At Pinkerton's Barbecue in Houston's Heights, get ready for mouthwatering Texas-style brisket and fall-off-the-bone ribs, served in a cozy, rustic setting with standout sides like jalapeño cheese rice and creamy mac and cheese.
"When you just want old-school, straightforward Texas barbecue, go to Pinkerton’s Barbecue in The Heights. During prime barbecue hour (a.k.a. 11am) every pick-up truck within a three-mile radius lines up for brisket with a hint of smoke, tender turkey, and bacon-flecked macaroni and cheese. Someone definitely selected the “Texas” package given the many picnic tables, flagstone walls, and beer signs decorating the space. Pinkerton’s pulls it off, mainly because everyone here seems to care deeply about smoked meat and making sure you try the duck jambalaya." - gianni greene, chelsea thomas
"Michelin’s recognition of Houston barbecue joints wouldn’t be complete without Pinkerton’s. The Airline Drive restaurant is known for its Copper Creek Prime brisket, served sliced or chopped, and incredibly tender ribs. Choose between glazed or a dry rub, and don’t forget to pair with an array of compelling sides. The duck and jambalaya gumbo and rosemary bacon macaroni and cheese are hits." - Brittany Britto Garley
"Pinkerton’s serves up solid, old school, no-frills Texas barbecue. The Hill Country-style house serves up classic oak-smoked brisket, tender turkey, and pulled pork smothered in Pinkerton’s original sauce. And while the sides of smoky pinto beans and creamy macaroni and cheese are lick-the-bowl good, no tray is complete without the smoked duck and sausage jambalaya with crushed bell pepper. Settle in with a tray inside the floor-to-ceiling wood-paneled dining room at one of the long community tables. Or snag a seat on the patio where you can take in the view of what feels like every pickup truck in the city pulling up for an early lunch. " - chelsea thomas, gianni greene
"Houstonians are known to trek far and wide for fantastic barbecue, and one of the city’s most popular destinations for smoked meats is conveniently located in the Heights. Build a meat plate with sliced or chopped beef brisket, jalapeño sausage, and boudin, and add on traditional sides like coleslaw or Southern-style beans." - Brittany Britto Garley
"Find perfectly smoked Prime brisket, boudin, juicy chicken, and glazed pork ribs at this smokehouse helmed by pitmaster Grant Pinkerton. Don't get too stuffed on meats, though — the sides like the cheesy jalapeno rice and duck jambalaya are as compelling as the proteins." - Brittany Britto Garley, Eater Staff
