Harlem Road Texas BBQ

We have passed by Harlem Road Texas BBQ so many times over the years and always wondered if it was any good. Well, we finally made the stop. We wasted all those years! The inside was a stark contrast to the exterior. While it looked aged and dilapidated outside, the interior was modern, clean, and comfortable. We ordered the Brisket, Beef Ribs, Sausage, Chipotle Sausage, and Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies. The Brisket was excellent. Each slice was everything one asks for: tenderness, juiciness, smokey, and flavorful. Brisket is my favorite BBQ meat and this is up there with the good stuff. There's BBQ sauce included, but the meat stood fine on its own. The Beef Ribs were delicious and yummy. The meat wasn't fall of the bone, but was tender. Between the 2 sausages, I liked the Chipotle Sausage more. It was juicy and flavorful. We realized that Harlem Road Texas BBQ is all about flavor. All the meats that we tried had flavor and stood on its own without the reliance on sauce. We will make up for all those lost years by coming more frequently.

I came to eat here and although the staff was nice the food was overall just okay. I was a little disappointed because for the price you’d expect a lot more out of it. We had ordered the beef rib and it was mainly a lot of fat. Paying $40 seems excessive when the bone is also included in the weight a long with the excessive fat. From that 1lb, I’d say you’re getting maybe 30% of actual meat. The brisket was okay, all the meat served was room temperature and it just felt like there was no love in there. The potato salad had a strong vinegar or sour taste and we didn’t get a lot of that potato flavor. Overall for almost $35 per person you’d think you’ll be getting a very exciting and flavorful meal but I was really sad. It was our first time and likely won’t be coming back unless something changes. I really wanted to like this place Mac and cheese and the cashier’s positive attitude was good though, probably the only thing we really enjoyed.

I started out with my first order of the pork ribs and potato salad. The dish came with a small side of pickles and pickled onions. It was definitely a twist on traditional Texas style BBQ. I loved it, but the ribs were a bit small. I know it's sold by weight, but it just wasn't very filling. The side of sauce was very good. As I was finishing up some guys sitting next to me ordered sandwiches, mac-n-cheese and some beans. I decided to go ahead and order a brisket sandwich and the mac. It was delicious! Like I said it is a twist on Texas BBQ but it is a great one. I love the change of pace. The flavor was new and fresh to me. I eat a LOT of BBQ! I will return with the wife to try one of the weekend specials. The only thing I would have love to see differently is more pork on those ribs. I hate paying for bones. I would suggest if you're going to be serving from the small section of the ribs add a little more to the plate to offset things to give a better value.

This is a hidden gem. Bbq is always on point, clean simple space, and friendly service! Lamb chops, Hungry cowboy, brisket sammich, potato salad are all amazing!

This place is truly a hidden gem. We'll, maybe not quite hidden to the locals, but for those outside of the area, it doesn't receive the accolades that more popular Texas bbq spot get. I mean, this is one of the best in all of Texas, and I've had lots of the big names and small ones from the backwoods to the city. The meats are phenomenal here, perfectly smoked, not overly seasoned with a bunch of salt, just good ole fashioned low and slow smoky Q. The ribs needed no sauce, but the sauce is very good if that's your thing. I usually only go for the point on the brisket, but this place has mastered brisket because the flat was tender and juicy. The different take on coleslaw was such a nice touch, not just some cabbage drenched in ranch, but instead a nice array of vegetables in a lighter olive oil type dressing that was delicious and better than any bbq spot I've ever had. The Mac and cheese with burnt ends was just yummy. Also, we tried the sausage, and it was another one knocked out of the park. The only drawback here, like all the great smoke houses, is they run outta meat! They are done by 4 from what Clem told me who gave us excellent service. We will be back amdakr sure we beat the crowds. They also do some specialty meats that they run outta early before lunch as those who have found this spot will snatch up pounds.

Absolutely fantastic. On Fridays they do lamb. It's marinated in onion to remove the gaminess. The beef ribs were perfect. The pulled pork was amazing. Would definitely recommend.

I’ve tried a lot of BBQ places, some good and some bad. This by far has to be the worst BBQ restaurants I have ever been to. The brisket was not smoked but instead it looked like it was cooked in the oven. There was no bark or smoke ring. The meat was also dry. I only took one bite of the brisket and I didn’t touch the rest. That’s actually very sad. The chicken was half decent even though it also wasn’t smoked. The pork ribs were also dry and tasteless. The baked beans were also decent but it could have been better. The Mac n cheese was flavorless with chunks of brisket in it. They provided BBQ sauce on the side but it tasted sour. Overall the experience was very disappointing where I will never step foot in this restaurant again. I asked the guy if the brisket was cooked that same day and he said yes but I did not believe that at all. It was by far the most disappointing $50 I’ve spent where I wish I got my money back. The restaurant in it self is nice but the restroom need work as in the floors smelled like urine from them not properly cleaning. I went at opening so there should have been no reason for the restroom to smell that way. Other than that I will never step foot in this establishment again.

As the owner of a hunting outfitter, and that has worked at some of the nicest ranches across the country, I have eaten allot of good barbecue before. I can 100% say Harlem is top 5 of the best barbecue out there. The workers are extremely nice, the barbecue is delicious, and atmosphere is relaxed. The only difference I would say is that the burnt end are a little more crispy, not saying they are not delicious (because they are) but just my take on it. The chipotle sausage is bomb.com. I wish I could hire these cooks to come work at the ranch full time! Thanks for another great meal Harlem barbecue!

Best beef ribs I have ever had in my life and I am very critical when it comes to BBQ. I'm surprised by the low average rating for this place. People must not know how hard it is to find great BBQ.

Definitely worth a stop in Fort Bend. If it seems pricey, that's not inconsistent with the quality of meat and decent Texas barbeque generally. My beef rib was outstanding, beautifully unctuous and fell of the bone. The potato salad was okay, gave more the vibes of cold mashed potatoes but really good when combined with the meat. Would have really liked a cup for water from their soda fountain (got $50+ in food for two) but it was not to be. Loved that they had beef ribs available on a Thursday.

RICHMOND, TX 77407 / AMERICAN BBQ / 10-21-22 / DINNER +Stubborn brand soda fountain machine. +The ribs had a nice smoke ring around them. +The restaurant space has cool decor and is pretty spacious. +The staff was nice. -The barbecue sauce was meh.

Texas is famous for BBQ, and we ventured out of the city to find this little gem. From the road the building looks like a worn out shack. But the rustic building is quite deceiving. Inside it is clean and nicely decorated. Simple, but Texas though and through. The wooden tables are sturdy and comfortable. Real country music playing in the background. We came in right as it opened on Saturday morning. There were a handful of other customers placing orders. The staff told us they were just opening so orders might take a few minutes longer than usual. We appreciate being informed and the wait was not very long. We ordered brisket, pork ribs, and sausage. All were excellent, and the ribs were my favorite. The meat was so tender and flavorful. We also ordered beans, potato salad and mac and cheese. I liked the potato salad the most. When in Texas, I encourage everyone to support these local, independent BBQ joints. They take great pride in their food, and it is more authentic than chain BBQ options.

Exceptional service from the friendly cashier and knowledgeable meat cutter. Generous meat portions, like the massive beef rib. Charming rustic-chic atmosphere. Highlights included tender lean brisket, perfectly cooked pork ribs, and addictive spicy sausage. Sides like pickled jalapeños and craft soda added to the experience. Mac and cheese was average.

They forgot my order and most meats are wrapped in plastic which can't be good to consume.

Really friendly cashier and meat cutter who makes excellent recommendations on how much meat to order. Someone came in and ordered a beef rib and was warned it was 1.7 lbs--over $50. The couple accepted the rib (cashier said you'll have leftovers--steak and eggs for breakfast ) and it was a ludicrous slab. Rustic chic interior. The lean brisket was tight and and the pork ribs were spot on. Spicy sausage was addictive. Mac and cheese were alright. The pickled Jalapeños, pickles and onions were delightful. Craft draft soda was outstanding. The reviews don't lie--great start to my Houston Q crawl

Wow. Excellent fall off the bone beef. Perfectly flavored smoked goodness. Service is self serve. Very nice friendly people here.

I've had this place marked as a BBQ place to try due to all the great reviews and our son gave them a try and bombarded us with pics. I needed his help today and we decided to treat him for lunch, he got to pick where. He suggested Harlem which is what i was thinking....sure glad great minds think alike. We thoroughly enjoyed the sliced brisket, tender and full of flavor, the pork ribs were amazing and almost falling off the bone, We loved both sausages, their regular and the chipotle. The housemade BBQ sauce was tasty but not really needed and the pickled onions and pickles paired well with everything we made disappear. If my wife didn't keep feeding our grandbaby brisket in a timely manner....she'd holler, yup, that good. This is now in my top five 'Q list. The outside of this place doesn't look like much but with 'Q this good it don't matter. We'll be back for more meaty goodies! The even sell their own coffee beans, got me a bag of whole beans and a nice t shirt.

Harlen Road BBQ has a great design for their restaurant. It's a bit dark inside but still looks well designed. The service is good, I went close to closing time so it was just one person there but the service was good. I got 1lb. of Lean Brisket with Mac n Cheese. The mac n cheese was great and had some brisket in it as well. Even the pickled vegetables they give you go great with the BBQ. However, the Brisket it self was a little too dry, I've had lean brisket at other places and it's never this dry. I didn't like the BBQ sauce they have, its very different from the norm so be ready for that. Idk what they put in the bbq sauce to give it that weird taste but they need to have a regular bbq sauce as well. Overall for the price I think this is a place ill eat at if I don't feel like driving to the other bbq spots I like.

Exceptional ribs that falll offff the bone. When approaching this place don't be confused. It's a hole in the wall shed in the middle of the road. Doesn't look like much on the outside but the inside is clean and big. The chefs are amazing with an incredible menu. Sides you just order are the Cole slaw and loaded potato. And don't forget the Mac N cheese!! You are welcome

Very good customer service. The BBQ here is very good. I will come back. We had 2 orders of the brisket. One order was amazing. The other order was dry and thinner slices. The restaurant itself is on the main road, it's not obvious that it's a restaurant and easy to miss while driving fast.

Amazing food and awesome service. I randomly stumbled upon this place and knew it would be good because it looked like a hole in the wall. The guy at the register was very friendly and let me try a few samples when I couldn't decide what I wanted. The beef ribs were some of the best I ever had (I don't know why it's suddenly so hard to find good beef ribs) so I returned later that week and bought a several lbs of meat from them because they are that good. Also met Ara the pitmaster and he was very friendly as well. Can't wait to return for more of their amazing BBQ!

Place look very rustic. Cute little spot. Very vintage looking. We got the hungry cowboy today for the two of us. Cashier was very friendly and helpful. First time having Mac and cheese on a potato. The brisket and sausage was awesome. The pulled pork was a bit salty but worked well with the potatoes cause it didn't have much salt. We didn't notice any chives, butter or cheese. Not sure if we had to ask for it on the side. We did asked for pickles and jalapeños. Pickles seem to be home made from Persian cucumbers. Which my gf loved. Bbq sauce was pretty good too. We wanted to try the beef ribs but that will be on our next trip out here.

Love a good Texan BBQ. Nothing better after a long day at work. Great spot for me and my wife. The ambiance is perfect.

Order the brisket sandwich it was moist and oh so cook too perfection..like it so much ASF, ordered another one to go. Order there pork ribs and sausage like sampler with coleslaw they'll do tender the sausage nice flavor seasoning..honestly not a big pork rib or sausage eater, coleslaw was really good just the way I like it..Really wanted the dino beef ribs they were out. The server did mention you have to come early like right after they open to get those, guess I'll be making another trip back soon. See some folks trash the bbq sauce only complaint need to make it less thick. I've had better and worse. You don't need bbq sauce with great bbq and this bbq doesn't. 5:star just on the brisket and slaw...3&4 on pork ribs and sausage

Me and my Veteran buddy decided to stop by here great food! I had the cowboy baked potato. It was really good and had macaroni and cheese on it. The atmosphere is very nice. I highly recommend this place is so amazing.

Great BBQ, Service, and ambiance! Every time we come here we the food is great. Couldn't say enough about it. Definitely recommend it to anyone craving BBQ. !

Yes I absolutely recommend this. If you are looking for good authentic barbecue this is the place. I just happened upon this place one day and I'm so glad I did. The staff were very friendly and helpful. You will love it!

It's always a pleasure seeing Chef Ara Malekian, one of the few men whom I look up to, not only because he's a consistent professional of his craft and business, but also the way he carries himself, I always walk away learning some life lessons from him. We enjoy a most wonderful BBQ brunch at the patio with Bebe. The Moist Briskets and Pork Ribs are smoked perfectly with balanced flavors. The Coleslaw is refreshing, we are fans of Mac N Cheese, so is Bebe apparently, and the Chocolate Bread Pudding has just the right amount of sweetness. It's almost a crime to enjoy such a satisfying meal with the most beautiful weather outdoor. We appreciate what we have and the people and pets we love. Hope y'all have a marvelous day with your loved ones.

My husband and I stopped by at this place because I was craving barbecue really bad. I looked online saw their menu and told him what I wanted him to order for me by the time he came back. He was frustrated. He said they were out of everything I mean literally everything no chicken no brisket no sandwiches no sides , no desserts. I was so confused because I just saw two other people walk in and they did not walk out so I was like what did they order, he said he didn't know but it didn't seem like they really wanted to serve him in the first place and they told him everything was out they had no food for him. I'm not sure if it was a racial thing or not but it was highly disappointing, so we left.

This was hands-down the best brisket I've ever had in my life. We ordered 10lbs for our son's birthday a week in advance. The staff was knowledgeable and incredibly friendly, and sliced the brisket only when we picked it up to keep it moist. The sauce was delicious, too. It was so juicy and tender - everyone was amazed at how good brisket could be. 5-star, 10/10, will absolutely go back for more!

First time here and will say the bbq was good. Cute outdoor seating and a very "country" feel to the place. Pure cane soda machine has some tasty drinks. The inside was a little quiet but they turned on some music while we dined. There was a steady trickle of guests coming for lunch so that says a lot.

The Harlem Road Texas BBQ was great. There BBQ was very tasteful. Their meat were very tender, and their sauces are the best. We were attended to quickly. I love the inside. It was very clean. Great place to go to.

The cashier was super nice, recommended me things on the menu and told us about the specials of the day. We got pull pork, pork rib and beef ribs. The beef ribs are the best! You have to come early because they do sell out early sometime.

Service was extraordinary amazing. Friendly, suggestive offered tastes of their things rather than boast although boasting is supported by the actual tastes. Had the baked potato with all their fillings. These were mac and cheese, pulled pork, bbq brisquit, smoked sausage. Also avaible as trim are pickles, marinated jalapenos and pickled onion. Meats were moist, tender and had great flavors. Their sauce is slightly sweet and smokey very tasty. Portions big enough for two, prices reasonable for portion sizes. Tried their slaw. Very different twist on Slaw, but as a slaw lover it rocked. Dressing was a vinegarette and the parts were much improved for what slaw normally has. Looking forward to thier ribs and potato salad. Casual setting, rustic even. Craft soda no adult beverages. Arrive early as they are popular and can run out. For us they had run out of their beans.

Amazing food!! The absolute best beef ribs I've ever had (and I have had A LOT of BBQ). Try to get there early, though, because the beef ribs sell out pretty quickly. We try to go every month or two, and the food is always consistently delicious. The desserts and sides are also great.

I swear to god this please is Freaking crazy good, I was skeptical from the outside look, but I took a chance... it's very clean inside and it's the very best barbecue I've ever ate in my entire life.. I can't wait to come back !!

Now. It's hard to judge the brisket because it did sit in a tin container on the ride and lost a little something in transit. But the lean brisket looked like they cut from the end. And the last time they cut that end was from yesterday. It was not blackened from char or smoke. Just a dark discolored meat. Tasted fine. Little tougher than the rest. The overall the brisket was a little tough. But I think it's the time in the car. Have to go back for a second go in person. The chicken was okay. Little underwhelming compared to the Pork Ribs. The ribs... pork ribs. On point. Really tasty. The pork rib alone is worth the trip. The burnt end Mac and cheese was underwhelming. Still okay. Not like I threw it out. But it wasn't cheesy enough and no smoke. Plus I was expecting a little chunks of burnt ends. This was more like pulled brisket-y ends. The Beans... those are probably in my top 3. Like really. Very much impressed. I can eat just the beans and ribs and call it a day.

My family just moved to the area and I've driven by this place a dozen times. Didn't look like much from outside but I was wrong. Food was amazing, we had the brisket, pulled pork, ribs, half chicken and all the side and not one thing was subpar. This place was so tasty. We will be back again and again. The staff was very friendly as well.

Food is expensive and only marginally good for Texas BBQ, atmosphere is rustic. Service is an order and pickup window.

Best BBQ in town! Brisket is flavorful and never dry. The potato salad is delicious too.

BBQ was good we both had the brisket sandwich, the Mac and cheese and two sausage link. Food was decent and the service was great. They were so kind!

Very disappointed. Just wanted a beef rib, so go in for lunch and they said the smallest beef rib they had weighed 2 lbs. I had read really good reviews and pictures looked amazing so I went ahead and paid $23 per lb for the rib. Yes, that's $43 for one rib. But, I thought, well I could have it for lunch, dinner and lunch the next day....wrong. I get home at take a bite and it was nothing but fat. When I did finally get down to the meat there was really not much flavor, needed more salt. I guess the salt couldn't make it down to the meat under all the fat. So I decided to weigh all the fat and see what I really paid for. Fat weighed in at .59 oz and the bone was .59 oz. That means I got a total of .82 oz of edible meat for $43. Yes they got me.....never again.

Tried the BBQ food truck from hearing about it on social media. Like most mom and pops the prices are a bit higher but the quality is much better than most of those with multiple locations. Got a 1/4 lb ea of sliced brisket and sausage. This was one slice and one small link. Brisket had a good crust, nice smoke ring and great flavor. Sausage was lacking moisture but had great smoky flavor. I didn't prefer the BBQ sauce. It was too sweet. The mustard potato salad side was excellent. The truck/trailer is in a food truck park and is connected to a vey nice rustic "barn" dining room. Service is from the counter. Overall it was a great meal and eating experience but there are so much better area mom and pop BBQs if you're a BBQ snob. I prefer Brett's, Witt or Roegels in the area. 3.5 ish stars.

Wow the man preparing the food had a cool beard...Um why would I know that when Covid is in full swing? Regarding the food...one child liked the Mac and cheese and the other liked the potato salad. They both ate the brisket sandwich. The brisket was tender but they need to use that seasoning they are selling. The pork ribs were tender but needed some seasoning. There was no char or smoke flavor. The 1/2 chicken was quite undersized (not a problem, maybe it's free of antibiotics). It was quite bland though. The potato salad was gourmet for sure...my daughter enjoyed it. The kids wasted quite a bit of food. We are still hungry, we have leftovers...guess I could grab a cookie or something. I have no problem with the price of this food. I find it comparable to other places...I just wish it was more flavorful.

Great staff Great location Some of the best food I've had! Only reason for 4 stars is beef ribs were a little bit tough That being said I'm being very picky

I've always wanted to come here since I first saw it on Instagram. BBQ legend right here y'all, this is how BBQ is done! Got the half chicken, BBQ ribs, and brisket.. with some BBQ beans and usually not a fan but.. coleslaw.. let me tell you, this is the best slaw!! Ps. The chicken is smoked and JUICY.

Good barbecue, but the baked beans were floating in onions, and the potato salad was bland.

Pretty good BBQ, one of the better BBQ shack in Katy - Richmond area. My family had tried the sausage, brisket, lamb chop, and pork ribs. All the meats were moist, smokey, and tender. The sides of beans, coleslaw, and home made pickles/red onions were excellent. Pricing was in line with the competitors. All employees were friendly and helpful. We are still trying to get hold of the elusive BBQ octopus. Maybe with the next visit, there be some. Exterior and interior are rustic and fun. There is even a glorified outhouse.

I came here once and the bbq was good but it was dry. Came here a 2nd time and it was so good it made up for the 1st visit. Pork ribs, pulled pork, jalepeño sausage was full of flavor.

My daughter said I should give this place a million stars! FIVE it is! The food is amazing, the service is excellent, the ambiance is perfect for BBQ! Go straight away for the best beef rib in the Houston area! It has a great balance of pepper and salt and the beef flavor is out of this world. Great sides too! The mac-n-cheese is delicious and the coleslaw is some of the best I have ever had. If you need to see some inspiration before going check out the pit master on BBQ Brawl on The Food Network. Ara, is kind, friendly, and very generous with his time to visit with all the patrons of his business personally.

Hands down, the best Beef Ribs you'll ever have. I'm addicted, lol. I take this home and sit and the table eating it with a butter knife and fork, like it's a really good piece of cake. The other options and sides are good too, but the ribs are definitely the Beyonce of the restaurant.

This place is okay. The food was good but a little high priced. The hours are limited which is a hindrance to going to this joint.

I got criticized by my vegan friends for eating here.. All I would say is they should stay far away from here. Huge, massive, tender to dive in with even a plastic fork. I left with a doggy bag and extras. If ordering get around 1.6 lbs pounds of beef rib running around $36.00 and it can easily feed 3-4 people. Lots of amazing bbs sauce, its about as old school as they get. The meat is covered in a delicous blackened crust with ultra moist meat within. I had heaven and yippy yi yaaa, coming with coleslaw and bbq beans as sides. This is clearly not for amatures Delicous and when I come around this part of the planet again, Ill give a redo.

As a native Texan raised on Texas BBQ, this is good stuff. In a crowded field of elite BBQ joints these days, Harlem Road deserves a spot. Good meats, good sides, especially the slaw and the mac. Even the soda machine here is a banger. Nice space and atmosphere too. Worth a trip out to Richmond sometime if you are in Houston.

Come on! the positive reviews must be fake. Ranks up there with some of the worst Texas BBQ I've ever had. Worst thing on the plate- the bBQ sauce. After trying it, I couldn't stop sniffing it to try to figure out what the foul taste/smell was. I literally think it is ketchup mixed with nestle chocolate syrup (like for ice cream). It has that sickening sweet synthetic chocolate taste- and ketchup- without any other seasoning or flav Next worst, the beans. Cheap pork n beans with an unusual flavor that I cannot pin point. A flavor that doesn't belong in bBQ baked beans- maybe coriander? Terrible beans Next worst- the homemade pickles. If you are going to make homemade pickles in lieu of some good old del-Dixie hamburger slices- at least season them. Tasted like unseasoned wet cucumber. Next worst- the sausage. It is a homemade link, but totally unseasoned in the traditional sense (no salt, no pepper, no garlic)- again with a weird taste that I cannot pinpoint. I ate 2 bites and threw the rest of the link away. Finally, the brisket. The brisket was the best thing on the plate. Cut thickness was right, bark looked right- tenderness was ok- and wasn't totally dry. But, had zero, no seasoning whatsoever. I mean not a grain of salt or pepper in the bark. I like traditional Texas brisket- salt and pepper crusted bark- and was disappointed with the total lack of seasoning. No salt/pepper available anywhere on tables No topping bar- only bad pickles and marinated onions given on your plate. Btw- the marinated onions were ok- but again, I prefer fresh onion and hamburger style pickles with my bBQ. Iced tea was out of a machine - had the funky peachy flavor that you get with machine iced tea. I won't be back- I'd recommend they get some lessons in Texas BBQ. Season your meat- cut out the weird flavors- trash the sauce and start over completely. I threw away my entire link (minus the 2 bites, all of the beans, pickles, and sauce. The only thing I ate was the unseasoned brisket. I wish them luck- but if they keep putting out $20 bBQ plates that 95% of what's on it get trashed because it tastes so bad- they won't makE it long.

Doesn't look like much at all when you past by. Just a tin building. It is so hidden off the road that many are passing up an opportunity to taste the best BBQ in Richmond. The baked potato with the Mac and cheese, brisket and sausage is to die for. Oh my god!!!! This is a hidden treasure!!! I almost want it to stay a hidden gem. Once restaurants get super busy all the time things change. Customer Service is amazing!

Drove pass this place forever and this is first time stopped by. Wow. The brisket in baked potato was the bomb!! How did I never stopped by! So many foundation drinks to choose from. Also. It is BYOB! You can even sit outdoor have some cigar. The restrooms are outside the dining room. The ladies' room was clean and smelled nicely.

Dining here was one of the coolest bbq experiences I've ever had. The owner is very personable and passionate about his bbq. A friend and I got the opportunity to see his pit room, and how things are done. I was very impressed. They are easily one of the best new bbq places in Houston, but they should be in the top 50 in all of Texas. It's that good. I ordered the brisket, beef rib, pork ribs, lamb chops, and burnt ends. I also had 1 of every side. Harlem doesn't miss. Everything was phenomenal. I will be making this a regular go-to spot when I want authentic and unique Texas bbq.