Major Barbecue Expansion

Is bigger better? Top Houston barbecue restaurant plans move to massive new location

Looks like 2015 will be a busy year for Greg Gatlin. The celebrated pitmaster of Gatlin's BBQ in the Heights already has plans to open Jackson Street Barbecue with fellow St. Thomas alum Bryan Caswell of Reef. In addition, he will relocate his restaurant, which was selected by Texas Monthly as one of the state's 50 best barbecue joints, to a new location on Ella.

Located at 3510 Ella, the space is part of a newly constructed shopping center adjacent to Private Mini-Storage.

Currently, Gatlin's only has about 700 square feet of space for interior seating that's supplemented by about a dozen picnic tables on a covered patio. The new space will be 4,200 square feet, according to an article in the Chronicle. Located at 3510 Ella, the space is part of a newly constructed shopping center adjacent to Private Mini-Storage.

One secret to Gatlin's success is the way its meat blends both Central Texas and East Texas. Alongside brisket, Gatlin's serves pork ribs that are some of the best in Texas thanks to their sweet and spicy seasoning; Gatlin's dirty rice is also among the best side dishes at any Texas barbecue joint.

The new space means less standing around waiting for a table or having to split a picnic table with strangers, but it doesn't address the biggest problem with dining there. That would be the sometimes half hour wait to receive food after ordering it. Hopefully, the larger space also brings speedier service.

If all goes according to plan, Gatlin's will relocate in May, which means the spring will be jam-packed. According to Reef co-owner Bill Floyd, Jackson Street Barbecue should be open near Minute Maid Park in time for the start of baseball season.

Gatlin's BBQ is known for its excellent ribs and stellar sides.

$Texas Monthly 10 Houston Plates May 2013 Fatty Brisket at Gatlin\u2019s BBQ$

Photo by © Cedric Angeles Food & Wine June 2013

Gatlin's BBQ is known for its excellent ribs and stellar sides.

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switcheroo

2-acre Houston patio bar rebrands with new name and family-friendly menu

Photo by Sean Rainer

The bar's patio includes 10,000-square-feet of turf.

A bar in Houston’s Near Northside neighborhood is switching things up with a new name and revised menu. Effectively immediately, Woodland Social is now known as White Oak Social.

Simply put, the new name is designed to end confusion about the bar’s location, which many people assumed was in The Woodlands. In fact, it’s located next to popular concert venue White Oak Music Hall, which is reflected in the new name.

“We wanted a name that truly represented where we are and the community we serve,” the bar’s owners said in a statement. “Many guests thought we were located in The Woodlands, so renaming the business to White Oak Social makes our location clear and aligns our brand with the neighborhood we love.”

Along with the new name comes a few improvements. They include an outdoor playground that’s designed to appeal to area families, many of whom are already regulars.

In addition, the restaurant has broadened its menu. While pizzas still remain, White Oak Social now offers burgers, chicken tenders, more entrees, and a kids menu. An all-new brunch menu includes updated cocktails and more options for kids.

Piper’s Hospitality Group (Preslee’s Southern Good Eatery) opened Woodland Social in 2024. Originally named for the Woodland Heights neighborhood, the two-acre property has an 8,000-square-foot main bar area, a 15,000-square-foot outdoor patio that includes 10,000-square-feet of turf, and more than 100 parking spaces.

“We’re excited for this next chapter,” the group said. “The new name, the expanded menu, and the playground show our commitment to being a neighborhood gathering place for all ages.”

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