1. Brookstreet Bar-B-Que (2600 Montrose Blvd., 713.234.3165) has a new Montrose location in a gorgeous refurbished stone home. Pitmaster Farris Dabis serves the staples of Texas barbecue, from brisket to spicy sausage and pulled pork. Sandwiches are on Slow Dough’s split-top challah hot dog buns.
2. It’s worth the drive to Corkscrew BBQ (26608 Keith St., 832.592.1184) in Spring for the moist brisket with crusty, blackened bark at this famous trailer-turned-brick and mortar owned by Will and Nichole Buckman. Also try the blistered ribs, snappy pork sausage and overloaded taters.
3. Midtown Barbeque (2708 Bagby St., 713.636.9044) is perfuming the edge of Downtown with slow-smoked meats over select hardwoods. Turkey breast and free-range chickens are moist and tender, but you can also sink your teeth into spare ribs, Southern-style pulled pork sandwiches, and loaded mac and cheese.
4. Downtown gets more great barbecue at Pappa Charlies Barbeque (2012 Rusk St., 832.940.1719), a former food truck trailer by pitmaster Wes Jurena that has now opened a permanent home. Local smoked meats like brisket, pork ribs, boudin and chicken headline the menu along with classic sides. You can also look for specials liked grilled fish or smoked lamb.
5. After a year of waiting, The Pit Room (1201 Richmond Ave., 281.888.1929) is now dishing out smoking-hot brisket, three types of sausage and decadent ice cream sandwiches made with homemade cookies. Traditional sides are punched up with surprises like chips and queso, smoked seafood campechana and Texas Frito pie. The menu also has tacos!
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