Highest-rated barbecue restaurants in the Houston area by diners
Barbecue stands as one of America's most cherished culinary traditions, weaving together a rich tapestry of history, regional diversity, and evolving flavors that resonate with diners from coast to coast. A July 2022 YouGov survey revealed that nearly all Americans (96%) who consume meat , underscoring its widespread enduring appeal and cross-cultural significance. Among the 1,000 survey respondents, Texas dominated as the place most often associated with barbecue, but the cuisine's roots expand far beyond the Lone Star State.
American barbecue can be traced back to Indigenous cooking techniques and was further enriched by the influences of enslaved Africans. In the centuries since, it's evolved into a multifaceted culinary art with : the tangy, vinegar-based sauces and slow-cooked pork of the Carolinas; the tender brisket of Texas with sauce served on the side; the robust, sweet-forward flavors characteristic of Kansas City; and Alabama's signature mayo-based white sauce drizzled over some juicy chicken.
Alongside these classic offerings, innovative interpretations have surged in popularity in recent decades, as multicultural variants such as Korean BBQ, with its marinated cuts and sizzling grill presentations, and Mexican barbacoa, known for its richly spiced, slow-cooked succulence, have carved out their own niche in the competitive barbecue landscape.
Over the years, barbecue has not only mirrored America's evolving palate but has also fostered a spirit of community, as festivals, backyard cookouts, and friendly competitions celebrate the art of smoking and grilling—traditions lovingly passed down from generation to generation.
Nationwide, barbecue restaurants today greet families and friends with the intoxicating aroma of slow-smoked meats served on sturdy metal trays, often covered in rustic butcher paper. And what meal would be complete without those hearty sides? Whether you opt for gooey mac and cheese and smoky collard greens or crumbly cornbread and creamy coleslaw, you can't go wrong.
If you're craving some good 'cue in your neck of the woods, has you covered with the highest-rated barbecue restaurants in Houston based on diners' reviews on as of February 2025. Restaurants with at least 20 reviews tagged as "barbecue" within a 10-kilometer radius of Houston were included. As a result, some restaurants featured may serve other food items.
Keep reading to see where to go when the hunger for all things low-and-slow strikes you!
#30. Hongdae 33 Korean BBQ
- Rating: 4.0/5 (270 reviews)
- Price level: $$$
- Address: 9889 Bellaire Blvd. Dun Huang Plaza Houston, Texas
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue, Beer Bar
-
#29. Lucky Palace Korean Restaurant
- Rating: 4.0/5 (378 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 8508 Bellaire Blvd. Houston, Texas
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue, Soup
-
#28. Brookstreet Bar-B-Que
- Rating: 4.0/5 (495 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1009 Missouri St. Houston, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue, Southern
-
#27. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ
- Rating: 4.0/5 (1749 reviews)
- Price level: $$$
- Address: 510 Gray St. Ste A Houston, Texas
- Categories: Japanese, Barbecue, Asian Fusion
-
#26. Coffee-Q
- Rating: 4.0/5 (129 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: Houston, Texas
- Categories: Coffee & Tea, Barbecue, Food Trucks
-
#25. Lyndon's Pit Bar-B-Q
- Rating: 4.0/5 (128 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5320 Hollister St. Houston, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue, American, Comfort Food
-
#24. Honey Pig BBQ
- Rating: 4.1/5 (327 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 9140 Bellaire Blvd. Ste B Houston, Texas
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue, Noodles
-
#23. Xin Jiang BBQ
- Rating: 4.1/5 (217 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 9260 Bellaire Blvd. Houston, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue, Chinese, Kebab
-
#22. Korea Garden Restaurant
- Rating: 4.1/5 (513 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 9501 Long Point Road Houston, Texas
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue, Hot Pot
-
#21. Kure Wings And Grill
- Rating: 4.1/5 (110 reviews)
- Address: 1411 Gessner Road Ste A Houston, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue, Korean, Chicken Wings
-
#20. Blood Bros. BBQ
- Rating: 4.1/5 (489 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5425 Bellaire Blvd. Bellaire, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue, Vietnamese, Asian Fusion
-
#19. The Brisket House
- Rating: 4.1/5 (873 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5775 Woodway Drive Houston, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue, Southern
-
#18. Tree Garden Korean Restaurant
- Rating: 4.1/5 (151 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 9504 Long Point Road Ste A Houston, Texas
- Categories: Korean, Seafood, Barbecue
-
#17. Big "6" Bar-B-Que
- Rating: 4.1/5 (168 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 9907 South Texas 6 Ste 500 Sugar Land, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue, Caterers, Food Trucks
-
#16. Handam BBQ
- Rating: 4.1/5 (657 reviews)
- Price level: $$$
- Address: 6609 West Sam Houston Pkwy South Ste 96 Houston, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue, Korean
-
#15. Fainmous BBQ
- Rating: 4.2/5 (392 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1201 Oliver St. Ste 50 Houston, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue
-
#14. Rudy's "Country Store" and Bar-B-Q
- Rating: 4.2/5 (936 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 14620 Northwest Fwy Houston, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue
-
#13. Siu Lap City 燒臘城
- Rating: 4.2/5 (271 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 2808 Milam St. Ste F Houston, Texas
- Categories: Chinese, Barbecue, Specialty Food
-
#12. Ray's Real Pit BBQ Shack
- Rating: 4.2/5 (1015 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3929 Old Spanish Trl Ste 300 Houston, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue, Southern
-
#11. Gen Korean BBQ House
- Rating: 4.3/5 (1023 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3201 Louisiana St. Ste 101 Houston, Texas
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue, Seafood
-
#10. Garosu Korean BBQ
- Rating: 4.3/5 (226 reviews)
- Price level: $$$
- Address: 11700 Bellaire Blvd. Ste A Houston, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue, Korean, Sushi Bars
-
#9. The Pit Room
- Rating: 4.3/5 (3135 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1201 Richmond Ave. Houston, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue, Southern
-
#8. BBQ Garden Korean Restaurant
- Rating: 4.3/5 (554 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1949 Gessner Road Houston, Texas
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue
-
#7. Truth BBQ
- Rating: 4.4/5 (1140 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 110 South Heights Blvd. Houston, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue, Southern
-
#6. Pinkerton's Barbecue
- Rating: 4.4/5 (1587 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1504 Airline Drive Houston, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue
-
#5. BORI - Spring Branch
- Rating: 4.4/5 (629 reviews)
- Price level: $$$
- Address: 1453 Witte Road Houston, Texas
- Categories: Korean, Steakhouses, Barbecue
-
#4. Houston Sauce Pit
- Rating: 4.5/5 (125 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4819 Almeda Road Houston, Texas
- Categories: Vegan, Barbecue, Food Trucks
-
#3. Henderson & Kane
- Rating: 4.5/5 (292 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 715 Henderson St. Houston, Texas
- Categories: Grocery, Barbecue, Bagels
-
#2. The Cookshack
- Rating: 4.6/5 (681 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4015 Washington Ave. Houston, Texas
- Categories: Chicken Shop, Barbecue, Salad
-
#1. 3rd Coast BBQ
- Rating: 4.7/5 (132 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 25219 Oakhurst Drive Ste C Spring, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue, Food Trucks
-
This story features data reporting by Wade Zhou, writing by Cynthia Rebolledo, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 281 metros.
