Houston has been home for more than a decade, and when I arrived, I realized how serious BBQ is here. I love everything about it. The technique, the beautiful days of fresh air mixed with the burning of post oak wood, the family aspect, and of course the taste! Plus, it's something left in our society that slows us down from the pace of life. Even when you're just showing up to a restaurant, BBQ is the kind of meal you make time for. And you don't eat it alone. There is calm in the calamity with BBQ. 

So I'm headed all over Houston to try the best spots with my BBQ expert friend Jeremy. I met him at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's BBQ Cook-off where we both judged brisket. Since then, we've become fast friends in slow paced environments. 

Below I'll list the places in case you're looking for recommendations and give some very unofficial scores as well. But I'll tell you, I haven't tried a bad place yet down here. Hope this helps you in your search!

 

Killen's BBQ (25618 Northwest Fwy #3B, Cypress, TX 77433) 

(Picture from the Houston Chronicle)

Killen's BBQ isn't just one location anymore, though I still need to visit the original in Pearland. I visited the Cypress location, and wow I don't know how they bring that much quality to multiple locations. Often in BBQ, it's one location where the expert does his or her thing. It has to be a huge venture to make it this good elsewhere. While the atmosphere wasn't like your typical hole in the wall, the location is very conveniently located off 290. In smoking meat, it can be hard to accomplish complete consistently. Every brisket for example is going to be a little different each time. Sizes of the brisket, the exact cooker temp, and even the temp/humidity outside can affect the cook. All that to say, we got a GOOD day and it was delicious. The sides were great, particularly the corn casserole!

• Brisket: 8 out of 10
• Sides: 8.5 out of 10 
• Atmosphere: 7 out of 10

 

Brisket & Rice (13111 FM 529, Houston, TX 77041)

(Picture from the Houston Chronicle)

Brisket & Rice is a place that has really burst on the scene in the last few years, and recently received a Michelin star. Not bad for a place connected to a gas station! It's probably the most unique BBQ menu I've ever seen, as they blend flavors and cultures!

While I usually get about the same thing every place (brisket and sausage/ribs with potato salad or mac and cheese) I could not pass up the "Brisket & Rice" plate, and wow I was not disappointed:

The fried rice was as good as any restaurant you'd get Asian food from, and the loaded potato salad didn't hurt my feelings one bit! The parking is hard, but the vibe is fun. Kind of feels like an old diner, though they are moving to a new location soon. 

• Brisket: 8.5 out of 10
• Sides: 8 out of 10
• Atmosphere: 8.5 out of 10

 

Corkscrew BBQ (26608 Keith St, Spring, TX 77373)

My family went with me to Corkscrew, and this one is near and dear to my heart. I used to live very close to it and made some great memories there. It's a great vibe in Old Town Spring, and it's what introduced me to how great Texas BBQ is. The lines are long most days, especially on Fridays and Saturdays, and they will sell out of popular items on busy days. The brisket you can cut with a plastic fork. It's that tender. 

• Brisket: 9.5 out of 10
• Sides: 7 out of 10
• Atmosphere: 9.5 out of 10

 

Tejas Chocolate + BBQ (200 N Elm St, Tomball, TX 77375)

I'm ashamed I don't have any food pictures of all the deliciousness you can get at Tejas, but I probably ate it too fast! Scott, Austin and the staff are very friendly, and I've been coming here a long time as well. They have one of the fullest menu's I've seen at a BBQ restaurant and man is it all good. They know what they're doing with BBQ (wow that pork tenderloin is good), plus family recipe sides (definitely try the carrot soufflé), and they offer something no other BBQ place does: chocolate. Yes, you can get chocolate truffles for dessert! It's another great atmosphere in downtown Tomball. One where you'll forget life's worries and just enjoy some great food with some great friends. 

• Brisket: 8.8 out of 10
• Sides: 9 out of 10
• Atmosphere: 9.5 out of 10

Truth BBQ (110 S Heights Blvd, Houston, TX 77007)

One I've heard about for a long time and FINALLY got to is Truth BBQ. Originally in Brenham, they added this location to the Heights in recent years. I was a little nervous about parking and the line, but at 11 am on a Tuesday it wasn't bad at all. They have a big parking lot for being in that area, and only a few people were ahead of us. But you get a show while you wait! Yes you can see them trim the meat!

Plus something I'd never seen before: free samples! Usually you have to put the sweat in with the person smoking the meat to get a taste before dinner, but they graciously offered it for waiting in line.

As for the BBQ: WOW. They aren't messing around. The brisket was top notch, and the sides were some of the best I've had. This may have been the best potato salad I've ever had. It was good in and of itself. But right when they get it on your tray, they offer crumbled bacon and fresh dill. I also tried the tater tot casserole, which was excellent as well. Ribs were fall off the bone. This was as good of a BBQ experience as you will get anywhere. 

• Brisket: 9.3 out of 10
• Sides: 9.9 out of 10
• Atmosphere: 8.5 out of 10