Foodie News

The best barbecue in Houston: Five restaurant joints that deserve a spot in theTexas Top 50

Gaitlin's BBQ & Catering
Gaitlin's BBQ & Catering/Facebook
Killen's brisket
Texas Monthly

It's been four and a half years since Texas Monthly surveyed the best barbecue in Texas, and at last count Houston — population 2.1 million — had only two barbecue places that merited a spot on the list. (Those would be Virgie's Bar-B-Que and Burns BBQ & Catering.)

This time around, Texas Monthly is asking for advice on which barbecue joints (and they're all joints, aren't they?) around the state should be considered for inclusion. Consider this our friendly two cents.

Gatlin's BBQ

It might not have 50-plus years of tradition, but since Greg Gatlin and his family opened this place in the Heights a couple years ago locals have been lining up for the moist, flavorful brisket, ribs and more.

Tin Roof

From the corrugated tin roofs and paneling to the Texas flags painted on the floor, Tin Roof in Atascocita is such a quintessential country barbecue shack that you'll roll your eyes — until you taste the barbecue. Worth the drive.

Killen's BBB

Right now Killen's BBB is just a gleam in Ronnie Killen's eye, with his thick, fatty brisket and juicy sausage making an occasional appearance for those in the know at Killen's Steakhouse in Pearland. But the barbecue joints list doesn't come around that often and it would be a shame for Killen to miss it.

Goode Company Bar-B-Q

The turkey is a mess, the brisket could be more tender, but oh, the jalapeño sausage! That plus jalapeño cheese bread and the glorious pecan pies is enough to merit Goode Company's status as a Houston favorite

Thelma's Bar B Que

Until there's a list of best Texas barbecue characters, Thelma and her crew (and their famous pork ribs) will have to settle for this one.

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Coastal-inspired Houston restaurant will shutter after 3 years in Montrose

Photo by Kirsten Gilliam

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A Montrose restaurant devoted to fresh and healthy fare will soon serve its final meal. Graffiti Raw will close on December 31.

Located next to Uchi in the Montrose Collective mixed-use development, Graffiti Raw opened in early 2023. It is part of the Big Vibe Group, the hospitality company behind Coppa Osteria in Rice Village and Flora, the stylish Mexican restaurant in Buffalo Bayou Park.

Graffiti Raw took inspiration from coastal destinations such as Big Sur, Mexico, and the Mediterranean. True to its name, the menu included raw items such as tartare and ceviche alongside classic fare such as steak frites, chicken schnitzel, and crab fried rice.

“Since opening, Graffiti Raw has been a place for connection — from shared meals to vibrant

nights that reflected the creative energy of Houston. The Big Vibe Group is grateful to the

guests, team members, partners and the Montrose Collective community who helped shape the experience,” the company said in a statement.

Big Vibe emphasizes that both Coppa Osteria and Flora “remain central to the company’s long-term vision, with an emphasis on growth, consistency, and elevated hospitality.” It made a similar commitment to those concepts when it closed Gratify, a neighborhood bistro in Rice Village, back in 2024.

Montrose has seen a number of openings and closings, with additions such as jazz supperclub Doc’s and wine shop/bar Montrose Grocer. Paulie’s, a neighborhood staple for more than 25 years, will also close on December 31.

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