We got the 3 meat plate, which comes with two sides, and we added a third. Brisket - I thought this was dry but the FATTY piece?! Listen. You have to get this. Ask for fatty pieces only and thank me later. Chicken - delicious and smoked and falling off the bone with ease. Ribs - really, really good. Also falling off the bone. Mac & cheese - I liked the flavor, but it reminded me of stove top mac & cheese. Definitely disappointing. Greens - they were okay. Collards tend to be a bit bitter so they're not my favorite. Baked beans - classic, very good BBQ sauce - It was very vinegar-y. I really disliked it. I washed everything down with sweet tea (obviously). Overall we had a good meal. The portion sizes are pretty big. My husband and I had leftovers and we shared the plate. There's plenty of seating and parking is easy right out front. Bathrooms were clean. Service was good and friendly -- the southern hospitality you expect in Texas. read more

Gatlin's BBQ - Three meat plate (we added an extra side) - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

Ordered the brisket sandwich lean, cookie chip with pecan cookie. The beef was exceptional good. The toasted bread added texture plus the sauce was pleasant. Grand place for a bbq meal. The associate (young lady with the freckles) was super friendly and suggestive. She added a lot of value to our visit. The ambiance was gifted. Nice AC for this Texas heat. Televisions in both rooms read more

I always get their brisket and ribs are solid as well. Don't pass up the desert. Everything is home made and from scratch. Good food, good service always has me coming back. Love this family ran business! read more

First time visit!! I had heard so much about this place for years! I just happened to be in the area. The staff was least that friendly not rude but not friendly either. I ordered traditional sausages, pork ribs and brisket, along with potato salad and beans. Dessert I purchased German chocolate cake. The mean brisket and ribs need some seasoning or marinading. BBQ sauce has a pretty good flavor. Sausage are good . Sides potato salad and beans are pretty good. The wait for the food seems long , since I was the only one there. Over 8 minutes Considering the food and service I don't have to return!!! read more

Gatlin's BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

When you walk in the place seems like a southern cafeteria where everyone knows each other. I got a to go order of ribs, brisket and chicken. You can tell by the feel of the counter service that this is a family run business and they make you feel at home. The ribs were not only tender but they tasted like the bbq I grew up on from my grandfather. The brisket was moist and flavorful but a little greasy. All in all the grease was not bad at all but the chicken was cooked and paired well with the bbq sauce. When I left out after my pick up they made me feel welcome to come back anytime so it really felt like I was picking up bbq from my family's house. read more

Not good what so ever I was excited to come here just to be upset with not only the service but the meal also. I paid about 38 dollars for brisket ,ribs and for the sides were yams,Mac and cheese and baked beans with one drink. I had a taste of the brisket which had lots of fat on it and no flavor whatsoever. It was a little chewy but also bland as it also had no flavor what so ever. That wasn't the only thing that had no flavor to it. It was also the ribs that had not lots of flavor, bland but it was better than the brisket. Could've been more juicy and flavorful. My sides were not the best either the beans were not good and no flavor. Yams were not the best but they were decent and a little sweet but the Mac and cheese... Mac and cheese had no flavor looked like it was only sum pepper on there and not of the side where hot, barely warm. Least to say that flavor was not there in any of my food. The lack of flavor was definitely there unfortunately. But to really stir the tea the customer service was ok until there was a lack of communication on my end. When I order brisket from any barbecue place I always get it slices not chopped. I ended up saying chopped brisket on accident not realizing and when I got the food I realized it was not sliced brisket. I went to them and told them that I accidentally said chopped brisket and u wanted sliced. The lady went to tell the person who took my order, she came out and basically was yelling saying that I changed my order last minute and that I should've said sliced. I instantly felt disrespected and disgusted by the customer service. I was also embarrassed what so ever because there was people in the place trying to enjoy there meal. She mad a big scene over something that could've been fixed easily. I will not recommend this place to anyone whatsoever because I love some flavor on my food and if that's lacking I can't enjoy my meal. Least to say is I will not be coming back, when u try to go eat something new go with your gut instead and go with your regular food barbecue spot. 0/10 won't try again and do no recommend. read more

I was quite underwhelmed. It just goes to show that online "best of" listings cannot be trusted. The breakfast was average at best. The plastic cutlery was quite useless as the sausage and even pancake was tough. I asked if I could fill my water bottle with ice and a grumpy older gentleman said "I'll let you do it this time but the sign right there says no outside food or drinks." It was an empty water bottle. Maybe he was just having a bad morning. Overall, it was not worth the price as it was sorta "meh" read more

Gatlin's BBQ - Nice signage and decor - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Pictures make it look better than it tastes. Greens, Mac n cheese and the dirty rice were all plain. Greens still tasted like the earth it came from. Brisket was good though. Definitely better bbq spots read more

I can only rate on the food because this was bought for me and brought to me. Baby the ribs are some of the best ribs I have ever had in my life. You know how Myron Mixon the winningest man in Bar B Que describes the taste and the pull and how you should be able to pull the meat off the bone but the meat isn't falling off the bone. Yeah! This is it! I am in love! I will be in Houston in three weeks I will definitely be paying them a visit! No pictures because well I was hungry. read more

Haven't gotten food home to taste yet. Ordered online, went to pick up, I admit I got there earlier than pick up time. Girl at counter told me she would push it through quicker. Three people that walked in and ordered after my was getting pushed through got their food and left without me getting mine. I was ready to just leave after waiting 20min( 10min past original due time). Was never offered water drink apologies nothing. 100 bbq places in Houston I guess this one doesn't need my business. read more

Was excited to knock this off my foodie list only to be disappointed by the food and the service. I waited over 30 minutes for my food and large orders after me were being served. I received half my order and they took it back. When I went to ask the older lady how will I be notified about my order because they took the buzzer away she snapped at me and said"Well what's the problem now?" Saw this place on many food fv shows. Was seriously disappointed I drove from upper Kirby just to be treated bad. And to hear the staff talk badly about the original lady who took my order was disheartening because she was nice to me. Do better. The food was bland. The greens tasted old. The potato salad was so gross I left it after two bites. read more

Gatlin's BBQ - When I was excited about being there but that quickly faded. - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

Loved this place. I shared a three meat platter with the baby back ribs, spicy sausage, and brisket. They were all sooooo good. My favorite was the spicy sausage. For sides, we each got the baked beans and macaroni and cheese which were both good as well. They occasionally sell out of some items throughout the day so if you want something specific it may be best to go earlier, but it's worth it to me. I'll be back for sure! read more

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I absolutely loved our visit to Gatlin's bbq! Their new building is a huge step from their old building, which used to be very limited in space and seating. The new area is flanked by tall glass windows in the front to a nice, open, airy, and clean atmosphere inside. Well you can get overwhelmed by all the side choices. We ended up getting the half rack of baby back ribs and two sides, and a three meat combo. We absolutely loved the dirty rice, the collard greens, the smoked corn (my personal favorite), and the pickled cucumbers. The brisket was good, but in our visit the standouts were the baby back ribs, spicy sausage and pulled pork. The baby back ribs were incredibly rich, flavorful, and actually very tender. I also felt that it was so good for the owners of Gaitlyns to come and hang out with us, and make some conversation. We loved this visit and hope to come again! read more

Gatlin's BBQ - Spicy sausage, brisket, pulled pork, other sides - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Finally made it to the infamous Gatlin's BBQ. Very delicious. Got to the restaurant around 5pm on a Saturday. Didn't make it in time for the Sausage links but they still had everything else to try so that was good. Next time we will go early for the sausage. The staff is very nice and helpful. Restrooms were super clean. My only disappointment was that my food was cold including the brisket. It was still very delicious and had we had more time, I would have mentioned it to the staff. All in all, very good and pleasant experience. We will be back soon. Forks up Galtins!! read more

Gatlin's BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

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The food tasted old and dry the sweet tea taste like it's been there a week and the customer service was awful not welcoming at all was being looked at and talked about the whole time!!would rather of went to gabbys read more

I just love this place, easily my favorite barbecue spot, and I was shocked (shocked!) to see that they do not have a perfect five stars. I think I've probably ordered everything here at this point but my favorite is the turkey entree with Cole slaw and potato salad. Incredible. The turkey is so tender, you don't need a knife to cut it, I just cut it with my fork. So delicious. I also get a banana pudding - theirs is to die for. Highly recommend read more

Galin's BBQ is a hidden gem for barbecue enthusiasts seeking an exceptional dining experience. The warm and inviting atmosphere makes this restaurant the perfect place for lunch. As soon as I took my first bite of tender and succulent brisket, I knew I was in for a treat. The pulled pork came out perfectly as well. I was very impressed by the sides of fried okra and dirty rice. They paired perfectly together. Overall, I had a great dining experience here. The perfectly smoked meats and delectable sides can't be beat! I can't wait to come back again. read more

High on the Hog (Netflix Documentary) brought me here and solidified my decision to make Gatlins my very first stop in Houston. It did not disappoint. Yes, there was a wait but it wasn't unbearable and apparently the line we were in at the time was short compared to their usual for a Saturday. The ribs were amazing. The smoked chicken wings weren't our favorite but they were good to snack on later in the day. The greens were great and the beans were simmered to perfection. The star was the tender, flavorful BRISKET - wow. It was my friends first time trying brisket and loved it. It was hands down the best brisket I've ever had. It was so good I made sure to bring some on the plane back with me. Sadly they were out of desserts on this day but that allowed us to try out some other local establishments to satisfy our sweet tooth. The service was great. It was such a rewarding experience meeting and chatting with the matriarch of the Gatlin family - Miss Mary Gatlin. She was so cool and fun to talk to. I appreciated her genuineness and her spark that lit up the room. There's something to be said about owners being hands on in their restaurants. Seeing her not only mingle with customers but also help the other severs in the dining area was such a modest gesture. I didn't catch the name of the other server but she was great as well - very attentive and speedy with bringing anything additional that was needed. Although they were aware we were from out of town, the locals were treated with the same love. Needless to say, Gatlins will be a must stop anytime I'm in Houston and want the best bbq brisket. read more

Gatlin's BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Solid BBQ. Great portion sizes. We spent about $70 on a chopped beef baked potato, two meat plate, and a three meat plate. The spare ribs were good, the fatty brisket was good but the lean slices were dry. Like they'd been sitting under the heat lamp too long. The pulled pork was tasty. The sausage was the best of all the meats. The sides were all good. There was plenty to take home afterwards for snacks and a second meal. Would definitely return so I can try those baby back ribs and the smoked chicken wings. By the time we arrived they had run out. read more

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Gaitlins is all right with me. I always use brisket as my measuring stick for bbq. The brisket was tender and tasty. Delicious! Nice ambiance and Mrs Gatlin called out my name to pick up the food and she was so pleasant. Glad they were on the recent documentary so that their business can boom. I will wear my Gatlin's t shirt proudly. read more

Gatlin's BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

There is so much excellent barbecue in the Houston and surrounding areas. That's why it's always wonderful to find one that stands out above most of the rest. Although Gattlin's is near to home, we had never had the opportunity to try it. When I go to a barbecue restaurant the first thing I try is the brisket. It was close to perfect. Additionally the plates were not as expensive as one might expect. The brisket was juicy and moist and not too lean and not too fat. The sides were all just like you would want them. The beans weren't those old ranch House beans, they were sweet and delicious pork and beans. The fried okra was perfectly fried just like your grandmother made them. The potato salad was like having a delicious egg salad helping with mashed potatoes mixed in. Yum! The front counter service was quick and efficient and the people in the restaurant were very helpful and friendly. Overall, a wonderful experience and we will be coming back over and over. read more

Gatlin's BBQ - First time but not the last, to eat here. - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

Food is fantastic but fails in customer care a 0- here. They will not service online orders exceptions are delivery services. All other customers orders are serviced only thru walking, dine-in lines are merged. Problem is these situations remain unstained. Causes long waits. Customers hanging out of the doors down the sidewalk. This is not Good!! I want to patronize black businesses and hope Gatlins work on their customer care service. read more

My family and I were coming back from vacation in Galveston, and I had to get some true-Texas-Houston-based BBQ. We are big Michelle Wallace fans on Top Chef, so that lead me to trying out Gatlin's. Outstanding all around from all seven of us. The sides really shined as well. Those sweet potatoes! I don't think I'll ever have better. Great smoke on all the meats, and still tender/juicy. read more

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They are great neighbors, the food is delicious and the place is always hopping. Ella Blvd Self Storage Team.

Absolutely horrible with even worse customer service. This is the second time ordering food from them for a group. The first time the food was delicious. The second time...today, it was disgusting. The chicken was clearly leftover from another day. The sliders lacked taste, and the baked potato was dry. I was charged for a piece of lettuce, two tomatoes, three slices of onion, a packet of mayo, and a mustard packet. When one of the ladies took her chicken back because it was inedible, the owner implied that it was picked up too late and suggested that she drive to get her own food. Maybe it's time for the owner to retire, but you can bet, my company won't be using them anymore. read more

Since our previous dining experiences at Wow Bao and Golden Wok were pretty awful, we knew BBQ was the route to go for our next meal. And what better than Texas style BBQ by one of the more famous BBQ spots in Houston? The brisket was super tender with nice coloring. Also liked the jalapeño sausage too and the collard greens while my pops enjoyed the bbq beans. The potato salad was decent although I've had better elsewhere. They also serve beer on tap which goes well with BBQz. Overall it was a solid meal and will be part of the BBQ rotation for me. Interior has plenty of seating especially in the back area with long tables and a Large TV playing whatever espn is showing. Apparantly this is a new location which is fine in my book. Look forward to coming back! read more

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Food was amazing, on the small size as far as seating but they seem to do a very brisk takeout business. This is an order at the register establishment and the line was very slow when we arrived, just after 1pm, but nobody in line seemed to care as the aroma from the kitchen was fabulous. Once our order was place it came out after a very short wait. If you like great BBQ then definitely check it out. read more

Disgusting cold full of fat brisket! So disappointing. No one should serve a 21.00 plate with 3 pieces of FAT! Shame on you. The second Star is for the baked potato. It was good. read more

Gatlin's BBQ - Full of fat. - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

Great Ribs Brisket and pork chopped BBQ. It's rough to get there due to traffic and then closing by 6PM. We had early dinner there.

The food is always tasty and enjoyable. My family and friends know I'm extremely picky about my food, however Gatlin's is a constant when I have a taste for bbq. The down-home service helps too. You never know if you're talking to the owner or a server because everyone treats you like a guest at their dining room table! The ambiance is comfortable, heartfelt and loving. This is definitely a jewel of the Oak Forest area......and if they haven't sold-out for the day, please do not forget the dessert. You will not be disappointed! read more

Very friendly service! This place is a little different from other bbq joints in that after you order, you'll get a buzzer and will get your food when the buzzer rings. (As opposed to cutting up and serving the food on the spot). The barbecue is extremely good here! Ribs are fall off the bone. If you request the brisket to be moist, it truly comes out that way. Bread, onions, pickles, jalapeños available upon request. Potato salad was alright. Mac and cheese was one of the better ones I've tried if you love it when they're on the saucier side. They added a few outdoor tables in front of the place for those concerned with Covid seating inside. Very clean and nice place inside. Great service with a smile, and great food! read more

Gatlin's BBQ - 2 meat plate. Brisket and ribs with Mac and cheese and potato salad - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

Barbecue was overall pretty good and the options for sides was really nice. Food came out pretty fast and it wasn't too bad for barbecue made in *Texas*. Ribs, baked beans, and venison sausage stood out as really good. read more

Gatlin's BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

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I've been on a frequent quest to find the absolute best barbecue places in Houston and this one is definitely at the top after my visit today. Now listen, I'm new to Houston but I'm no spring chicken. I've been to Truth, Pinkerton's, The Pit Room, Goode BBQ, J Bar M, to name a few. Some of them I like, some of them I love, but Gatlin's stands out. The establishment is extremely clean with unique decor, friendly staff and a good vibe. Napkins available at each table, fountain drinks are crisp and don't leave the drink tasting like a dirty fountain either. There was also extremely fast service for our orders which I really appreciated. We got the spare ribs, brisket, baked beans, potato salad, okra, mac n' cheese with lemon cake for desert. All unbelievably tasty! Ribs have a delicious flavor and come off the bone easily. Brisket is a perfect mix between lean and fatty, which I love. Potato salad tastes like your Grandma's, and the lemon cake was a guilty pleasure for sure. My wife loved the okra and baked beans as well. You get a very hefty helping of food with the 2 meat combo and to be honest and comparatively speaking, this place is among the cheaper options for barbecue compared to the restaurants named above. We talked with the owner who was as sweet as pie. We enjoyed everything there and can't wait to go back. This is our new spot for barbecue! Thanks, y'all!!! read more

Best overall bbq I've had thus far. I don't know how they have a 3.7/5 rating. There must be some real BBQ experts out there or something that put me to shame. The service was great and staff was friendly. My only negative is their online ordering allows you to place orders even in the morning because they open at 7:00am for breakfast so I ordered for 9:00am and was called quickly after advising the meats won't be ready until 11:00am. Over all they had the best sides out of the bbq places I've tried. The meats were great too. Standouts were beef rib, rib tips, Mac and cheese, potato salad. Beef rib: tender like they cooked it in a crockpot tender. It was nearly perfect. 5/5 Pork ribs: tender and juicy 4.5/5 Brisket: moist wasn't available so I selected mix of lean and moist. This was probably the most disappointing item I tried. The brisket wasn't too tender at all and let me down. BUT I believe if they had all moist option today it would've been a better score. 3.5/5 Rib tips: super tender. Sauce was on point with great smoky taste and a hint of spice. I loved it. Probably my favorite item today. Easy 5/5. Mac and cheese: tasty, not too cheesy, thick spiral noodles. 4.5/5 Potato salad: great texture. A little sweet. Definitely the top potato salad to my liking from a bbq place I've had. 5/5 Baked beans: good taste. Not too soupy and especially not too thick like a few places I've tried make their beans. 4/5 Overall this is by far the best bbq sides I've had. I usually go for the same 2-4 sides at every bbq place so I can judge fairly. read more

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A friend of mine that lives in the area told me about this place so I decided to try it out one night. I got two plates, both with two meats and two sides. Meats: Brisket was a bit dry, pulled pork was really good, ribs were ok, turkey was also dry. Sides: Mac n cheese was very good!! And so was the corn. Dirty rice was ok and so was the slaw. The BBQ sauce was ok, but tasted like a bottled sauce to me. I didn't get any breast with my plates, not sure if they add that to the orders or not. The place is nice and clean and has a decent amount of tables and seats. If I have this again I would do pork, Turkey , Mac n cheese and corn. read more

Gatlin's BBQ - Mac n cheese, corn, turkey, ribs, pulled pork, brisket, dirty rice, and colslaw - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

Was excited to try Gatlin's before I walked in but it didn't last long. The elderly female owner assumed I was going to get a drink with my water cup and told me "that cup is for water only." Ok, first of all, I don't fit the description , any description to steal a drink. Second, if I had wanted a drink, I would have paid for one. I have money. Food was ok. Just ok. My baked beans were hot but the Mac & cheese was lukewarm. One thing for certain and two, for sure, I won't be back. First impressions are everything and they missed the boat here. I know a lot of people visiting Houston for BBQ and I won't suggest this place. read more

First let me say that my grandfather was a pit master, so BBQ is a part of my SOUL..... I've had good from places far and wide, I'm critical AF when it comes to the Q.....I. That said, this place is LEGIT!! I've eaten here a few times now and it is consistently very good. Ribs- 9/10 Brisket- 10/10 Chicken- 7/10 Potato salad- 3/10 (just get mustard potato salad at the store, it's better) Baked beans- 8/10 ISSAGO!!! read more

We loved it!!! All the way from DC. Brisket is our jam and unsalty and moist is what we look for. This hit the mark. Greens delicious maybe a bit too much stalk but tasty. Cole slaw...yummy. Mac & cheese not the best but far from the worst. Bbq sauce was tasty. Greeted immediately and introduced to the owner. Warm hugs all around. We loved our experience. If you want flavorful food without all the salt this is the spot for you. read more

Lights out breakfast tacos. Super meaty, and darn good tortillas. Well done. Not sure if coffee is bottomless but its good and hot! read more

Gatlin's BBQ - Bacon and egg loaded to perfecfion! - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

If the "Ish" was a place, this would be it! This place is tucked inside the Oak Forest area of town near the Heights and is known for their awesome food across the nation. First time in history I've stood in line for an hour on the 4th of July just to order anything(Foodies from everywhere we're standing in line to see if the food lived up to the hype) Staff was nice and informing us while in line about what items they were running out of (Open until they close and/or run out of food; get there early next time was my mental note) plus providing water for everyone. (It was hot) The menu is that of a puzzle meaning you have to piece together your selection with mind and stomach. Two types of ribs, three types of sausage, pulled pork, sliced brisket, chicken and turkey are the protein selections. Also, there are 8-10 sides to chose from. Deserts and drinks as well. Took about 25 minutes to order and get to the table. The order: Two three meat combos. One with chicken, spare ribs, deer sausage with potato salad and greens. The other Pulled Pork, sliced brisket, spicy sausage with candied yams and mac and cheese plus two drinks. Let me not forget the triple layer chocolate cake to go. Total ticket was sixty bucks. The chicken was well seasoned and moist, ribs fell off the bone, but that deer sausage snapped to the sound of well smoked perfection. That mac and cheese has extra love put in to it. The greens had me thinking of when my grandma used to make them on holidays and I even drank the potlicker! (The juice from the greens in case you didn't know) Basically all the meat had been smoke well and the sides were made like the ancestor was supervising in the kitchen. Only thing I didn't like was the potato salad. More of a mustard not mayo guy. However, that my preference and my geldings doesn't take away from the experience. Let me get to the point. This legendary place exceeded my expectations and was well worth the wait. Nice atmosphere, staff and one of the highlights of great barbecue in Houston. read more

Gatlin's BBQ - Two Triple meat combos with two sides - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas