2 smoking new bbq joints

2 smokin' Houston-area barbecue names fire up new restaurants in bustling 'burbs

Killen's Barbecue has arrived in Cypress.

Killen's BBQ Facebook

Two of the Houston-area's most highly rated barbecue joints have opened new locations. Killen's Barbecue has begun a soft opening at its new Cypress location, and Brett's BBQ Shop in Katy has moved to its new location near Katy Mills Mall.

Killen's Barbecue began its soft opening at the new Cypress location this Friday, January 20. For now, the restaurant will be open Tuesday-Sunday from 11 am until sold out. Chef-owner Ronnie Killen tells CultureMap that he plans to add dinner hours in the coming weeks once he's hired some additional employees.

First announced in August, Killen's Barbecue occupies the former Burro & Bull space at 25618 Northwest Fwy. Known for its extensive selection of proteins, sides, and desserts — the menu includes beef brisket, pork ribs, beef ribs, housemade sausage, creamed corn, mac & cheese, and banana pudding — the original Pearland location maintains a spot on Texas Monthly's 2021 list of the state's 50 best barbecue joints. Plans for dinner include steaks and comfort food such as chicken fried steak.

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Killen's has introduced itself to the area with a series of pop-ups that have drawn long lines and fast sell outs. Expect similar enthusiasm for this weekend's opening.

Turning to Brett's BBQ Shop, its new location at 25220 Kingsland Boulevard opened earlier this month. It replaces the original Mason Road location that closed last summer.

Owned by pitmaster Brett Jackson and his business partner Jacqueline Herrera, the new Brett's is substantially larger than the original, with a 70-seat main dining room, a 20-seat bar and lounge area, and an outdoor patio. Patrons can play games such as Golden Tee and darts while sipping beer or cocktails from the full bar.

Brett's BBQ Shop bar Brett's has a full bar.Courtesy of Brett's BBQ Shop

Like Killen's, Brett's also earned a spot on the 2021 Texas Monthly list. Jackson earned the coveted recognition for his expertly-prepared beef brisket, creative sausages, and signature sides such as mac & cheese and cole slaw made with carrots, red bell pepper, and jalapeño. Weekly specials such as brisket enchiladas, brisket burgers, and pork belly burnt ends enhance the menu's appeal.

Eventually, the new location will be open for dinner. For now, the restaurant is open Wednesday-Sunday from 11 am - 6 pm with barbecue that lasts until it sells out. In addition, a happy hour menu is available Wednesday-Sunday from 3-5:30 pm.

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Melrose place

Clarkwood owner dishes on opening Houston's buzzy new cocktail lounge

Clarkwood owner dishes on Houston's buzzy new cocktail lounge

Montrose’s next destination-worthy cocktail bar and lounge is already drawing crowds. The word is out about Melrose, which quietly opened at the end of December in the former La Grange space.

As CultureMap reported last summer, Melrose unites Clarkwood co-owner Army Sadeghi with Brandon Duliakas and Dan Wierck, the duo behind Washington Avenue hotspots such as Clutch and Concrete Cowboy. Together, the trio transformed the former Mexican-inspired patio bar into a sleek, modern space inside and a lush, landscaped outdoor courtyard.

“What drew me to the location is the gorgeous outdoor space with a mezzanine bar and an outdoor bar. There’s nothing else in town that can deliver both an indoor and outdoor experience,” Sadeghi tells CultureMap.

Located above the courtyard, the mezzanine has an intimate, 12-seat bar that will offer spirits lockers available for rental by the bar’s most engaged fans. An outdoor bar will eventually serve the courtyard, helping to provide patrons with a distinct experience from the indoor lounge.

The partners recruited Tatemó chef-owner Emmanuel Chavez to develop a menu of elevated bar fare. The results include dishes such as Kampachi Tiradito and Spicy Tuna Rice Crisp that might be expected from Chavez, who earned one of Houston’s five Michelin stars for his intimate tasting menu restaurant. It also includes more playful comfort food such as a pigs in a blanket made with smoked beef sausage, buttermilk-brined chicken tenders, and a burger made with beef from Texas ranch 44 Farms. A brunch menu built around shareable items will follow in the coming weeks.

“Working with Emmanuel was fantastic,” Sadeghi says. “He’s very passionate about the project. It’s been such a great ride, with all of us dialing it in to what we can deliver.”

Along with opening Melrose, Sadeghi is also launching a hospitality company called Sadeghi Concepts. The goal is to apply Clarkwood’s sleek aesthetic to a range of other projects in Houston and beyond.

“The mission would be to craft unforgettable experiences, engaging with exceptional design, culinary artistry, and genuine hospitality. It’s to create a collection of spaces that redefine luxury,” Sadeghi says about his plans. Later, he adds, “I want to continue to curate a combination of of locations with all different concepts that I feel passionate about.”

Melrose is open daily from 4 pm until 2 am. Happy hour, available Monday-Friday from 4-6:30 pm, features $10 cocktails, $5 beers, half-off bottles of wine, half-off charcuterie boards, and $15 burgers.

Photo by Michael Anthony

Aloe and rose gin and tonic.