My aversion to airport fare is due to a number of reasons that include: service issues, overpriced food, and generally a lack of quality. BBQ prices are already ridiculous, but muted expectations aside, I found the airport version of Killen's to be surprisingly good. In fact, it's good enough to be considered as one of the better food options at Hobby. There is no seating and the line will vary from insanely long to none at all. Price ranges for sandwiches are from $16.10-18.40, sides are $6.75-$18.25 depending on size, baked potatoes are $10.35 + $7 choice of protein and meat plates are exactly $24. No matter what anyone orders, the meal will be pricey. I'm told the meats are smoked in Pearland and rushed to this location several times a day. The slicing of the meats aren't particularly impressive, but I have to say the sides look extremely appetizing. There is an on-screen display for orders, which feels like a bit of a factory, but at least the wait is not too serious. Service is good for keeping the crowd moving and they're good about assembling meals fairly quickly. All sandwiches come with pickles and onions, and my recent chopped beef was disappointing, given the blandness and the small'ish portion considering the price. On the other hand, my sliced brisket baked potato was truly loaded with copious amounts of butter, cheese, sour cream, and bacon. The box was caked in grease, but the portion was far more substantial. Visually the meat plate was subpar at best, but the turkey was on point. Even my creamed corn had a nice kick and the mac 'n' cheese was deceivingly tasty. If I'm ever motivated to spend $10 on dessert, I may just shoot for their tres leches bread pudding. read more

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So yeah...im sure being here Houston im sure there are waaaaaaay better places in the city. But just passing through on my way to Cancun...I've had brisket before and it seemed always dry. So never been i fan. Anyways I asked cashier i want the pork rib but want something else...you guys should change that. I would have bought more but you guys have listed one meat...I know you can get more but I felt like I was being overcharged.... list a meal deal 1 2 3 types of meat. Just a suggestion Anyways the cashier said try the brisket and.....yup good and a bit dry still The ribs were also a bit dry. Again airport food but still good especially with BBQ sauce. Friendly service and clean quick stop...one day I'll visit Houston when my Raiders put hog tie those Texan cows...lol I do want to vist space center...next time read more

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Stopped into Killen's BBQ at Hobby Airport and went with the brisket taco. The brisket was tender, smoky, and packed with that classic Texas flavor. Tortilla held up well and the portion was generous for airport food. It's definitely a solid option when flying through HOU and craving real BBQ instead of the usual airport chains. A little pricey (airport premium), and not quite the same as a full sit-down BBQ experience, but still very satisfying and way above average for airport dining. Would order it again without hesitation. Saluti read more

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One doesn't usually have great things to say about airport food--Killen's is the exception!! I was transiting through Houston hobby airport... and I saw the line outside Killen's. I had time before my flight, and in the spirit of indulging in local cuisine, I thought to join the line. I'm so happy I did! It was earlier in the morning so I didn't want to eat too much (in hindsight I wish I had!) but I grabbed the brisket breakfast taco. And I will tell you it is hands-down one of the best breakfast tacos I have ever had!! the brisket is cooked to perfection, and most importantly, flavored impeccably! The slow cooked goodness is there, but the high-quality beef as well as the excellent seasoning also comes through. Coupled with the egg and cheese-mmmm mmmmm mmm perfection!! read more

Killen's Barbecue - HOU - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Went to killen's in pearland and loved their bread pudding so when we spotted this smaller location at hobby I knew I had to get more. $9 for a little container. It's served hot with lots of sweet cream drizzle over it. It was good but it's better at the big restaurant. read more

I was flying out of Hobby and found this spot in the airport. The BBQ was very legit smoked somewhere and served up warm. Many side options so I selected Mac and Cheese. The platter is the way to go on this menu as it includes the side. The sauce is in a cup to pour on the meat. The pork as still juicy and the mac and cheese was excellent. I really enjoyed the meal before my flight. read more

This was my last barbecue meal in Texas and unfortunately it needed more love and seasoning to make it tasty like all the other meals I have had. There was nothing wrong with the food, but I expected more. The people were friendly. The airport is clean, but I had higher expectations. read more

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Was at the airport early and decided to do a mini brisket breakfast taco face off between Velvet Taco and Killen's for fun! Descriptions: - velvet taco's hangover taco: slow-roasted Angus brisket, peppered bacon, crispy potatoes, scrambled eggs, cheese blend, red chile aioli on a flour tortilla - killen's breakfast taco: brisket with egg and cheese on a flour tortilla Taste: - velvet taco's hangover definitely won this category! Their brisket had better flavor throughout, and the additions of the crispy potatoes and red chili aioli added so much delicious flavor and texture as well as substance that the Killen's taco lacked. The eggs and tortillas were similar in taste. The Killen's taco was a bit plain and dry, and though it did come with some salsa which was nice, it paled in comparison to the red chili aioli. However, those who prefer more simple tacos might prefer Killen's. Price/value: velvet taco's hangover taco was about $7 and Killen's brisket taco was about $6. Killen's was cheaper but also much smaller with less meat, eggs, and no potatoes. Service: the Killen's employees did not seem to be morning people haha. They got the job done but without a good morning or a smile. Velvet taco's employees were friendlier. Both tacos came out fast with minimal wait. Ambiance: velvet taco's space has a small bar area where I think guests could sit to enjoy their food (may be restricted to 21+). Killen's had nowhere to sit and they appeared to be more a grab and go type restaurant. Both were quiet in the AM. Overall: I'd definitely get velvet taco's brisket breakfast taco again! They have a good variety of other yummy sounding tacos, sides, and cake too. I wouldn't get Killen's breakfast brisket taco again (or probably any of the other breakfast tacos) but might be willing to try their lunch or dinner options if I was really craving airport bbq. read more

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I didn't realize there was a Killen's BBQ at Hobby. I wanted a breakfast taco before my flight and was on my way to Velvet Taco. Unfortunately for Velvet Taco, I came across Killen's at Gate 40 and stopped dead in my tracks lol. Killen's has been open for a month. It was unclear where the line started as there were a lot of people waiting for orders. The only breakfast item that they offer is breakfast tacos which was fine with me because that's exactly what I wanted. You can choose from protein options like brisket, turkey, sausage, and jalapeño sausage (I can't recall if pulled pork was also an option). According to Culture Map, they will also be offering kolaches (though I don't recall seeing that on the menu). I ordered a brisket breakfast taco for $6. Per Culture Map, the meats are smoked at the restaurant in Pearland (they aren't allowed to have a smoker on site at the airport). I appreciated the fact that they were pressing the tortillas so that they were hot and crispy. I got salsa with my taco, though I wish I would have had BBQ sauce. Tacos come with meat, egg, and cheese (but you can make modifications). They've only been open for a month and it appears that they are still trying to work out the kinks. There were a few orders that were made incorrectly (example - a few people had cheese on their tacos when they asked for no cheese). The staff was doing their best with orders and quickly remade tacos if they weren't correct. The young lady at the cashier wasn't overly friendly, however the gentleman making the tacos was so nice and super friendly! He was very personable and easy going. Kudos to him! The taco was so tasty, but the salsa was a little bland to me. It had a hint of spice, but could have used more salt. I think it would have been better with BBQ sauce. Killen's is a nice addition to Hobby. If you're near Gate 40, go get your BBQ fix! read more

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Bbq tacos for breakfast? Yes! Dropping in while at Hobby airport for breakfast was a pleasant surprise and I'm glad I fid! Their brisket was lean with just enough moisture and was quite tasty! I'll be sure to check out their full menu another time read more

Killen's Barbecue - HOU - Bbq tacos for breakfast? Yes! Hobby airport for breakfast - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

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I understand airport food is always pricey. But least give your customer something that make you wanna come back. This sandwich was a $20.00. No flavor on the sliced brisket and a dry bun. The so called Barbecue Sauce on the side tasted like they opened a can of Van Camps Pork and beans and used the sauce. I was so disappointed and pissed. read more

Killen's Barbecue - HOU - A Toddler Sandwich - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

Had an early flight so didn't eat breakfast but once killen's started to open a lined formed. I decided to try their breakfast taco. The cashier recommend turkey so i order turkey egg and cheese. The food was hot tasty and quick. Tip the breakfast tacos were already made and in a warmer but still good. The service was fast friendly and the ambiance come on it's an airport grab n go! The only issue was $6.30 for one taco definitely airport surcharge. read more

The food is good, but the employees don't care. We ordered quarter pound of brisket. there was no one else in the restaurant. Then someone else got in line and although there are three employees, they all stood around and waited for the next customer to order. I had to literally walk back up with my receipt and ask them to give me my brisket after waiting 10 minutes read more

At Hobby for a layover again and this time there's brisket available! I absolutely love brisket so I had to get a plate. I chose mac & cheese and cream corn for my sides. My son got a biscuit sandwich, mac & cheese, and baked beans. Everything was decent. You can see a smoke ring and taste the smokiness of the brisket. It was good, but you definitely had to dip it in the barbecue sauce as it lacked a little salt. The mac & cheese was OK for something made with American cheese instead of real sharp cheddar. I also am not a fan of crumbs on my mac & cheese, but it was alright. I was most impressed with the corn. The only reason why I didn't get the baked beans is because I didn't feel like fishing through the pork. Glad that was the case because the cream corn slapped. It wasn't just sweet, but it was also spicy. My favorite combination. I did try some of my son's baked beans. They were good and had a little kick to them as well. There's no seating, the food is thrown together and brisket fat fingerprints are clearly seen on the black to go box you receive. But the airport here this is pretty good. I'm sure if I ever have kits outside the airport, it would be 100% better. Which is probably why others have given this place horrible reviews. However I'm so glad that the new thing is for airports to feature local restaurants so layover travelers don't have to go too far. Glad this barbecue place is here. After I use up on my Southwest rapid rewards points I'll probably never fly southwest again, so who knows if I'll be stopping at this airport again. If I do have a layover that's not long enough to leave the airport for I know where to get my Texas brisket. read more

Tiny portion for the price. I'm not a huge eater, but ordered pulled pork and slaw and it was similar to having a snack. Was an airport ripoff. Eat elsewhere at this airport, went to the spot down the hall and finished my meal. read more

Pros: many years ago, my husband and I ate at the killens in Pearland. We thought it was some of the best barbecue we've ever had. So when we saw this location at the Houston airport, we were pretty excited. I'm so happy it was open at 6 AM. Ordering was a breeze. Cons: unfortunately getting the food wasn't as easy. The gentleman making the breakfast tacos got very confused and started to make them out of order. We had a bit of a wait until the cashier jumped in to help him. Which meant people started piling up in the ordering line. Overall, I was happy to get the taco. The tortilla and the eggs were normal. The barbecue jalapeño sausage was very dry and over cooked. read more

Are they rationing around here? Look at this picture. What's missing? ALL the food. Absolutely atrocious. I cannot believe my eyes. Go somewhere else if you're hungry because you'll still be hungry after eating here. You can't call yourself a restaurant if you're not serving meals - more like LIGHT snack. I feel like a victim because I actually got robbed. read more

Killen's Barbecue - HOU - Brisket with Mac and cheese and corn - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

Huge rip-off. Killens is willing to destroy their reputation by ripping its customers off. Looks like many many people feel the same way. It explains why the line was short at their Hobby airport location. $24 for a one meat plate and the meat portion was pathetic. Never going back. read more

Killen's Barbecue - HOU - Tiny meat serving on $24 plate! - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

Quick. Tasty. Filling. Efficient bbq for an airport. Baked potato. Sandwich, plate options. 5-6 meat options. Sides. Comes with bread. read more

Killen's Barbecue - HOU - Bbq plate $22. Brisket. - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

Food: 2.8 out of 5 - average taste, on the board says sandwich come with onions & pickle, but it's burger with meat only. Service: 1.3 out of 5 - 4 workers but only 1.5 were really working, only few customers but it took 20 minutes got my food Ambiance: 1 out of 5 Price: 0.5 out of 5 - small portion of brisket with hamburger buns for $20, really at Texas? Minimum wage is $7.5 an hour here at Texas. read more

Killen's Barbecue - HOU - It's burger not sandwich and on board says come with onion & pickle - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

The food was not good at all. I don't want to use what the kids say today which is trash. Who can I order a two meat plate and chicken isn't a part of the meat option. The best part was the French fries be wise they were freshly cook. I'm done! read more

I love Killen's BBQ, both the Pearland and Heights locations, but the Hobby airport location falls way short. Like, I really want to give it one star but my fingers just won't let me. We had a little time before our flight today, so I wanted to give the airport location a try. I ordered the sliced beef plate. Between being dry and chewy, it was also just a bad cut of meat. You can see in the photos both the sinewy cut, plus how dry it was. I added the other photo just to show that it really was a Killen's order. I know you shouldn't expect the same quality as the original or brick and mortar store, but this was bad. I would hate to be a traveler that isn't familiar with how good his BBQ can be and for this to have been the only experience of Killen's. I'll still go to the other restaurants, but probably not the Hobby location. Sorry, Ronnie. This was a miss. read more

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Good was great for airport location. Landed at 6:50 pm and connecting at 7:35 pm. We had enough time to order and eat before our boarding time. The order pick-up system was efficient. read more

Sorry to give a bad review for killen's because usually it is a favorite go when in Pearland at either restaurant there. Stopped by between flights and had a barbecue urge. Ordered 2 chopped beef sandwiches and the bulk was $39.51. That was only 2 sandwiches RIDICULOUS! You'd think they were price gouging for an upcoming hurricane. I get we are at the airport which is a stupid excuse but still that's a little over the top. Next they (5 people behind the counter) took forever to prepare our food and the 4 people waiting in front of me for theirs. Guessing it was the cost that had other travelers turning around and going elsewhere that kept the line short. When I opened our bag they had placed the sandwiches in pickle juice- not cool. The meat was mostly the burnt end caps and it was very hard to chew. The worst experience ever. Will never stop here again and advise you skip the barbecue here as well. read more

Excellent bbq but ridiculous portions on our sliced beef sandwich and the guy slicing meat needs focus on his job better as he skipped our order and another customers as well . One slice of brisket for each sandwich for $18 . I mean it's like a joke . Didn't even fill half the sandwich . Chopped beef was much better portion we saw . Favor of bbq 10/10 though . read more

Been to the Pearland location many times and I'm sad to say this is not acceptable food. I got the brisket plate and mac and cheese plus cream corn. The Brisket was cut with the wrong knife and the lean side was dry as can be. The corn was spicy, I did not mind it but it was strange no signs indicating it was spicy. Mac and Cheese was ok. I know the Airport staff are not trained by Killen's Staff. This was Killens in name only. They have to have a way to get them brisket that is not dry as can be. I know they are hot holding the meat from Killens but it's the wrong. I will never eat here again. read more

Forget hot! The food wasn't warm. Potatoes wouldn't be ready for 2 hours. Friendly to one another behind the counter but customers were met with indifference. This is a picture of what I received for $24.63. I had to go back to ask for utensils and napkins. read more

Killen's Barbecue - HOU - Killen's Brisket with 2 sides of coleslaw. Hobby Texas Airport - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

Brisket plate was dry as hell. Yummy sides though. Much recommend the pearland location. This place is a bad first impression for visitors to Texas read more

Killen's Barbecue - HOU - Barbeque Near Me - Houston, Texas

The sliced brisket sandwich was excellent. It was moist, tender, and nice smoke and beef flavor. They include sauce, onions, pickles, and a jalapeño in a plastic baggie. Area was very clean. Service was quick. Only thing missing was a place to sit or stand to eat, so this is only for food to go. read more

Killens Hobby Airport is the new DMV. Slooooooooooooow AF. Assembly line breakfast tacos, how long could it possibly take? For. Ever. That's how long. These employees move with zero purpose. It's an airport, long waits for barbecue are not on anyone's agenda. I agree with another reviewer that I wish barbeque sauce was offered with the breakfast tacos. The woman cashier was rubbing her eyes and then serving coffee - gross. That being said, this is still one of the best-tasting food options in the airport. Killens just needs to step up and step in to overhaul the staff situation so everyone can enjoy and be on their merry way. read more

What gets you in the door is the smell. After that, total disappointment. Food was not good. Baked beans tasted like they were heated from the can, my store bought potato salad was just ok, ribs were dry. Service decent. Ambiance clean place. read more

For the manager: - no management. Your people are 95% focused on visiting with each other - 3 people waiting 10-15 minutes for a taco - unacceptable behavior read more

Initially I was very excited for Killen's at Hobby Airport. However, when I arrived around 0830, they were out of eggs but charged the same price. The counter was less than friendly. The small brisket breakfast taco was less than OK for $5.60! (no eggs, unfriendly staff) Anyway, I understand Killen's is delivering this food in containers so they're not preparing anything here. I know, no pit smokers in the back! lol But next time, I'll go to Velvet Taco for better taste, quality and ambiance for my money and breakfast taco fix! Sorry Ronnie, I like your BBQ, but I'll never buy it at Hobby Airport again. read more

Really mid food and really bad service. Doesn't help you guys ignored the only two Asians in the store. Felt really targeted.

Had lunch here while on a long layover at Houston airport. I had a great brisket sandwich, loaded down with meat. Not only was the food great but Georda was so friendly and super helpful in making recommendations for sides. The food court had a lot of clean empty tables nearby. read more