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    Pinkerton's Barbecue - Heights

    4.4 (1.8k reviews)
    ModerateBarbeque
    Open 11:00 am - 10:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

    Pinkerton's Barbecue - Heights Photos

    Business Info

    PINKERTON'S BARBECUE - HEIGHTS ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for kids
    Happy hour specials

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    Tried one of everything!
    Anthonio R.

    Yes, yes and yes!!! PINKERTONS Did not disappoint! There is always a wait but I see why! The Ribs were everything and more. Definitely one of the best BBQ spots in Houston. The staff were super friendly and recommended all their best cuts so I got them all! It's a little small inside but has plenty of dining outside as well. The Bar even has some seating area which adds to the ambience being well rounded. Brisket was very juicy and had lots a flavor and the Jalapeño Sausage was indescribable, so good!

    Prime Brisket Pork Ribs Smoked Sausage
    Zoe I.

    Came here in 2024 for a mediocre experience. Had heard it was good from the hype, but all I remember was not being satisfied with the food and thinking the pulled pork was really dry. Just not a memorably good barbecue place, would not try again. Came in the middle of the day to take a friend who is visiting in town and there was minimal wait. Decor and vibe are definitely honoring Texas heritage, parking was not an issue.

    Store hours. May 2026
    David Y.

    Pinkerton's was the first meal I had during my Houston trip. It always came up whenever I researched BBQ spots in the area, so I wanted to see for myself what the hype was about. There was a line when I arrived, but it wasn't too bad. From waiting in line to getting my food, the whole process took about 30 minutes. A few items were already sold out, including the beef ribs. I ended up ordering the prime brisket, smoked sausage, dry-rub and glazed pork ribs, along with sides of bacon mac & cheese and potato salad. Everything was great. I preferred the glazed pork ribs over the dry-rub ribs, but both were solid choices. If you're in Houston, I would definitely recommend checking this place out, especially since it stays open later than many other BBQ spots. * Parking on premise * Outdoor dining available

    Daria B.

    Underwhelming. Sad because I just knew this was going to be my new face bbq spot. Only 2 out of 5 slices of "prime" brisket was moist, the rest was dry. Jalapeño cheese rice, bland. The duck sausage jambalaya was the star of the show buttttt dude I came for the meats which were just ok.

    Alex C.

    If you're in Houston, BBQ is a must--and Pinkerton's Barbecue absolutely delivers. The line might look intimidating at first, but don't worry--it moves quickly and is well worth the wait. It's easy to see why they've been featured in Texas Monthly's Top 50 BBQ spots since 2016. As soon as you walk in, you're hit with that incredible smoky aroma that gets you even more excited to order. Everything is served by weight and sliced fresh right in front of you, which just adds to the whole experience. We went with the sliced prime brisket and glazed chicken thighs, along with sides of jalapeño cheese rice and bacon mac and cheese. And of course, I had to grab a bottle of Big Red--such a perfect pairing. Hands down, one of the best BBQ spots I've visited. Definitely a place I'd come back to.

    Beef Ribs
    Alex W.

    Came in here with high expectations but they were not met. Most of the sides were big flops besides the potato salad (the onion Cole slaw was lowkey atrocious; too much mayo), and the beef rib was tougher than I'd like (didn't really fall off the bone, might not have been smoked long enough?). The experience was redeemed by the cobbler which by itself would be worthy of a 5 star. But with everything else it drags up the overall rating to a 4.

    Coleslaw, bread
    Carrie W.

    While in Texas, we had to stop by at a BBQ spot and after some research on insta and chat gpt, we came to the conclusion that Pinkerton's is where it's at. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The pork ribs were the star of the show. So tender, fall off the bone deliciousness. Pair it with the hot sauce that they have on the side and it was chefs kiss! The best ribs I've ever had. The brisket on the other hand was a little dry and I wish it had more flavor, but the sauce made up for it. We also got the Mac n cheese with brisket on top. They really did not skimp out on the brisket. It was very delicious and the Mac n cheese was perfectly creamy and decadent. They also pickles, pickled jalapeño, and onions on the side which really cut the fat from the meat. The coleslaw that we got was okay though. Overall, it was a great experience. All the employees were nice and patient with us since it was our first time here and we had some questions. The vibes were definitely there. Will def stop by here if we ever go to Texas again!!

    Tracy L.

    You can't go to Texas without some Texas BBQ! When researching the best BBQ spot in Houston, I came across Pinkerton's, so added it to me and my friend's itinerary! Through a lot of Tiktoks, I saw that the brisket and duck jambalaya came highly recommended, so we got both among other things! First off, I would recommend getting here early! We ended up getting there a few minutes before it opened, and it took maybe 15 minutes to get in, but the line definitely gets longer later on! Overall, I would say I was very impressed with the food! The brisket was very tender and soft, which is exactly what I look for. I also enjoyed the duck jambalaya, not everyday you find duck jambalaya, so I liked being able to try it. I think this spot would be perfect for any groups, as you can split plates and try even more! I wish I was able to try more of the meats!

    Pork ribs
    Chantel C.

    Friend in town and they wanted some Texas BBQ so I had to bring them here. The weather was nice and the wait wasn't too bad. The 1hr 20 min wait was all worth it once we took the first bite. We ordered beef ribs, pork ribs candied, brisket fatty and sausage. Sides: Potato salad Mac Beans Ribs phenomenal smoke and tenderness. They truly fall off the bone. Brisket juicy with nice smoked flavor. Mac was creamy, beans and potato salad were OK to me they needed a little more season. Great customer service, simple menu, decent pricing. Loved the lady bringing water out and the tent for us while in line. Don't let the wait or line stop you. Trust me you'll want to try a plate.

    Prime Brisket Smoked Sausage Link Mrs. Beth's Banana Cake
    Donna A.

    I love this place. The feel of it just seems so uniquely Texas. If the weather is cooperating, sit outside and enjoy. We enjoyed the brisket and ribs a lot. The jambalaya was not a favorite. The banana pudding was delicious. The service was quick and helpful, but we were there when it was not too busy.

    A Prime Brisket Pulled Pork Smoked Sausage Aunt Ruby's Blueberry Cobbler Pork Ribs
    Joey D.

    Amazing food. Planned a road trip from Texas to Florida then to Vermont. Had to fly into Texas and eat Texas BBQ. Had a severe tooth ache prior to trip, but food was so tender, I barely felt pain. Even if I felt pain, it was worth it. Great BBQ. Best detour stop on the way to NOLA. Staff were friendly and very helpful. Although the place was busy, which is understandable, we found seats rather quickly. We as a family always remember the food here. They always ask me when we're going back. Parking was difficult to find, wait was a little long, but worth it.

    Outdoor seating
    Barret L.

    Finally tried Pinkerton's today for the first time, and was not disappointed! We went on a Friday during rodeo season, so the line was fairly long around lunch time. Our group arrived at about 11:30 am, and probably had about a 45 min wait time. They served water to those waiting outside in the heat, which was a really nice touch in hot, hot Houston! Most of the wait was under shade too, so really want that bad at all. The menu was awesome, and made it hard to choose! Definitely recommend sharing with a group if it's an option. They have a no sitting at a table without food policy, so we didn't have trouble finding a spot. Once people get their food, everyone eats pretty quickly so the turn around time on tables is fast. You NEED to get the Baller Mac and Cheese. It is their bacon Mac and cheese with brisket on top. I could have had just that and been happy! The brisket is excellent too. I also tried the chicken, but I think I chose too small of a piece because it was a little dry. The rub was very flavorful with a little kick though! Would definitely recommend and will be coming back!

    Andrew W.

    We got there right at 11am on a Sunday and we waited in line for an hour. It was worth it! The brisket and sides were absolutely incredible! My favorite BBQ place in Houston so far BY I would recommend and hope to come back!

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    17 days ago

    Delicious bbq, great atmosphere, and more than worth the wait. Had the brisket and a bunch of sides. All were amazing.

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    Page 1 of 47

    Pinkerton's Barbecue - Heights Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Pinkerton's Barbecue - Heights

    Are they open after Beryl?

    yea

    Are dogs allowed in the patio?

    I'm not sure the company policy but I can tell you that there was a dog there when I was there. It was awesome.

    Is the sausage beef or pork?

    Do they have plenty of seating? Thinking of this for a birthday dinner with 10 people?

    It's not a large spot. You can probably get a table for ten but you'd need to be there in time to reserve or call the restaurant to see if they can seat you. If I were you I'd probably have it at the house or another spot and order the food in.… 

    Do you offer curbside pick up?

    To my knowledge, I don't think so. You have to go inside for pickup.

    Is this place open? It says it's closed on google maps

    Good thing you checked with Yelp! :) See more info. below. They are closed Mondays and Tuesdays.… 

    Is this zabihah halal place to eat at, Im really cravin some so need urgent answer? Plz tell me the place where they get the beef from?

    Yes, they can prepare halal for you if you ask. Unfortunately, you’ll have to wait until Wednesday at 11:00 AM, as they are closed Mondays and Tuesdays. As far as more detailed info. on where they get their beef, kindly reach out to them directly:… 

    Is your bbq gluten-free?

    According to findmeglutenfree.com, although their menu does not specify GF items, their meat, sauces and most sides are GF. Their bread, however, is not gluten-free. Let them know upon ordering and they will change their gloves before serving you… 

    What time is best to get in line for early lunch on Sunday?

    This place is hands down the best BBQ I've ever had. Not only is the BBQ excellent, the owner is such a wonderful man. Anyways, to answer your question, the earlier the better. This place stays packed and they do sell out.

    Are they pet friendly?

    Limited porch seats. No pets inside.

    If I am coming in for dinner during the week, what is the selection like? Does Pinkerton's sell out of a lot earlier in the day?

    I usually go to Pinkerton's about every other weekend and if it's late in the afternoon they usually run out of Chicken & beef ribs and sometimes the jalapeño cheese sausage.

    Do they have gluten free options? And do they ever answer their phone?

    Not 100% sure if they have gluten free but I want to say yes. They are also extremely busy every time I went so that might have something to do with the phone not being picked up. They are very nice and helpful in person from my experience.

    Do they offer halal meat?

    Yes they do offer halal brisket and halal beef ribs. Furthermore, they are very sensitive to the needs of Halal followers as they would prepare your halal meal separately for you to avoid cross contamination. The food is delicious too!

    View All 14 Questions

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    The Pit Room - Museum District

    The Pit Room - Museum District

    4.3
    (3.4k reviews)
    4.5 mi
    $$

    Seriously the best BBQ I've ever had…read more We arrived on a Thursday at 7pm and it was really busy. There was a line and almost every table was taken. This is cafeteria style with you ordering and your order is sliced and plated right in front of you. We went around the corner to the bar area and sat inside. That was really nice since the main restaurant was packed. We got 2 of the 2 meat and 2 side plates. I got the turkey and jalapeño cheddar sausage with Mac n cheese and potato salad. Everything was delicious. The turkey was so moist and tender. The sausage was Smokey and spicy. The Mac n cheese was super cheesy and the potato salad had a lot of flavor. The BBQ sauce provided was too spicy for me, but that didn't matter. My husband got the brisket and pulled pork with green beans and the elote. The brisket was super tender and flavorful. The pulled pork was Smokey and tender. The elote was really good. I didn't care for the green beans, but my husband liked them. Really enjoyed this spot. Would absolutely come back if we are ever in the area.

    This place was PACKED (and it's a small establishment) right when they opened. I'd heard really…read moregood things about this place and unfortunately, I was not impressed. My experience here is why I tend to not frequent BBQ places, I hate being disappointed. The barbecue sauce (the signature and regular) were not good at all. Neither tasted like BBQ sauce. One tasted like tomato sauce with seasoning and the other tasted like a vinegary Tabasco sauce. The brisket was okay, nothing super impressive but no complaints. The queso might have been the most egregious issue (after the BBQ sauce) imagine paying $11 for tasteless, unimpressive, liquid cheese. Nothing in it but cheese and prayers. Adding the brisket (1/4lb for ~$9) along with a variety of other seasonings, made it okay. Ironically, reheating it after a few hours made it actually taste a bit better (enough to justify the price? Absolutely not). The mac and cheese was equally tasteless. One thing I think the Pit Room does EXCEPTIONALLY well is making pickles! These were delicious, seriously I'd go back just for the pickles (only the pickles).

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Brisket egg rolls
    Brisket egg rolls
    A variety of meats, sides, and sauces

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    A variety of meats, sides, and sauces
    Truth BBQ

    Truth BBQ

    4.4
    (1.4k reviews)
    2.3 mi
    $$

    Dang. They said it was good. That doesn't do it justice. It is OFF THE DANG CHAIN. Best bbq ever…read more From juicy brisket, pork, turkey and ribs, to sausages with glistening chunks of fresh jalapeño and creamy cheddar cheese. The meat is for real. But. The sides. Oh my goodness-that is far and away the best potato salad I've ever even been in the vicinity of-much less able to pound a spoon into over and over. The tator tot casserole is like a hug from the sweetest granny in the land, and the corn pudding and Mac and cheese are pure fire too. Have to say, not much of a fan of tipping for counter service-but this place DESERVES it. Once you sit down with your fabulous feast-there are the kindest servers bringing you everything you could possibly need-from to-go boxes to drinks to desserts and they are SOOO happy you're in their restaurant-had to pull out some extra cash (I did tip at the cash register) because these dudes deserved more for their genuine hospitality and friendliness. Bar looks legit but it was only 11 so I decided next time I'll do better and grab a drink with dinner. Yes the queue was long at opening but moved quickly and obviously was well worth it. Michelin, Texas Monthly and more are all totally right to make this a must eat destination for HTX

    Hands down, the best BBQ I've had in Houston so far…read more Brisket is brisket- you either dry it out or you absolutely nail it. They nailed it. Perfectly juicy, tender, and packed with smoky flavor. But what really puts this place over the top is the tater tot casserole. Great sides can make the meal, and this one absolutely does. It's ridiculously good... like I'd happily eat an entire bowl of just the casserole. We ordered the brisket, pork ribs, beef rib, both sausages, and, of course, a whole lot of tater tot casserole. While you're waiting in line, they hand out samples of the brisket so you can decide whether you want lean or fatty. Fatty all day for me. The beef rib was massive and had an incredible smoky flavor, but low-key, I think the sausages ended up being my favorite meat of the day. They were juicy, flavorful, and didn't get overshadowed by everything else. We got there around 11:00 a.m. on a Saturday and waited about an hour in line. It sounds long, but they make it easy with water and drinks available for purchase while you wait. The staff was friendly the entire time- from the people managing the line to the servers and the bussers making rounds through the dining room. Whatever you do... don't skip the tater tot casserole

    Photos
    MERCH!!
    MERCH!!
    2 Meat Plate Brisket
    2 Meat Plate Brisket
    Corn pudding

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    Corn pudding
    CorkScrew BBQ

    CorkScrew BBQ

    4.6
    (1.4k reviews)
    19.6 mi
    $$

    Did I get up at 7am to make the trip up to Spring for BBQ? Yes…read moreDid I get in line an hour before the opened? Also yes Was it worth it? Heck yes! A 2-year Michellin star BBQ joint was a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon. My friends and I got there around 10am and were lucky enough to grab a number. The number secures your spot in line but don't worry if you show up and they run out, there's a spot on the porch where the non-number line starts. We ordered moist brisket, garlic sausage, and the beef rib. For sides, we went with mac and cheese and beans. Everything was superb! The brisket melted in your mouth, no knife needed. The sausage had a nice snap to it and get great flavor. The bark on the beef rib was *chef's kiss*. The mac and cheese was creamy while the beans had a nice sweet and tangy flavor. The service is also great! While we were eating, staff would regularly check all of the tables to check if anyone needed anything. The staff taking our order also chatted with us about other BBQ spots we've been to. Everything was such a great experience and the quality of the food is 100/10!

    I'm sort of embarrassed to say this is my first time here as it has become a staple in the…read morearea...But hey, I made it and I'm glad I did! I was mentally prepared for a line lol. I've passed by several times and the line has always deterred me, but this time I came with my game face and the patience of a saint. I arrived on a Friday at 11:03am to be exact. Yep, they open at 11am and yep there was already a line. I was shortly approached by an employee who handed me a paper menu and asked if I would like to purchase a drink while I wait in line. It was fairly hot outside but they had fans along the patio to give relief. The inside of the restaurant is not large but also not small, its first come first serve so get in where you fit in or opt to sit outside. I arrived to the front of the line around 12pm so it took about an hour of waiting in line. Ordering was smooth and it took no time for the food to be ready. Staff were friendly, and service was speedy. I ordered brisket(moist), pulled pork sandwich, mac n cheese, potato salad, beans, apple cobbler, and a baked potato. The potato salad was a pleasant surprise! It is not your traditional potato salad, but If you enjoy anything dill flavored, you'd love it! The brisket was moist and flavorful, melt in your mouth good!!! The other sides were just okay, not bad but nothing stood out. The cobbler was a bit too sweet and it did not seem as though the ingredients were mixed very well. It was like they dumped sugar on top and baked it without mixing it. Pulled pork sandwich was meaty and flavorful. Pretty good BBQ Experience!!!

    Photos
    Pick up here
    Pick up here
    The Dino Rib - humongous!
    The Dino Rib - humongous!
    Side porch of the restaurant. Covered outdoor seating is to t he left. Indoor seating is inside.

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    Side porch of the restaurant. Covered outdoor seating is to t he left. Indoor seating is inside.
    Henderson & Kane

    Henderson & Kane

    4.6
    (370 reviews)
    2.3 mi
    $$
    Family-owned & operated
    Women-owned & operated

    This place has a special place in my foodie heart! The interior being a historic convenience store…read moremakes it feel homey and very local. I got here often with my roommate and always have a great time mix and matching any 6 beers into a 6-pack deal. The fatty brisket and sausage is amazing. I love that they offer a variety of menu items now as well. Steak nights, wine nights, and brunch options show how much effort they put in. I wouldn't say the bbq is the best I've ever had in Houston .... BUT still deserves a 5 star review in my book.

    Update: Veronica reached out to me willing to make this…read moreexperience right. Issues will come up from time to time but how you handle them says a lot about you as a business owner. I'm adjusting my review to reflect Veronica's willingness to turn this experience into an opportunity. We were looking forward to trying this restaurant while staying at a hotel in Houston for medical treatments. We had it delivered to our hotel and sadly it wasn't the best experience. When we got our order to the room we were missing one side that we ordered. We got Mac n cheese, green beans and potato salad with a brisket/smoked chicken combo and a brisket/ribs. I was shocked to see two pieces of brisket and a chicken breast for $28. Maybe it was an off night but the quality just wasn't there. All the food was cold (our fault bc we ordered it for delivery) and was lacking flavor. Overall, we'd rate it like this: Brisket 3/5 Chicken 2/5 Mac n cheese 1.5/5 Green beans 3/5 Ribs 3/5 Potato salad 2/5 Maybe they were having a bad night but I wish our experience was better.

    Photos
    We can provide specialty set ups to fit your catering package.
    We can provide specialty set ups to fit your catering package.
    Henderson & Kane
    Order for pick up

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    Order for pick up
    Brisket & Rice

    Brisket & Rice

    4.6
    (501 reviews)
    16.5 mi
    $$

    So I recently moved to the area and was surprised that there was such an infamous restaurant right…read morearound the corner. After doing my research and seeing food bloggers post online about this place, I decided to try it! We went on a Saturday afternoon at 2 pm - packed! There were no tables available inside and there were people inside and outside waiting for their orders. That's something to be ready for if you come on a Saturday. Our order didn't actually take that long. Or maybe it took a little while and we didn't mind waiting. Either way, it wasn't that bad! Luckily it's located in a shopping area so there's always parking. My main gripe is that they close at 7pm. I'm sure there's a good reason for that but I've wanted to try it multiple times before but they've been closed! I ended up going with the infamous brisket and fried rice. The brisket was super tender - I was able to pull it apart with my fork. I typically shy away from brisket because usually it's tough. But this was delicious - tender and had a nice smoky flavor. Not overwhelming or too salty. The rice had a great flavor too. There were chunks of meat in that as well and the rice had a nice smoky flavor. Not too salty or greasy. It also came with some accoutrements - pickled onions, fresh pickled cucumbers, jalapeños, bbq sauce and bread. The cucumbers and onions stole the show - very fresh and refreshing. We were surprised at the pickled onions - they were soo good! Overall - worth the hype! I'll definitely be back to try ribs, chicken or pulled pork sandwich. I heard everything is good here!!

    Came here on a whim bc hubby and I both wanted bbq. They did not disappoint!…read more Ordered: Brisket and steamed rice 5/5 Brisket with fried rice 5/5 House made sausage 5/5 Even the pickled onions and jalapeños were 5/5, done viet style. I'm viet and imo that's the best way to pickle anything. Restaurant clean, service friendly and very fast. You can tell they are a neighborhood favorite, so many people came in after us to pick up and dine in! Only thing to "improve" is it was a little warm in the restaurant. Not sure if the ac was struggling bc of this Texas heat or what but other than that, food was excellent and we definitely will be back. Highly recommend!

    Photos
    Inside (former location)
    Inside (former location)
    Brisket & Fried Rice
    Brisket & Fried Rice
    Mac-N-Cheese

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    Mac-N-Cheese
    Killen's Barbecue

    Killen's Barbecue

    4.2
    (3k reviews)
    17.3 mi
    $$

    Killen's never disappoints…read more Their beef ribs were just short of amazing. Juicy, succulent, tender. For a giant piece of meat on the bone, they worked wonders. You can ask to see the piece of rib before they cut it for you and they will happily oblige (patrons behind you might not be so thrilled with that move, but they'll live). Sides were excellent as were the mashed potatoes with white gravy on the side, green beans that were just tender enough, but also a bit crunchy. Perfect. They were seasoned with pork, so if that's not your thing, you might want to skip it. We also ordered their shareable onion rings, easily enough for three people that were huge, hot, and crispy. Let's get this out of the way, some of their prices are a little up there, but if you're anything like me, and don't frequent BBQ places often, it's a rare but enjoyable treat. Sometimes you have to splurge and live a little. Also, they have their regular sauce on tables, but you now have to ask the cashier for their sublime coffee BBQ sauce. Don't be shy, ask. It's worth it. Oh, pro tip: If you want beef ribs, the 'plate' is actually cheaper and a better deal than 'by the pound', so save a little money and get two sides.

    This establishment was recommended to me by an avid BBQ connoisseur + they have a Michelin star. We…read morewaited in line for about 30 minutes before getting to the counter to put in our order. The restaurant is cute and they do their best to keep the service consistent throughout the entire visit. The BBQ was a little dry but good. The disappointing part of the trip were the sides. 95% of the sides had pork in them which made the entire wait not worth it. This was my first time visiting and it will be my last.

    Photos
    Dining room after restaurant closed
    Dining room after restaurant closed
    Banana and Bread Pudding Combo
    Banana and Bread Pudding Combo
    The exterior

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    The exterior
    Smokeroom BBQ

    Smokeroom BBQ

    4.0
    (107 reviews)
    8.8 mi
    Family-owned & operated
    Grab-and-go

    CAUTION- if you order the ribs, make sure you eat over the table, as the meat will literally fall…read moreoff the bone, onto your lap. Visiting from out of town and decided to give this place a try. I was greeted as soon as I walked in the door. I was not sure what I wanted to try, so Sam, the owner, gave me a sampling of everything; brisket sandwich, spare rib, potato, salad, coleslaw, beans, macaroni and cheese, jambalaya rice, and french fries. Everything tasted better than expected, especially the french fries, as few BBQ restaurants are able to get these just right. I will definitely return tomorrow to try something new. Definitely ordering the macaroni and cheese and potato salad again. Special thanks to Sam, the owner, who definitely took care of me. He knew I was from out of town, but treated me like a long time customer, which I greatly appreciate. Give this place a try... You will not be disappointed!

    Really good bbq! I ordered the baked potato with brisket and ribs. That's enough food for two…read morepeople, but I was craving a baked potato while not wanting to miss out on the bbq. The ribs were nice not dripping with fat, but not dry either. The brisket was moist and very tender. The potato was super loaded with cheese, butter, sour cream, bacon bits and sprinkled chives. This place is next to a gas station, but not attached to the station shop. The restaurant is very clean, and everything looks brand new and spotless.

    Photos
    Smokeroom BBQ
    Whole Chicken
    Whole Chicken
    BBQ Baked Potato

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    BBQ Baked Potato
    The Pit Room - Memorial

    The Pit Room - Memorial

    3.9
    (237 reviews)
    10.2 mi
    $$

    Houston has no shortage of barbecue, but this place understands that great barbecue doesn't have to…read morecome with a two hour line or a tray piled a foot high. The counter service keeps things moving while the food speaks for itself. The brisket was exactly what you'd hope for: a pronounced bark, a rendered fat cap, and slices that held together until they were pulled apart. The surprise for me was the brisket taco. Instead of feeling like a gimmick, it showcased the meat in a different way, balancing smoke, richness, and fresh toppings without masking the brisket. Good barbecue restaurants know their sides matter just as much as the meat. The mac and cheese was creamy, the sausage had a satisfying snap, and the house barbecue sauce complemented rather than covered the smoke. If you're visiting Houston, this is the kind of place that reminds you why Texas barbecue has earned its reputation. Efficient counter service, excellent brisket, and enough menu variety to keep you coming back.

    I was in the area and decided to try the pit room. It was hard to choose what to get but I ended up…read moreordering pork ribs, two meat plate with chicken, deer sausage and Lean beef, beans and potato salad. Also ordered turkey sandwich and 2 tacos , one beef and one pulled pork. My favorite thing was the fixings bar. I seriously felt fomo when I saw the food being made. The portions seem small to me. We enjoyed the food though. I did not like the pulled pork taco, maybe because it got soggy. I would like to try some other items and also their dessert.

    Photos
    Here is where you start!  Check out that variety on their menu.
    Here is where you start! Check out that variety on their menu.
    One of my favorite BBQ spots in Houston. Pork ribs, brisket, beef rib, turkey, venison sausage.
    One of my favorite BBQ spots in Houston. Pork ribs, brisket, beef rib, turkey, venison sausage.
    Cheeseburger

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    Cheeseburger
    Truboy BBQ

    Truboy BBQ

    4.6
    (47 reviews)
    20.1 mi
    $
    Locally sourced ingredients
    Family-owned & operated

    My family and I have visited Truboy BBQ several times now, and every experience has been a…read morepleasure. The restaurant is always clean, the staff is friendly and welcoming, and the owner is extremely kind and down to earth. They also have a nice dine-in setup with tables and a lounge area, which makes it comfortable to sit and enjoy your meal. So far, everything we've tried has been delicious--the brisket smash burger , chopped brisket melt, and different bowl variations have all been excellent. Our order has never been wrong, which I really appreciate. Because I'm me lol, I asked, and the owner let me attempt to create something. I tried chopped brisket and cheese on my fries, but something was missing. I think if I paired it with their smash burger sauce and caramelized onions, it would be (I don't even like onions like that, but they were so delicious). We've also tried the BBQ brisket egg rolls and tamales from their frozen section, and those have been just as enjoyable. Overall, it's a great spot with consistently good food and genuinely great service. We'll definitely continue coming back.

    We ordered their brisket smash burger and fries for pickup. Let's be honest pickup and delivery…read moreorders are kinda lack luster. But lemme tell you if you haven't ordered from these guys you are quite frankly missing out. If you have had brisket overload and you are sick of it we are in the same boat, trust! BUT this is not dry, or overly greasy, not going to make you sick because of all the fat. They use quality ingredients, and they have perfected their menu items, all of which circulate around their Brisket. Owner is there daily and it seems it's all family when ever I go. And honestly take a look at their frozen refrigerated items to take home and warm later. I wish I had pictures to share but alas everything was devoured

    Photos
    Chopped brisket sandwich
    Chopped brisket sandwich
    Brisket melt
    Brisket melt
    Brisket sandwich

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    Brisket sandwich

    Pinkerton's Barbecue - Heights - bbq - Updated August 2026

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