Gatlin’s BBQ

Gatlin's BBQ entrance
Greg Gatlin and family were the first to bring craft barbecue to diners in Houston when they opened in 2010. Chef Michelle Wallace recently joined the team to add comfort food favorites.

You might say the two major eras of Houston barbecue are “BG” and “AG,” that’s “Before Gatlin’s” and “After Gatlin’s.” Before the Gatlin family opened their tiny Gatlin’s BBQ storefront in the Heights, many prominent barbecue joints had transitioned to “set it and forget it,” push-button smokers that made barbecue easier but lost the essential smokiness for which Texas barbecue is famous.

When Gatlin rolled his trailer-mounted, offset steel pit behind his little shop and started cooking on that, the game changed, as they say. Not only did he start using old-school techniques, Gatlin also offered a menu that combined the best of ETX and CTX-styles of barbecue, with salt-and-pepper brisket existing side-by-side with a dirty rice dish any Cajun would be proud of.

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INFO

Owner(s): Gatlin Family
Pitmaster(s): Greg Gatlin
Established: 2010
Address: 3510 Ella Blvd Bldg C Ste A, Houston, TX 77018
Hours: Mon-Sat 7AM-6PM, Closed Sun.
Phone: (713) 869-4227
Known for: Known for excellent pork ribs, both spareribs and baby back, and Southern-style dirty rice. Check out the daily features including smoked bologna sandwiches and fried catfish.
Pro-tip: Order a bowl of the classic dirty rice and then mix in some of the house barbecue sauce for a East plus Central Texas fusion.
Brisket price/lb: $22.95
Price Date: 2021-04-05
Building: End space of a small strip center. Medium size dining room with private room available.
Parking: Ample on-site parking in a concrete parking lot.
Ordering: Place your order at the cashier, pay for it and they will give you a buzzer. Self-serve drinks. Wait for them to buzz you and go pick up your meal.
Catering: Gatlin's BBQ offers a variety of options, from large order pick up, to delivery (for a fee), to full service catering. Contact them at https://www.gatlinsbbq.com/catering
Pit(s): All-wood-burning Southern Pride rotisserie smokers.
Style(s):Central Texas, East Texas, Combination, Creative/Elevated
Neighborhood(s):Central, Greater Heights, Oak Forest
Building Type:Shopping Center
Accolade(s):2022 Houston Chronicle Top 100, 2019 Alison Cook Top 100, 2022 HOUBBQ Festival, 2019 HOUBBQ Festival, 2017 Texas Monthly Top 50
Catering:Pickup, Delivery, Full Service
Primary Wood(s):Oak
Primary Pit Type(s):Rotisserie
Meals Served:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drinks:Beer
Features:Easy Parking, Essential Houston, Good for Groups, Open Mondays, Private Room, Online Ordering
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