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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there's the rub

Restaurant known for 'new Houston cuisine' now open in Cypress

Courtesy of Jonathan's the Rub

Jonathan's the Rub serves steaks and other dishes.

A restaurant known for its eclectic “new Houston cuisine” has opened in Cypress. The fourth location of Jonathan’s the Rub is now open for dinner in Bridgeland (20215 Bridgeland Creek Parkway).

First announced last year, the new Jonathan’s is located in Village Green, a 70-acre mixed-use development within the 925-acre Bridgeland Central district. The 5,500-square-foot restaurant includes two patios totaling 2,600 square feet, giving the restaurant plenty of room for private dining rooms, a bar area, and indoor-outdoor areas with fire pits and greenery.

“We were looking for the next frontier — a community with a booming population and a clear vision for growth that aligns with our brand,” chef-owner Jonathan Levine said in a statement. “When we discovered Bridgeland and learned it was a Howard Hughes development, we were immediately impressed. With their reputation for developing generational communities, we felt confident that Bridgeland was the right place for our family and for Jonathan’s the Rub.”

Like Jonathan’s three other locations, the menu at Bridgeland is built around Levine’s signature “new Houston cuisine,” a kicked-up take on comfort food that includes everything from lobster tacos and blackened shrimp and grits to Italian American classics and steakhouse fare.

Village Green is also home to H-E-B and restaurants such as Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café and Crust Pizza Co. Austin-based burger joint P. Terry’s will open there next year.

“Jonathan’s the Rub’s arrival in Bridgeland Central brings a distinguished addition to the culinary scene in both the community and northwest Houston,” said Jim Carman, president of the Texas region, for Bridgeland developer Howard Hughes Communities. “We’re proud to partner with exceptional restaurateurs like Chef Jonathan Levine to bring elevated dining experiences that enhance the lifestyle offerings for our residents and neighbors.”

Courtesy of Jonathan's the Rub

Jonathan's the Rub serves steaks and other dishes.

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there's the rub

Restaurant known for 'new Houston cuisine' now open in Cypress