Tender brisket, smoky ribs, flavorful sausage, and unique sides























"A Texas-based barbecue restaurant run by Leonard Botello IV and Abbie Botello, who met in New York and developed a long-distance relationship before Abbie moved to Texas." - Brittany Britto Garley

"This Brenham barbecue spot is considered one of the very best in Texas — it landed in the number three spot on Texas Monthly’s ranked best smoked meats restaurants in the state. Pitmaster Leonard Botello IV and the team dish out the good ol’ Texas staples, sides, and desserts. Takeout orders can be placed online or in person; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in areas." - Nadia Chaudhury

"If Michelin is willing to consider barbecue on food-alone criteria, Truth is presented as a worthy contender: the barbecue restaurant that began in Brenham and has captivated locals and tourists earns high praise for pitmaster Leonard Botello IV’s tender, well-seasoned brisket, ribs with just enough bite, and attention-grabbing sides such as an unconventional tater tot casserole (hotdish)." - Brittany Britto Garley
"The Brenham-based barbecue spot Truth BBQ is undeniably popular amongst Houstonians—there’s usually a line extending out the door on any day that it’s open. A classic example of new-school barbecue, the Washington Ave. joint is focused on its crown jewel, the brisket. And while the brisket is certainly moist, it lacks the flavor or smokiness that other BBQ joints have mastered. Even the sides, which are plentiful, can be hit-and-miss with potato salad mimicking the brisket: moist but pretty bland. But not all of Truth’s dishes fall short—the smoked turkey is expertly seasoned and the baked beans make us feel like true cowboys. If you come with a specific order in mind (and a sweet tooth for a slice of massive carrot cake), you can still have a good time at Truth. photo credit: Richard Casteel photo credit: Richard Casteel photo credit: Richard Casteel photo credit: Richard Casteel photo credit: Richard Casteel" - Gianni Greene

"Perched in the Heights and founded in Brenham in 2015, this outpost—opened in Houston three years ago—serves classic Central Texas barbecue with standout whole-hog roasts, Cajun burnt ends boudin, and delectable cakes, and was ranked No. 3 on Texas Monthly’s list of 50 best barbecue joints. I noted creative sides like corn pudding and tater tot casserole, and that the cakes are made by pitmaster Leonard Botello’s mom, Janel, alongside head baker Laquita Wilkins; the original Brenham location previously placed No. 10 on Texas Monthly’s 2017 list." - Brittanie Shey