Great BBQ! Great food and had leftovers for days. The comment about it being comparable to Salt Lick and Killeen's so true. Great Texas brisket and sausage. The loaded potatoes are huge read more

When I pulled up to this place, I almost drove away as it was right next to a gas station mini Mary. But at 6:00 pm, the parking lot in front of Ray's was jam packed. So I thought, why not?! I'm so glad that I didn't judge a boom by its cover because this place was amazeballs! I got a special plate so I could sample a few meats... The ribs and sliced brisket was incredibly juicy and fall off the bone tender. The spicy rice side had burnt ends in it and the cucumber salad side was perfectly seasoned. As a now New Englander who grew up in Texas, this place reminded me of my roots and I could not have been happier. Make the stop! read more

The food is IMPECCABLE!! The portions are large and the brisket is tender. Small place but they love their customers quickly. If you don't mind sharing a table you'll have a place to sit. I will for sure say that is THE BEST BBQ IN TOWN! read more

First, being from Chicago- I am a rib tip snob. I should know not to order rib tips from a Texas joint, but I did, so I digress. The service was friendly. The food came out cold, not hot, so I sent it back. They did get it right the second time. Overall, I'm not sure if I would come back to Ray's. read more

First time here. I was attracted to this place solely based on the reviews. I am by no means a BBQ addict. I may crave some good BBQ once a year. But, that isn't to say I haven't had my fair share of BBQ. As we approached the establishment on a Saturday, I couldn't help but to notice the parking lot was full. When we walked in, the place was jam packed. People were standing in line to order and to pick up. My first thoughts were that this place definitely needed to expand. We didn't even know if we would have a place to sit down to eat because all the seats were taken. This makes it a bit difficult if you were planning to go out to eat vs take it to go. We ordered the 2 meal plate, brisket and rib tips. Our sides were the cucumber salad, smoked mac and cheese, and green beans. We also ordered a sweet tea and the strawberry lemonade. Now here is the kicker. We waited 45 minutes to get our food =( They MUST improve this. As anyone who has ever waited in the restaurant business knows, 45 minutes is unacceptable. Anything beyond 15 minutes is not acceptable honestly! But I am not taking off a star for it. But BE AWARE. Once we got the food we were starving. So my review may be a little biased due to starvation and smelling the bbq for almost one hour. The brisket was absolutely delicious (and I am not even a big brisket fan). It was moist, with just enough fat, delicious bark, and the bbq sauce on the table was divine (sweet like I like it). The rib tips were delicious as well. Everything including the sides were great. That cucumber salad was surprisingly very good. The green beans were meh (try the ones at Texas Roadhouse-those are my favorite). Oh and that strawberry lemonade was very, very tasty. I would DEFINITELY be back, but probably on a weekday to avoid this rush! read more

This is by far the best BBQ on my side of town. I don't treat myself to this often. When I do, I am never disappointed. I always make sure to get ribs and sausage. I should probably try the other options. As for sides, the fried corn is so good, as are the spicy rice and beans. Surprisingly, the potato salad is very good. I will not typically eat anyone else's potato salad. This one is worth a try. I am always happy if there are tea cakes available. I love that there are a variety of tea cakes. I prefer the kind with pecans. As far as staff, Katrina remembers my name when I come in. That is worth mentioning, especially since I am not there often. I like that she treats the customers as friends, not patrons. Although she is busy, she pays attention to the line. She will not let anyone cut in front of you. She is cute and sassy. That makes me smile no matter what kind of day I've had before coming in. Tracy is always nice enough to make sure that I am ok with the amount of sauce placed in my bag. I appreciate that. The food and customer service have been great when I have visited. The parking leaves a lot to be desired. If that were better, this would be a five star review. read more

Ray's Real Pit BBQ Shack - Ray's BBQ! First time trying rib tips. - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

Smells like BBQ heaven when you walk in. I got the chicken stuffed potato and it was great

This is the type of BBQ that will make you think you've died and gone to heaven. I ordered the half rack of baby back ribs with potato salad and fried corn on the cob. Let me just stop and say that you MUST try the corn on the cob. I typically never choose corn as a side but I will never not choose this corn. It is seasoned perfectly and so delicious. The ribs were amazing with the sauce and the potato salad slayed. I also have to give this place props for how well the toast stayed non-soggy on the drive home...that's just magical. My boyfriend chose the 2 meat platter of brisket and ribs. I don't think he ever paused during the meal; it was just all too good. Don't pass this place up if you're ever in the area! read more

Super friendly people! Loved it! Don't let the outside detour you, it's worth the stop for Texas BBQ. I had the brisket and it was cooked just right! Potato Salad was the bomb! The strawberry lemonade was awesome but a diabetics nightmare! Yummy! Just can't say enough about the welcoming feeling we had and how nice everyone was to us. read more

I've driven out to Huntsville to find good BBQ for lunch. I can definitely say this is hands down one of the best hidden gems in houston! The brisket had a great ring on it. the rib tips were juicy meaty and fatty! The suave is amazing! A sweet brown sugar taste with a kick! The beans came with sausage and were slightly spicy. The coleslaw was sweet and peppery, I was surprised to find raisins in it! Delicious!! I finished off with a banana pudding...good lord! That was my favorite!!! read more

Barbeque is good across the board but it's hit or miss and when they miss they miss bad. I've received burned meat and shorted orders. My experience has been that if it's a large order. You had better order it when Ray is in. read more

Delicious! Don't make the mistake of not trying the burgers and seafood. Those are just as good as the BBQ! AND THAT FRIED CORN!!!!!

As everyone's been saying, get the ribs! I got a 2-meat plate with brisket and ribs but probably should've just gotten a rib plate. And that deep fried corn on the cob - never had anything like it but it's exactly what it sounds like: corn on the cob with deep fried goodness all around it! I'll be back for more ribs soon :) read more

This is probably one of the best bbq restaurants that I've had in a very long time. Something that's similar or as close to my home as it could get. I've tried many places and just hadn't gotten that feel.. Rays came a long and hit home! I have referred many friends and family to this place! Try it y'all! I will add that it's a mess getting your order in sometimes because of how busy it is! Other than that, it's cool! read more

Dude, where has this place been all my life! This is what i asked myself after i took a bite out of the sliced beef sandwich I had today at Ray's. Most places sliced beef is dry and not very tasty. Ray's is slow cooked, melt in your mouth perfection. The sauce is a mix between a kansas city style with the sweet and slightly smoky notes, crossed with a vinegar based carolina sauce with a hint of clove. The fries are crispy and well salted. The staff is fast, polite and attentive. Really tasty treat near my work. Thank you Ray! read more

This is absolutely the BEST bbq I've ever had. Everything is good!! And ice tried EVERYTHING! I come at least twice a week.

I live in the area and go to the place next door for wings. Was craving bbq and why not support a black owned business. I always get the kids meal because it feels me up fast and smaller portions. The staff is nice and welcoming and I want to try other things. The Mac and cheese is delicious and the beef. I plan on trying the daiquiris as well. I hate they close at 8 but whatever helps this business. They have a great bbq sauce too! read more

Four meat plate for $14? Yeah, I'm down. I left with the meat sweats and sticky fingers. Had the chicken, brisket, ribs and sausage. Ribs, brisket and chicken were all top notch. The sausage - meh. But the serving was generous. The sides were weak, but I was there for the main event, so no harm done. Spicy rice should be called salty rice - just don't get it, okay? The sign could also be bigger - I drove right past it. When you get into the area, just open your car window and follow your nose; you'll have a better chance at finding the place. An excellent end to a Houston BBQ adventure disguised as work. :) read more

We had a employee appreciation lucheon at my job and they brought the BBQ from Ray's, but when I asked where it's located. All they said was "It's across from Macgregor park" ....The beans were so good I took a drive the other day and found it. I ordered a large order of pinto beans & a chopped beef sandwich and it was awesome! Service was great, sit down area was well kept & women with pretty smiles took my order. I've had my share of BBQ in Houston & this place is right up there with the greats of the city. I had my brother try the beans & he wanted to drive back over there the same day. read more

I've never had ribs so perfectly seasoned and cooked that I skipped the barbeque sauce. Delicious!

BBQ brisket is good! Prices are reasonable. Fried corn on the cob is unexpectedly good! It has a light batter on it and juicy on the inside. Had the catfish today...ehh! Stick to the brisket. Banana pudding was freshly made and still a little warm. Yummy! read more

Some of the best ribs in Texas. The potato salad is fantastic and I've heard the fried corn on the cob is a good choice!

Excellent brisket and ribs. Very tender and flavorful. The sausage was just okay. I wish the food was served a little hotter. The sauce is on the table - at room temperature, which further cooled the food down. read more

The ribs fall off the bone....and the line was out the door! The brisket is very tender; try the fried corn and the beans, but seating is limited, so get it to go. read more

Great food. The meat was very nice with amazing seasoning with average portion. Their side menus are as great as the meat. But the service is a bit slow, since it is a self serve restaurant with tables that are quite close to each other. But everything else was quite nice. read more

I would say 5 star for the food, but 3 star for the location. For some reason my gps did not register this place correctly, and we were driving all over the immediate vicinity. It really wasn't a fun drive around town. It is located next to a gas station. The wait was long for both ordering and receiving the food. However, once we got the food it smelled so good and tasted so amazing all was forgiven. Deep smoke flavor, perfectly cooked brisket sandwich with peppers and onions with BBQ sauce. wanted to eat more, but had to stop because I had to eat my deep fried corn. Just perfectly lightly breaded, but deep fried. I would eat it all again, but I really didn't like our drive through town. read more

I'm here at least twice a month if not more. The best BBQ in Houston outside of family gatherings. I love supporting small businesses with excellent customer service. The great food is a bonus! read more

I'm not really into BBQ types food but this has to be a great spot. Everyone was very nice and welcoming which makes me want to give a good review and take the time to write one. Customers and staff were very informative. At first I felt intimidated when going into the restaurant since there were so many people standing around waiting for their order and there was a line for ordering but they had a system going. There was staff offering cold water while patrons waited. I thought that was a plus considering it was 93+ degrees. I'm from the Boston area and this would have to be one of the best places to experience a true BBQ. Everyone in my party loved the sides and the food. read more

The ppl here are so friendly and the food really is good. The girl at the front desk was so nice and gave me extra bags to make sure my soup wouldn't spill. Great place. When I drove up, I was a little worried cause the place is in the same parking lot as a gas station... But seriously so good. The gumbo soup is really good. Get the 16oz portion, you won't regret it. read more

Came to Houston to visit my sister that goes to University of Houston, she literally lives down the street from this place and never even mentioned it I found it on my own, when I was scouring for real Texas BBQ and that's just what I got here. The food was delicious and authentic, and very reasonably priced!! Great little gem in the third ward area that I would recommend to anyone seeking BBQ. read more

This place was a little bit of a drive from downtown but with the four a half star rating, had to give it a try. The ribs were pretty good in the sausage was also but the brisket was dried out. Ray was in the restaurant talking to customers and out front in the parking lot. He was not tending the grill that might have been the cause of the dry brisket. When my order first came out it was wrong and the cashier caught it and sent it back because it had the wrong sides. When he came back out the fried corn on the cob and spicy rice were there. The corn was great the rice not so much kind of a failed attempt at jambalaya. The ribs were the only standout part of the meal but not worth the drive. And before I forget the parking is atrocious it took us about 15 minutes to find a parking space. For a little spot attached to a gas station/convenience store this place stays packed. It is probably the best barbecue in this area but definitely not the best in town especially at the high price point for lunch. read more

Ray's Real Pit BBQ Shack - Three meat plate ribs, brisket and sausage with fried corn on the cob and spicy rice - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

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I'll Ivan say is DAMN! This is good BBQ! Get the tips, fried corn and hot rice. Nothing like BBQ at a gas station. The moment you walk in the door, you can smell it... If only it would keep, I'd take it back home. This is a must. read more

I went by during the week and wanted some BBQ and I've been dying to try this place. I got the beef plate which ended up being sausage when I was wanting like chopped beef. The lady at the counter was very helpful and I was gonna get. The sausage was pretty good. Potatoes salad was decent, been were okay. The sauce was okay as well. I really just liked the sausage and the hush puppies I go they were yummy. Will I come here again? Eh idk I think I've had better BBQ. read more

This barbeque place may be the best kept secret in Houston. The ribs are meaty, juicy, flavorful, and fall off the bone. The cole slaw and cucumber salad are top notch. The service is cheerful and efficient. Truly a local barbeque joint, which may very well be the best in Houston! Didn't get any dessert this trip, but it's on my bucket list! read more

Best BBQ I've had in a long time! And the sauce is amazing! Definitely my go to place for BBQ now!

The food is so good. The place can be packed at times but it's because the food is good. Just be careful pulling in to park. There's several pot holes to dodge. This my first time so far so good. Also I've NEVER had "friend corn" it's delicious. read more

Let's just say I have not been disappointed. I have had all of the meats as far as bbq. I've had the hamburgers and the fish. My latest was the three meat chef salad. I have loved them all. I highly recommend this place to everyone. The staff is great. They always greet you with a smile. I like the fact that you are shown your meal before leaving to ensure that you get what you ordered. Keep doing what you're doing! #satisfiedcustomer read more

In Houston for daughter's orientation at U of H and didn't want to go out for dinner. Yelp search and Ray's is a few minutes from the campus. I decided to try it out and I'm glad I did. I'm from Dallas and we eat a lot of barbecue. I'm always complaining about the lack of smokiness in the meat. Ha! So not a problem at Ray's! These ribs are the bomb.com and the potato salad is deelish. I usually do not eat potato salad unless I make it; however, this was the exception. I got the rib plate with potato salad and spicy rice. That was $14, which struck me as a bit expensive; however there were 4 meaty ribs and like 5 rib tips. Enough for two meals! As I was waiting I heard some customers talk about fried spare ribs. I'm coming back for fried spare ribs and fried corn. You won't be disappointed, but you will be stuffed! read more

I ordered a 2 piece fried catfish that came with 3 hush puppies & a side (I chose the cucumber salad); my hubby ordered a 3 meat plate (chicken, brisket & sausage) w/ 2 sides (fried corn on the cob; yum and macaroni salad). Ray's is the real deal in Houston, we've lived here for 22 years and we finally found an authentic pit master with good sausage and a choice of seafood; fried or grilled (for those in your party who don't eat meat) equally as delicious as the meat. All of the sides we ordered were tasty as well. Will definitely go back again & again. read more

Great BBQ. Have eaten Que in KC, Memphis, Virginia and small towns across Texas and this is by far one of the best I have ever eaten. Rib tips are so tender that you can pull the meat apart with your fingers. No knifes needed at this establishment; everything is EXTREMELY good. Definitely circle this as a BBQ stop when you are in Houston!!!! read more