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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a very fine house

Mexican restaurant with private tequila lockers sets Cypress opening

Courtesy of Grupo Herrera Restaurants

The menu includes ceviche.

An upscale Mexican restaurant is coming soon to the Towne Lake development in Cypress. Galiana’s Casa Del Tequila will begin its soft opening this Monday, September 21 ahead of a grand opening on September 28.

Located at 11231 Greenhouse Road, Galiana’s Casa Del Tequila is an evolution of Galiana's Tex Mex & Agave Bar, a restaurant that closed in May. It’s part of Grupo Herrera Restaurants, the company behind Alicia’s Mexican Grille, Dario’s Steakhouse & Seafood, and Marvino’s Italian Steakhouse.

The new name comes with a new menu that’s designed to be more upscale than its predecessor. Owner Dario Herrera describes Galiana’s as “the fresher side of Mexico,” according to press materials, with a focus on high quality ingredients and tableside presentations.

Appetizers include street corn with grilled bone marrow, charred octopus, gorditas filled with pastor or chicken fajitas, and tableside guacamole. From there, diners may opt for tacos filled with pastor, octopus, vegetables, tempura fried Gulf snapper, or ribeye.

Galiana’s offers three choices of beef fajitas — skirt, ribeye, or filet — along with chicken. Diners can add familiar toppings such as bacon-wrapped shrimp, a lobster tail, or jalapeño sausage.

Other entrees include shrimp and crab enchiladas, mole enchiladas with chicken, risotto Veracruz with shellfish and octopus, and pan-seared Gulf red snapper with tequila poblano-chipotle cream. The company’s experience with steakhouses is reflected in Galiana’s steak selection that includes skirt, ribeye, an American wagyu New York strip, and a Black Angus tomahawk that’s carved tableside.

As the “house of tequila,” Galiana’s will also serve a wide range of tequila and mezcal-based cocktails, all of which are made-to-order with fresh citrus. In addition, private liquor lockers ae available for diners who want access to premium spirits and other perks.

During the soft opening, the restaurant will be open for dinner from 5-10 pm. After that, it will be open for lunch and dinner daily with brunch served on Saturday and Sunday. Reservations are available online.

Courtesy of Grupo Herrera Restaurants

The menu includes ceviche.

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