Road Trip to Houston, TX

[River City Smokehouse]

I'm leaving early Saturday morning for Houston and am looking for any good BBQ joints along the way. I'm not wanting to go off the beaten path though, I don't have time. Is there anything? I'll be coming from Missouri, gonna go to Dallas then down 45 to Houston. ~Thanks, Jim

[Freedbaby]

Cant help you with the Q joints, but have a safe trip. I will try and meet up with you if I can. I am sure you will not be able to stand it driving here to p/u a new rig!!! Cant wait to lay my eyes on that new Bates:D

Freedbaby

[cappy]

Check out http://www.b4-u-eat.com/ which is dedicated to the Houston area. You can select "Bar-B-Que" under "Category" in the upper left. Then click on a place's address to map it.

You can also search by zip code.

Some of the better known places very close by the various freeways (depending on where in Houston you plan to end up) would include:

Burns - off I-45 north of downtown
Pizzitola's - off I-10 west of downtown
Goode Company BBQ - off US59 west of downtown
Thelma's - off I45 east of downton
Luling City Market - off 610 west loop (Galleria area)
Goode Company BBQ - off I10 in west Houston

Their styles of barbecue differ quite a bit from one another. Thelma's probably rates as the most polarizing place I've heard people review (I haven't been there) while Goode Company, Pizzitola, and Luling tend to range from praise to just underwhelming.

[75fordfan]

Don't forget the BBQ cookoff in Humble.

75Fordfan

[serialgriller]

i ate at luling's a couple of weeks ago for the first time. three slices of brisket, what amounted to half a link of sausage, and a small dollop of potato salad - $11.03

i wouldn't even call it average - i'll never go back.

just my $.02

[Papa Tom]

As you can tell from the replies you're getting the Q here is variable. Some places are true legends and deserve it but many have fallen into the money trap. I suggest that you just check out as many places as you can on your visit and if possible hit old places like Burns.
If I go out here in the North Texas area I'll go to Rudy's or Spring Creek or ****eys all are now chains but reasonably consistent. There is a Rudy's on I35 in Denton that will give you a idea of traditional Texas BBQ. Rudy's sells the meat by the lb. and serves it on butcher paper in the traditional Texas fashion it is served dry without any sauce or glaze but sauce is available.

[serialgriller]

do you know about what time you'll be coming thru huntsville? there used to be a baptisit church in huntsville not too far off of I-45 that cooked bbq every saturday and last i heard, they still do. huge servings, plenty of sides, on the short list of some of the best bbq i've ever eaten. i can't remember the name of the church, but somebody on this forum has to know what i'm talking about and can help........

[WBC]

City Market in the Galleria area is almost identical (tasting) as the famous one from Luling.

[M38A1]

City Market in the Galleria area is almost identical (tasting) as the famous one from Luling.

Hmmm..... Thx Blake. I just think I'll have to mosey over to Luling Saturday for lunch on the scooter.:D

~m

[HFD26]

Name: New Zion Baptist Church BBQ "Holy Smoke"
Address: 2601 Montgomery Rd.
City: Huntsville
State: TX
Phone: 936-295-2349
Meat: 4.5
Sauce: 4
Sides: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5
Overall: 4.5
Date: 08-05-03
User: TL Talbert
Email: papdadio@yahoo.com
Date: 8/4/2003
Time: 9:59:40 PM


Comments
“Praise the Lord and pass the Q” is the theme when you enter the small wood frame house that serves as the BBQ joint of acclaim in Huntsville, TX. The faithful ladies and men of New Zion Baptist Church have been smoking and serving up incredible BBQ for both the service of the Lord and hungry Q lover alike. New Zion BBQ originally started as a way to feed parishioners and eventually to raise money for a new church structure. However, the reputation of the Q spread as fast as the smoke filled the air in Huntsville and the taste buds of both saved and sinners have never been the same. When you walk on the premises of NZBBQ you will pass the pit-master who sits outside watching the prized Q and assume the position in line where you will be greeted by one of the Q ladies with the question, “What’ll it be honey?” If you are smart you will answer with confidence, “I’ll have the all you can eat, a slice of pecan pie, and a large sweet tea.” At this point you had better not linger or the Q ladies, as well as the hungry patrons behind you, will scold you for holding up the operation. Take your seat at the family style tables and prepare to be well fed as heaping plates of ribs, brisket, sausage, chicken, beans, potato salad, pickles, onions, and white bread will soon appear. At $9.00 and change you cannot beat the Q encounter that is waiting for you in H’ville. Do not be surprised if you find yourself sharing your plate with others at the table as New Zion BBQ is a family experience and all who dine have equal grabbing rights at temptation of hot Q before your eyes. Oh, and don’t forget to say grace. The Q ladies will call a halt to the chatter and eating while all bow their head and thank the Lord for what surely was the fare that must have tempted Adam and Eve on that fateful day in Eden.

http://www.bbq-porch.org/reviews/tx.asp

[Oli]

City Market in the Galleria area is almost identical (tasting) as the famous one from Luling.
IF your drunk.......


YES My favorite Williams BBq I-45 and tidwell area north of downtown not on Sun /mon
YES but not on a rainy day tables outside Burns - off I-45 north of downtown
YES Pizzitola's - off I-10 west of downtown
If you are a tourist non-bbq'er Good to great not excellent Goode Company BBQ - off US59 west of downtown
HELL NO Thelma's - off I45 east of downton
ONLY If you break down in the parking lot dont go searching for it Luling City Market - off 610 west loop (Galleria area)

[River City Smokehouse]

Ok Guys we went to New Zion's Missionary Baptist Church's BBQ Restaurant.
WOW! This is the kind of place I like to go to. Screw the corporate BBQ Joints. The ribs weren't very good but the Sausage and the Brisket was out of this world. The place is on I-45 at exit 114. Definitely worth the stop. Click on the pic for a slide show.http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z234/River_City_Smokehouse/th_Houston003w.jpg (http://s194.photobucket.com/albums/z234/River_City_Smokehouse/?action=view&current=1180987679.pbw)

[Oli]

Yep,... and been that good since I was a kid.....
Thats why it is always on the Texas top 50 BBQ joints.

[Hot_Damn]

Hmmm..... Thx Blake. I just think I'll have to mosey over to Luling Saturday for lunch on the scooter.:D

~m


can you pick me up? (kidding) :)

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