Houston’s culinary scene is rich with flavors that reflect the city’s diverse culture, and its Black-owned BBQ joints are at the heart of this gastronomic tapestry. From smoky briskets to savory ribs, these establishments not only serve up mouthwatering dishes but also represent stories of family heritage, resilience, and community pride.
Whether you’re drawn to the legendary hickory-smoked meats at Ray’s BBQ Shack or the soulful flavors at Triple J’s SmokeHouse, each spot offers a unique taste of Houston’s Black barbecue tradition. These restaurants, deeply rooted in their neighborhoods, provide more than just a meal. They offer a connection to the history and culture that have shaped Houston into the culinary destination it is today.
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Black-Owned BBQ Joints In Houston
- Ray’s BBQ Shack
- Triple J’s SmokeHouse
- Southern Q BBQ & Catering
- Gatlin’s Barbecue
- Burns Original BBQ
- Big Lee’s BBQ Shack
- R & K Barbecue
- The Smoke
- The Shack Houston
- Brooks’ Place BBQ
Ray’s BBQ Shack
Ray’s BBQ Shack is a beloved institution in Houston. The family-owned restaurant, founded by Ray Busch and co-owned by Maxine Davis and Herb Taylor, has been serving hickory-smoked meats and soul food for years. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and commitment to quality, Ray’s BBQ Shack is a favorite among locals for its casual dining experience that blends tradition with innovation.
- Owners: Rayford S. Busch, Maxine Davis, and Herb Taylor
- Location: 3929 Old Spanish Trail, Houston, TX
- Cuisine: Hickory-smoked barbecue, cajun, and soul food
- Menu Spotlight: Hickory-Smoked Ribs
- Before you go: Closed on Sunday, catering available
Triple J’s SmokeHouse
Triple J’s SmokeHouse is more than just a restaurant — it’s a Houston legacy. Founded by Rhonda and Jarrett Scales, this family-run barbecue spot has been serving the community with smoked meats and Southern hospitality for years.
- Owners: Rhonda and Jarrett Scales
- Location: 6715 Homestead Rd, Houston, TX
- Cuisine: Traditional smoked barbecue
- Menu Spotlight: Smoked Brisket and Sausage Links
- Before you go: Closed Sunday and Monday.
Southern Q BBQ & Catering
Southern Q BBQ & Catering is the creation of Steve Garner, who has made it his mission to bring authentic, slow-smoked barbecue to Houston. With a focus on quality and flavor, Southern Q has earned a reputation as one of the city’s top spots for traditional barbecue. Garner’s commitment to his craft is evident in every bite.
- Owners: Steve Garner
- Location: 9705 Homestead Rd, Houston, TX
- Cuisine: Slow-smoked barbecue
- Menu Spotlight: Smoked Chicken and Loaded Baked Potatoes
- Before you go: Closed Monday, online ordering available.
Gatlin’s Barbecue
Gatlin’s Barbecue, founded by the Gatlin family, has quickly become a go-to destination for barbecue in Houston. Known for perfectly smoked meats and rich, flavorful sides, Gatlin’s combines traditional techniques with a modern twist. The restaurant’s commitment to quality has made it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
- Owner: The Gatlin Family
- Location: 3510 Ella Blvd, Houston, TX
- Cuisine: Traditional barbecue with a modern twist
- Menu Spotlight: Smoked Brisket and Cajun Smoked Turkey
- Before you go: Closed Sunday, breakfast available from 7 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Burns Original BBQ
Burns Original BBQ has been serving the community since 1973. Founded by Roy Burns Sr., the restaurant has grown from a small shack to a beloved BBQ destination. Known for its rich, smoky flavors and a menu that honors traditional barbecue, Burns Original BBQ is a testament to the enduring appeal of great barbecue.
- Owner: Cory Crawford
- Location: 8307 De Priest St, Houston, TX 77088
- Cuisine: East Texas-style barbecue
- Menu Spotlight: Rib Sandwich and Roy Burns BBQ Baked Potato
- Before you go: There are two locations in Houston, one in Katy, and one in Pearland.
Big Lee’s BBQ Shack
This barbecue food trailer and catering service has served the Houston area since 2021. It offers slow-smoked classics and custom eats cooked upon request. Previous customs include Tofu Burnt Ends and Turkey Necks. Don’t miss Big Lee’s Mac Attack — mac and cheese topped with brisket, ribs, and barbecue sauce.
- Owner: LeAlfred S.
- Location: Depends on the day
- Cuisine: Slow-smoke Texas-style barbecue
- Menu Spotlight: Custom slow-smoked requests
- Before you go: Check social media to see where in Houston you can catch this food truck.
R & K Barbecue
This “no-frills” spot offers delicious barbecue and fixings that’ll stick to your ribs. There are classic barbecue sandwiches, turkey legs, raved-about baked potatoes, chef specials, and signature sides. One of the unique items on the menu, the “Michael Harris” is a barbecue sandwich with beef, sausage, pickles, onions, barbecue sauce, and mustard.
- Owner: Ronald Douglas
- Location: 911 Normandy Houston, TX 77015
- Cuisine: Barbecue and soul food
- Menu Spotlight: Chopped Beef and Baked Potatoes
- Before you go: This establishment is closed on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays.
The Smoke
The Smoke is helmed by the vibrant Chef Reginald Scott, who serves Texas-style barbecue with Memphis influences. The weekly specials are unique and may pull elements from cuisines across the globe. It serves hearty meals that expand your palate and redefine what BBQ food can be.
- Owner: Chef Reginald Scott
- Locations: Urban Harvest Farmers Market every Saturday 8 a.m. – noon, Rice Village Farmers Market every first and third Sunday 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Heights Mercantile Farmers Market every second and fourth Sunday 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Cuisine: Flavors of legacy Texas barbecue “with a Memphis twist”
- Menu Spotlight: Chef specials like Smoked Suya Oxtails and Smoked Oxtail Ramen with Sliced Brisket
- Before you go: Find The Smoke’s good eats at the farmers’ markets listed above.
The Shack Houston
This Sunnyside spot has gone viral on TikTok and made headlines. Late last year, hungry customers flocked to the establishment to show it some love after the owner shared that business had been slow. The enticing menu will perfectly satisfy your tastebuds if you want BBQ, boudin, and soul food classics.
- Owner: Lakeisha Randle-Koontz
- Location: 3610 Reed Rd, Houston, TX, United States, Texas
- Cuisine: Cajun barbecue
- Menu Spotlight: Loaded Boudin and Fish Sandwich
- Before you go: Check The Shack’s social media.
Brooks’ Place BBQ
Out in the ‘burbs, Brooks Place BBQ has been serving up BBQ magic for over 15 years. This long-beloved food trailer is worth making the around 30-minute drive outside of Houston. This food spot’s name has been revered by locals and celebrated in Texas Monthly’s Top 50 in 2013.
- Owner: Trent Brooks
- Location: 8102 Fry Rd, Cypress, TX, United States, Texas
- Cuisine: Craft barbecue
- Menu Spotlight: Chopped Beef Sandwich and Pulled Pork Sandwich
- Before you go: The establishment’s Facebook page notes they’re open Wednesday through Sunday.
In a city as diverse as Houston, these 10 Black-owned BBQ joints stand out not only for their rich flavors but also for their cultural significance and connection to the community they serve. Whether you’re a lifelong Texan or a visitor eager to explore the city’s culinary scene, these BBQ joints are must-visit destinations.
