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.JPG "A barbecue plate at Goode Co.: Karen Warren : 29-95")
A barbecue plate at Goode Co.: Karen Warren : 29-95
More than 7,000 votes were cast in our poll to find Houston’s Best Barbecue. And by picking up 40 percent of the votes, Goode Co. Barbecue is the overwhelming winner. Pizzitola's was second with 16 percent of the vote. Gatlin's and Demeris were third and fourth, respectively, with 15 percent of the vote each.
Goode Co., which has three Houston-area locations, launched its barbecue empire in 1977 on Kirby Drive. In addition to its celebrated brisket, the restaurants also has three types of sausage (jalapeño pork, Czech and turkey), smoked ham, pork ribs and duck. (And we can’t help but think a couple of votes cast were thanks to Goode’s awesome jalapeño cheese bread and pecan pie.) Find the nearest location at goodecompany.com.
The winner of the $100 gift card for “best barbecue review” goes to Keith Hawkins, who writes of Gatlin’s:
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 you 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!
hands down Luling BBQ on Richmond is top on my list
Ditto
LULINGS is the very best there is - no question!
OMG Luling is TO DIE FOR. My dad took there when I was in my teens. After moving away for 15 yrs it was one of the first places I looked for upon moving back, mind you I had only been there once. The brisket and the ribs, especially with their orange bbq sauce, is the best. hands down. period.
Awful and overpriced.
not surprising. most popular is rarely the best, though.
Unbelievable!
Luling is gross and overpriced. Goode co delivers every single time. Hands down the tastiest and most succulent BBQ in houston.
They are both terrible. Why doesn't Houston of all places have better BBQ restaurants?
Agreed that Luling is gross and overpriced.
I know it's a bit outside of the city proper, but Tin Roof in Atascocita has the best barbecue I've ever had.
I would agree with Cynical. They left out Ray's BBQ on OST. It is awesome.
It's very telling that most of the people who just LOVE Goode, praise the jalepeno bread more often than they do the BBQ. It is good BBQ, but doesn't hold a candle to Burn's or Gatlin's. I certainly believe it's the most popular, after all there are several of them and the smallest is 10X bigger than Gatlin's, serving thousands more people every year - so it stands to reason that people vote for what they know.
OMG Burns is disgusting. I have never left a BBQ joint mad before but I did with Burns.
Sorry, but Burn's is now just living on reputation. I kept going to Burns for a while, just to take people to such an odd hole-in-the-wall experience, but now with their new building, the mediocre BBQ isn't worth going for. I also wonder if a new (but not as good) pit was acquired at the new location, because after the move, the BBQ dropped even lower.
Cynical hits right on the head. If popularity ruled, Starbucks and McDonald's would be at the top of the drink and food lists. But that's OK. I would rather not wait in a line at Demeris. Those in the know will be there with me.
Obviously, most people don't venture out much. This is like voting Luby's fried fish the best seafood in town.
If you want to overpay for mediocre BBQ then yes, I would recommend either Goode Co. or Pizzitola's. If Demeris is really the fourth best BBQ place in Houston then we have failed as Texans. Gatlin's is the only one that belongs on this list.
I am going to have to assume that the people who voted for Goode Co. have never eaten at Gatlin's. Otherwise, they would have won in a landslide. Houston is the biggest band-wagon city I have ever lived in however, so no big surprise that a chain bbq restaurant won.
BBQ debate aside, you use the word "chain" rather loosely.
Gatlin's kicks Goode company butt. Goode just has the marketing presence and longevity, but Gatlin's will overtake GC in the next few years if they expand the joint. It is a bit small for crowds.
Goode's is decent, but it is overpriced and they're stingy with the barbeque sauce.
All you have to do is ask... they will give you as much sauce as you like. Some people don't like their bbq swimming in sauce.
This proves that Houston is a terrible BBQ city. The selection of quality BBQ is miniscule and it is obvious that people have no idea what good BBQ is
I absolutely agree that Houston's BBQ selection is miniscule at best. I've lived here for over 10 years now and being a country girl from East Texas who grew up eating "Real" BBQ, I have become beyond disappointed with our selection here. My list would only include one place... Burns, which has been the absolute best that I've had in this city. Thelma's was my top pick until a true Houstonian introduced me to Burns and none of these other cookie cutter places compare!
If you think Houston's BBQ selection is bad, you've never been to Dallas. Houston is a mecca in comparison.
It is the best! For once, this thing is accurate.
Well the one that serves 20 times (three locations and service SWA style) the number of people wins by 3 times the vote. Shows most people wouldn't know or have't ever had good BQ.
HAHAHAHAHA!
I hope this will keep the uneducated hordes away from any place that serves decent BBQ. Thanks Chron!
Goode Company is the absolute worst BBQ I have ever had the opportunity to try.
The BBQ sauce is about as thin as water with no flavor what so ever.
Sorry Levi - While the family does indeed have some good restaurants....the BBQ joint ain't one of them.
Goode's is really good for the price. I've eaten there several times, and didn't have any issues with it.
Of course, all I've gotten were sandwiches and sides, so I can't say how good everything else is.
this "poll" reaffirms my list of places to avoid. Goode Co.....hahahhahahahahahahhahaha
Doziers in Fulsher; HANDS DOWN (UGH/MUGH) were the original owners and they could not be beat; since the 60s!
Gp.
When my parents were still alive we went there once a month. That's great BBQ. So good that my brother who's now in New England actually orders from them.
Goode Co.? Really?
Having never had the pleasure of trying Gatlin's, which does sound fantastic btw, I'd give it to either Dozier's or Plantation BBQ off Highway 90 in Richmond. Dozier's still has that old-school vibe and a taste that more than matches. Having your own meat market is always a great start, and the smoke in that meat has my mouth watering already.
Amen to Dozier's. They are the best in Greater Houston and have been for years.
Dozier's is the best and what a nice drive out to Fulshear - we have been going there since the 80's, we are a hunting family and have our deer processed there - great family establishment!!
The best part about the Goode Co. on I-10 is the Carter's Country store across the parking lot.
Goode Co. BBQ what financing options are available, over priced not good at all Pizzitolas please when N#$%$r John owned it was the best in Houston. God rest that Qmans soul, Larry at the Tailgate Grill is the best if he feels like cooking.
I would agree, the predecessor to Pizzatola's, N5)$&93 John's was the best. It was also known as Shepherd Dr BBQ
The only place that I really like for BBQ is Joe's in Alvin. I don't eat out for BBQ and steaks except Joe's because no eatery can compete with ME. I make great brisket, ham, ribs etc so every time I am usually disappointed.
Thelma's and Gatlin's are (very) acceptable substitutes in Houston when one is not able to have Cooper's (Llano) or the Salt Lick on a regular basis.
Coopers and Salt Lick are two of the very best with my all-time nod going to Salt Lick. Been to both and they are awesome.
wow 7,000 votes that's a hell of a sample size. I'm pretty sure the ones who voted for Goode have only been there and Papa's.
I don't think that's a bad sampling and if you read the comments on the polls, there's probably another 40 or so BBQ spots mentioned by name in the comments. That would tell me that the voters had been to more than Goode and Pappas.
You can starve to death with $20 worth of food at Goode Company. They are awful stingy with the vittles. It's edible, but not the best by far.
Thought I post the prices per pound on the top 4 BBQ places, I didn’t find a big price difference as everyone was suggesting so it sounds to me like there’s just a few sour grapes like always. Also, true Texas BBQ is from Central Texas and not East Texas, second authentic BBQ, that is BBQ that goes back to the 1800’s has actually a lot less smoke and more charcoal. Dig up the history people.
Goode’s
Brisket $16.95
Pork Ribs $15.95
Sausage $14.95
Pizzatola’s
Beef $15.95
Spareribs $15.95
Links $13.95
Gatlin’s
Brisket $14.95
Ribs $14.95
Sausage $14.95
Demeris
Beef $13.45
Sausage $12.25
Baby Back Ribs (half slab) $9.95
Full Slab $17.95
I eat at Goode Co on Kirby quite often and send their pecan pies once a month to my daughter at college. I enjoy their food and atmosphere. Best potatoe salad in the world. But I must say that on taste alone for brisket and sausage, Gatlins is better, maybe even in the category with Louie Muellers in Taylor. That being said, Gatlins will take 20 minutes to get your food to you and there is limited seating. If nothing else, Goode Co. is organized. And I like the music at Goode Company.
Central Tx BBQ in Pearland is my choice for good BBQ. Also Hickory Hollow in the Heights.
Goode Co BBQ is good and deserves the award....My only gripe would be that it's expensive to take a family here for dinner...
When I moved to Houston in 1979, at nine years old, my first taste of Texas barbecue was The Brisket House by Gulf Gate Mall. It was my favorite place for barbecue for more nearly 20 years. When Papas bought it out and changed the BBQ, it went down hill.
I have eaten at countless BBQ joints and for the overall combination of quality and atmosphere, Goode Co. gets the edge in my book. However, I have eaten better sausage at one place or brisket at another. That's not to say that everything Goode Co. offers is the best of the best. Their sauce is most to my liking, I love a sandwich on jalapeno cheese bread, and the pecan pie is simply the best I've ever eaten. Love the music and the atmosphere at Kirby location. But a lot of places have better tasting brisket and are less stingy with it.
I have never been to Gatlin's but I will have to try it. I go to Dozier's whenever I get a chance. I have been going since my Dad took me on our way to Hempstead. Great BBQ!
Goode CO is definitely nowhere near the quality of BBQ that it should take to receive this award. It is overpriced and more of a trendy spot than a good quality BBQ spot.
Goode Co. is atrocious. This has to be a joke. The last time I went to Goode Co., the brisket was so dry I had to drink about four glasses of iced tea to choke it down. I can't believe people in this town, I really can't.
Rib Tickler in Tomball is the best!
If you think that the Rib Tickler in Tomball is Houston's Best, then you really shouldn't be commenting on this thread. IMHO, This place is the bottom of the barrel when it comes to BBQ!
Has anyone tried Carl's? They're very good, they're moderately priced, and they've got a self-help with the sauce, and also some bread in the middle of it.
It's on 290, so if you live somewhere out there, try it.
Lockwood Inn was the best.....unfortunately it burned to the ground a few years back.....and I might add...some of you folks don't have a clue about anything.....much less Houston or its bar-b-q ......and unlike most of you,,,I have earned the right to say so.......most of you still wear your dirty diapers all day.....and don't know the difference......have a good day sprouts..........
Love Coopers in Llano and Salt Lick near Wimberly. Pearland's Central Texas and Alvin's Joe's bbq are very good. have eaten at Goodes and at their booth at the rodeo - was good but mediocre. Plenty of other places that serve a better bbq.
Hello,
First and foremost, many thanks to the folks who voted for us in 29-95's poll as the best barbeque here in Houston. We feel honored and overwhelmed by the support and kind words. It feels as if it was just yesterday that we served up our first plate of barbeque off Kirby, but to think that was 35 years ago. Blake’s, Demeris, Gatlin’s, Pizzitola’s, Thelma’s and Virgie’s are all great joints, and we encourage you all to give them a try if you haven't had the chance. While there are different strokes for different folks, we know we cannot please everyone, but we will continue to deliver consistent barbeque that truly hits the spot. Again, we are thrilled to be nominated by Houstonians as the Best BBQ in Houston, and hope to see some new and familiar faces very soon. We'll keep providing this beautiful city with mesquite smoked barbeque as long as you keep coming in to see us.
Sincerely,
Goode Company
Nice post by Goode Co. I personally enjoy them and believe they have good food. I won't say it's the best BBQ in Houston, but it is consistent, clean and has good service. I'll be trying Gatlins today for lunch - I've never been there. I will say that really enjoy Goode Co. Seafood.
Just got back from Gatlins on 19th. I went with the basics. I had a sliced beef sandwich, fries and a coke. Total drive our was just under $12, which I believe is pricey for that combo but not outrageous. I put just onions on my sandwich, no sauce, pickles or peppers, so that I could get a good taste of the meat and bun. I'd have to say that the sliced brisket is top notch. It was moist with just enough fat in the meat and a nice bark on the edges. I'm guessing that they use oak to smoke it. There was a good volume of meat, and not a single hunk of fat or gristle. The bun appeared to be fresh and not store bought. The fries were standard steak fries that were cooked properly. They didn't stand out and they weren't bad. The sauce was very good, and I'd dip the sandwich and the fries in it (which made the fries pretty tasty). The dining room only had like 3 tables, but there were 4 shaded picnic tables outside. With the fan, it wasn't bad at all sitting out there. The service was prompt and professional. The establishment was clean. There is a parking issue, but it only required about a 50 yard walk. I can do that. It's more than I'd like to pay for lunch every day, but I can definitely justify it once a week or so. Until I eat there a few more times, I can't guarantee that I just didn't get the "lucky cut". IMHO, I have not had better brisket in Houston (so far).
All I can say is if Goode won, it's because the people voting don't have a clue as to what good BBQ is.
Somewhere west northwest of here, the city of Lockhart is laughing their collective rears off at us.......
The Swinging Door on FM 359 in Richmond. Worth the trip every time.
Rex Wed, Lockwood Inn was the best(even Marvin Zindler use to go there for BBQ), but since it is not. I can name a bunch of other places that beat Goode Company, some have already been named.
I would rather have Rudy's than Goode Company. You have Harris County and Lenox BBQ that are also better than Goode company. Most older native Houstonians know where to find the best BBQ.
I'm guessing the people that voted for Goodes are from somewhere other than Texas. Ive been there several times over the years and was dissapointed each time, and it's pretty much a chain.
Pizzitola's is about like Hickory Hollow unless they changed a lot in the last year. Really good jalapeno carrots though.
Demeris is always consistant year in and year out and pretty good.
Gatlins I've only been to once after a good Chron review. I was not that impressed but they were friendly and I believe It would have been better if there wasn't a mad rush on the place after the good write up. They couldn't handle what hit them. It's a small neighborhood BBQ shack with almost no parking and your fighting for a spot on/in the street with the other larger businesses.
Having never been to Gatlin's BBQ I decided to try it for Barbecue Week. It was possibly the worst bbq I've ever had. Brisket was a 5 on a scale of 10 (it had practicall no bark on it), sausage was a 7.5 and ribs were 8.5. I can't wait to head out to West Texas for the opening of dove season where I'll stop at Cooper's Pit BBQ in Llano for the best I've ever had.
My giddy aunt, I have read most of the comments and am well and truly shocked, first that people would condisder Goode Co the best. Don't get me wrong, the links and the jalepano bread are awesome, but always found the brisket dry at best and the sauce poor. For real good quality bbq in central Houston, you don't need to look any further than Bakers Ribs on S. Voss. The links, the brisket, all off the clock. The sauce also has a very plesant kick to it. The fact that it is not even mentioned is worrying.
Houston BBQ sucks. Drive the 2 hours to Lockheart and visit Smittys or Blacks. Now that is some damn good Q right there. Coopers in Llano is also fantastic. The Goode Company in Cypress plain sucks. How is was voted best BBQ I will never know, this city needs to check their taste buds.
I used to have an office on Bartlett Street about a block from Goode Co. on Kirby so I often walked down with clients for lunch and have always enjoyed Jim's take on BBQ. Lots of folks don't know that he was once a graphic artist who got tired of that work and started the BBQ back in the 1970's/
That being said, the bottled sauce that they sell at his shop across the street has MSG as an ingredient. Not sure if I like that and I can only hope that it is in the bottled stuff and not in the sauce that is at his BBQ joints.
WOW! How can boiled meat be bar-b-que?
I ate at Goode co twice, that was enough for me, worst bbq I ever ate.
Best bbq is some old guy with a stand and a pit on the side of the road. Once a place gets so big and fancy that they have to expand locations, the food goes down the toilet. Look what happened to Ninfa's.
I make it a rule NEVER to eat a restaurant that has more than one location.
Anyone that voted for Goode Co BBQ just prooves the old sayin' that "it takes all kinds to fill the freeway". IMO it is nothing special (brisket was WAY over cooked, ribs were ok, jalapino sausage was ok and the turkey was VERY dry) and their sauce is absolutely the WORST that has ever crossed my lips.
Thelma's was on the list to vote from but not mentioned in the voting results! What gives? I have never been there and never would because of what I have read about her attitude but apparently she didn't even get a vote. Maybe Thelma's attitude has finally caught with her!
Back in the '70's, my favorite was Otto's near Memorial Park, fantastic. I think they still have a location in Stafford. Another great place not mentioned is Schulze's in Rosenberg, on 36 south of 90. They have great food!
I've always thought Goode Co. was overrated. We ate at Luling (the one on Richmond) a while back and it was pretty good.
I hate to mention this but as a former Dozier's fan I'm now a fan of Pop's Pitt BBQ in Brookshire. I'm not worried that Pop's will be overrun with new fans 'cause most people on here can't navigate once they get off the freeway.
Guys Meat Market on OST is awesome. They have a lunch offering. Great food, excellent prices and generous portions. It is only carry out but is one of my favorites.
Can't wait for Pierson's to re-open.
The Burns on Antoine is pretty good (better than the one on Shepard) but not great.
The best BBQ in Houston generally comes from a BBQ stand on a corner in the hood. Those will, likely, never make it to 29-95... (that is, until a couple of over-priced BBQ Food Trucks inside the loop become cool.)
Goode and Co have horrible BBQ sauce. I guess the most popular is not necessarily the best.
Goode Co.? Seriously? Weak sauce and way too much of it. Tasteless sausage and dry brisket. Boring coleslaw and potato salad. Not the worst I've had, but not the best. Mediocre at best.
The best BBQ in Houston, in fact the entire USA, is the Hickory Pit located at Rice @ Bissonnet. Mario contracts cooks for many other establishments. Without a doubt the absolute best.
Best BBQ Place around Houston has got to be Austin's BBQ in Eagle Lake. 2nd would be Drexler's BBQ on Live Oak/near downtown.
Back Woods BBQ and Hinzes in Wharton are very good, try em out if you're not scared of the country. They sure beat any other ones being mentioned.
Dozier's was the best but not sure if still around, I haven't been there since the early 90's when it was still rustic looking.
Agreed. Most popular is not necessarily the best. Goode Company enjoys a lot of name recognition. I'd take Rudy's over Goode Company any day.
I like the Austin Baked Beans, very unusual the way they're made and the taste is undeniably good. Everything else is ok, I'd go back!
If you want THE BEST barbeque, learn to perfect it yourself. Why don't you people stay at home?
RICK you RIGHT, absolutely hands down YOU ARE RIGHT ON with that one!
I'm embarrassed to live in a city, in Texas mind you, that thinks Goode Co. is the best barbecue. The Goode Co. on 290 in Cypress is terrible.
For Brisket, try Virgie's on Gessner. Still haven't found a decent rib place in this town. Railhead in Ft. Worth gets my vote for ribs. Starved, not picky, and broke? Beef and Bun on Longpoint. Feeding the family? Carl's on 290.
Personally, I like Sweet Mesquite for Houston's BBQ. Goode's is just okay and if you factor in the price, not a good value. But the best BBQ in Texas is a tie between Hard Eight in Coppell and County Line in Austin.
Doesn't Goode Company have big bins of plastic balls for kids to play in while their parents eat?
Really, Goode Company?
Galvans in Richmond Texas is THE BEST hands down. And their prices are unbeatable!!!!
For the folks that like Lulings on Richmond, ck out Houston BBQ Company on Eldrige Pky. Same family, same delicious food. Way better then this polls winner. How many employees are in the Goode Co organization? Just curious.
But for a fun trip visit the Tx BBQ trail.
Lulling -City Market Bar B-Q
Lockhart - Smitty's, Kreuz Market
They have smoked prime rib for petes sake.
Best BBQ for me would be my friend's own BBQ. Best freaking brisket and ribs I have EVER HAD!! And his sauce....holy cow! It's like the perfect cherry on top of the perfect sundae.
Tell "friend" to have us all over and we will be the judges! ;)