Pinkerton’s Barbecue

Pinkerton's Barbecue - Houston
Many Houston joints specialize in CTX-style barbecue, but few match the look-and-feel of those Austin-area places like Pinkerton's Barbecue where classic salt-and-pepper brisket is combined with a full cocktail bar.

The bar lined with old family pictures, along with a dining room filled with communal picnic tables, does make the place feel like somebody’s living room, which is appropriate, because Pinkerton literally lived upstairs as he was getting the location off the ground.

The big, David Klose-built offset barrel pits in the back produce excellent CTX-style brisket, and Pinkerton’s Barbecue is unique in Houston by offering both wet-mop and dry-rub style pork ribs. The side dishes are also exceptional – don’t miss the jalapeno-cheese rice and the smoked duck and sausage jambalaya.

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Owner(s): Grant Pinkerton
Pitmaster(s): Grant Pinkerton
Established: 2017
Address: 1504 Airline Dr, Houston, TX 77009
Hours: Tues-Thu & Sun 11AM-9PM, Fri-Sat 11AM-10PM or sold out
Phone: (713) 802-2000
Known for: Classic CTX-style salt-and-pepper brisket and competition-inspired pork ribs with a sweet, wet mop.
Pro-tip: For the adventurous, there's a wine list at the bar specifically paired to smoked meats.
Brisket price/lb: $28.00
Price Date: 2021-05-02
Building: A building in the greater Heights that's been many different businesses over the years (including previous barbecue joints), with a small bar area, dining room and larger adjacent outdoor patio.
Parking: There is a small paved lot in front with a handful of spaces and a few spots on the side of the building, with street parking nearby on W. Patton St.
Ordering: Standard counter ordering: lineup, place your meat and sides orders at the counter, get your completed tray, pay and find a seat.
Catering: Contact Pinkerton's for catering info.
Pit(s): David Klose-built offset steel barrel pits.
Style(s):Central Texas
Neighborhood(s):Central, Greater Heights
Building Type:Stand-Alone
Accolade(s):2019 Alison Cook Top 100, 2022 HOUBBQ Festival, 2019 HOUBBQ Festival, 2017 Texas Monthly Top 50
Primary Wood(s):Oak, Mesquite
Primary Pit Type(s):Offset Steel
Meals Served:Lunch, Dinner
Drinks:Beer, Wine, Liquor
Features:Outdoor Patio, Open Late, Counter Cut
Pinkerton's epitomizes evolution of barbecue in Houston
Houston Chronicle
Pinkerton’s Barbecue
Texas Monthly
Review: Pinkerton's Barbecue in the Heights splices craft smoking technique with restaurant comforts
Houston Chronicle
No free burnt ends and other BBQ wisdom from Grant Pinkerton
Texas BBQ Posse
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