Best BBQ in Houston | Top 20 Spots

17 restaurants in Best BBQ in Houston | Top 20 Spots

• Pappas Bar-B-Q Monroe — American · rated 5/5: The air at Pappas Bar-B-Q Monroe is thick with the intoxicating scent of hickory smoke, drawing guests into a bustling space where the art of slow-cooked Texas barbecue takes center stage. Towering sandwiches piled high with tender pulled pork or succulent sliced brisket arrive alongside generous mixed platters, offering a hearty celebration of pit-master tradition that satisfies every smoky craving.
• 2 Guys 1 Pit BBQ and Catering — American · rated 5/5: The intoxicating aroma of slow-burning wood and savory spice hangs heavy in the air, welcoming diners to a rustic haven where the art of the pit is celebrated in every smoky bite. Glistening, melt-in-your-mouth brisket and caramelized burnt ends anchor a menu of deep-down comfort, perfectly paired with indulgent sides like velvety sweet potato casserole and golden, loaded fries. This is a destination for those seeking the soul of barbecue, where the rich flavors of charred ribs and hearty chili create a communal experience of pure, unpretentious satisfaction.
• Corkscrew BBQ — American · rated 5/5: The air at this bustling smokehouse is thick with the intoxicating aroma of post oak, drawing diners into a rustic space where butcher paper serves as the canvas for Texas-style artistry. Velvety prime brisket and glistening pork ribs take center stage alongside indulgent sides like creamy mac n cheese, creating a soulful dining experience that honors the slow-smoked traditions of the South.
• Dickey's Barbeque Pit — American · rated 5/5: The air at Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is thick with the savory perfume of slow-smoldering hickory, drawing guests into a rustic space where the art of the pit-master takes center stage. Diners craft their own hearty feasts from a bounty of tender, pit-smoked meats and oversized baked potatoes piled high with toppings, capturing the soulful, unpretentious joy of a true backyard barbecue.
• Barbecue Inn — American · rated 4/5: Stepping into this timeless haunt feels like a nostalgic journey where the air is thick with the sweet perfume of hickory smoke and the irresistible aroma of golden-fried classics. Generous platters showcase a masterclass in Texas comfort, from the tender, slow-smoked brisket and glazed St. Louis ribs to the crisp snap of their legendary onion rings and chilled, zesty shrimp cocktails. It is a soulful destination where every bite celebrates the enduring heritage of slow-cooked barbecue and coastal-inspired starters in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
• The Roof — American · rated 2/5: Perched high above the city, this vibrant rooftop escape invites guests to soak in the skyline while savoring a spirited fusion of Gulf Coast soul and global flair. The kitchen turns out an array of bold, shareable plates, from the peppery heat of New Orleans BBQ shrimp and crispy boudin balls to the bright, citrusy snap of fresh seafood ceviche. It is a lively sanctuary where the aroma of rich andouille gumbo mingles with the evening breeze, creating an atmosphere that feels both sophisticated and celebratory.
• Nem Houston — Vietnamese: Nem Houston celebrates the vibrant, hand-rolled traditions of Vietnamese cuisine, where the air is filled with the savory scent of charred pork sausage and golden, crackling egg rolls. Guests dive into a colorful array of meticulously wrapped rolls that balance the snap of fresh, herbaceous vegetables with the smoky depth of BBQ shrimp and tender vermicelli. Whether sharing an overflowing platter of signature Nem Nướng or savoring a quick, crunch-filled bite, every dish offers a bright and balanced journey through authentic textures and bold, soulful flavors.
• Loro Heights — Japanese: Loro Heights invites guests into a sun-drenched, high-energy space where the intoxicating scent of oak-fired smoke mingles with the bright, zesty aromas of Southeast Asian spices. The kitchen masterfully bridges the gap between Texas barbecue and coastal Asian flavors, turning out crackling Thai pork ribs and smoky shishito queso designed for communal indulgence. Every plate, from the golden crunch of sweet corn fritters to the tender richness of pulled pork tostadas, celebrates a bold and playful fusion of tradition and fire.
• Pappas BBQ — American: The air at Pappas BBQ is thick with the intoxicating aroma of hickory smoke, drawing diners into a bustling, rustic space where slow-roasted traditions take center stage. Guests feast on towering sandwiches of succulent beef brisket and tender pulled pork, or dive into generous mixed platters that celebrate the pitmaster’s art with every smoky, melt-in-your-mouth bite.
• Pinkerton's Barbecue — American: The air at Pinkerton's Barbecue is thick with the intoxicating aroma of seasoned wood smoke, drawing guests into a rustic sanctuary where Texas tradition is served by the pound. Glistening slabs of slow-smoked brisket take center stage, boasting a peppery, obsidian bark that gives way to impossibly tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat. It is a soulful, unpretentious experience where the warmth of communal tables and the simple beauty of butcher-paper service celebrate the patient, time-honored art of the pitmaster.
• Sammy's — American: Sammy’s serves as a vibrant culinary crossroads where the aromatic warmth of Indian spices meets the savory, caramelized sizzle of Korean BBQ. Diners are swept away on a global journey, savoring everything from the zesty, bright notes of Mexican-inspired seafood to the soulful comfort of a perfectly toasted sourdough sandwich in a space that celebrates the boldest flavors from every corner of the map.
• J Bar M Barbecue — American: J Bar M Barbecue brings the soul of Central Texas to the table, where the air is thick with the intoxicating scent of post oak smoke and the low hum of a bustling smokehouse. Guests gather over butcher paper-lined trays piled high with salt-and-pepper crusted brisket that melts at the touch and snappy, house-made sausages that burst with savory spice. It is a celebration of fire and patience, offering a rustic yet refined sanctuary for those seeking the quintessential craft of Texas barbecue.
• Brisket Bar-B-Q — American: The air at Brisket Bar-B-Q is thick with the intoxicating scent of slow-smoked meats and charred hickory, drawing diners into a rustic space where Texas-sized hospitality meets the soulful comfort of a classic smokehouse. The kitchen transforms prime cuts into tender, bark-crusted masterpieces, serving up everything from juice-dripping ribeyes and snap-skinned sausages to towering baked potatoes overflowing with savory brisket and melted toppings. It is a place where the bold, rugged flavors of the pit take center stage, offering a hearty sanctuary for those seeking the authentic, unpretentious spirit of the grill.
• The Cookshack — American: The air at The Cookshack is thick with the sweet, lingering scent of apple-wood smoke, drawing guests into a space where soulful comfort meets culinary precision. Golden-fried chicken tenders offer a shattering crunch alongside tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs, creating a symphony of deep, smoky flavors and satisfying textures. Whether you are tucking into a towering chicken sandwich or a decadent plate of chicken and waffles, every bite feels like a warm, indulgent embrace of classic smokehouse traditions.
• The Cookshack — American: The air at The Cookshack hangs heavy with the sweet, nostalgic scent of apple-wood smoke and the savory promise of golden, hand-breaded chicken fried to a perfect crunch. Guests dive into a soulful experience where shatteringly crisp tenders meet fluffy waffles and fall-off-the-bone ribs glisten with a deep, smoky patina. It is a vibrant destination for comfort food enthusiasts, blending a rustic, high-energy atmosphere with the timeless appeal of a masterfully crafted backyard barbecue feast.
• Jax Burgers — American: Step into a lively neighborhood haunt where the rhythmic sizzle of the flat-top grill sets the stage for a masterclass in burger craft. From the smoky allure of the BBQ Burger to the vibrant, creamy finish of the Avocado Swiss, each creation arrives piled high on a toasted bun, promising a messy, soul-satisfying bite that celebrates the timeless appeal of the American classic.
• Harris County Smokehouse — American: The rich, lingering aroma of wood smoke and sizzling griddles defines this rustic morning retreat, where the soulful traditions of Texas barbecue meet the comfort of a classic country breakfast. Generous plates pair farm-fresh eggs with tender, pit-smoked brisket or golden chicken fried steak, creating a robust symphony of savory flavors that fuels the day with heart and heritage.