Best of 11 BBQ restaurants in Downtown Houston
Downtown Houston is a hub for delicious food, and its BBQ restaurants are no exception. These establishments bring a taste of southern charm to the heart of the city, offering a variety of meats smoked to perfection. From brisket to ribs, BBQ restaurants in Downtown Houston provide a mouth-watering experience for any meat lover. With a unique blend of traditional and modern techniques, these eateries have earned a well-deserved reputation for their mouth-watering dishes. Whether you're a local resident or a tourist passing through, BBQ restaurants in Downtown Houston are a must-visit destination for anyone in search of exceptional smoked meats and an unforgettable culinary experience.
1. The Smoke in Downtown Houston
Award-winning BBQ, Homemade sauces, Outdoor seating

The customer service at The Smoke is exceptional, with the chef providing excellent service in addition to being talented and handsome. The food served at this BBQ joint is truly remarkable, with wings so flavorful that they can be easily cleaned. The Mac and cheese is a must-try, and the peach tea has a delicious peach cobbler flavor. The food is prepared with love, soul, and happy feelings, making for a satisfying meal.
The owner of The Smoke was working the register and was not only friendly and professional but also passionate about the BBQ. He is unbelievably handsome, adding to the overall positive experience of the visit. After debating which BBQ joint to try, a friend and I decided to give The Smoke a chance, and we were not disappointed. We are already planning our next visit.
TOPICS
- Corporate Events
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
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2. J-Bar-M Barbecue
Family-owned and operated for over 40 years, using a secret homemade sauce.

The food at this establishment is consistently described as falling between average and good, with a few standout dishes. The potato salad and brisket, in particular, have received high praise from guests. The portion sizes are reported to be quite generous, leaving many guests pleasantly full.
Service is described as standard, with guests ordering at the counter. However, despite the self-service nature of the establishment, some guests have noted that the staff is particularly friendly and provide great service. Overall, the food and service have left a positive impression on guests.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Affordable Nightlife
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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3. Cobos
Houses a lively bar and hosts live music events

The food at this establishment is truly exceptional, with each dish carefully prepared and cooked to bring out maximum flavor. The owner's BBQ recipe has won multiple contests, evidence of the exceptional quality of the food. Popular menu items include birria tacos, various brisket dishes, and the unique Boudin Mac & Brisket Quesadillas.
Guests rave about the unique and delicious taste of the food served at this restaurant. The owner's BBQ recipe is a standout, having won multiple contests. Among the most popular items on the menu are the birria tacos, a variety of brisket dishes, and the inventive Boudin Mac & Brisket Quesadillas.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Social Gatherings
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4. House of Hoopz BBQ and Crawfish

TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Mexican Cuisine
- Affordable Nightlife
- Hidden Gems
5. Charlie's BBQ & Salads
Family-owned business, homemade sauces

Cobos EaDo is a popular barbecue restaurant known for its unique and delicious taste, thanks to the owner's BBQ recipe that has won multiple contests. Guests flock to taste their famous Birria tacos, mouth-watering brisket dishes, and Boudin Mac & Brisket Quesadillas. The restaurant takes pride in its homemade approach to food, offering a wide range of dishes made from scratch daily.
Pappas Bar-B-Q is another well-known establishment that has earned a reputation for high-quality meats, spice-rubbed and slow-smoked in a secret wood blend. They offer fresh barbecue all day, straight from the pits. The restaurant's homemade philosophy extends to all aspects of the menu, from classic desserts like pecan pie and chunky potato salad to bold and savory sauces. Even their salads are made with freshly cut vegetables daily. Both restaurants share a commitment to quality, freshness, and homemade food, but each has its unique take on barbecue that keeps customers coming back for more.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Gluten-Free
6. Otto's
Live music on weekends, Family-friendly atmosphere

Burgers at this establishment are known for their juiciness and melted cheese on a soft sesame bun. While some guests find them delicious, others consider the burgers to be only average. The food court offers a variety of options beyond just burgers, with some guests praising the sausage in particular.
The food court becomes crowded during peak hours, such as noon, but the service remains efficient and friendly. However, the overall quality of the food leans toward the normal to mediocre range. Despite this, the establishment manages to serve a high volume of customers while maintaining a quick pace and a positive attitude.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- High-End
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7. Otto’s in Downtown Houston

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Affordable Nightlife
- Downtown Spots
8. Citadel BBQ

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Affordable Nightlife
- Hidden Gems
9. Jackson Street Barbecue
Local favorite, Hickory wood-smoked BBQ, Casual spot

The BBQ joint, situated conveniently next to Minute Maid Park, is known for its hospitality. Upon entering, we were immediately greeted and received assistance despite it being our first visit. The atmosphere was informal and inviting, making us feel right at home. Our meals, including the venison sausage, pulled pork, smoked turkey, and brisket, were all bursting with flavor.
We visited this acclaimed BBQ spot on the evening of January 22nd, 2020. Although some items had already sold out, the remaining choices did not disappoint. Our meals consisted of venison sausage, pulled pork, smoked turkey, and brisket, all of which were delightful and satisfying. The restaurant's excellent BBQ and friendly staff ensured a memorable dining experience.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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10. Texas Bar-B-Que House
Family-owned local favorite since 1985, using original pits and recipes

The brisket at this BBQ establishment is tender and packed with flavor, while the ribs are cooked to perfection, falling off the bone with ease. This place is a must-visit for BBQ lovers looking to experience some of the best smoked meats around.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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11. Houston Q

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Social Gatherings
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