(credit: gabbysbbq.com)

Gabby’s Steaks, Ribs & Bar-B-Q

4659 Telephone Road
Houston, TX 77087
(713) 649-3055

3101 North Shepherd
Houston, TX 77018
(713) 864-5049
www.gabbysbbq.com

Locally-owned and operated since 1978, Gabby’s Steaks, Ribs & Bar-B-Q offers some of the best “smoked hill country-style” barbecue in Houston. What started as a single “Texas Ranch House” restaurant has expanded to include two Houston locations and one location in nearby Pasadena. The atmosphere at Gabby’s is casual, and the d馗or includes hand-painted murals depicting cowboy life and the Texas Rangers. All three locations offer drive-thru and call-ahead pick-up service, and Gabby’s also does catering and delivery for large orders. Stop by on Friday and Saturday nights to enjoy live country music and all-you-can-eat spare ribs.

(credit: swingingdoor.com)

The Swinging Door

3818 FM 359
Richmond, TX 77406
(281) 342-4758
www.swingingdoor.com

If you’re willing to make the short trip to Richmond, you’re in for a real treat. The Swinging Door has some of the best barbecue in the Houston area. This barbecue joint was opened in 1973 by Steve and Ward Onstad and remains a family business to this day. The prices here are affordable, the atmosphere is casual and family-friendly, and the barbecue is 100% pecan-smoked. What more could you ask for in a great barbecue restaurant? Favorites here include beef brisket, pork ribs, and turkey breast, all slowly smoked over aged pecan. Sides include dirty rice, slaw and beans, potato salad, and green beans. Catering is also available. Hours: Wednesday and Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Closed on Monday and Tuesday.

(credit: goodecompany.com)

Goode Company Texas Bar-B-Q

5109 Kirby Drive
Houston, TX 77098
(713) 522-2530

8911 Katy Freeway
Houston, TX 77024
(713) 464-1901
20102 Northwest Freeway
Houston, TX 77065
(832) 678-3562
www.goodecompany.com

This family-owned company offers four different local restaurant chains serving the state of Texas since 1977. It all started with Goode Co. Texas Bar-B-Q, when founder Jim Goode stopped by a failing local barbecue joint to have some lunch and left with a full belly and an agreement to buy the restaurant. A few days later, the original Goode Company Bar-B-Q opened on Kirby Drive. Over the years, the folks at Goode Co. have perfected their recipes and built a reputation for serving up some of the best barbecue in Houston, adding two more Bar-B-Q locations in addition to their other restaurant ventures. Their secret? Using only the best ingredients and taking the time to do things “the right way,” even if this means a little more time and effort.