Great food. Brisket was amazing. If they have the bread pudding on menu.. try it! you won't be disappointed. Jerry was working while we were there and he made the experience. Warm southern hospitality at its finest. Will definitely be coming back. read more

We are regular patrons of star pizza across the street, and I knew I had to try Pinkerton'd when the sign went up that they were coming soon! Fast forward several months, we finally came back to try for a belated birthday celebration. At Pinkerton's there's no combination plate where you can order 1,2, or 3 meats with a set number of sides. Meats are ordered by the pound and sides ordered by size. The lady behind the counter was really nice and let me look at the sides by scooping them up for me to see. That was really helpful as you eat with your eyes first . I ended up ordering brisket (half fatty, half lean), turkey, pork ribs and pork prime rib. For the sides I got creamed spinach, south texas beans, and tangy Cole slaw which is vinegar based (versus their creamy Cole slaw). Our whole family enjoyed all the meats. I liked that the turkey was seasoned perfectly (not too salty or overly sweet), and my husband favored the pork prime rib as we've never had pork prime rib at other Texas bbq places. As for the sides I thought the creamed spinach and south texas beans were just ok. I would get something else next time. However, I loved the tangy Cole slaw and would definitely get that again! They also had a golf arcade machine that you can play for free which entertained my 8 year old while I was ordering. Overall a great bbq place and would definitely come back again! read more

Pinkerton’s Barbeque - Upper Kirby - Left: South Texas Beans. Right top: creamed spinach. Bottom right: tangy Cole slaw - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Great to see the new location continues the incredible quality and service of the original location. Ribs as always were perfect. Cheddar sausage moist and flavorful. You can never go wrong with jalapeno rice and the bourbon sweet potatoes. Bar could use some tweaks. I waited awhile for the bartender to come back and would eventually just go back to my seat. When she returned I asked for the Don Peppino. While making it she mentioned a couple of times she shouldn't have been making as it wasn't rolled out yet. I finally said if it's on your menu then it shouldn't be such an issue. Could've been better there. read more

Pinkerton’s Barbeque - Upper Kirby - Don Pepino - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Excellent. The best Texas BBQ I've ever had. Amazing brisket, sausages, and potato salad. Definitely check it out. read more

Wow, I'm impressed! Our first stop while visiting Houston was Pinkerton's, and they did not miss! When we arrived, there was line outside, but it moved pretty quickly. Once you make it inside, the bar offers $1 mini beers & wine. We ended up getting the brisket, potato salad, okra & tomato stew, cream spinach, and gumbo. I don't eat pork, but my husband said the gumbo was great. The brisket melted in our mouths, and the bbq sauce was smokey and sweet. I loved the okra stew & cream spinach. The potato salad was also delicious. EVERYTHING WAS AMAZING! For dessert, we had the most delectable blackberry cheesecake. I am lowkey reminiscing about all the food. If you are visiting Houston, you have to try Pinkerton's BBQ! read more

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Never been to Pinkerton's before, but I had heard so many great things so I was really excited to finally try it. We went this past Saturday around lunchtime (around 1-2 PM) and the line was definitely long but the weather was nice so we decided to stay. Honestly, it moved way faster than we expected! They also had a happy hour special going on where you could grab champagne and some beers for $1 while waiting in line inside which I thought was such a nice touch! Definitely made waiting better. We wanted to try a little bit of everything, so we ordered the jalapeño cheese sausage, 2 pounds of brisket, and one rib. For sides we got the mac and cheese and the jalapeño cheese rice. The meats were AMAZING. The brisket was perfectly seasoned, the sausage had the perfect amount of cheese and jalapeño with a nice kick but the real star of the show was the rib. It literally fell off the bone and was INSANELY flavorful. I was honestly blown away by both the size and the taste. Definitely a must order if you go. The sides were just okay to me. In my humble opinion...their meats and bbq sauce are better than some of the bigger competitors but the sides didn't quite measure up. We also got the banana pudding but we were so full we had to save it for later that night. It was great! Overall, service was great, we got in and out much faster than expected and there was plenty of parking too! read more

Pinkerton’s Barbeque - Upper Kirby - Rib, brisket, sausage, Mac and cheese, jalapeño cheese rice, banana pudding - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

I've been to Pinkerton's before. The other location. This wasn't as busy and no long wait times which I highly appreciate. Brisket was nice and juicy Ribs were soft and tender Pickles were amazing Sausage was good. And the coleslaw was great! Not a lot of bbq places nailed the coleslaw. The duck Jambalaya was eh. I would skip that and go for another side. Peppers are hot as hell! Eat with caution! Would come back 100% read more

Pinkerton’s Barbeque - Upper Kirby - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

Went to Pinkerton's new location on a cloudy Saturday. First let me say that it gets busy here at times causing parking to be street parking or looking for far and safe parking. The line goes slow as they have several people working, taking your order but they work slow and ask and repeat the same things several times. The brisket is very good, the boudin is great, the sausage is good the sides are just ok and the pork that they only serve on Saturday is just ok and very over price. I have gone and eaten here might return but not if I have to do street parking or circle around 4 times looking for parking. Go try it and make your on opinion, read more

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So good I came here twice in the same week. Super clean interiors, you're greeted right away. Among the sides my favorites were the tangy cole slaw and beef tallow fries. For meats- I would recommend the lean brisket and unglazed pork ribs! Meats fall apart the moment you touch them. Bread pudding is very moist, blueberry compote was a great touch too. Brought my parents the second time and they were taking pictures of everything so we were kindly offered a tour of the grills! Fantastic service. Definitely coming back soon! read more

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The BBQ here is SO delicious! Some of the best I've ever had. The staff were great with explaining how everything works (food is weighed by the pound). However, I was not prepared to pay $60 for my meal (Brisket, ribs, chicken thigh, bacon Mac & cheese) and fountain drink. I'll visit again but will be more mindful of how much I order (although I didn't get much the 1st time around). Beware of cost! read more

Pinkerton’s Barbeque - Upper Kirby - Brisket, ribs, chicken thigh, bacon Mac & cheese - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

My order of 1/2 lb of Lean Brisket with a small side of okra were both very delicious, juicy and prepped very nicely earlier. The meat was hight quality, smoky, tender, fatty without being excessive and really well-seasoned. The sauces are also both very good with it too. I love okra and decided to get some. The okra pieces were so soft, oily, moist, tomato mixed and contained a nice little spice like cumin or something. You'd be surprised how many good bbq places neglect their side dishes, but thankfully I have really enjoyed the duck jambalaya and okra, while still needing to get their creamed spinach next. Great, friendly service at the ordering line as well. read more

Pinkerton’s Barbeque - Upper Kirby - Fantastic Lean Brisket & Okra !!! - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Pinkerton's Barbeque was at the top of my list of BBQ places to visit when visiting Houston. This is their 2nd location and seating is spacious with cafeteria style service. I was surprised to see only 1 person in front of me when I visited for a weekday lunch. I went with some brisket, beef ribs, okra, cole slaw, and turkey. Beef ribs ($38 a lb.) - I beef rib weighs about 1.5 lbs. It's so flavorful and fall of the bone tender. It was definitely the best thing I ate here and the best beef ribs I have tried. They have 2 kinds of bbq sauce here : regular (mustard based) and a sweet one (regular bbq sauce). Both were great and complemented the meats. Brisket - ($35 a lb.) - The brisket was good, although not as tender as the beef ribs and I've had better brisket elsewhere. Flavor wise it was a little plain but still not bad. Turkey - ($24 a lb.) - The turkey had so much smoke flavor and was juicy. It was definitely a surprise for me and I really enjoyed it. Cole slaw (large is $6) - The slaw here is slightly creamy and complements all the meats nicely! Okra (small is $4) - Prepared with tomatoes this is more of a stew and provides a nice earthy taste that goes well with BBQ. Overall I was impressed with all the meats here, especially the beef ribs! Service was so friendly and accommodating. All the staff were helpful and helped to clean up after one finished eating. I didn't have any issue with parking as they have a large lot. read more

Pinkerton’s Barbeque - Upper Kirby - Menu - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Glad to find out their 2nd location is by upper Kirby closer to where I work. I ate at the Heights location and loved it. They surely didn't disappoint me on this location. The pork glazed ribs was so good. I actually like it more than their brisket. It's a bit pricey but worth it read more

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Order by the slice! order by the pound! Whatever you do get to Pinkerton's and enjoy it!! The meat is very good, I understand. I get it. However, I'm a sides gal. The macaroni and cheese is so creamy and full of flavor I can taste it now as I'm writing this review. The sweet potatoes were topped with chips? Or some delicious crispy topping I need to replicate. And that apple cheesecake has restored my love for cheesecake. The line moves fast and the staff all works super hard to make it a smooth operation. Much appreciated. This location is super cute kind of an old dinner kind of vibe and lots of seating for big and small groups. read more

Pinkerton’s Barbeque - Upper Kirby - Mac and cheese, sweet potatoes, brisket, chicken, apple cheesecake - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

What better food to try to assist in my transition into becoming a full-blown Texan than some nice quality barbecue? Because of this Pinkerton's had been on my list for a while. Now with this being Michelin star BBQ, you can imagine that this place is in such high demand. Although there was a bit of a wait when getting into the restaurant, the line moved swiftly and tables were readily available and cleaned after the food was ordered, which made the process seamless. Staff were super efficient and polite no service complaints whatsoever. The barbecue was so delicious. Flavorful and moist yum yum yum yum. My sides were pretty good and paired perfectly with my food. I think my favorite had to be the potato salad. The macaroni could use a little work but it doesn't take away from the fact that it was a great experience. Can't wait to come back. read more

Pinkerton’s Barbeque - Upper Kirby - Chicken and Brisket plate (creamed spinach, baked beans, jalapeño cheddar rice, potato salad) - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

This is the spot! I'm so glad Pinkerton's decided to open this new location. I've had the privilege of visiting a few times and the experience was great on every occasion. My normal go-to order is brisket and glazed ribs. I could eat those every day, they are a must try. I've brought a few non BBQ eaters here and they loved the brisket! I've also had the pork shoulder and sausage and those cuts were tasty too. They make a biscuit here that is phenomenal, especially if you pair it with the brisket. My favorite sides are the beef tallow fries and potato salad, but the meat is the star of the show in my opinion. There are plenty of tables inside, a bar, and the ordering line is cafeteria style. Desserts are at the front of the line, so be sure to check those out while you decide on your order. The traffic for the tables seems to filter out as you get through the line, I haven't had trouble finding a seat even during peak times. There is a nice window in the restaurant so you can see the pits going without being near the heat and smoke, I thought that was a nice touch. The staff has been excellent every time I have visited, and they even come by the tables and make sure you have fresh refills or any add-ons you might need. They have a decent amount of parking onsite and so far I haven't had much trouble finding a spot, not sure if that will change once more people know they are here. I have really enjoyed my meals here and definitely plan to be back! read more

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oh how incredibly happy I was to hear that they opened a new location! From what I've been told, the meat at this location is little worse than that of the original locations, but if you are like me and not exactly a bbq connoisseur, it's hard to tell the difference. For the beef brisket, I recommend getting half lean and half fatty. The desserts at this location are also allegedly better, especially that Bread Pudding! There was always a line when I went, but service is fast and it went by in minutes. On your way out, don't forget to grab the free Blue Bell Ice Cream to wrap up your meal! read more

Pinkerton’s Barbeque - Upper Kirby - bread pudding - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

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A family member in the Houston area took my husband and I to this barbecue spot as Texas barbecue was one of our many requests. WOW! We arrived around noontime and there was already quite a line but it moved fairly fast. You order various dishes from line cooks. We had a variety of dishes but the ones that stood out were the beef brisket and the tangy Cole slaw. A definite must order! Brisket was wonderfully flavored and the tangy Cole slaw was like none I've ever had. Service friendly. If you dine in you sit in benches. Total cost for party of 3 Was $135. But we had leftovers to take home. If you're visiting Houston, you'll have to give this place a try! read more

Pinkerton’s Barbeque - Upper Kirby - Beef brisket, rice, Mac and cheese - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

The host at the front was very warm and welcoming! He gave us recs as we came in and checked in on us a few times. I felt that the warmth was a bit less with some of the ladies behind the counter; they seemed a bit impatient with me as I was deciding on what to order. The guys cutting the meat were great though! The duck jambalaya lacked some flavor, the bacon mac and cheese was pretty good. The pork ribs were absolutely BOMB!!! Fall-off-the-bone and tender and well-flavored! The prime brisket was a bit too dry for my liking (maybe because it was getting to the butt of the meat). Probably wouldn't get the brisket again, but 100% YES to the ribs. A very spacious establishment with some fun rustic decor, and lots of parking it seems! read more

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In town for work and stopped by Pinkertons as recommended by a local friend. Let me tell you, We were not disappointed at all!!! Walked in and were greeted by friendly staff who guided us to the line to order our food. They explained the process. I ordered a beef rib. The employee opened a fresh butcher paper wrapped 3 beef rib rack and it hard a bark crust! He cut thru the ribs and I saw the juices drip from the rib meat. I could see the smoke ring. Next I ordered brisket which was also removed from butcher paper and he sliced 2 slices for me. Again as He sliced it, I seen how juicy the slices were. I also ordered Jalapeño Cheddar Link. The sides I chose were Texas Bean and Brisket Jambalaya! The Beef rib just fell off the bone. The meat easily pulled/shredded apart. The bark had great flavor and complimented the juicy meat. The brisket was so tender it pulled apart yet held together. PERFECTLY smoked! Moist and flavorful! The surprise was the Jalapeño Cheddar Link, which had a creamy cheddar flavor and a little heat from the Jalapeño. The beans were some of the best BBQ beans Ive had. Not flavor with alot of Brown Sugar, rather it had a light flavor with Texas BBQ spice. I was told Texas BBQ is quite expensive and they werent kidding. Two of cost over $200! But I must say, I will be back! The BBQ was that good!!! If you want legit BBQ thats freshly smoked, tender and juicy, then head to Pinkertons!!! read more

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Five star, or in michelin's case one star, bbq. For most readers the meats are what matter, and in my case--pork ribs, brisket, and turkey--all were excellent. The brisket was tender but cohesive with the crust properly black with seasoning and the inside pink. The ribs had a similar crust and meat situation, which in this reviewer's opinion is why you go for the ribs if you're only getting one meat. I would normally never choose turkey but did so here based on some of the other Yelp reviewers reports. It is tasty and reminiscent of a fried turkey where the meat is preloaded with seasoning. Now on to the sides. Some BBQ places, even some with talented pit Masters, don't prioritize sides or even serve them at all. The sides here are good enough to warrant a stop for those seeking a veggie plate. Tangy slaw is a chopped red cabbage preparation that's not all that tangy but it is delicious. The potato salad is as expected. Jalapeno cheese rice is not spicy hot, but it is full of both cheese and jalapeno flavor. I would recommend it to anyone curious about jalapenos but wants to skip the burn. If you like your aunt's sweet potato topped with marshmallow and served in a CorningWare dish at Thanksgiving, bourbon sweet potatoes are for you. The bourbon flavor is subtle but present in every bite. Food is served in the cafeteria style line where you can choose how much of any meat you want either by count (as a numbers of ribs) or weight. All barbecue should be sold like this, even if dining in. Sometimes you want two ribs and a pound of brisket. Another time you might want more ribs anf couple of slices of turkey. Or both kinds of ribs. It's your choice. Sides come as small or large. Small is still a pretty decent sized serving and for some shareable among two or three people. The counter staff is helpful and friendly, and there are managers and possibly even owners wandering among tables and checking in with diners. With both excellent core meat items and as far as I can tell no loser sides, this is what five star barbecue looks like. read more

Pinkerton’s Barbeque - Upper Kirby - Was I hungry going through the line? It would appear so. - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

AMAZING! We went on Mothers Day and I sure enjoyed myself! To the call off the bone beef ribs, so flavorful! Brisket, mouth watering! Jalapeño cheese link, oh my gooooooodness! And the scrumptious sides- bacon Mac n cheese, beans rice and tallow fries!!!! Everything was to die for! Every single bite I was singing and dancinnnnn! Can't wait to go back!!! read more

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The highly acclaimed, Michelin-rated Pinkerton's BBQ just opened its second Houston location! Service and atmosphere: Very good service. All staff members were very welcoming, polite and friendly. They were also food knowledgeable and advised us on our food choices. The restaurant is big, well decorated and maintained. There is separate area for an open bar where you can order your favourite beverage. Food: They are known for their amazing BBQ, Pork, and links. Let's not forget turkey. We ordered brisket, turkey and sausage. All meats were moist and well seasoned. The sausage casing wasn't tough which we normally discover in other BBQ places. They have great selection of cold and warm sides. I highly recommend beef tallow fries, okra and tomato's, as well as southern style beans. To say the least, everything was delicious. Pricing: $$/$ - the meats are sold per LB and vary from $26-38. Links $6. Sandwiches cost $12-16. read more

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We are so happy that Pinkerton's opened its new location on Shepherd and 59. The food is just as good as the Heights location, but with more options. We had the Man Bear Pig and the Thick and Heart Sandwiches. Each was excellent. The jalapeño cheese rice was our favorite side, but the tangy slaw and potato salad were each winners as well. The owner walks around talking to customers and is very personable as is his staff. The line moves fast. Keep them busy! read more

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Been to the other Pinkertons, so decided to try this one. The ribs were good, but the brisket was pricey, fatty, and salty. The three of had the brisket and agreed about this. the sides were lackluster. the potato salad was barely OK, the beans were also salty, and the Mac and cheese lacked flavor. And the $3 biscuit was not worth it. Sorry, not a fan. read more

I eat at a lot of barbecue spots around Houston, so I wanted to give a fair and honest review based on experience. My main concern, and the reason I likely won't return, is the pricing. The barbecue here is significantly more expensive than most comparable spots in the area, and I feel the value doesn't match the cost. To break it down, everything here is à la carte ordered three meats and two sides, which is fairly standard 1 jalapeño sausage, 2 slices of moist brisket, 2 pork ribs, potato salad, and tangy slaw. Starting with the positives, the restaurant is very clean and the theme is great! The brisket was outstanding easily a 10/10!! One of the BEST I've had anywhere in the United States. The sides were also excellent. Both the potato salad and tangy slaw were very flavorful and well executed. The pork ribs, however, were fairly average compared to other top barbecue spots in Houston and didn't stand out. The jalapeño sausage was very disappointing for me. The casing was quite thick and tough, which made it difficult to enjoy, and I ended up not finishing it and had to keep spitting the casing out. On a positive note, the staff was very friendly and attentive. A team member even checked in on my table, and service overall was solid. That said, the total came out to about $43!!!! for three meats and two sides. In my experience, similar meals at other barbecue restaurants typically range closer to $25-$30 At this price point, I personally don't feel the overall experience justifies the cost, especially given the inconsistency in some of the meats. While the brisket and sides were excellent, the pricing is the main reason I would not return. read more

Pinkerton’s Barbeque - Upper Kirby - 1 Jalapeño sausage, 2 pork rib, 2 sliced brisket, potato salad, and tangy slaw - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

soliddddd bbq spot with plenty of seating & parking I have tried both locations but this location is by far my fav. Better parking & seating. Wished they had outdoor seating as an option tho! Although it can get pretty pricy depending on how much you order, the meat quality is GOOD. My fav is the brisket and glazed pork ribs. Ribs are fall off the bone & brisket is tender. There are also many options for sides ! read more

Pinkerton’s Barbeque - Upper Kirby - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Solid bbq, great service, clean restaurant. We also purchased the banana pudding cup and crème brûlée buttermilk squares. Delish. read more

Pinkerton’s Barbeque - Upper Kirby - Brisket, glazed ribs, chicken thighs, cheddar link Tallow fries, Mac & cheese, potato salad, okra & tomatoes - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

Pinkerton's has been one of our favorite BBQ spots in Houston for years, so when we heard they opened the Upper Kirby location, we went the same day. No hesitation. The new space is bigger with more parking and plenty of seating... a mix of long picnic tables, booths and open seating that gives it that classic Texas country BBQ feel. It does have a cafeteria-style setup (you move down the line and order at the counter), but that's exactly what you expect at a legit BBQ joint. It's lively, it's loud when it's packed, and it has that busy, energetic smokehouse vibe...not fine dining, and not trying to be. And honestly? That's part of the charm. The BBQ is consistently excellent. We've eaten BBQ all over Texas and throughout other Southern states, and Pinkerton's absolutely holds its own. The meats are rich, flavorful and done right. This is Texas BBQ!! It's indulgent, it's smoky, it's bold!! Bonus: full bar. Huge plus. And Rey behind the bar was an absolute gem!! She's friendly, attentive, and made the whole experience even better. The line was long (because it's GOOD), but it moved quickly and efficiently. And unlike the original location, you don't feel like you're racing the clock hoping they don't sell out before you get to the counter. Overall, we had a fantastic experience and will absolutely be back. If you love real Texas BBQ and understand what that experience is supposed to feel like, this place delivers. read more

Finally got to try this BBQ joint out and was not disappointed. The food was so delicious and fresh. Everything was plated for us by the staff who were friendly and quick. I definitely want to return and try more from the menu, my husband and I were able to share everything and have enough to take home which is a plus! It's a great place to go with friends and family, it offers large tables so it is accommodating to larger parties. read more

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The food is 8.5/10. Service is good, however they always have a line so be prepared to wait. Ambiance is bbq format. you can sit inside or out. I have went twice already and I would definitely go back. Go early so you have option of everything because things do run out. read more

Pinkerton’s Barbeque - Upper Kirby - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

The competition for best BBQ spot in Houston is very competitive. In my opinion, a BBQ joint needs to match great BBQ with great sides. Many places put all the focus on the meats and fail on the sides. Pinkerton's (Kirby location) order: Brisket (4/5), Pork Ribs (outstanding 5/5), Mac n Cheese (3/5), Jalapeño Cheese Rice (1/5), Beef Tallow Fries (5/5), Burger buns (warm! 5/5) Apple Cheesecake (2/5). BBQ Sauce (3/5) I would come back just for the ribs alone, tender, flavorful, and simply outstanding! Wait time on a Saturday was approximately 30mins. Service was great. Truth BBQ is still the champ tho because they bring it in every aspect. read more

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First, let's start with the positive. All of the staff members were extremely nice and helpful. Everyone worked like a well oiled machine. The host was opening doors for customers, which was so nice of her. I decided to go all out and order a good amount of items for my friend and I to try. I got their pound of beef ribs which was their last one they had, half pound of moist brisket, brisket sando, jalapeño rice, potato salad & blueberry cobbler. Everything came out to be around 115 bucks. For 50 bucks I did not get my moneys worth for my beef ribs. They seasoned the heck out of it and it was peppery and salty but it had so much fat and barely any meat. The bone of course took the majority of the weight along with the fat. The bark was good though. The brisket was my favorite, good flavor, good bark, very tender and had the right amount of fat. The brisket sandwich was fine, brisket was decent, but the bread was cheap & toasted too hard, tasted stale tbh. Jalapeño rice was bland, mushy with a pinch of jalapeño flavor. No substance to this side dish. Potato salad was very good, vinegary and mustardy. Blueberry cobbler was decent, crispy crust and fluffy on the inside. It was sweet but not overwhelming. I just wish they had some ice cream to top it off. Overall, I will say this location is better than the location in the heights. The one at the heights served me some old and burnt rice. Also the food wasn't all that. I'll give this spot another chance in a couple of months. The food wasn't bad but it's not my favorite BBQ spot. read more

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This location is bigger than their location in the Heights. The food is still so very delicious! The people here are so welcoming and hospitable. The owner stopped by our table to see how we were doing as well as share a personal story with us. We tried a little bit of everything. For your meats, gotta get the pork ribs, sliced brisket, red hot link and jalapeño cheese link. For sides, the creamed spinach is a must along with jambalaya rice and creamed bourbon sweet potato. And for dessert, the Valentine velvet cake. read more

Beef was juicy and tender. Sides, mac and cheese as well as beans were not to my taste. Peach cobbler was good and I liked the crust. The good service area was gross. Chaotic. So much cross contamination observed during my visit, if you have food allergies, stay away. Pork and beef weighed on same scale. Observed workers empty tests into trash with lived hands. Touched side of trashcan and returned to serving line without changing gloves. Very hot pit pipes are on the sidewalk leading into restaurant. I see a lawsuit brewing from someone getting burned. read more

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I am somewhat surprised and let down. We came here directly from the airport with the recommendation that Pinkertons who holds a Michelin star would be the best Texas BBQ . This was by far one of the worst BBQ places we have been the briskets was dry with little flavoring, the pork ribs were so dry you could hardly eat them, the boudin sausage was dry as well. Our sides were Mac N Cheese and Beef Tallow fries, the Mac tasted life cafeteria grade the fries were probably the best thing of the entire meal. Apparently there are other Pinkertons that may serve better food and if that is the case I'd love an invite to try this so callled delicious BBQ. read more

I've been to the North Houston location before, and I personally like that one better. The sausage link, brisket, and glazed pork ribs were all 10/10, and I would definitely come back here again for those. However, I would not get the boudin or the pork shoulder because they were both pretty bland and dry. Would've expected more seasoning on both for sure. Also, the sides were not my favorite. The jambalaya was good, and the mac n cheese was really basic and didn't have any bacon. I thought the slaw was good but again basic and didn't have as much of the tangy flavoring as I would want. I definitely wouldn't get the cheese rice again because it was dry and bland. I would still come back for those three meats I mentioned and would probably stick to cold sides like potato salad and maybe try the honey slaw next time. I will say - this location has such a large seating area inside, so even when there's a huge line, you're able to get seating pretty easily. I really liked how open the inside and ambiance was, and they didn't have an outdoor seating area like other bbq places. Service is also so fast and efficient, which helps when the line reaches the door. We went at 11:30, which was 30 mins after opening and were in line for about 5 ish mins, but as soon as 12 pm hit, the line was way longer. read more

Pinkerton’s Barbeque - Upper Kirby - Brisket, boudin, glazed pork ribs, jalapeño sausage, pork shoulder, tangy slaw, bacon mac n cheese, duck jambalaya, jalapeño cheese rice - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Pinkerton's Barbecue in River Oaks was a great experience overall. From the moment we walked in, the staff was extremely friendly and helpful, which really set the tone. The ordering process was a little confusing at first since you order the meat by weight instead of the traditional way, but once we understood how it worked, it was easy to make an informed decision. The macaroni salad was delicious and very creamy -- highly recommend. The bourbon sweet potatoes were also really good. If you enjoy the flavor of bourbon, you'll definitely appreciate these because you can truly taste it. For the meats, the pork ribs were excellent -- tender and falling off the bone. The brisket was super good as well, and the house BBQ sauce was absolutely on point. Overall, it was a great experience. We enjoyed both the food and the atmosphere. It's a very casual, family-friendly spot that won't disappoint. read more

Pinkerton’s Barbeque - Upper Kirby - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Love that I have bbq closer to me now! Walking up the smells are just so good it makes you hungrier. I think parking was ok but not sure where ppl would park on a really busy day. It's a walk up cafeteria style. They still sell out of things, couldn't try the jalapeno cheddar sausage but th cheddar one was pretty good. I think all the meats were great and moist but the one that stood out is definitely th glazer ribs. That was the winner for me that I wanted seconds. The fries were a little cold so I didn't like it. The cheese rice was just not my thing. Didn't taste how it sounded. Everything else was sides you expect. The apple cheesecake is very denser but the blueberry banana pudding was my favorite dessert. Overall excellent. read more

Pinkerton's Barbecue (Upper Kirby) -- Mixed Experience, Not for Me We went during lunchtime and the line was long (it went all the way outside), but it moved surprisingly fast, which I genuinely appreciated--especially because it was cold outside. Inside, though, the space was *very loud and overwhelming*. With how packed it gets and all the windows, the noise really carries, and it felt more like a busy cafeteria than a sit-down restaurant. The ordering setup is *cafeteria-style*, where you move through the line and select your meats and sides. Everything is served on *cardboard plates and bowls*, and the meats come on a tray. I understand the "no-frills" concept, but for the price point, the presentation and experience felt a little too basic. We ordered beef rib, brisket, South Texas beans, cream of spinach, tangy slaw, beef tallow fries, bread, and sodas. The *beef tallow fries were the highlight*--savory and crunchy, and honestly the best part of the meal. The tangy slaw and cream of spinach were decent too. However, overall the meal became *very heavy and greasy*, and a lot of the sides tasted *noticeably sweet*, almost like sugar showed up across the board. The meats were rich, but the flavors didn't feel clean or distinct enough to justify how overwhelming it became after a few bites. We paid *$98*, and left a *$13 tip* (total *$111*). At that price, I was expecting a more balanced flavor experience and a better overall atmosphere. Also, since this is essentially counter service, tipping felt a little awkward--especially because the vibe felt rushed, like you're expected to eat quickly and move on. Lastly, I did witness a moment where a manager seemed to be getting after a Latino busboy on the floor. I don't know the full context, but it didn't sit well with me and it affected the experience. Overall, the line moves fast and the fries were great, but between the noise, the heaviness of the food, and the rushed energy, *I won't be coming back*. read more