Killen's Barbecue

The late crew at Killen’s was kind enough to stay open after hours to feed us when we arrived at IAH after 10pm. The other vendors were closing and avoiding eye contact but Killen’s made us feel welcome. On top of the hospitality, this was by far the best food I’ve had in an airport. It’s real barbecue and holds up to “regular” joints across the country. Real Texas brisket is available at $9 per 1/4lb off-menu. With a 7-hour layover to eat it, my only regret was not ordering more. *5-star rating weighted for location. There is better barbecue but probably not in an airport.

This can't be the best bbq Texas has to offer. I know Houston to have really great food behind Chicago and Baltimore, but this was not it. I waited in line over 40 minutes, they barely had anything and was very disorganized to say the least. The sandwich I got was not a $20 brisket sandwich and was very disappointing since I bought it while passing through and did not get to see my food until when I landed and was ready to eat it. I would not recommend this place at all it was a waste of time, effort, and certainly my money. Completely dissatisfied with the food and service here

Oh, the joys of airport dining! My recent culinary adventure began with a "brisket" sandwich that I suspect was actually a geological survey of pure rendered fat, with a whisper of meat somewhere in its distant ancestry. For a cool $20+, I essentially purchased a greasy paperweight – utterly inedible and a tragic waste of both money and appetite. Not to be outdone, its sausage-laden cousin decided to play hide-and-seek with its namesake ingredient. It was less a sausage sandwich and more a bread sandwich that once had a fleeting acquaintance with a sausage. I suppose when in Rome... or rather, when in an airport, the motto is "charge what you like and serve something vaguely resembling food." Consider this my official recommendation to pack your own snacks, unless your idea of a good time is paying premium prices for culinary disappointment.

Be sure to check your chopped beef before you leave. They gave me burnt & dry bits & not fresh chopped beef. I came back & one employee was nice & offered to give me fresh chopped beef but the other employee who was slicing the beef was reluctant to chop up some fresh brisket for me & was trying to give me more burnt dried bits. For $19 the chopped beef baked potato is not worth it, especially with the lower quality of Meat they try to pass off to travelers who are in a hurry to catch a flight.

Got to the airport wanting Killens BBQ. Saw the price of $18.25 and was like damn. I know it’s in an airport and prices are higher but, sure let’s still get it. After all I did want it. I walk away with my water, brisket sandwich, and Mac and cheese, which was $30 in total. I come to find my sandwich has 4 mediocre slices of meat in it. Am I wrong for being disappointed? I essentially paid $4/piece of meat and $2 for a bun. Would recommend if you’re looking to break the bank for a small amount of food, which is good nonetheless but disappointing in the amount I get.

Wow — Killen’s BBQ at Hobby Airport completely blew me away! ✈️🔥 From the moment I took my first bite, I could tell the food was fresh, high-quality, and made with care. The staff was warm and welcoming, which made the experience even better. I’ll be honest — I walked in a little hesitant because airport food usually means sky-high prices and disappointing portions. But this place? Totally different. Here, the price matched the quality, and I left feeling like I truly got my money’s worth — and then some. That’s all you can really ask for from a great restaurant. I ordered the sliced brisket plate with creamed corn and macaroni & cheese… and it was EXCELLENT. The brisket was tender and smoky, the sides were rich and flavorful — honestly, I could eat this every time I come to work. Solid 5/5 stars. I will absolutely be back often. Sincerely, I happy Southwest Airlines ramp agent.

Wow. Absolutely wow. These ribs were phenomenal—tender, smoky, and packed with deep flavor. I haven’t tasted anything in Phoenix that even comes close to this. This felt like authentic, down-home barbecue straight out of Memphis. The sides held their own, too. The potato salad was spot on, and the baked beans were rich, savory, and comforting—exactly what good BBQ sides should be. My plus-one ordered the pulled pork sandwich, and “smack-your-mama good” is the only way to describe it. Juicy, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. If this is part of a larger Houston chain, it makes complete sense—because the quality is outstanding. The fact that food this good is available inside an airport is impressive all by itself. If you’re passing through Houston Hobby, do not skip this place. This is real barbecue, done right. Thumbs way up. 🔥🍖

Staff was nice. But the young gentleman that was preparing my plate, he realized he put coleslaw in my box. He lifted my plate (already with my brisket and Mac and cheese) over the garbage, and proceeded to throw the coleslaw away. 1. Hygiene 2. What if I was allergic to one of the ingredients in the coleslaw, cross contamination. Mac and cheese didn’t have any flavor unfortunately. I don’t like heavily seasoned food but it didn’t even fast like it was salted. Same with the potato salad. However the Brisket was good! That was the only plus about this place besides the friendly staff.

At Hobby for a layover again and this time there's brisket available! I absolutely love brisket so I had to get a plate. I chose mac & cheese and cream corn for my sides. My son got a biscuit sandwich, mac & cheese, and baked beans. Everything was decent. You can see a smoke ring and taste the smokiness of the brisket. It was good, but you definitely had to dip it in the barbecue sauce as it lacked a little salt. The mac & cheese was OK for something made with American cheese instead of real sharp cheddar. I also am not a fan of crumbs on my mac & cheese, but it was alright. I was most impressed with the corn. The only reason why I didn't get the baked beans is because I didn't feel like fishing through the pork. Glad that was the case because the cream corn slapped. It wasn't just sweet, but it was also spicy. My favorite combination. I did try some of my son's baked beans. They were good and had a little kick to them as well. There's no seating, the food is thrown together and brisket fat fingerprints are clearly seen on the black to go box you receive. But the airport here this is pretty good. I'm sure if I ever have kits outside the airport, it would be 100% better. Which is probably why others have given this place horrible reviews. However I'm so glad that the new thing is for airports to feature local restaurants so layover travelers don't have to go too far. Glad this barbecue place is here. After I use up on my Southwest rapid rewards points I'll probably never fly southwest again, so who knows if I'll be stopping at this airport again. If I do have a layover that's not long enough to leave the airport for I know where to get my Texas brisket.

Food: 2.8 out of 5 - average taste, on the board says sandwich come with onions & pickle, but it's burger with meat only. Service: 1.3 out of 5 - 4 workers but only 1.5 were really working, only few customers but it took 20 minutes got my food Ambiance: 1 out of 5 Price: 0.5 out of 5 - small portion of brisket with hamburger buns for $20, really at Texas? Minimum wage is $7.5 an hour here at Texas.

Was at the airport early and decided to do a mini brisket breakfast taco face off between Velvet Taco and Killen's for fun! Descriptions: - velvet taco's hangover taco: slow-roasted Angus brisket, peppered bacon, crispy potatoes, scrambled eggs, cheese blend, red chile aioli on a flour tortilla - killen's breakfast taco: brisket with egg and cheese on a flour tortilla Taste: - velvet taco's hangover definitely won this category! Their brisket had better flavor throughout, and the additions of the crispy potatoes and red chili aioli added so much delicious flavor and texture as well as substance that the Killen's taco lacked. The eggs and tortillas were similar in taste. The Killen's taco was a bit plain and dry, and though it did come with some salsa which was nice, it paled in comparison to the red chili aioli. However, those who prefer more simple tacos might prefer Killen's. Price/value: velvet taco's hangover taco was about $7 and Killen's brisket taco was about $6. Killen's was cheaper but also much smaller with less meat, eggs, and no potatoes. Service: the Killen's employees did not seem to be morning people haha. They got the job done but without a good morning or a smile. Velvet taco's employees were friendlier. Both tacos came out fast with minimal wait. Ambiance: velvet taco's space has a small bar area where I think guests could sit to enjoy their food (may be restricted to 21+). Killen's had nowhere to sit and they appeared to be more a grab and go type restaurant. Both were quiet in the AM. Overall: I'd definitely get velvet taco's brisket breakfast taco again! They have a good variety of other yummy sounding tacos, sides, and cake too. I wouldn't get Killen's breakfast brisket taco again (or probably any of the other breakfast tacos) but might be willing to try their lunch or dinner options if I was really craving airport bbq.

Pros: many years ago, my husband and I ate at the killens in Pearland. We thought it was some of the best barbecue we've ever had. So when we saw this location at the Houston airport, we were pretty excited. I'm so happy it was open at 6 AM. Ordering was a breeze. Cons: unfortunately getting the food wasn't as easy. The gentleman making the breakfast tacos got very confused and started to make them out of order. We had a bit of a wait until the cashier jumped in to help him. Which meant people started piling up in the ordering line. Overall, I was happy to get the taco. The tortilla and the eggs were normal. The barbecue jalapeño sausage was very dry and over cooked.

I didn't realize there was a Killen's BBQ at Hobby. I wanted a breakfast taco before my flight and was on my way to Velvet Taco. Unfortunately for Velvet Taco, I came across Killen's at Gate 40 and stopped dead in my tracks lol. Killen's has been open for a month. It was unclear where the line started as there were a lot of people waiting for orders. The only breakfast item that they offer is breakfast tacos which was fine with me because that's exactly what I wanted. You can choose from protein options like brisket, turkey, sausage, and jalapeño sausage (I can't recall if pulled pork was also an option). According to Culture Map, they will also be offering kolaches (though I don't recall seeing that on the menu). I ordered a brisket breakfast taco for $6. Per Culture Map, the meats are smoked at the restaurant in Pearland (they aren't allowed to have a smoker on site at the airport). I appreciated the fact that they were pressing the tortillas so that they were hot and crispy. I got salsa with my taco, though I wish I would have had BBQ sauce. Tacos come with meat, egg, and cheese (but you can make modifications). They've only been open for a month and it appears that they are still trying to work out the kinks. There were a few orders that were made incorrectly (example - a few people had cheese on their tacos when they asked for no cheese). The staff was doing their best with orders and quickly remade tacos if they weren't correct. The young lady at the cashier wasn't overly friendly, however the gentleman making the tacos was so nice and super friendly! He was very personable and easy going. Kudos to him! The taco was so tasty, but the salsa was a little bland to me. It had a hint of spice, but could have used more salt. I think it would have been better with BBQ sauce. Killen's is a nice addition to Hobby. If you're near Gate 40, go get your BBQ fix!

Bbq tacos for breakfast? Yes! Dropping in while at Hobby airport for breakfast was a pleasant surprise and I'm glad I fid! Their brisket was lean with just enough moisture and was quite tasty! I'll be sure to check out their full menu another time

Quick. Tasty. Filling. Efficient bbq for an airport. Baked potato. Sandwich, plate options. 5-6 meat options. Sides. Comes with bread.

I love Killen's BBQ, both the Pearland and Heights locations, but the Hobby airport location falls way short. Like, I really want to give it one star but my fingers just won't let me. We had a little time before our flight today, so I wanted to give the airport location a try. I ordered the sliced beef plate. Between being dry and chewy, it was also just a bad cut of meat. You can see in the photos both the sinewy cut, plus how dry it was. I added the other photo just to show that it really was a Killen's order. I know you shouldn't expect the same quality as the original or brick and mortar store, but this was bad. I would hate to be a traveler that isn't familiar with how good his BBQ can be and for this to have been the only experience of Killen's. I'll still go to the other restaurants, but probably not the Hobby location. Sorry, Ronnie. This was a miss.

Good was great for airport location. Landed at 6:50 pm and connecting at 7:35 pm. We had enough time to order and eat before our boarding time. The order pick-up system was efficient.

Sorry to give a bad review for killen's because usually it is a favorite go when in Pearland at either restaurant there. Stopped by between flights and had a barbecue urge. Ordered 2 chopped beef sandwiches and the bulk was $39.51. That was only 2 sandwiches RIDICULOUS! You'd think they were price gouging for an upcoming hurricane. I get we are at the airport which is a stupid excuse but still that's a little over the top. Next they (5 people behind the counter) took forever to prepare our food and the 4 people waiting in front of me for theirs. Guessing it was the cost that had other travelers turning around and going elsewhere that kept the line short. When I opened our bag they had placed the sandwiches in pickle juice- not cool. The meat was mostly the burnt end caps and it was very hard to chew. The worst experience ever. Will never stop here again and advise you skip the barbecue here as well.

What gets you in the door is the smell. After that, total disappointment. Food was not good. Baked beans tasted like they were heated from the can, my store bought potato salad was just ok, ribs were dry. Service decent. Ambiance clean place.

Forget hot! The food wasn't warm. Potatoes wouldn't be ready for 2 hours. Friendly to one another behind the counter but customers were met with indifference. This is a picture of what I received for $24.63. I had to go back to ask for utensils and napkins.

Excellent bbq but ridiculous portions on our sliced beef sandwich and the guy slicing meat needs focus on his job better as he skipped our order and another customers as well . One slice of brisket for each sandwich for $18 . I mean it's like a joke . Didn't even fill half the sandwich . Chopped beef was much better portion we saw . Favor of bbq 10/10 though .

For the manager: - no management. Your people are 95% focused on visiting with each other - 3 people waiting 10-15 minutes for a taco - unacceptable behavior

Really mid food and really bad service. Doesn't help you guys ignored the only two Asians in the store. Felt really targeted.

Initially I was very excited for Killen's at Hobby Airport. However, when I arrived around 0830, they were out of eggs but charged the same price. The counter was less than friendly. The small brisket breakfast taco was less than OK for $5.60! (no eggs, unfriendly staff) Anyway, I understand Killen's is delivering this food in containers so they're not preparing anything here. I know, no pit smokers in the back! lol But next time, I'll go to Velvet Taco for better taste, quality and ambiance for my money and breakfast taco fix! Sorry Ronnie, I like your BBQ, but I'll never buy it at Hobby Airport again.

Killens Hobby Airport is the new DMV. Slooooooooooooow AF. Assembly line breakfast tacos, how long could it possibly take? For. Ever. That's how long. These employees move with zero purpose. It's an airport, long waits for barbecue are not on anyone's agenda. I agree with another reviewer that I wish barbeque sauce was offered with the breakfast tacos. The woman cashier was rubbing her eyes and then serving coffee - gross. That being said, this is still one of the best-tasting food options in the airport. Killens just needs to step up and step in to overhaul the staff situation so everyone can enjoy and be on their merry way.

Had lunch here while on a long layover at Houston airport. I had a great brisket sandwich, loaded down with meat. Not only was the food great but Georda was so friendly and super helpful in making recommendations for sides. The food court had a lot of clean empty tables nearby.