Houston BBQ Joints Deliver the Goods for the Holidays

The vibrant Houston BBQ scene is filled with unique options for the holiday season, as well as take-out selections so you won't have to look too far for creative ideas to serve your family or guests. Or why not consider giving the gift of delicious smoked meats? I took the opportunity to round up several places in the area you may want to consider as you start to firm up your menu plans, or if you're looking for the perfect gift for that meat lover you know!

Corkscrew BBQ makes it easy to select your favorite items to pick up and serve at home. Meats are sold whole, priced by the pound, and are typically cold and pre-wrapped, with easy-to-follow reheat instructions provided. Pre-order menu is available here. The last day for pre-order pick ups will be December 23. After that, Corkscrew is off for annual R&R and family time, and will be open again on January 5.

Delicious Corkscrew brisket

Tin Roof BBQ in Atascocita is once-again offering smoked turkeys and hams, sizes and prices vary. A new item this year will be 44 Farms smoked sirloin, in half and whole sizes, pre-order only. They are offering this in lieu of "traditional" prime rib due its high price point, and with the intent to "keep price low for our customers". For prices and to place an order, call the restaurant at (281) 852-5577.

44 Farms smoked sirloin from Tin Roof BBQ

Tin Roof BBQ smoked turkey, photo by Tin Roof.

Killen's Barbecue has brought back their popular brisket and pork tamales, sold by the dozen for $20 at the restaurant on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, first come, first served (no pre-orders). Bulk pre-orders of other meats are available with a 10 lb. minimum, and you need to provide at least 48 hours notice. The best way to place pre-orders for Killen's is by email at eat@killensbarbecue.com and please make sure you leave a call-back number in your message. 

Killen's Barbecue brisket tamales. Photo courtesy of Kimberly Park.

Southern Q BBQ & Catering offers a traditional dinner with items such as smoked turkey and southern side dishes, praline-glazed ham, or barbecue, so you can "enjoy more time with your family and guests!" View their entire holiday menu here; orders must be placed by December 20, and pickup for Christmas is December 24 between 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm. Place your order at the restaurant during normal business hours, or call (832) 250-4851.

Southern Q whole smoked turkeys, photo by Southern Q.

Roegels Barbecue has smoked turkeys and hams for pre-order. Call the restaurant at (713) 977-8725 for pricing and details. Meats from their regular menu are also available by the pound. Party Packs and catering options are listed on their website. Gift cards for family and friends are also available.

Whole smoked turkey, photo by Roegels Barbecue

Brooks' Place has a great lineup for holiday pre-order specials this year. Not only are they doing whole smoked turkeys again, they will also have smoked hams, oxtails, and smoked duck. Call (832) 893-1682, last day to pre-order is December 20. They also offer gift cards, which you can buy online here.

Smoked duck, photo by Brooks' Place

Pappas Bar-B-Q has fully-smoked turkeys for $54.95 and glazed hams for $34.95, available for pickup from December 19 through January 1; call your nearest location to place your order. Brochure is available here.

Spring Creek Barbeque sells all their meats "to go" by the pound, and sides in various sizes. Call your nearest location for prices, details and to place your order.

Rudy's BBQ does a brisk online mail order business (shipped next day or 2nd day air), where you can order their brisket, ribs, smoked sausage, smoked turkey breast and creamed corn for delivery. Gift cards, gift baskets, and other items are also available. Free shipping on all meat orders over $125; order online here.

Of course, all your favorite Houston joints are still cooking and serving up their regular menu items, for dine in and take out, so you won't have to worry about getting your BBQ fix over Christmas break. Be sure to check in before you head out though; many places will adjust their hours and days off over the holidays so they can spend time with family as well.

"Deck the halls with smoked meat goodness..."

Merry Christmas everyone!


- Scott