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Pinkerton's Barbecue: Authentic Texas Barbecue with a Twist

At Pinkerton's Barbecue, the passion for authentic Texan barbecue comes alive. Nestled in Houston, this welcoming eatery combines casual dining with robust flavors, offering an array of smoky meats like prime brisket and tender pork ribs. Their signature dishes, crafted with care, showcase the essence of traditional smoking techniques. Pinkerton's is not just about the food; it's a gathering place for families and friends, complete with outdoor seating and a full bar. Add to your meal a slice of Aunt Ruby's Blueberry Cobbler for a sweet finish. Experience a taste of Texas that lingers long after the last bite.

Pinkerton's Barbecue at a glance

  • Address 1504 Airline Dr Houston, TX 77009 United States
  • Phone (713) 802-2000
  • Restaurant type Barbecue restaurant .
  • Popular for Popular for lunch , Popular for dinner , Good for solo dining .

Photos & Gallery

Pinkerton's Barbecue: Reviews & Ratings

Sameer Rao
4

Visited this place on a Sunday when most BBQa are closed for the evening, this place had a line up when we got there after 6pm, the BBQ Ribs were off the chart, juicy, moist, fall of the bone soft and tasty. The brisket did not live up to expectations as it was dry and not moist. The sides of mac and cheese, cole slaw and jalapeno rice were all excellent though the rice felt a bit undercooked. The dessert, bread pudding was good, would not say excellent. Not a bad place overall but there are better BBQ in Texas.

B L
5

Pinkerton’s BBQ is fabulous! There was a small line but it moved pretty quickly. Unfortunately I had just eaten but I couldn’t pass up BBQ on my way out of town. The pork ribs and brisket were so tender and the Mac & cheese was legit. I wish I could’ve tried more! I’ll be back for sure!

Jewelz Garcia
4

After an hour wait ….. we finally were able to dig in and see what all the rave was about. 1st - grab a drink from the bar while you wait. 2nd - study the me ur and know what you’re going to eat. This helps with the pace of the line. Now, down to the food details: Okay, I did a ton of research on where to eat the best bbq in H-town. So this place kept coming up in our search so we said let’s go for it and tried it. We ordered the beef rib, 1 regular sausage, 3 slices of brisket & 4 pork rib - along with a small jambalaya, rice, mac & cheese, and beans. The meats were good, the sausage for me was the least favorite ….. it seemed overcooked and dry. The best meat for me was the pork ribs and brisket. The sides were BANGING But all this to say, do I think it’s worth $160…… no not from my perspective. However, we’re willing to try something once. It’s not bad but I’ve personally had better bbq for much less.

Daniel Silver
5

While in Houston, I needed some Texas bbq and ended up at Pinkerton’s Barbecue a Top 50 BBQ restaurant by Texas Monthly. We got there at about 12:30 and there was a decent line in front, but it moved quickly and we were ordering by about 1. My fiancée and I shared a platter of brisket, turkey, jalapeño cheese rice, cole slaw, banana pudding, a sausage, and of course, a beef rib. The beef rib was very good and nicely fatty. It was also incredibly tender! The brisket was super moist, but I wish the seasoning had penetrated the meat more. Unless I got a bite with the bark on top, the meat tasted underseasoned. The turkey was one of the best I’ve had anywhere! It was super moist with great flavor. The jalapeño cheese rice was good, though it could have used an extra spice or flavor to elevate it. The potato salad was really good, with lots of onion, and ended up being my favorite side. For dessert, the banana pudding was decent, but I wish it had fresh bananas. The banana flavor could have been stronger overall. Overall, this place is worthy of being a Top 50 BBQ restaurant!

Jessah Mae Gordo
5

Pinkerton’s Barbecue is one of those old OG spots that you just know is going to be good. When you do a quick search of Texas’ Top BBQ spots, they would usually be on the list so we had to see what the hype is all about. The line was long when we got there, but that’s usually a good sign — and it definitely was worth the wait. We ordered the brisket and it was so moist, literally falling apart with every bite. I wish the seasoning would’ve penetrated the meat more though. The ribs were just as good, fall-off-the-bone and packed with smoky flavor. The sides were as good as the entrees, and because of the decent servings we had to take some to go. It’s got that mom and pops restaurant vibe overall. I’d gladly stand in that line again.

Ricardo I. Beard
5

Absolutely incredible barbecue! The brisket was tender, juicy and packed with smoky flavor. The sides were just as impressive, especially the Mac and cheese . The staff were friendly and the atmosphere felt welcoming and relaxed. Definitely one of the best BBQ spots in Houston!

Del
5

Want to try some real good BBQ? Go to Pinkertons in Houston! Go early there will be a line but it moves along… we tried the dry rub pork ribs and I requested some burnt ends. Delicious delicious!

Delena
4

The food was really good, not out of this world. The two of us had 1 lb brisket, 2 ribs, 1 jalopeno cheese sausage, bread pudding, Mac and cheese, Jambalaya all for 95.00. If we return, we'll just get the brisket sandwhiches. The brisket was really good. We each ate a slice. Ribs were also great and sweet. We each ate one. Sausage was good too. The sides were good, not great. Bread pudding was good, not great. We also purchased pimento cheese which was good. It didnt knock our socks off. We did have some leftovers which I will make stretch later. Overall we would give this a 7 out of 10. We were here on a Sunday and arrived just before 11:00. There was a wait, but not bad. The employees were all nice. We didnt have to wait for a place to sit. They are cramped inside so a wheelchair is out of the question.Someone also said how good the sweet tea is. Its average sweet tea that you can get anywhere.

Location

  • Pinkerton's Barbecue
    Pinkerton's Barbecue
    1504 Airline Dr Houston, TX 77009 United States Hotline: (713) 802-2000

Welcome to Pinkerton's Barbecue, a culinary gem nestled in Houston, Texas, where the art of smoking meat reaches its pinnacle. This vibrant eatery, located at 1504 Airline Dr, prides itself on not just offering food, but delivering a delightful experience infused with Southern charm and rich flavors.

At Pinkerton's, the menu reads like a love letter to barbecued meats. Each selection is crafted with care; the prime brisket is a must-try, boasting a perfect balance of fat and flavor. Weighing in at a hearty 1 lb for $20.00, it's an essential experience for any barbecue aficionado. The beef ribs, coming in at 1 lb for $24.00, are equally as succulent, ensuring that every bite melts in your mouth. And let’s not forget the pulled pork and pork ribs, which both shine with their distinct rubs and glazes, echoing the traditional techniques that make barbecue an American classic.

  • Signature Meats:
  • Prime Brisket - $20.00
  • Beef Ribs - $24.00
  • Pulled Pork - $18.00
  • Pork Ribs - $18.50
  • Smoked Sausage - $16.00
  • Turkey Breast - $18.00
  • Half Chicken - $10.00

If you have a penchant for sides, the range of options is modest but satisfying, catering primarily to meat lovers. While the vegetarian selections are limited, the focus remains on delivering robust flavors in the smoked offerings. The lively atmosphere here is perfect for groups, families, and even furry friends—dogs are welcome!

Once you’ve indulged in the savory meats, make sure to save room for dessert. The sweet selections are a fitting end to any meal, with offerings like Aunt Ruby's Blueberry Cobbler and Mrs. Beth's Banana Cake, both evoking the sweet nostalgia of home cooking.

Pinkerton's Barbecue is not just about the food; it's a community hub. With outdoor seating available, it invites you to enjoy a casual meal under the Texas sun while sipping on some craft beverages from the full bar. Happy hour specials make this a spot where you can unwind any day of the week.

Whether you're staying for a hearty lunch or a leisurely dinner, Pinkerton’s promises a barbecue experience that will satisfy both the stomach and the soul. With options for catering and takeout, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy a taste of this incredible barbecue.

So, gather your friends, bring your appetite, and head on over to Pinkerton's Barbecue—where every experience is marinated in flavor and served with a side of Texas hospitality.

Business Information

  • Accessibility
    • Has wheelchair-accessible car park
    • Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Has wheelchair-accessible seating
    • Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Service options
    • Has outdoor seating
    • On-site services available
    • Offers takeaway
    • Serves dine-in
    • Delivery
  • Payments
    • Accepts credit cards
    • Accepts debit cards
    • Accepts NFC mobile payments
    • Credit cards