The Absolute Best Brisket in Houston [Updated 2025]

I've been eating brisket for years now and have a pretty good idea of what I'm looking for. In order to settle this once and for all, I decided to put seven of Houston's best briskets to the test.

From barbecue joints that are legendary in Houston, to more surprising places serving great brisket, I made my way around the city, one brisket at a time.

So come on this journey with me as we search out the best brisket in Houston! Stories, laughs, and mouth-watering barbecues await.

Rays Real Pit BBQ Shack

Having tried many different versions of briskets, the one at Rays takes the cake. It's cooked low and slow over a real wood fire, which makes all the difference! The bark is perfectly crisp and crunchy while the inside is succulent and tender.

The flavor was definitely unique - it had a smoky sweetness to it that you don't find in other places. And the best part? It wasn't greasy or heavy like some bbq can be.

If you're looking for the best brisket in Houston then you must try Rays Real Pit BBQ Shack! From my experience, it was some of the most delicious food I've ever had!

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FAINMOUS BBQ

The first time I tried their brisket, I was so impressed with the flavor and tenderness. The smoke ring was a beautiful pink color, and it stayed juicy even after being refrigerated for a whole day.

The portions were generous yet not too large to overpower the taste of the meat. Their sauce was also well balanced--not too sweet or tangy, but just enough to make it special.

Overall, FAINMOUS BBQ is one of the best places for brisket in Houston, if not the best! If you're ever in Houston, I recommend stopping by and trying their delicious brisket!

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J-Bar-M Barbecue

Having tasted their brisket many times, I can confidently say that J-Bar-M Barbecue serves the best brisket in Houston. The flavor is consistent and the texture is always perfect—it's just right! The smokiness adds an extra depth to the flavor that really gives it that "authentic" Texas BBQ feel.

What really sets J-Bar-M apart from other barbecue places in Houston is the service. The staff are courteous and helpful, they explain their menu options clearly, and they're always willing to give advice on what to order.

If you're looking for a great place to get good quality brisket in Houston, then head over to J-Bar-M Barbecue! You won't regret it!

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Gatlin's BBQ

I've gone to Gatlin's for the past 5 years, and it's been consistently excellent. Their brisket has just the right amount of smokiness, and the fat is always rendered perfectly. The bark is crispy and flavorful, and the meat is juicy and tender.

The most impressive part of Gatlin's BBQ is their staff. They are friendly, knowledgeable, and make sure every customer has a great experience. The service at Gatlin's also adds to the overall atmosphere– I never feel rushed or unimportant here!

If you're looking for some of the best brisket in Houston then look no further than Gatlin's BBQ!

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Citadel BBQ

I have to say, their brisket is truly something special. The texture of the meat and bark combined with the smoky flavor make it a delicious experience that I'll never forget.

The portion size makes it worth every penny too! I felt full after one plate and their prices are very reasonable compared to other BBQ spots in Houston.

Although I couldn't say enough good things about the food, my favorite part was the friendly service. The staff were always helpful, polite and very knowledgeable about different cuts of meat and rubs they were offering which made me feel confident in my order.

Overall, Citadel BBQ is definitely worth a try if you love barbecue! It has the best brisket in Houston, friendly staff and reasonable prices - what more could you ask for?

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Burns Original BBQ

I've had the pleasure of trying the brisket at Burns Original BBQ and it is nothing short of incredible. The meat was so juicy, tender, and flavorful that I was left wanting more! Not only is the brisket cooked to perfection, but their famous sauces add an extra element of flavor that completes the perfect bite. I would honestly say that it is the best brisket in Houston.

I had a great experience when I visited Burns Original BBQ and will definitely be returning soon. From my perspective, they set the standard for what BBQ should be!

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Truth BBQ

The brisket has a perfect smoke ring and is so tender it literally melts in your mouth. Every bite is packed with flavor that sings with the richness of a smoky, tangy barbecue sauce. The mesquite-smoked brisket has an incredibly unique flavor that's consistently great every time I visit.

What makes Truth BBQ stand out from other places is the atmosphere - they have an incredible selection of sides, live music, and friendly staff that make you feel like family. Everything from their fries to their crunchy vegetables showcased the heart and soul of Texas BBQ!

In conclusion, if you're looking for truly the best brisket in Houston then look no further than Truth BBQ!

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