Here’s my no-fluff, no beating-around-the-bush, top Houston-area Black-owned BBQ spots. Because when BBQ is on your mind, you want to get straight to it. So, let’s go…
Ray’s Real Pit BBQ Shack
3929 Old Spanish Trail, Houston, TX 77021
(713) 748-4227
Some of y’all remember when Ray’s was located in that little one-quarter strip mall (i.e. room for a gas station/convenience store… and Ray’s), across the street from MacGregor Park, off OST. They outgrew that spot with the quickness, and moved down the street to way more space. But yo, they’re outgrowing that location too. And not only is the BBQ great, but their burger rivals the best in the city. And whatever you do, please, please don’t drink the kool-aid. That concoction is so good it’ll have you Jonesin’ for more.
Triple J’s Smokehouse
6715 Homestead Road, Houston, TX 77028
(713) 635-6381 for restaurant; (713) 635-6384 for catering
Hey, the “norfside” has got it goin’ on when it comes to BBQ. Triple J’s is living proof. When I taught at YES Prep North Forest, the students and teachers all told me I had to try Triple J’s. Let’s just say, I found out what all the fuss was about. Good Gawd-a-mighty!
Burns Original BBQ
8307 De Priest St., Houston, TX 77088
(281) 999-5559
What can I say about Burns BBQ that hasn’t already been said by er’body in H-Town, especially Mayor Sylvester Turner? Check this; I did my research and found that Turner mentioned Burns BBQ in 79.5% of all the speeches he ever made; mentioning the iconic spot almost as much as his beloved “Foe-Foe.”
Gatlin’s BBQ
3510 Ella Blvd., Building C, Suite A, Houston, TX 77018
(713) 869-4227
It’s been said that when Gatlin’s opened its doors in 2010, it wasn’t long before this once-hidden gem became a Bayou City staple. And when you taste their food, you’ll know they ain’t lyin’ when they say Gatlin’s is “where love is the secret ingredient.” And Gatlin’s is a secret no more, having garnered national acclaim even before being featured on that powerful Netflix series, “High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America.”
SouthernQ BBQ and Catering
411 W Richey Road, Houston, TX 77090
16540 Kuykendahl Road, Houston, TX 77090
(281) 919-1238
I had the pleasure of meeting and interviewing the dynamic husband and wife team (Steve and Sherice Garner) that owns SouthernQ. And the only thing more amazing than their down-to-earth charm is their out-of-this-world food.
HONORABLE MENTION
Houston Sauce Pit
Address: Food truck location changes daily. Often located at 4906 Almeda, Houston, TX 77004. Check @HoustonSaucePit Instagram page.
(832) 649-8286
If you tried the BBQ from this already iconic and legendary food truck without any prior knowledge of how they roll, you would have no way of knowing they are an all-vegan spot. And when I say their food is insanely good… Bruh!
