Killen's Barbecue

Photo by Kimberly Park
More than any other restaurant, Ronnie Killen's Pearland establishment kicked off the local barbecue boom that's brought Franklin-inspired, Central Texas-style smoked meat to neighborhoods across the entire Houston area. The core menu remains among the most wide-ranging of any local barbecue joint — with brisket, pork ribs, beef ribs, homemade sausage, turkey, pork belly, and a full range of sides and desserts all available daily — the addition of dinner service in 2017 added steaks, comfort food, and Tex-Mex to the menu. Long lines can still be an issue on the weekends, but those willing to consider barbecue for dinner only need to make a reservation to skip them.