 2014

Specialty:

✓ Copper Creek Prime Brisket ✓ Beef Ribs ✓ Glazed Pork Ribs ✓ Dry Rub Pork Ribs ✓ Chopped Pork Shoulder ✓ Turkey ✓ BBQ Chicken Thighs ✓ Regular Sausage ✓ Jalapeño Sausage ✓ Jalapeño Cheese Sausage Link ✓ Boudin Link ✓ Brisket Sandwich ✓ Man Bear Pig Sandwich ✓ Chopped Pork Sandwich ✓ Sausage Sandwich ✓ Sliced Turkey Sandwich ✓ Jalapeño Cheese Rice ✓ Potato Salad ✓ Tangy Coleslaw ✓ South Texas Beans ✓ Rosemary Bacon Mac and Cheese ✓ Duck and Sausage Jambalaya ✓ Bread Pudding ✓ Blueberry Cobbler ✓ Bananas Foster Pudding

"Pinkerton's Barbecue Houston serves Texas-style brisket, ribs, tasty sides, and cobbler in a classic, rustic setting. Grant Pinkerton is the Pitmaster. He was born and raised in Houston, with family ties to small-town Texas. He enjoys the outdoors and values nature. In high school, he was active in Future Farmers of America and later studied Rhetoric and Writing at the University of Texas in Austin. After college, he came back to Houston and turned his love for barbecue into a career. Pinkerton's Barbecue Houston is proud of using quality meat and making fresh sides from scratch every day. The restaurant has been featured on the Travel Channel, Food Network, and Cooking Channel. In 2021, he opened a second location in downtown San Antonio. They also serve great cocktails. Outdoor seating and curbside pickup are also available for your convenience.

2026 Update: They provide catering services, in-house dining for large groups with table reservations and family-style service, and drop-off food delivery to homes or offices. The restaurant has two other locations in San Antonio and Houston."

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Price:

Meats
Copper Creek Prime Brisket (Sliced Or Chopped) $35.00
Beef Ribs $38.00
Glazed Pork Ribs $26.00
Dry Rub Pork Ribs $26.00
Chopped Pork Shoulder $23.00
Turkey $24.00
Bbq Chicken Thighs Boneless Skinless $21.00
Regular Sausage $6.00link
JalapeñO Sausage $24.00
JalapeñO Cheese Sausage Link $6.00
Boudin Link $8.00
Sandwiches
Brisket Sandwich (Sliced Or Chopped) $15.00
Man Bear Pig Sandwich $13.50
Chopped Pork Sandwich $13.00
Sausage Sandwich $13.00
Sliced Turkey Sandwich $13.00
Sizes
Small $3.50
Large $6.50
Pint $8.00
Quart $15.00

Contact:

(713) 802-2000 (832) 483-1919

Tue-Thu & Sun: 11am - 9pm
Fri & Sat: 11am - 10pm
Mon: Closed

TBR® Inspection Report:

Rays Real Pit BBQ Shack - Houston, TX Barbecue Restaurants
Rays Real Pit BBQ Shack - Houston, TX Barbecue Restaurants
Rays Real Pit BBQ Shack - Houston, TX Barbecue Restaurants
Best Barbecue Restaurants in Houston TX - Rays Real Pit BBQ Shack video
4+ YEARS IN TBR
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RAYS REAL PIT BBQ SHACK

(4.8 Score)
3929 Old Spanish Trail, Suite 300,
Houston, TX 77021 Directions

Since 1984

Specialty:

✓ Meat Plate ✓ Brisket Plate ✓ Spare Rib Plate ✓ Rib Tip Plate ✓ Pork Sausage Plate ✓ Jalapeños & Cheese Sausage Plate ✓ Beef Sausage Plate ✓ Pulled Pork Plate ✓ Oxtail Plate ✓ 2 Meat Plate ✓ Grilled Veggie Plate ✓ 1/2 Rack Baby Back Ribs ✓ 1/2 Rack Baby Back Ribs Fried ✓ Full Rack Baby Back Ribs Fried ✓ Chopped Brisket Sandwich ✓ Sliced Brisket Sandwich ✓ Sausage Sandwich ✓ Jalapeño Sausage Sandwich ✓ Beef Sausage Sandwich ✓ Turkey Sandwich ✓ Rib Sandwich ✓ Rib Tip Sandwich ✓ The Whole Barn Yard Sandwich ✓ Pulled Pork Sandwich ✓ 1/2 Pound Burger ✓ Shack Burger ✓ Big Herb Burger ✓ Turkey Burger ✓ Grilled Chicken Burger

“Rays Real Pit BBQ Shack is a family-owned restaurant known for its hickory-smoked meats, homemade sides, desserts, and seafood specials. This restaurant is owned by Rayford S. Busch, Maxine Davis, and Herb Taylor, and has a friendly, laid-back vibe. Pitmaster Rayford S. Busch serves up tasty barbecue, Cajun, and soul food dishes along with a variety of sides and desserts. Their menu includes burgers, salads, soups, po’boys, baked potatoes, and fish and shrimp dinners all served in a casual, welcoming setting. The food is tasty and reasonably priced and the service is consistent. Cakes and sweet potato pies are also available as dessert. They offer catering services allowing their food to be enjoyed at different locations. They also provide a separate menu for kids. Their recommended dishes include sausage, coleslaw, and a sliced brisket plate.”

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Price:

Meat Plates
Brisket Plate $18.95
Spare Rib Plate $17.95
Rib Tip Plate $16.95
Pork Sausage Plate $14.95
JalapeñOs & Cheese Sausage Plate $15.95
Beef Sausage Plate $15.95
12 Chicken Plate $16.95
Pulled Pork Plate $15.95
Oxtail Plate $28.95
2 Meat Plate $19.95
House Special 4 Meat Plate $25.95
The Max $31.95
Baked Potatoes
Loaded Baked Potato No Meat $7.25
Brisket Baked Potato $14.95
Turkey Baked Potato $14.95
Sausage Baked Potato $12.95
Grilled Chicken Baked Potato $13.95
Bbq Sandwiches
Chopped Brisket Sandwich $12.95
Sliced Brisket Sandwich $12.95
Sausage Sandwich $10.95
JalapeñOs Sausage Sandwich $11.95
Beef Sausage Sandwich $11.95
Turkey Sandwich $15.95
Rib Sandwich $13.95
Rib Tip Sandwich $11.95
The Whole Barn Yard Sandwich $15.95
Pulled Pork Sandwich $11.95

Discount:

A BBQ Sandwich + One Side + Drink at $10.99 on Wednesdays

Contact:

(713) 748-4227

Mon & Tue: 11am - 6pm
Wed-Sat: 11am - 8:pm
Sun: Closed

TBR® Inspection Report:

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THE PIT ROOM REVIEWS

Great find! It's not wonder it has so many positive reviews. The food is delicious, reasonably priced, and even with a line, it goes fast. I got the 3 meat platter with brisket, pork rib, and a beef sausage. The rib and brisket were excellent. The sausage was ok. I got the charred green beans and Mac n Cheese. 2 good options. There's plenty of inside and outside seating, but it does get quite crowded. I would definitely recommend coming here if you're in Houston.

This place is definitely the real deal! I’m glad we got there “early” at 6 pm because by 7 there was a line out the door and down the block! This was on a Thursday night. Try the coffee BBQ sauce- it is different but grows on you! All of the dishes were unique and they aren’t dialing it in here. Eat outside on the shared patio.

We ordered a 3 meat plate with pork ribs, brisket and jalapeño cheddar sausage. For our sides we ordered the corn, green beans, and Mac n cheese. The meats were flavorful and tender. The ribs were definitely better without BBQ sauce. Highly recommend as we will be back for more!

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PINKERTON'S BARBECUE HOUSTON REVIEWS

Pinkerton’s Barbecue is an outstanding BBQ spot in Houston that delivers authentic flavors with plenty of charm and character. The atmosphere perfectly complements the food—simple, welcoming, and true to its roots. The brisket is the highlight here—tender, juicy, and seasoned to perfection, with just the right amount of smoky depth. The sausage, however, truly stands out; it’s easily the best I’ve ever had, with a bold flavor and perfect snap. For anyone visiting Houston, Pinkerton’s is a must. It captures the essence of Texas barbecue in a way that’s both classic and memorable.

Had a great meal here! Killer brisket like so many have posted. We loved the chicken and sausage also. Great potato salad. Just across the board fantastic. We were comparing notes with another group and the pit master overheard and brought us back to the pits. Patrick the pit master was so cool, explained their process (someone there 24 hours a day watching the fires!!) and talked bbq. Made a great meal better to see the care that goes into everything.

Chose this place after searching for popular BBQ in Houston and it was excellent. The meat was extremely tender and melts as you are eating it. I got a half pound of the sliced brisket with jalapeño cheese rice and potato salad. The potato salad was a little more pungent than I expected so beware if you're looking for something a little more bland to balance out the meat. But regardless it was obvious why this place is so loved.

RAYS REAL PIT BBQ SHACK REVIEWS

Being from Kansas City, I was nervous about this place but it was good! The cucumber salad was refreshing, sauce was a great addition to the brisket, and the baked beans were yummy! The staff were nice and the tables were nice and clean. I can’t complain!

Ordered two fish family packs and a 3 meat plate. Pleasantly surprised on how much fish comes in each fish family pack! Everything was seasoned and cooked perfectly. Definitely will order again.

The best BBQ on the Southside! Brisket was tender, ribs were great and the dirty rice was even better! I had the two meat plate, ate about half, and was stuffed. Run don’t walk!

TBR® Inspection Score Report

THE PIT ROOM Total Inspection Points: 117/120
Business Hours: 9
Variety of Menu: 9
Social Media: 9
Menu Images: 10
Complete Info: 10
Contact Info: 10
Exact Services: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Online Order: 10
Pricing: 10
Reviews Accuracy of 14.6K: 10
Video: 10

TBR® Inspection Score Report

PINKERTON'S BARBECUE HOUSTON Total Inspection Points: 115/120
Business Hours: 9
Complete Info: 9
Contact Info: 9
Variety of Menu: 9
Social Media: 9
Menu Images: 10
Current Evaluation: 10
Exact Services: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Online Order: 10
Pricing: 10
Video: 10

TBR® Inspection Score Report

RAYS REAL PIT BBQ SHACK Total Inspection Points: 114/120
Complete Info: 8
Business Hours: 9
Reviews Accuracy of 6.7K: 9
Variety of Menu: 9
Social Media: 9
Menu Images: 10
Contact Info: 10
Exact Services: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Online Order: 10
Pricing: 10
Video: 10