Amazing BBQ! Worth the visit! Got the Brisket and Baller Mac and Cheese, no regrets, will be back next time I'm in town.

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 read more

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Good food. Great service. Family style picnic table seating. Try the jalapeño rice and potato salad. Pulled pork is good. Do recommend the pork ribs. read more

Disappointed by the brisket, but the pork ribs saved the day! We came specifically to try the beef rib on a Saturday, but it was already sold out by 2:00 PM--super disappointing since it wasn't even halfway through the day. Instead, we ordered the moist prime brisket, glazed pork ribs, potato salad, and bacon mac & cheese. The glazed pork ribs were a pleasant surprise--flavorful, moist, and incredibly tender. I'd come back just for those. Unfortunately, the brisket was a letdown. It was way overcooked to the point of falling apart; you couldn't even lift a slice with a fork without it breaking into small pieces, which meant it lost a lot of its flavor. As for the sides, they weren't really my cup of tea. The bacon completely overwhelmed the mac & cheese, and the potato salad was too tangy, no chunks of eggs and lacked creaminess. If I return, I'm sticking strictly to the glazed pork ribs! read more

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. read more

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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. read more

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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!! read more

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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! read more

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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. read more

Pinkerton's Barbecue - Heights - Prime Brisket Smoked Sausage Link Mrs. Beth's Banana Cake - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

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. read more

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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. read more

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This was some of the best barbecue I've ever had. I got the beans as a side and I am so glad I did. Family friendly atmosphere and fast service. read more

Pinkerton's Barbecue - Heights - Menu - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

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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! read more

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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! read more

Pinkerton's Barbecue - Heights - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Barbecue that's worth the wait. Pinkerton's barbecue seems to always have a line as other reviews mentioned. On a beautiful weather worthy day like today it was worth waiting for. I'm a boudin lover at heart so that's a no brained for me. The smoky boudin link ($8) was cooked to perfection, you know the ones you can eat and the casing snaps with crispness as you bite into it. Rice still has its moist and perfect texture as well. Kam ordered the extra lean brisket sandwich ($15) that's served on jalapeño biscuit buns which he seemed to really enjoy We order side to share, just try. Bacon Mac& cheese. ($6, large) Which is really creamy and cheesy. The noodles were perfectly cooked. The only flaw was the bacon fat I bit into which was a large pieces (yuck) someone who's a texture girl I would be skeptical to order it again. Is perfect alone/ without the bacon. The potato salad ($4 small) was a good cool balance. The jambalaya wasn't much of what I expected, rice a tad overcooked for my liking. I'd prefer either the Mac n cheese or potato salad. We usually don't eat pork ribs, but the appearance was too beautiful not to try. I was happy to hear that Pinkerton do sell them by singles for guest who just want to try them for taste, like us. They were fall off the bone great. No military discount offered at this time. This is the original location The line is for dine in, and take out. I do look forward to returning for the brisket sandwich and boudin link. read more

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TL;DR: Great BBQ with great staff - feels like you're eating with family and friends at a backyard cookout! Can't wait to come back! Can't say enough good things about not just the food but also the staff. Every bite was delicious and everyone on the team was fantastic! Come early to avoid the line best you can and definitely pop into the bar to grab a drink while you're waiting to get your appetite going and to cool off while you wait in the sun. Also, don't save seats without first ordering your food - don't be those people... The must gets: brisket, ribs, beans The sleeper: turkey breast The to-each-their-own: boudin Get everything. You won't regret it, even the ones you didn't like. Last bit of hospitality we loved: as we were stumbling/rolling out full to the gills, the pit master asked if we were interested in seeing the back and we got a little private tour of the smokers and chopped it up with the team in back. Got to learn some of the history and just how tight and high-pressure the cook schedule can get. Really makes you appreciate the time and effort that goes into every bite Cheers to the entire team at Pinkerton's - still dreaming of every moment there! read more

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Came on a Sunday, 3/8/26, around when they opened at 11am and the line was maybe 25 people deep. They do a good job keeping the line moving. Maybe took 20 minutes to get to the front. Great ambiance here. Felt like a true saw dust bbq joint. Also excellent bar too with great bourbon pours. Spotted some Michters 10 year, Weller Single Barrel, and GTS with other BTAC bottles too. Ok so I know everyone's experience is subjective, so here was mine. My brisket lacked smoked and was a little too tender, as it was kind of falling apart. It gave more pot roast vibes instead of smoked brisket vibes. Still pretty good tho. The sauce on the candy glazed ribs was really good. The meat on the ribs was also really good. For me tho, they were falling off the bone a little too easy and may have been slightly overcooked. However, the jalapeño cheddar sausage was damn good as was their sleeper, the smoked boneless skinless chicken thighs. Couldn't get enough of those! Loved my friend's mustardy potato salad! It was tangy and punchy and had a good texture to it. Their bacon mac and cheese was pretty good, better than most bbq joints actually. If you like mac and cheese with bbq, theirs is worth a shot. Their pimento cheese was no doubt full stop some of the best pimento cheese I may have ever had. I even let them know before I left how good it was! If the line wasn't so long, I would have gone back and ordered a bucket of it. The only side that had me scratching my head is their jalapeño cheese rice. It's highly reviewed and everyone loves it, but mine was just under-seasoned paste in my mouth. Pinkertons in Houston is still a must visit when in town! read more

Pinkerton's Barbecue - Heights - Pimento Cheese - Jalapeno Sausage - Bacon Macaroni and Cheese - Boneless Skinless Thighs - Pork Ribs - Prime Brisket - Jalapeno Cheese Rice - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

I cannot recommend this place enough. Probably some of the best BBQ I've ever had. We went to Pinkerton's for dinner, and it looked really packed. There was a long line when we got there, but it kept moving, so it wasn't that bad. Once inside, there was plenty of seating, and everyone working there was super friendly. We got the brisket, pork ribs, brisket mac and cheese, and potato salad. The brisket was just heavenly - super tender and really flavorful and practically melted in your mouth. The pork ribs were just as delicious, really juicy, and cooked perfectly. The brisket mac and cheese was as good as advertised. It was super creamy and the extra flavor from the brisket made it so good. Overall, everything was definitely worth the wait. Just some classic Texan BBQ. read more

Pinkerton's Barbecue - Heights - Brisket, Pork Ribs - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

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This is one of the better BBQ joints I've had in Texas. They do an incredible job with this establishment and the food was incredible. The beans were extremely well prepared and the meat was incredibly tender. They do a solid job of moving people through the lunch rush. The place itself is a bit small but they do offer outdoor seating as well. If you're in the area, I'd consider this a must try in the BBQ realm. Cheers! read more

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Food was delicious, staff was very nice, place was clean and organized. Got the Dino beef rib, brisket sandwich fries slaw , couldn't go wrong read more

Pinkerton's Barbecue - Heights - Prime Brisket fries slaw - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

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We start with the good. The staff is friendly enough even though very busy. The restaurant is absolutely packed. You will share a seat if you eat there but seems clean. Parking is terrible, there is no place really for the restaurant to have patron parking. You will park on the street. The food. Nothing to write home about. Just salt and pepper brisket that was not holding up to the hype behind this place. The brisket taste best when dipped in the sauce. I personally feel that good tx bbq shouldn't need sauce. This brisket needs the sauce to cut all that pepper and salt. I also order 4 dry ribs, they offer a dry and a glazed rib these ribs look glazed to me. Im not sure what the actual glazed ribs look like. 4 bones turned out to be a pound 25 bucks. These ribs were pretty average, taste like pretty much anywhere else. They were not bad, but you pay for the hype. Sides are fairly reasonable in price I got a small order of duck dirty rice, and a large of Mac and cheese with bacon. Each of these were one bite throw aways. Most bbq spots have bad sides, they keep that on trend. Bill fot 56.13. read more

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Definitely think it's worth checking out if you're in the area. There was a line but it didn't take long. The meats were good as well as the rice. The peach cobbler-hard pass for me. Almost $7 for one chicken thigh is a little crazy but it was good. The potato salad was too mustardy for me. Bit otherwise you should definitely give it a try! read more

Stopped here for lunch on a weekday, seating seems limited but was able to grab a table after ordering. Got a feast of meat with beef rib, pork ribs, sausage and brisket. Sides were Mac and cheese, potato salad, and jambalaya. All the meat was tender but for me the stand out was pork ribs. Tender juicy and seasoned to perfection. Beef rib was huge was fatty and a little salty. Sides were good and all delicious. Overall great bbq read more

Pinkerton's Barbecue - Heights - Beef Ribs - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

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+The pork ribs were delicious, not too much dry rub but make sure to get the wet candy glaze. +The beef rib was nice and tender. +The sides were pretty good. read more

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5 stars for melt in your mouth prime rib brisket, fall of the the bone pork ribs, mouthwatering sides (jalapeño rice and brisket Mac N Cheese, and speedy service. The brisket was $36/lb and we got 4 slices for that and totally worth it! Hands down the best BBQ I've ever had in my dear life. The entire indoor dining was community table and kinda cool to slurp the sauce amongst strangers, now friends Houston is def an easy fave because of Pinks! It's Pinker-licking-good read more

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Tried this place right when we landed in Houston around 1PM and had about 5 people ahead of us. We got half pound of brisket and a side of Mac and Cheese. In all honesty, the brisket was a bit too dry and hard to my liking but I'll admit it was flavorful. I recommend eating the heavily spiced outer part with the inside, since it can be overwhelming by itself. The mac and cheese on the other hand was delicious. In my opinion, I felt like it tasted a tad better than the brisket. It had this unique flavor, was very creamy, and very well mixed. Overall, I thought this place was good but not the best compared to the other BBQ places. I felt like the staff could've also been a bit more welcoming especially for those who were there for the first time. read more

Pinkerton's Barbecue - Heights - Half Pound Brisket and Mac and Cheese - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

Came on Christmas Eve around 11:40am and waited in line for a little over an hour to get food. We were one of the last guests to get brisket for the day, and they were out of smoked chicken by the time we got there, which is crazy! Although, there were a lot of holiday orders, so perhaps all their meat was selling out faster than normal. Everything was flavorful, the glazed ribs were fall off the bone tender, and the brisket wasn't overly salty like it is at other places. My only feedback is that it's fairly cool inside, so by the time our brisket was sliced, we paid, sat down and ate, it was already room temp. Would've been nice to have hot, moist brisket. They plate it well and I enjoyed getting to try this Michelin recommended restaurant. Despite the constant flow of people in the restaurant, there was plenty of seating and it didn't feel crowded with the communal table seating style. Parking is a bit limited, but I think most people street park read more

Pinkerton's Barbecue - Heights - Prime Brisket, Glazed Ribs, Jalapeño Cheese Sausage - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

When in Rome... or when your season ends early... you go crush some BBQ. So I hit Pinkerton's in Houston for the first time, and man, this place does not play. We got there a little before noon and the line was already wrapped around the building. Easy 30-minute wait, but nobody was complaining. A couple locals in line looked at me like, "Bro... this is heaven." At that point, I knew we were locked in. I went heavy: ¾ lb of brisket, three ribs, and an all-meat sandwich because why stop at reasonable? The brisket was ridiculous, the ribs were spot-on, and the sandwich was just flexing on me. Totally worth every minute in line. Don't flinch at the price! And here's the cheat code -- they've got a bar. So while I waited, I sipped on a beautiful pour of Weller Antique 107, and suddenly that line felt like part of the experience. Inside seating was chill, outside was open, and grabbing a table wasn't a problem at all. Service? Solid. Food? Absolutely lived up to the hype. Pinkerton's impressed. And now I gotta hit the San Antonio one next. Our soccer boys approved: Inter FC San Antonio. Best regards, RM read more

Pinkerton's Barbecue - Heights - The Weller Antique 107 - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

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First time - Staff was friendly & welcoming! Food line was easy to use, provided samples of the meats Portions sizes were huge! Place was busy for a Wednesday, tables were clean - found open seats quickly read more

Pinkerton's Barbecue - Heights - Fat trays! - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Well, if great barbecue, you want? and authentic ? this is a place to go. The line is long, but it goes fast. Amazing barbecue melt in your mouth ribs, tri-tip , sausage, pulled pork!!!! Sides are great.. love the coleslaw and the potato salad. Not in love with the desserts, sorry read more

Pinkerton's Barbecue - Heights - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

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The restaurant looks modest but the BBQ was amazing! I especially loved the pork ribs---so tasty and juicy!

Rode up from Galveston with the fellas and made a stop at Pinkerton's Barbecue, and man, it was worth every mile. The food hit exactly the way good Texas BBQ should, the sandwich was stacked, the mac and cheese was creamy and good but had bacon in it so I gave it to one of my buddies and they loved it. The potato salad tasted like somebody actually took their time making it. The staff was cool, welcoming, and didn't make us feel rushed even though the place was busy. You can tell they take pride in what they do. Between the good food, the laid-back vibe, and a good spot to park our bikes outside, it turned into one of those stops you remember. Definitely coming back next time we're in the area for the Lone Star Rally. read more

Pinkerton's Barbecue - Heights - Turkey Breast macaroni and potato salad. - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

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We strategically came here at the perfect time to not wait in line. We came on at Thursday at 3pm and it was quick but also still a ten minute wait in line. Anyways, there's a family style feel in there, long tables you share with others. You order food up front through the line sides first meats at the end then you pay. Food was DELICIOUS!! Hands down the best ribs I have ever had. They were like butter. Completely melt in your mouth. So so so yummy!! Would come again! read more

Pinkerton's Barbecue - Heights - Macaroni and cheese, Smoked Sausage, jambalaya, Prime Brisket, Pork Ribs, coleslaw, beans - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

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I usually don't come around this area and never heard of this place until my friend wanted BBQ. We were in this neighborhood and decided to stop by. I later found out that this place is Michelin Bib Gourmand when I was talking to my mom about Michelin stars restaurant. The place is pretty small but have a feel of a real Texas BBQ. When you first walk in it opens up to a Country style bar. Lots of different whiskey on the shelf and other drink options. You then turn your head and you see their menu written on a butcher paper. At first I was waiting for my friends to show up, a nice gentleman approached me and ask if I needed help or anything. My friend show up and proceeded to order. I love how they have all different sizes of size. I got a small and got to try each one of their sides. Although it is basic, their mac and cheese was pretty delicious. In addition my second favorite is the coleslaw. Now to their meats. Everything that I got was delicious. Brisket, jalapeño and cheese sausage and their pork ribs. Overall had a great experience and if I'm in the area definitely will come back. read more

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Ate at Pinkerton's BBQ in Houston yesterday. It was awesome! The brisket was perfect. The boneless chicken thigh was great. The ribs were fantastic. The jalapeño cheddar sausage was really good. The Baller Mac & Cheese was amazing (brisket topped), and the blueberry cobbler was absolutely insane. It's a must if you're in Houston! As an absolute BBQ fanatic, I can tell you this place cooks everything to absolute perfection. read more

Already a line out at the door 20 minutes after opening and well worth the wait! Line moves fast as they prepare your food right in front of you. What we ordered: -beef ribs -brisket sliced -chicken thigh -regular sausage link Not pictured: -large potato salad -large mac & cheese Complimentary bread, pickles, onions, and bbq sauce are included as well. All the meat is cooked fresh and so juicy and flavorful! Would highly recommend Pinkerton's Barbecue if you're in Houston and want the best barbecue! read more

Pinkerton's Barbecue - Heights - Beef Ribs, chicken, Prime Brisket, Smoked Sausage Link - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

Rib so tender it literally fell off the bone as you ate it. Everything was absolutely delicious! The line was out the door and just to the corner of the building and it took a little over an hour from getting into the line to sitting down and eating our food but it was worth the wait! read more

Pinkerton's Barbecue - Heights - Prime Brisket - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

The brisket was amazing as was the sausage and pulled pork. The line was long but worth the wait. Traditional BBQ joint with picnic tables and a little loud. read more

Pinkerton's Barbecue - Heights - Brisket, Sausage, Turkey - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

Great Mac and cheese and pulled pork!! Really enjoyed the sausages as well. Staff was super helpful and I've never seen a busier restaurant in my life- that's how you know it's good!! read more

I pulled into a what I must call a shameful example for a parking lot. This is a destination restaurant and the lack of parking, especially on a down pouring Friday almost made me say I would go somewhere else. But I endured and found someplace to park. Still pouring heavily, I hoped out of the car and got in line with the dozen or so faithfulls already in line waiting for the 11am opening. And boy was it worth the wait. I ordered one beef rib, 3 slices of moist brisket, and 3 pork ribs. As soon as I got back to my car I opened the container and took a bite of the pork rib. Pinkerton's had a slightly sweet sauce brushed onto it before being put in the container. A sauce on pork ribs is almost unheard of, but this version was welcomed. Not too sweet, not overpowering, and still let the pork rib shine. Then a taste of the moist brisket, my least liked part of the meal because it was hit with just a little too much pepper for my taste. But if a lot of the pepper was brushed off, the brisket was delicious, but still very peppery. The highlight of the meal was the beef rib. No words need to be said, just order one, and cross your fingers that they are not sold out. Anyways, my stopping at Pinkerton's was my last stop before the Airport. I planned for this and packed the remaining portions of bbq in ziplock bags to bring home and share with a friend. So please try Pinkerton's you will not regret it. read more