The difficult thing about papas barbecue is that there is literally nothing wrong with the service, the location, the ambience, or really even the food. But what it boils down to is just pretty good barbecue for Texas, That is located in downtown. I would highly suggest the family boards for easy, family, dinner nights, work parties, or game days. I personally would suggest ordering the sausage and the ribs. Also, the mustard based barbecue sauce here is the best one in the city. read more

Pappas Bar-B-Q - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

A ~year ago, this place great and celiac safe. Went in yesterday while visiting town and they've changed their practices, resulting in it no longer being safe. Fryer is no longer safe (they said they "rotate the oil" from the catfish) and other handling procedures have changed as well. After asking questions which determined it is not safe for celiacs, I left without eating. read more

Customers beware at the downtown location! I order a slab of pork ribs last night, to go. I paid and the cashier told me to have a seat and my name would be called. I decided to stand there instead and watch my food being prepared. The meat cutter, cut my slab of ribs; then took 2 middle cuts of ribs and put them on another customer's plate. He used the ribs I paid for to fill another order. After serving the other customer, he placed the remaining ribs in the pan for my order. Pappas is making money twice off the same slab! I paid 32.42 for that slab and the other customers paid too. I called it out and made him put 2 ribs back in my pan! Take my advice and watch your food get prepared! read more

Love,love this place!! The food is excellent!! A little pricey perhaps! We shared a few entrees among 3 people! I will definitely come here again! The brisket and shredded pork were both great!! read more

Pappas Bar-B-Q - Loaded potato - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

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I wanted to try some bbq while in Texas and this spot was conveniently located off the highway. I noticed multiple locations in the Houston area, so assuming it's a chain, but never had it before. The kitchen stays open until 10pm on Friday which is what we needed as we arrived around 9pm. A parking lot is available for easy access. The restaurant is set up where you order in a cafe style line and then seat yourself. Since we came close to closing time, many items were out including pork ribs and some sides. That was unfortunate as we were limited. I would say the service was fair to below average. No one was really friendly nor did I notice anyone even smile and greet. We received the sides we ordered instantly and purchased fountain drinks by the checkout as the machine was at the end of the line right before the register. As our meat selections became done, a worker asked where we were seated and she brought them to the table. We were a party of 6 and we ordered: A family board (came with 2 sides) (serves 3-4) - brisket, sausage links, pulled pork, and beef ribs (these were subbed for pork ribs), for the sides we got double order of potato salad due to limited availability of options. Slab of beef ribs and a platter of beef ribs which comes with 2 sides - got green beans and rice Pulled pork sandwich Grilled cheese sandwich with fries kids meal Cost: approx $120 My husband loves beef ribs which is why we got so many, plus feeding 4 boys and 2 of them being teens. I mostly ate the brisket, it was tender. I did have some beef ribs, they were decent. My boys enjoyed the sausage link and pulled pork. The potato salad was mustard based and good, the rice was tasty, and the green beens were on the bland side. They offer two kinds of barbecue sauce, one being espresso which the kids hated (it's dark and vinegar based) and tangy mustard which I and the kids preferred more. Overall, this spot was mediocre, a little pricey but we did get a lot of food. Just not so sure the quality was worth the price tag. I doubt I'll return. read more

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3 times now no catfish an hour before closing. Not going back. Good food just left having to drive somewhere else too many times. read more

The brisket potatoe was pretty good I think it was just missing a little seasoning. I loved the vibe and the aesthetic it gave off a nice country vibe. The service was a 9/10 read more

A fantastic BBQ place that has great atmosphere, very friendly employees and a great selection of smoked meats, sides and desserts. This is my go-to BBQ place. read more

Best thing by this place was the fries, the food was really good, but the food was served to us lukewarm borderline cold... They were so busy so we couldn't really do much about it. read more

I have eaten at Pappas BBQ twice. I was introduced to a specific item on the menu through a TikTok video. The first two times I went I have always ordered the Brisket patty melt & that only! Both times the patty melts were to die for! Big slabs of brisket, perfectly melted cheese the whole sandwich just melts in your mouth. Well today I go and order the usual. I get my food after it totaling out to be $50! Two small pieces of Angus beef patty's, & the smallest slices of brisket that you could think of. When I expressed to the worker that this is not what I usually received she argued me down saying that it was nothing that she could do about it. So I sent my husband inside & she claimed that she could remake it he denied and demanded a refund. What I'm so confused about is why when I went inside and asked for the food to be remade properly she told me no. Long story short I wouldn't waste my time or my money here. Good bye! read more

The food wasn't all that good to me. It's all one NOTE. I had the rib trio and everything thing tasted the same. And I'm talking about the beef rib also. I wasted my money I was very dissatisfied. read more

My husband, the bbq guy, loved it. He considers himself a guru. So if he liked it it's good. I had a hamburger.

TL;DR Version: - Decent BBQ for a local franchise - Beef Rib was a bit over cooked - Huge portions for the money Long Winded Version: Food: 4/5 - Got the combination platter with a half chicken and beef rib - Chicken was pretty solid. Great smoked tastes. - Beef rib was big but severly overcooked. Good flavor though. Location: 3/5 - I picked up for take-out - The restaurant was large but not a lot of dine-in customers - There's parking lot and a drive through - which had several cars in line Atmosphere / Ambiance: 3/5 - Self-service with lots of seating available to accomodate a big group - Kinda like a class McDonalds in terms of atmosphere. High-end fast food Value: 5/5 - Portions were huge, you definitely get your money's worth - Customer Service was meh, but nothing to complain about read more

Met a Twitter follower who's in town for the Broncos-Texans game here for dinner. I've passed by this Pappas numerous times whenever I go into the city for work, but this evening was my first time eating here. I had the pork trio -- ribs, sausage, and brisket -- with dirty rice and creamed corn. There was something about the sides, sausage, and brisket that filled me up right to where I almost forgot I had ribs. The ribs themselves were chopped just right and lip-smacking good. The interior is very roomy and clean. And the restroom well-kept. The outdoor dining area, with its view of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, is made for cool, clear evenings like this one. read more

Pappas Bar-B-Q - As a Catholic, I love the view from the patio. - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

Backed potatoes, fullntoppings with chopped beef. This placebus just getting plain bad now. Went today for lunch. My wife and I ordered the stuffed chopped beef potatoes. Paid over 30.00 forgot. Ok I saw the price but wanted them anyway. The thing is when we got home, very little cheese, almost could ot see the sour cream, and the chopped beef looked like they took 1 again 1 soup spoon of chopped beef. Man next tiime, I think I'll wait until I get home from Methodist to eat something, but had an operation, so asked my wife to stop there. My biggest mistake. They stopped making mustard potatoes salad, then raised their prices by 2/3rds, now really skimping on the meat for those high procedures potatoes, then not even load them with the cheese, sour cream. Bad move I'll go the kellians from now no at least they fill their potatoes. Man what a shamp.. read more

The food was fantastic, and though the service was just okay (considering it was close to closing), I understand. The brisket was the best I've ever tasted! I'll certainly be coming back. read more

Pappas Bar-B-Q - My S/O plate! - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Was given a recommendation to eat here by a friend from Houston and was very skeptical about this place when I saw that it only had 3 stars on Yelp. I don't get it. Food is solid, service is super friendly. I got the Pulled pork baked potato and it was so good! The pork was cooked perfectly, as was the potato. My hubs got the ribs and brisket combo plate and said the meat on the ribs was fall-off-the-bone tender and the brisket was tasty and not too fatty. The sides (mac n cheese, greens beans, and pasta salad) were all good too! This is a great place to go for a casual, laid-back dinner for small or large groups. Highly recommend! read more

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Again, I looked at the rating distribution in advance and is it ever weird. It's almost uniformly distributed from 5s to 1s. I wonder what that's all about, but I don't have time to get into those specifics. Note that Pappas BBQ is not spendy Pappas Brothers Steakhouse, which is a fine dining restaurant. My experience at and opinion of Pappas BBQ is fairly cast in stone with regard to my visit. (Of course, it could change with other visits.) I went into this downtown location for lunch. I saw that there were a few other Pappas eateries along the freeway spurs leading out from downtown. This one beckons because of the bright movie theatre-like marquee sign doing its thing at night. From the outside, it looked like it might be a sit down restaurant. It's not, even though there are plenty of tables where to sit, and I liked the vast and woodsy interior. One slides their tray down a serving line, pays at the end, and then sits in the dining room if they choose to. Sometimes, reviews play out in compare-contrast mode. That's because I have been to another BBQ place in the Galleria area and Pappas comes in ahead on the salient criteria. First, with the 2 meat platter, I was able to get brisket and sliced chicken breast. Both were succulent and the brisket fell apart in my fork. As for the sides, I asked the person there, an apparent shift manager, which were popular and was steered to the creamed corn and wild rice. They hit the spot in a big way. As for the other aspects of this Pappas, the pricing was in range for this prevalent type of set up in the Lone Star state, the interior was clean and comfortable, and, like I've already said, the service was amicable and helpful. With downtown Houston looking a lot like downtown L.A., but far more spread out and with lower density, businesses at the outer edges of its freeway encircled downtown often have decently sized parking lots and this is the situation here. They even have a drive-through. Pappas is at Pierce and San Jacinto Streets. It can get a little sketchy going south and under the freeway toward the Greyhound station, but that's just called "life" more so than being anyone's fault. The Pappas property has security on site and, if it makes you feel better, the (Catholic) co-cathedral is across the street and nifty mid-rise and high-rise condos are a block or so away heading in the other direction into the thick of downtown H-town. I would definitely come to this Pappas location again and do a rinse-repeat of the eating experience I had. As such, this downtown Pappas BBQ fetches 4 stars from me. read more

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OMG!! This was by far some of the BEST FREAKIN BRISKET I had in years. This restaurant is a part of the Pappa restaurants like Pappadeax and Pappacinta here in Atlanta. I odered the brisket loaded potato without the bacon, cucumber salad and a pink lemonade. Not sure what the coat was bc I was treated to this meal. This location is downtown Houston with a drive thru!! Honestly, I can go there every damn day!!! Thanks Pappa BBQ!!! read more

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Absolutely amazing. I would recommend 10 times out of 10! The food was incredible, we got 2 family boards for a party of 9 and everyone was satisfied. Employees were very helpful and quick. Environment was great. Whether you are a party of 1 or 10, come here! read more

This place is great. We're from out of town and my friend and I split the mix plate with ham, pulled pork, brisket, sausage, and a rib. We got mac and cheese and dirty rice on the side. No complaints at all. The food is very tasty and there's plenty for both of us. The staff was friendly and it was ready for pickup right away when we got there. If you're VERY price-sensitive, this place might not be your best option, but coming from Boston, this is twice the food for half the price, and much better than I can get back home. read more

Pappas Bar-B-Q - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

Until recently I used to visit the 59 bellaire location at least three times a week always getting the 1/2 chicken. Since may the food has been horrible. DRY!!!! AND DIFFERENT TASTE. I went on my birthday and was totally disappointed. Has the cooking process for the chicken changed??? If so I will be sure never to waste money I don't have. I always do drive thru because I go during my lunch break. If I was dining in I would have taken it back. Not able to do that with drive thru. I am taking care of my three young grandbabies and I DONT HAVE MONEY TO THROW AWAY. I don't want a letter telling me the issue will be looked into. Just let me know if the process has changed and I won't waste another dime. read more

Please do not waste your money here! Absolutely terrible service, both my friend and I received wrong orders...the food was room temperature and served in very small portions. Will not be visiting this location again. read more

I was craving BBQ on Memorial Day and Pappas BBQ fit the bill !!! The meats were seasoned to perfection and the sides were great. The pork ribs could have been a more tinder, but it cured my craving. read more

I am glad I did not listen to the subpar reviews of Pappas. The food was exceptional. A classic old diner feel. Food is ready when you order, cafeteria style. The volume of takeout exceeded the diners, so if you are skeptical of my review, believe all the others that took food home. Prices are very reasonable and desserts are huge. Try it, I was not disappointed, although I was full. 2 thumbs up. read more

Pappas Bar-B-Q - Great BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

pappas barbecue on South Main the manager at that location name Ken is the best he used to be at the one on Bissonet and I often wonder what happened to him. I finally found him so that's the location. the food is good and he's cooking the best chicken I have like it well done.. Thank you, thank you thank you, Mr. Ken. read more

Is it me or did the amount of food paid for decrease?!? I remember a year ago food was abundant. Now prices are still high, but less food. Fries use to overflow now it's half a box. My recent visit barely had meat on fries. Brisket fries should have been full of meat. Sandwiches have less meat! Why so skimpy?!? If you go to mom and pop shop they load you down. Do better Pappas! Don't cheat the customer. The food is good! Just stop cheating the customer out of what they pay! read more

04/16/24 Today was the worse service i ever had i ask for the 75.00 family pack i ask to sub the cold slaw for fries it didnt get it the brisket was all fatty then i adk for whole chicken it was very very cold!! Worse ever But the lady at the Window always so nice she smile and always respectable..So i call about the fries. I get a gift card in the mail. I call back about the meat and potato salad he was so rude. He said did you taste i said yes thats why im calling he said get over it..Hung up on me..So i one of the main coustmer .. I will never return there ever again. I paid 98.65 to get treated like this.. Janice Lacy read more

If you want fast bbq this is the spot. It's cafeteria style with a decent slice menu. I really liked the brisket but the sides were served cafeteria style so not all that fresh. If you want a quick lunch without much fuss this is not a bad option. read more

When in Houston go to Pappas for their mouth watering BBQ. I never knew meat could taste this way! I ordered the pulled pork sandwich with a side of coleslaw. It was so good! read more

Haven't been here in a minute. Came back and while they redesigned the inside - and raised beef prices - still great same service - smiling faces and food. Loved it again. Miss them so bad. read more

I love me some Pappas I drive 45 minutes to get it. I pull up to the drive through and place my order and ask for a pound of lean pull pork and a family pack as I always have since 2011. The lady say it's mixed already, so I say as less fat as possible. Pull up she gives us our food. I check it because the last few times it has been 80% fat, but I love Pappas. We pull back around through the drive through she's looked at us as if we asked for something we didn't pay for. I spent over $100 and all I get is a fat plate. The drive through lady is ruined as if she owns the place. I guess I no longer love Pappas. Check your food before you leave or you will waste your money because that what they do in the drive through. Dining in I never had this problem. read more

Pappas Bar-B-Q - This is my lean Pulled Pork - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Food -Mediocre (Sauce is bitter even though it says sweet) Hot Food needs to be kept warm Cold foods were slightly cool. Beef Ribs- I'd give a 7 Brisket- I'd give a 6.6 Coleslaw I'd give 1 Potato salad I'd give a 4 cantaloupe Juice is Good Service-Server *was delightruly Cashier *was new learning I'm Ok with that. Manager* rude and disrespectful Ambiance-was warm and inviting read more

"If it were any better it would be more expensive, and if it were any cheaper it would be less good". Solid 5 stars. Above average BBQ beef ribs at a below average price (4 beef ribs and 2 sides for $20!). No wait, friendly unpretentious staff, and healthy and delicious side options were nice as well. So this is definitely not killins. No wagyu brisket, no hour long line, no 40 minute drive and it doesn't cost $40 for lunch. But the beef ribs are almost as good (I didn't brave the brisket, but maybe next time). I was pleasantly surprised, and I'll be back. read more

Pappas Bar-B-Q - Beef ribs. Yum. - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

Went Pappas Bar-BQ on #13 order Quart of bake beans, potato salad and mac&cheese to go. This is second time. I go order wait. Everyone that come after me get their order. Before me. I have to let them know I'm still waiting. Why is so hard for them to fill the order. I spend $42.06 read more

Pappa's BBQ is the best! Was there in September for 5 days. Ate there 2 of the 5 days, only because I had so much left over I had enough to last. Great food. Excellent atmosphere. Will be in Houston again in April. Already know I my first stop is Pappa's BBQ!!!! read more

Pappas Bar-B-Q - Pappa's BBQ Combo - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

Great everything, food service and cleanliness.great. Prices high . Every item is delicious. read more

That brisket portion was ridiculous and this was 21.00 a rip off.I feel that an honest business should give a person what they pay for.The food was delicious its just the portions I got that were a problem read more

Pappas Bar-B-Q - This was 21.00 and that brisket portion was ridiculous - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

Minus one star! Horrible service. Very expensive chicken sandwich! Look at the picture I am not making this up. read more

Pappas Bar-B-Q - Chicken breast sandwich - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

The potato salad is yellow and packed with an intense pickling flavor. The ranch beans are okay w little chunks of meat.