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Going into this reader poll project, we knew there would be some tough categories. None more so than barbecue.
Critic Alison Cook had only two barbecue spots on her Top 100 Restaurants list: Gatlin and Virgie’s.
Now it’s your turn.
Vote for your favorite now. Voting closes at 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 17, and we’ll announce the winner online Wednesday and in the print edition of 29-95 on July 19. You can also vote via Twitter @2995. Twitter submissions will be counted at the poll close, so check back for final results.
You can also enter to win a $100 dollar gift card by writing a ‘review’ of you favorite barbecue in in the comments below. We will choose the best comment review. For complete contest rules click here.
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Luling on Richmond just inside 610.
Are you kidding? They stole City Market's name but not their barbecue (read: they're ripoffs, and tastes bad man.)
I like em Fool.
We're all fools here. :)
What happened to Lenox Barbecue - best barbecue ever!
mister spifins must have been there on the wrong day. They did not rip off City Markets name in Luling. In fact the origional guy here learned bar b que at the City Market in Luling. All listed are great but only as good as the meat sold them.
Luling City Market bases their business on the reputation of City Market in Luling. While I'm sure their spin on the name will keep them out of court, the fact is that they serve truly mediocre steam-table BBQ, and attract business based on the great BBQ served by the real City Market in Luling.
Don't be a tool. Don't support these dirtbags.
I have been raised on fabulous BBQ all of my life....and Pizzatola's is the best I have ever eaten!!!! Don't knock it till you have tried it!!!Slow cooked and tender..........May have to go there tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!! VOTE PIZZATOLA'S!
Hickory Hollow on Heights Blvd is the best!!!
Why isn't Luling City Market on the poll?
Because they ripped off City Market's name while serving mediocre barbecue, fool!
Ok, so what, still beats Goode Co. Having a bad day I guess, eh Jim?Go eat at your yucko Goode Co.
Who is Jim?
Actually not a huge barbecue eater as it gives me migraines. I voted for Goode Co on behalf of my fambly, though. :) And I'd rather eat it than fakeo "Luling City Market".
You guys seriously need a write in vote.....
NOT there style, you are force to vote for one of THEIR favorites. Kinda like a stacked deck, if you know what I mean....
I thought Lennox was one of the choices but it is not listed. I used Lennox for two weddings and would vote for them. My company had executives from New York and I was told that we should provide them with barbecue. I called Lennnox and they came through as usual. The food was outstanding and the executives were very impressed. My boss was so thrilled that the next day he sent me a huge bouquet of flowers with a card said for a job well done. He told me the Lennox barbecue made him look really good to his bosses. How great was that!
Seriously, you people are voting for Goode Co BBQ? Over priced and slightly above average for Houston BBQ spots. Gatlins, IMO, has the best BBQ in town, and not to mention the best people working there! BTW When I say in town i mean Inner loop to just outside the loop.
Blake's is the only one I've been to on the list and it's been years since I've been but I voted for Blake's anyway. I want anyone but Thelma's to win. I've never been to Thelma's and will never go to Thelma's because of her notorious attitude I've read about time and time again in this section. A bad attitude should not be rewarded with my hard earned dollars.
I don't really think her attitude is THAT bad. She's just a very no-nonsense lady. It must be working for her, I've never been there when there wasn't a line all the way out the door.
I will take your word for it.... ;)
I guess Alison Cook is not much of a BBQ fan..........
Actually I am. But this is not a good era for barbecue in Houston. Still miss the Burns BBQ when Roy Burns was alive; the wonderful Williams Smokehouse; and Pierson's , which I hope will make a comeback someday. We are in reduced circumstances right now.
By far the oldest quality in Houston.Quality shows in the a presentation of the food and I also like having service instead of waiting in line
Get out of Houston. Drive down 59 to Hwy 90 and go to East Bernard. Vincek's Smoke House...winner...winner...BBQ dinner!
And ask for the Roland (fridays only)
Personally, I prefer Beef and Bun Bar-B-Que.
No Brisket House? No Baker's Ribs? I get that Pierson & Co isn't coming back, but the first two I mentioned are better than Goode. Surprised too that Alison didn't put Beaver's on the list.
I picked Thelma's, as it's so different than most other Central Texas BBQ, and I've never had a problem with Thelma. Then again, I read the FAQ before going, and basically treated going there like I used to treat going to Kanomwan or seeing Carlo at La Trattoria, when it was still open. Had a so-so experience with the service at Gatlin's, or I'd have picked them. The 'que is very good, FWIW.
I agree with your comment about Baker's Ribs or "The Pig" as locals call it.....
In Houston, Blakes gets my vote. I've tried far more BBQ places than I can count, and Blake's still wins, hands down.
If you include the surrounding areas, I'd have to add Dozier's in Fulshear. Best. Sausage. Ever.
Dozier's is awesome.
Ryan's Smokehouse in Webster!
This whole thing makes me very sad.
Rudy's! Rudy's! Rudy's!
Rudy's is as good as any on that list and better than some.
You missed the best BBQ in Texas and Steak night on Fridays.
4 Corners BBQ 7735 Decker Dr Baytown, TX (281) 424-7217
And during season they have the best Crawfish at the Crawfish shack.
and friendlist owners: Debbie and Don
This is the best you got? Really? Really! I agree you need a write in vote.
Uh Rudy's???????
gatlin's is hands down the best choice...and the best in town, period. the service can be slow, but it's not fast food. the gatlin's are some of the friendliest people i know, and i'm happy to wait as long as it takes. (you can always call ahead!)
Goode Company.....yuck. That's some HORRIBLE barbecue.
I voted for Goode Co so that people who don't know any better and search online for BBQ will go there and stay away from my favorite place. I don't really care if the results are accurate or not.
I first met Greg Gatlin and his wonderful family when he was 8 or 9 years old. I am so proud of the man he has become and the ambition he has put into his business. Great food, great family, great young man. He deserves to succeed in his business and in life. A lot of people dream and Greg realized his dream. Way to go Greg, Henry, Mary and the entire group at the fabulous Gatlin's Barbecue.
The Pitmaster has the best tasting ribs I have ever tasted and the Chicken Bake potatoes are just so good.
Goode company is OK, but not great. Luling and Pizzitola's are MUCH better!
A few years ago, when I lived in Houston, Otto's was the best I found, followed by Goode Co. on Kirby and Pappas on SW Freeway. The Swinging Door in Richmond was also good.
Swinging Door hasn't been even "good" in years. Although the brisket is pretty good they are ridiculously overpriced. Steve hires kids who he can pay minimum wage and who give terrible service. I live about a mile from SD but drive to Fulshear for Doziers instead.
Central Texas BBQ in Pearland, smoky, falls off the bone and slow smoked.. Always the best.
There is no good BBQ in Houston. It amazes me that Houston is in Texas, arguably the BBQ capital of the world, and the BBQ scene in this city is so poor. Goode Co. - they keep their BBQ in that steam buffet throughout the day and the meat is waterlogged. Gatlin's is the only thing that's passable for BBQ in Houston. If you want the real stuff, go to Lockhart. The BBQ scene in this city is a joke.
Goode Company?!?!? Seriously?!?!? The Swingin Door!!!
What happened to Lenox Barbecue??
Metro rail line on Harrisburg got it........long gone.
We have had Gatlin's BBQ and it is by far the best we have had in Houston so far. Great Family and humble and gracious to the core. That should mean something, but I know its all politics.
I'm going to try them soon. I keep hearing good things about them. And that sandwich the person is holding on their website makes my mouth water. I love good brisket.
My vote would go to Pizzitola's. I'm a transplant to Houston from Owensboro, Kentucky (which we locals call the Bar-b-que capital of the world). Pizzitola's ribs are world-class, a nice char and scrumptious!
No Name on Hwy 225 has my vote.
I've driven past No Name a hundred times and never stopped. I tried Grand Prize down the freeway from there and was pretty disappointed. I'll try No Name next time!
New place Stockyard BBQ. I love BBQ and have eaten some of the best around the state and country and this is better. Best BBQ I've ever had. And they have great sides and desserts, not just the usual beans, potato salad and cole slaw. Convenient location on Westheimer east of Hillcroft.
I don't know if its the best I've ever had, but I do agree it is way up there! I've been a few times for lunch now and it is consistently excellent. And the people who work there are fantastic, just super nice. I love this place.
I think the Stockyard is pretty low rate barbeque.....
You got to be kidding, Stockyard is not eatable and flavorless plus their sides are cold, greasy and just plain nasty
Jim Goode consistently serves tender, smokin' ribs, brisket, chicken, turkey with perfectly prepared pairings of creamy potato salad, cowboy beans (more than one choice)and coleslaw. You haven't lived until you pile his brisket or turkey between slices of jalapeno cheese bread and dip each bite in a bowl of warm cowboy barbeque sauce. If you have to blow your diet, do it right with a piece of the buttery pecan pie. But wait. . . after years (and years!) of going with that dessert selection, I just tried a piece of his chocolate icebox pie the other night. . . Oh my, my, my. Our family looks for excuses to gather under the watchful eye of the giant buffalo mount on I-10 to enjoy a plate of barbeque (and dessert) at Goode Company, the Houston hallmark of great Texas barbeque!
janice, how long have you worked for the goodes?
Janice just how "close" are you to Jim???? An employee or just a "really good friend, wink, wink." This looks like a profession written and edited (by Jim) script. My hat's off to your writing ability, but you judgement on GOOD BBQ is extremely questionable.
Goode Company is one of the best MARKETED BBQ restaurants in Texas. The Rudy's chain has BBQ ten times better than most of these on the list.
Apparently a person who knows how to critique eloquently is a threat to the less articulate
Joe's Barbecue in Alvin.! How did it get missed? Its the best ever! If I were from Alvin, I'd feel slighted.
Central Texas in Pearland is good too!
Rodeo Barbecue in Pearland is another good one. Portion size is questionable.
I think you answered your own question, "Best BBQ in Houston" - Pearland and Alvin are not Houston, neither is Katy, Woodlands, Sugarland, Spring, Tomball
Perhaps I shouldn't say this, but I'll be obnoxious and do it anyway...
Houston has fantastic food. They do many genres very, very well.
But, for some reason, it is not a BBQ destination. Why IS that? Why can we not get some decent BBQ here?! It's a damn shame!
Guess you can't be good at everything ;-)
Feel free to flame me into oblivion.
I should have mentioned this earlier but one of the coolest Houston dining projects is ongoing: Houston Barbecue Project. It's the handiwork of frequent 29-95 contributor J.C. Reid. He's not close to being done but it's a great tool if you're a fan of barbecue.
The Central TExas BBQ on Broadway in Pearland is very top. Not only is the barbeque very good but the sides are the best anywhere around.
When I lived out that way, I tried them. Not bad at all.
Check you map, PEARLAND is not HOUSTON, not even the same county.
Lyndon's off 290 by far has the BBQ...a little out of the way but so worth it. The ribs have that perfect smokey flavor along with peel off the bone texture. And don't forget the BEST pulled pork anywhere
Agreed, Lyndon's is very consistent. Brisket, ribs, sausage and pulled pork...........excellent.
they have the BEST sausage!
Ha, ha ha ... they don't really care who makes the best BarBQ, they just want readers to click on the link and comment, it helps preserve jobs. This has NOTHING to do with "best BarBQ."
AMEN!! It's a stacked deck, don't fall for the foolery.
To get good BBQ you need to get OUT of Houston...Alvin has Joe's, LaMarque has the Pit Stop, Webster/League City has Red River and Texas City has Grand Prize. I would rank all above those in Houston and if I had to rank would go
1) Pit Stop
2) Joe's
3) Red River
4) Grand Prize
Pizzitola's BBQ ribs and pulled chicken are like no other. Finger likin good! Their sauce is perfect,it does not overpower the great smoked meatflavor, not too tart, not too smokey, but just right. One of the few outdoor pits used commercially even still around. Banana Pudding dessert reminds me of the kind my grandmother used to make - delicious.
I only recently tried Pizzitola's bone-in chicken. It was amazing. Looking forward to buying a whole bird and using the leftovers for chicken salad.
The best, best thumbs down is no longer in business, native Houstonians over the half century mark will remember "Lockwood Inn".
My kudo's now go to Gatlin's - ma & pa business with scrumptious ribs, out of this world brisket, mouth watering cobbler and always service with a smile!
It's really great to support Gatlins as my favorite BBQ joint!
I'm over the "half century" mark and I recall eating at the original Western Kitchen on Wirt Rd in the early 60's. I still remember the childhood awe of those women calling out orders from the front counter in their unique lingo! Ice cold Frosty brand rootbeer in bottles too!
I'm not a native, but I remember Lockwood Inn from my stay in Denver Harbor. I loved their home made links. Nobody makes links like that anymore. Everything is just 'sausage' now. (But I am over the half century mark - lol)
I worked on Clinton Dr. in the late 60's and early 70's and I agree!!! The Lockwood Inn was the best I've even eaten. Today's BBQ joints will never come close. Whenever I drive down Lockwood I always dream of the old days at Lockwood Inn. Do you remember the name of the other BBQ joint just down the street, when the line was too long at Lockwood and time was limited, we'd go there; even as second choice it was light years ahead of today's commercialized BBQ wannabees.
IMO sauce should never be a consideration when ranking BBQ. That's like rating a burger place based on the ketchup. I'm really looking forward to trying all these places though, there's no bad bbq, only good and great.
I agree 100% about the sauce.
Big 6 BBQ is absolutely the best I have ever tasted. Small place with awesome service and THE best brisket in Houston. Skip the chains and enjoy some real BBQ.
I am a firefighter here in Houston, and am also the primary cook on our shift at the fire station. Although I have not tried all of the contestants B.B.Q, I have had three of the others. My vote is for Thelma's. If you haven't heard of Thelma's, I am not surprised. It is a small "hole in the wall" place, in the 4th largest city in the US. Expect mouth watering brisket, tender ribs, and large portions.
I've heard that Gaitlan's can't be beat. Also, heard about Schulze's in Richmond (TX) is fantastic. But for now, locally, my favorite would be Burn's in Acres Homes. It's as close to home made as you can get from ordering out! They have a few locations, google and try them!
Pizzatola's is the best BBQ I have ever eaten and I was raised on outstanding BBQ from the central Texas area. Their slow cooked method makes the meat tender and finger licking good. Love the ribs...Everything is outstanding. The homemade bananna pudding is Jerry's mother's home family recipe. Now you know that has got to be delicious....and yes it is! VOTE PIZZATOLA'S!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i agree...Houston is not a BBQ town anymore..back in the 60/70's you still had the locals, Lockwood Inn, Greens, Henry's BBQ on Bissonnet, Carl's in Stafford and countless others...then the gas fire, dial a temp in and leave it guys moved in, Luther's, Gabby's, Pappas, etc...tender but zero taste...and a couple of Houston generations have been raised on this mess...when you pull in the parking lot look for the wood pile..one of those neat little stacks of wood, youre about to get gas fire meat...up at the top, Luling City Market was slammed...back in early 80's, one of the pit men left Luling City Market in Luling and opened his place here..and the place rocked..is it as good as back then?, no...is it the best in Houston?, yes...Goode Company, pies are great...presentation is awesome, bbq is now average...when Jim Goode was at the register at the original location back in the early 80's before the expansions, it was a really good meal....Hinze's in Wharton serves good 'que, Enjoy Vincek's in East Benard...also you think Houston would be a great seafood town being so close to the coast...its not unless you enjoy frozen shrimp from Sysco or Tillman Fratitta cookie cutter meals..sorry just keepin it real
SORRY Chronicle and 20.95, I won't be voting in this poll as you have not given the opportunity to vote for the BEST BBQ restaurant in Houston ONLY THE BEST BBQ RESTAURANT ON "YOUR LIST."
If you want a true polling of the readers and people, you can't set the slate and force people to vote based on a limited few. You've given people the option of choosing from YOUR suggested few, it's like leading people to vote rather than having an open ballot. Once again you missed the mark....
For those of you cracking on Luling City Market, calling it a rip-off, have you been to the one in Luling lately? They've REALLY fallen off. Not worth stopping, especially since Lockhart is only another 20 miles. FWIW, I'm a Charlie's BBQ fan in the Houston area.
Why isn't Lenox a choice. I came here to vote for Lenox. I've eaten there since I was a kid. I've never had better barbecue anywhere else.
Goode Company is the real deal. Gatlin's is also solid as well as Hickory Hollow (which didn't make the list). I'd say the majority of the people commenting on this post are transplants who haven't lived in this city for more than 5-10 years. They probably know absolutely nothing about Jim Goode and how he was a TRAILBLAZER in Houston. His son Levi is also doing an excellent job living up to his dad's UNBELIEVABLY high expectations.
If I had any advice for Goode Co. I'd tell them to slow it down on the expansion. Not saying that the quality has gone down but the more you stretch yourself thin, the less time/focus/energy can be spent on your restaurants.
Also, it'd be nice if solid family-owned restaurants like Goode Co, did their OWN social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc). I think customers would really appreciate what owners OR employees who actually work INSIDE the restaurants had to say. BOTTOM LINE: You can't buy creativity!
And FYI NEW Houstonians - Goode Co is not a chain restaurant...seriously do a little research before you comment.
One name that should be on the let is Demeris on Shepherd. They ave been a fixture in the Houston BBQ business sine the '60' s and they know what they are doing.
I miss Burns but they were hard to get to and no p,ace to sit and eat it there. Rudy's is pretty dang good and consistent. Same for Pappas.
Now if you are really serious here is the real list to check out:
City Market in Luling, Tx
Texas Pride in Adkins, Tx (east side of San Antonio)
Schoepf's in Belton, Tx.
Johnny's in Salado, Tx
Franklin BBQ in Austin, Tx
Salt Lick in Driftwood, Tx
The Hard Eight in Brady, Tx
Ruby's in Austin, Tx
The Hawg Pit in Midland, Tx
Mesquite Wood BBQ in Iraan, Tx
Now, that is a list of good BBQ places.
Smooth moist taste in every bite. The next bite is as good as the first! The smokehouse flavor and tenderness of the meat coupled with slap-yo-mama sauce makes you close your eyes as you savor the taste! And this is just the meats! Now as you try and break away for a few seconds to the taste of the delightful and plentiful sides your taste buds are increasingly confused as to what to eat as the sides have now arrested your attention for their excellent taste and down home flavor! If you can complete the entire meal in one sitting in this small but cozy environment your only desire next is to take off your shoes, throw your legs up and lay back and enjoy some good ole peach cobbler!! Oh but wait, you can!! Well not so much kick your shoes off and lay back but certainly enjoy the best homemade desserts in the city!! And the best part of all is not any of the few things I just described but the BEST part of this great one of kind establishments is the LOVE that is given to EVERY customer as they enter into this small shack of a restaurant. How could something so small create something so special yoy may wonder? It is all in the Love that they aspire to share with every customer one bite and one hug at a time! Gatlins is by far the best BBQ in Houston and in my opinion in Texas because of that reason alone! Go see Mrs. Mary or Greg or the cashier/waitress Kori!! You will NOT be disappointed!!
Demeris - hands down the best in town!
Smooth moist taste in every bite. The next bite is as good as the first! The smokehouse flavor and tenderness of the meat coupled with slap-yo-mama sauce makes you close your eyes as you savor the taste! And this is just the meats! Now as you try and break away for a few seconds to the taste of the delightful and plentiful sides your taste buds are increasingly confused as to what to eat as the sides have now arrested your attention for their excellent taste and down home flavor! If you can complete the entire meal in one sitting in this small but cozy environment your only desire next is to take off your shoes, throw your legs up and lay back and enjoy some good ole peach cobbler!! Oh but wait, you can!! Well not so much kick your shoes off and lay back but certainly enjoy the best homemade desserts in the city!! And the best part of all is not any of the few things I just described but the BEST part of this great one of kind establishments is the LOVE that is given to EVERY customer as they enter into this small shack of a restaurant. How could something so small create something so special yoy may wonder? It is all in the Love that they aspire to share with every customer one bite and one hug at a time! Gatlins is by far the best BBQ in Houston and in my opinion in Texas because of that reason alone! Go see Mrs. Mary or Greg or the cashier/waitress Kori!! You will NOT be disappointed!!
None of the above. Or consider this a write-in vote for Strack's Restaurant on Louetta between Kuykendahl and Stuebner-Airline. The restaurant began as an offshoot from the Strack family farm and co-op back in the early 1970's and the farm still provides fresh veggies to the restaurant. They slow-smoke all the meat for 24 hours over a mix of hickory and mesquite, so it is flavorful and tasty even without any sauce at all. Speaking of which, their sauce is light and complimentary instead of thick and overbearing like so many BBQ's. Best part is you can purchase your own untrimmed brisket from your supermarket of choice, take it to Strack's to be slow-smoked, and pick it up trimed, thin-sliced along with a couple quarts of sauce. Take it home, and layer it in a pan to marinade in the sauce. Reheat and serve to your family and guests at your next party. So tender, you'd forget you were eating brisket.
I guess Strack's will forever be a local best-kept secret. That's fine, let the Inner-Loop snobs think Goode Co. is the city's best, more for me and you...
I had a terrible 2nd experience with Gatlins. Called in an order for brisket & baby backs at 11:15am. Arrived 20 minutes later only to stand in line and then wait ANOTHER 15 minutes for our food. Arrived home with our cue only to find $40 worth of burnt, dried out brisket and burnt ribs. I would have returned it and demanded a refund, which is not my style, but we would have been late to our appt. This was beyond ridiculous. I am guessing the only way to get cue like this is to take yesterday's cue and throw it back on the pit. I will never set foot back into that place. We will just stick with Rudy's.
Can't believe Rudy's didn't make the list. Maybe not the best, but a heck of a lot better than Goode Co!
I have had Salt Lick in Driftwood and let me just say that they are over priced and the sides are horrible!!
Go Gatlins!!
It's a sweet, neat, little 'ole place in Texas serving up the biggest of bbq greatness. The brisket and ribs are juicy, moist and tasty beyond what one has any right to wish for. Even the dirty rice and other sides are of the absolute deluxe variety. Oh, and the lady taking the orders will cause you to grin silly and relax your appetite with her down-home natural kind-hearted manner. The place: Gatlin's. But, please don't go as this tiny haven is always way too crowded as is. One more thing, not that Gatlin's dessert offerings are slackers in any way, but if these culinary wizards were able to get their hands on the banana pudding recipe from Pizzatola's, well, why God help us all!
It's been 10 years since I was last in Texas and still crave Rudy's. I haven't tried all the places you listed, I'm sure they're all good, but I know no BBQ has tasted good to me now that Rudy's is the standard. www.worldfamilytravellers.blogspot.com
Unfortunately, the best barbecue ever can no longer be had!!! Soul Sisters in Wharton, TX is the yardstick of true Texas barbecue. Hands down!!! Sure do miss that place!!!