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Ugh, it pains me to update this review on their last week of service at this location, but it was such a lackluster experience. This is my first updated review on Yelp and not for the better. Since it was closing, my close friends and I wanted to go back one last time, especially for the peach bread pudding. One of our friends in the group hasn't been here before but was excited and to celebrate her birthday later since we were all out of town last weekend. This is going to close next Sunday and turn in to a gas station, which we literally don't need in this corner location of Heights Blvd and Washington Ave. I made a reservation while I was in Boston just in case. Our friend had called 2 weeks ago, and they told her there wasn't anything open because they were closed Sundays. They're not closed Sundays according to their hours of operation online. Weird. Everything started fine. Our server checked on us regularly. She couldn't answer any questions about the menu. She said she was new and didn't know it. Why would you hire a server who doesn't know the menu on the last week of service? That doesn't make sense. She repeatedly said that the whole time like how people say they couldn't do something because they were short staffed. The chicken fried chicken and chicken pot pie were solid. That was the entrees we chose, and some of us ordered a chicken pot pie to go. Apparently, we ordered the last few ones. Interesting because they just opened at 11 am, and we ordered to go right after the deviled egg appetizers, 15 minutes from opening. She tried to close out our tickets without asking about dessert. We had to tell her we weren't finished and wanted to order dessert. When it got to the dessert, we wanted the peach bread pudding and Texas sheet cake. They didn't have the cake, so we said ice cream. We thought it would pair well with the bread pudding. Then she said she doesn't know the ice cream flavors since she's new. So, she checked and came back to tell us there was no ice cream. Who knows if there were other desserts at this point. So, we said just the peach bread pudding. We got it, and when she placed it on the table, it didn't really have the tres leches sauce and absolutely NO PEACHES. Mind you, I've been here 4 times before and recommend this dessert to everyone. One of the most memorable peach bread puddings in Houston. Today just shattered that image. When the server asked if everything was ok, I said the dessert was missing the peaches. We hadn't even started eating it. She said she'd ask the kitchen. Nothing happened. We cut into the bread pudding thinking there might be some sliced peaches baked within, and the edge of the container was hot, but then one of our friends said the bread pudding itself was cold. It was cold. I remember it being warm with brulee'd peaches on top. The table next to us also ordered the same dessert, and they had peaches on top. Disappointing. She said the kitchen could make us some peaches. We said no. It's too late. The texture was gluttonous without the sauce and peaches. At the end of our meal, we all agreed it was a let down. Now we need a redemption brunch. Maybe it's for the best they're closing this Heights location.
I am a big fan of Killen's restaurants so I picked this spot for my pre-birthday dinner. The ambiance was casual. Diego, our waiter, did a great job helping us make selections and kindly wishing me happy birthday. They had a special $23 for a 16 oz strip, knowing that was too big, I ordered it! . We were a party of four, so we surrounded our steaks with some shareable skillet jalapeño cornbread, brussel sprouts, collard greens and onion rings. I ended with the Texas sheet cake. Everything was delicious but the star of the show was the onion rings. So crisp/crunchy/tasty. And the sheet cake with the dr. pepper infused frosting. As always, I recommend any Killen's restaurant and this one is included!
Mmm Killens. Pork belly with cherry habanero: Unfortunately I couldn't try this dish due to the cherry conflicting with a stone fruit allergy, but it was a fan favorite of the night. Our waiter described it as the best thing on the menu. Chicken fried chicken: Really nicely fried crust, juicy interior. Some portions of the crust were a little too thick and over fried, but overall really tasty dish. The mashed potatoes were creamy and smooth. The gravy was super thick and solidified quickly at the table; not my favorite texture. Buttermilk fried chicken: Crunchy, nicely fried skin. The meat was slightly underseasoned and a little mushy. Prime rib: Probably the biggest disappointment of the night, this prime rib had the potential to be great, but was just okay. The crust was uniform and seasoned well. There was a nice rim of fat, but there wasn't very much marbling throughout the meat. I ordered medium rare, but it was more of a medium and slightly on the dry side. The au jus was flavorful and not too salty. Mashed potatoes were creamy and smooth. Fried okra: Nicely fried, slightly under seasoned. Mac n cheese: Worth the lactose sensitivity, this mac n cheese was creamy, cheesy, and satisfying. I don't care for bacon so the bacon bits on top didn't add much for me, but the other members of my table enjoyed them. The pasta wasn't overcooked, and the cheesiness was just the right amount. Peach bread pudding: Unfortunately I couldn't have this dessert due to stone fruit allergy, but the other members of my party praised its smooth consistency, creamy texture, and nice pairing with the condensed milk. Rich and decadent, they happily took the leftovers home to be reheated for the next meal. Chocolate cake: Apparently taking the place of the previous German chocolate cake, this version was rather lackluster. The crumb was quite dry, the buttercream overly sweet, and there was too much icing to cake ratio. Some bites of buttercream were nice and smooth, others contained grainy granulated sugar. Not a winner. Overall a dinner with its ups and downs, but there are some tasty dishes I might return for.
Unplanned brunches can honestly turn out really well (especially when you've seen the pics first LOL). Killen's in the Heights has always been on my radar. It is close by and, well... it's Killen's. A few friends and I decided to stroll in right when they opened on Sunday, and we actually ended up being the first customers of the day! By around 11, the place started filling up with a steady brunch crowd. We ordered the truffled butter drop biscuit (8/10), churro-style French toast brisket (10/10), and what we thought was steak and eggs. Here's the catch- they don't actually have steak and eggs. We didn't look too closely at the menu, so when a chicken fried steak and eggs came out, we were a little thrown off. Obviously, I wouldn't expect them to make something that's not on the menu, but it would've been nice if our server told us when we requested steak and eggs that they don't serve that so we could've adjusted. The biscuit was soft on the inside, crisp on the outside, and had just a touch of honey butter on top. The French toast brisket was perfection- sweet but not too sweet, so you still get that rich brisket flavor under the cinnamon-sugar dusted bread. The chicken fried steak wasn't bad, we just didn't want fried food.
This was a lovely Valentine's Day dinner. J and I stopped by with a reservation and were greeted by courteous staff. Our server provided us with the V Day specials as well as their regular menu. We were pretty hungry and decided on the confit tomato pie as a starter, with two entrees to share - the brisket bolognese and prime beef bavette, as well as a side of goat cheese grits. I had a rich, creamy coconut rum cocktail that I enjoyed sipping on before our yummies came out! The confit tomato pie reminded me of a similar tasting dish (quiejo de cabra) at Oporto - which is also tomato and goat cheese based. However I must say I enjoyed the pie more - the base and crust were crunchy and delicious and the hot filling melted in my mouth. We were overjoyed when our entrees came out - the crispy exterior of the bavette pieces was absolutely delicious, and the savory sauce was heavenly. While we enjoyed the brisket bolognese, it wasn't a standout and reminded us of other pastas we've had in the past. The brisket pieces were well-cooked and succulent. The grits were a miss for me - more so because I am not the biggest grits fan, but J enjoyed them. For dessert we decided on the bread pudding which came out piping hot. I loved the rich tres leches sauce combo with peaches. I only wish there had been a higher peach to bread ratio after I polished off the few delicious, fresh peach pieces. The dessert portion was huge and lasted us a few more days in the fridge afterwards. All the staff were very kind and accommodating. The restaurant is fairly spacious and reasonably full for a Valentine's Day, though likely less crowded than usual due to the weather. This was a lovely treat dinner for a special occasion - I would highly recommend it!
I am in town for a conference and had some time for a late lunch. I picked Killen's because they project an image that they know what they're about. Solidly in the "quaint chic" realm places with a lot of wood, precisely chosen decor, and rustic styled furniture, this place has the looks for the role. It was not a peak meal time, so I was able to be seated immediately. The staff were all very polite and smartly uniformed. The menu is simple and unpretentious. I really like places with the confidence to keep it focused. That usually helps the staff execute on a higher level and I have the impression that this place usually pulls that off. I ordered the Jalapeño cornbread as a starter and the fried chicken entree with sweet tea to drink. The tea is a great example of southern sweet tea. With any more sugar, I think it would be appropriate to call it a syrup and not a beverage. Something you would never find and would likely not enjoy as much up north. But down here where it's warm and humid, it always seems to be the right thing to get. Unfortunately, I missed out on the last cornbread of the day due to a technical glitch with a printer. That was a bummer, but understandable. The server was polite and suggested onion rings as an alternative and I agreed. The rings came out pretty quick and were very large serving. Batter dipped and hard fried, thy probably could have drained a bit more before finding their way to the table. I know they were trying to make up for lost time caused by the cornbread, and I appreciate that. Nothing fancy in this. Just a basic onion ring served with catsup. I would have like more seasoning in the breading though, as they tasted a bit plain. The fried chicken arrived shortly after and also would have been best with a touch more time to drain. It was served with a side of mashed potatoes with gravy, and a simple dinner roll. The chicken was perfectly cooked, very crispy on the outside and hot and tender inside. I am betting they used the same breading on this as the onion rings though and it would have also benefited from even a touch more salt and pepper. The same can be said for the potatoes and gravy. Perfectly cooked, but under seasoned. I am not sure if this was an off-day, or if this is normally what they serve. They are one of those places that is so confident in their kitchen that they do not provide salt and pepper at the table. This usually means the food is very intentional and precisely designed, so I lean towards my experience being typical. In the end, they did not charge for the cornbread, obviously, and also took the onion rings off since they were off on the timing. That was unexpected and a very good move. Especially since they did it without any prompting. This gets to the highest point. The service was impeccable. Very polite, professional, and capable. My server was attentive, a great communicator, and was an excellent ambassador for the establishment. Perhaps, my tastes are not common for the area and other reviews tend to support that. They had a minor challenge at the beginning of my service, but dealt with it proactively and went above and beyond by adjusting the total. I almost feel guilty leaving only a 3-star rating, but I did leaving thinking the food was simply a bit too bland. I will likely give them another shot at some point in the future and will update my review if that experience warrants it.
The place has nice ambient lighting, rustic decor with a semi open kitchen. Bar looks like it has great offerings. We tried a cocktail called matagorda and it was excellent. Food was average, of anything, a fancy Kelly's imo for the fried porkchops, tenders and 24hr fried chicken. All lacked salt but had decent seasoning. The chicken had a distinct flavor that I assume stem from the brine. The pork chop that was grilled had good smoke flavor but was super dry. The brown pan drippings sauce was inedible. Tasted like too much of the burnt pieces made into a roux and added some water to thicken it. The sauce was super thick. Gravy was more like a pudding. Same for the country gravy but I liked the taste. Mashed potatoes had great potato flavor and was well seasoned. The prime rib ravioli had a decent amount of truffle essence but I couldn't get around the grated prime rib. The texture was off. It was super grainy and dry. The stars of the show weren't enough to increase the stars. But I assume these are the items that got it a Michelin bib. Maybe? Pork belly burnt ends? 4/5 French fries 4/5 season was kinda sweet but def balanced with salt Mac and cheese 4/5 I should've just ordered this as my meal. Service was slow. We had appetizers which we finished fairly quickly and the dirty bowl and used app plates/silverware stayed on the table even after the main course came out. We ended up using the same set of silverware for mains as well since they didnt get replaced..not sure if this is expected or not but the ravioli app was saucy and our silverware could've used replacements. Oh, and for having such tiny water glasses, you'd think they'd frequent your table for refills. But that wasn't the case. Our 3 yo didn't get any silverware. I guess he was supposed to eat Mac and cheese with his hands? I should've just gotten burger bodega. $200 down the drain. What a waste of a Michelin bib "sticker"
I overlooked this very simple concrete building for years until it was recently recognized by the Michelin Guide as a Bib Gourmand ( good value for good food). So I took my neighborhood Foodie Group to try it out. I have to admit I think the M. G. Got it right. I at least want to take my wife back sometime. If nothing else make sure you leave room for the incredible bread pudding. The service was friendly and accommodating since we had a 2yr old with us. Knowledgable and responsive. The kitchen was a bit slow that night which did affect the serving temp of the rib eye at service. Still tasted great, just not my preference. However reason enough to live in 4 stars vs 5 stars. The ambience was casual and the dinning room relaxed yet formal enough for linen napkins service. Lastly the food was great. We as a group tried several dishes brisket queso, the rib eye dinner, enchiladas, lots of fried chicken.the portions were ample and not overpriced for what you got.
Went around 2pm on a Thursday . Was a lovely experience from staff, food and environment . Very clean . Staff was knowledgeable and sweet. Service was quick and good came out hot and fresh. Taste very homemade
This was the first spot I was taken to upon arriving in Houston, and the bar was set HIGH! Josh was our server and he was phenomenal throughout our whole lunch. We got what felt like a little of everything and we had plenty of leftovers. The pork belly- 10/10. Cooked perfectly and we asked for a few sides of whatever bbq sauce was on them. I got the 2-meant plate with ribs and brisket. I ordered fried okra and creamed corn. Delicious. The star of the slunch was the "short rib". The name is deceiving! That is a DINO BONE! During lunchtime, you have to ask for the short ribs specifically because they run out. We lucked up on 2 of the last 4 they had left. All the meats and sides were amazing. Quite a few people were in there by the time we left. My folks got the peach bread pudding and loved it!! Im a texture person, so it wasn't my fav but, let's just say it didn't make it home either way. Thanks again Josh for a great first experience!
Let's talk about it. We stopped by Killen's Barbecue in Houston, drawn in by that shiny new Michelin Guide 2025 sticker on the door -- because when Michelin speaks, you listen. The space itself? Surprisingly polished. Sleek, clean, and well-designed -- definitely not your average smokehouse shack. You can tell they put thought into the experience, not just the pit. Now, the service? It was... fine. Not bad, not great. Our server had a bit of a vibe -- let's just say they didn't seem thrilled when Truth BBQ came up in conversation. Almost like there's a quiet rivalry going on behind those aprons. And listen, I get it. As for the food, let's break it down. The brisket was probably one of the better cuts I've had -- tender with a solid bark -- but here's my honest truth: I've never understood the brisket obsession. It's good, sure, but overhyped in my book. The pork ribs? Now those were the real MVP -- smoky, flavorful, and easily the highlight of the tray. The jalapeño sausage didn't live up to its name -- no spice, no kick, and really no jalapeño to speak of. The mac & cheese was creamy and rich, but missing that something -- a crunch, a spice, a sharp note -- just something to push it past average. Surprisingly, the brussels sprouts came in second place: roasted well, tossed with bacon, and full of flavor. A sleeper hit. Would I go back? Maybe. Would I recommend it? Yes -- especially for out-of-towners curious about Houston's barbecue scene and eager to try something Michelin-anointed. But if we're being real, I'd still take a perfectly seared steak over barbecue any day of the week. And if you're thinking of checking out Truth BBQ, fair warning: the line is wrapped around the block -- possibly for no reason. Don't come for me, I'm just reporting live from the field.
4 years ago
This is such a great place for southern comfort food! Very casual place with plenty of seating. I came here with a friend and we ordered a ton of food that was honestly enough for maybe 3-4 meals total, after taking home some of it home for to-go. Between the 2 of us, we probably only ate about half or less than half of each side and then about 1/4 of the chicken fried steak. You definitely get your money's worth for the portion sizes here. This is what we ordered that I also highly recommend trying: -chicken fried steak (got the large and split amongst the 2 of us) -deviled eggs -creamed corn -mac 'n cheese -fried okra Chicken fried steak: The chicken fried steak was such a huge portion. My friend and I were originally going to each get a small each, but we ended up getting a large and splitting it instead. Even so, it was way too much, so I would probably recommend getting a small to split between 2 people if you're also planning on getting an appetizer and ton of sides like we did. It also comes with a side of mashed potatoes and white gravy poured over it. Deviled eggs: DELICIOUS. We had heard this was a good appetizer to get, and it did not disappoint. The eggs tasted so fresh and it comes with a little bit of shredded brisket on top, which was an interesting and nice touch. Creamed corn: We're both obsessed with the creamed corn from Killen's BBQ, so we had to get this. It tastes the same and is SO good. 10/10, highly recommend. Mac 'n cheese: The mac 'n cheese here is probably the creamiest and best mac 'n cheese I've ever had. Each bite is so creamy and delicious. Fried okra: A classic southern comfort side that you can't go wrong with getting. It's so good and fresh here. Unfortunately, we were way too full for dessert, but I would definitely come back here again (and maybe order less next time lol) so I would actually have some room for dessert! read more
9 months ago
1 year ago
I've always heard about Killens and particularly how good the bbq is! This was 2nd time back in Houston and I really wanted to try it. Went in with table of 6 and didn't need a reservation and was seated promptly. Ordered a bunch of food and really liked the porkbelly and the queso! The bbq meats were good but not amazing? Maybe my mind has been hyped up with all the buzz and it just didn't meet my expectations? Really good service and there is a valet parking right next door. Will be back to give them another try but really want to go to the Pearland original location to see how good it can be! read more
4 years ago
Customer service was great! Water was never empty, drinks was always refilled, and consistent check ins for our table without it being too excessive. Overall, the food was average. But them devil eggs was excellent! The portion sizes are big, which is also the case for sides and appetizers- these bad boys are shareable for sure. The cornbread was lacking sugar. The shrimp and grits,was meh, but it may just be that I'm simply not a fan of brown gravy sauce with my shrimp and grits. There is only complementary valet parking in their designated parking lot. read more
3 years ago
The Mac & Cheese and Pork Belly were delightful, offering a delicious experience. The initial hiccup with the hard Biscuits & Gravy was swiftly resolved with a delightful replacement. Ashley, our waitress, was kind enough to fix it. We never heard from the manager. The Brioche French Toast with fruit and coconut syrup earned its praise for its tasty combination. Unfortunately, the Chicken Biscuit and Chicken Fried Chicken Benedict fell short with dry textures. The Chicken fried Chicken Benedict also had Jalapeños on it... this was no where on the description. On the bright side, the Big Ass Breakfast was well worth it, and the Scrambled Eggs and German Chocolate Cake maintained the positive streak. The "Happy Birthday" moment with the shareable cake added a sweet touch to the overall experience. Brunch only on Sunday's needs to be advertised , as such. When we think of Killeen's we think of hearty food like mac and cheese, meats, and good food. We were looking for things like grilled cheese brisket, Shrimp Po Boy, Nashville chicken... none of that was available on the Sunday brunch. In clearing the table with the menus, we saw a sliver of paper, like an afterthought- Advertising of the brisket, catfish, and other items which were not seen until after orders were in. Unfortunately, the special of the day menu was not with the regular menu, but were hidden with the alcohol menus- wines, bourbon, and whiskey. My suggestion would be to keep all menus together. Service from Miss Ashley was fine. My coffee cup only had one refill. Liam was great in keeping the glasses filled with water. Ambiance was open concept. Everything looked clean. You could see in the kitchen. The game was on. People were spread out evenly. When we go to PEARLAND, or STQ we don't run into these challenges- It's always fresh, good, and hot so we thought we would try this one... it's not the same. read more
3 years ago
So this place carries the name of down home BBQ but it's actually Southern cooking that wishes to wear its black cocktail dress. So you get the chicken fried this and that, the charred brisket and all, but placed in shiny little silver trays and platters feigning fanciness. But I was totally open to the higher ticket price if it meant elevated dishes and higher quality ingredients. The place was pretty empty when we got there and we were initially taken aback since most BBQ places, you'd be standing in line with a tray. We were asked to be seated, so I was anticipating a nice new experience. Let's start off with the food: Brisket: nice and moist, cooked tender with great texture. But zero flavor. It couldn't stand alone without having to add the pickled condiments and sauce. And the accompanying BBQ sauce was also so weak despite it sitting fancifully in its dipping ceramic bowl Ribs: nice color and char. But I took a bite and my teeth stopped cold and I find I couldn't even tear through the meat. With my teeth. So I looked like a freak trying to go at ribs with a fork and knife and even the knife had trouble piercing this slab that once was meat. It was cooked into plasticization, a process of overdone that warrants its own dictionary term. Wasnt sure if it was ribs or if I had accidentally ordered a chew toy. But it would be more accurate to label it as jerky. Collard greens: sodium on blast. And also like taking a shot of vinegar if that's your thing. Mac and cheese: actually a nice taste to it. Came in a super fancy silver bowl with handles. Gooey cheesy with tender pasta. But I don't know what type of cheese is used but it's the heaviest pasta I've ever had. Like there was actual weight on my fork and once it's in your mouth, it sticks like peanut butter. Which might explain my following stomach upset. Drinks : very very blah. They tasted boring and bland. Not sure how even a margarita could be off but they all were watered down in flavor and sad. The taste of the food wasn't good but bearable. However, the consequent indigestion was not. Both my company and I had the most horrible indigestion and stomachaches for the rest of the day. I suspect the brick mac and cheese was the culprit but not sure if it's an individual dish or the combo. Service But the worst part of the overall experience may have been the service. It started off nice at first. But we were barely halfway through our meal when they waiter hurriedly came and asked us to doggy bag up our meal in progress. It was annoying but we let it go. Then he came back around 3 more times and it was basically, order dessert or hit the road. We we clearly still trying to gnaw through the rest of our meal and drinks yet kept getting rushed out. We were having great conversation and kept getting interrupted just to be rushed out. The place was barely full so it certainly was not for any seating for waiting patrons. We felt like we were getting kicked out once the order was done. The restaurant is laid out where you can see the whole staff working, and in general, there seems to be a collective misery or at least boredom. Not the best ambiance. The good thing is decent parking spaces for the area. So it's obvious I won't be returning. Heightened prices with lower value and getting sick to boot. We were having a great day but this place partially ruined it. read more
3 years ago
If I could give Killen's in the Heights, six stars or more I would if you want to try a variety of foods this is the place to come. Devaughn R. Our server was great. He provided exceptional customer service. The Fried Fish PO-BOY. And the three meat combo bbq are excellent. The ambience is modern-rustic. Flavored teas are not on the menu, but our server went out of his way to accommodate our request. It was very good. I beg all reading this review please come and eat at Killen's it worth every penny. Large portions size's you could share if choose too. read more
I made reservations for Easter Brunch with a friend. The parking lot was a little tight. I had to circle around a few times before finding a spot so keep that in mind if you want to make your reservation on time. The vibes give "country diner" aesthetics in my opinion. Our waiter was really nice and very attentive. I ordered a small mimosa carafe which made about 3 wine glasses. For my meal I ordered the chicken fried chicken which came with mashed potatoes and also ordered a waffle as a side. My friend ordered the French toast meal(she opted to leave the fruits off) and a side of greens. The food came out extremely fast. Like between 5-10 minutes fast which almost makes me wonder if it's pre-prepped in the back just waiting to be served I really enjoyed my chicken friend chicken. It was a huge portion and was well seasoned, especially with the white gravy. I asked for a side of dark gravy for my mashed potatoes and it was not good to me. It had a weird after taste. Also my masked potatoes seemed really thick which isn't how I usually prefer it but I ate it anyway. I tried my friend's French toast and it was cool. Nothing spectacular except they did have this interesting sweet honey butter type or syrup that was really good for the French toast. read more
1 year ago
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9 months ago
9 months ago
I have been to this location many many time but under the former ownership affectionately know as Hickory Hollow, besides the restaurants location and worn exterior this place is totally unrecognizable. My first visit to Killen's was with a few business associates, with all of us being out of towner's the consensus for dinner tonight was Texas BBQ - I was totally surprised when I walked through the door, this restaurant has been transformed into a beautiful restaurant with a beautiful open dining area and kitchen it was a total make over that is so inviting it's such an upgrade my concerns began to stir thinking it may be a little pretentious and the three of us all questioned our choice after seeing the modern dinnerware the beautiful table settings and decor it looks like no bbq joint I've been in on this side of White Oak Bayou in all the years I've traveled to Houston. We were seated without a wait although the restaurant was mostly filled, our server greeted us only moments after we were seated and took our drink orders - local beers on tap for everyone. Entrees of course the "bbq sampler platter": Brisket - smoked to perfection, barky, fatty, moist and tender - the hand carved portions were large and thick and there is absolutely no need for a knife this brisket exhibited all the characteristics of succulent Texas Q at it best. Texas Style Sausage - absolutely love fresh smoked sausage and Texas Style sausage ranks amongst the top of my favorites - sure I know that all aren't created equal but Killen's has a great one cookin up here. Pork Ribs - fall off the bone tender, not over-sauced and sweet and savory although the beef rib probably is the signature menu item but that is just an opinion from my observation from the neighboring table. Tater-Salad - mustard based and perfectly executed yes it's probably the perfect pairing with bbq I loved it. Bbq Beans - smoky, balanced and delicious meat included at no charge! Pickles and Sliced Raw Onions - required veggies do the right thing and eat them. I loved this place as did my guest - the service was excellent and the prices were reasonable there's lots of value here I can't wait to return... read more
11 months ago
10 months ago
3 years ago
I arrived later so my party had time to go over the menu, after expecting a different menu. they informed me that everything we picked out ahead of time wasn't available & since it wasn't made known that Sunday was a brunch only menu my options were very limited as someone with an egg allergy. Service with a smile, Ashely was amazing she checked on us regularly and helped resolve any problem we had which unfortunately we did have one....the biscuits were harder than croutons, we thought that's how they were supposed to be so we didn't think to mention it but just asked out of curiosity and were informed they are in fact not supposed to be like that. my brother ordered the chicken biscuit and ran in to the same issue of a crunchy biscuit. i opted for the pork belly and mac & cheese definitely recommend those items. the interior was definitely southern upscale farm aesthetic i enjoyed the time there but wouldn't come back nothing really stood out as phenomenal. we even split dessert for my birthday and the cake was so dry we didn't finish it :( definitely had higher expectations hopefully this was just a one off kinda day. read more
1 year ago
A group of us went researching for good bbq on a Wednesday evening. Our first choice (Truth) was closed for dinner (only on Wed!) So we went 100 feet away to Killen's. The restaurant was about half full at 6pm and they were easily able to seat the 8 of us at one of their larger tables. Service throughout the evening was excellent. Our Uber driver mentioned he had gone to Killen's for his bday earlier this year and recommended the 2 or 3 meat plates. However, upon reviewing the dinner menu this was no where to be found. We all had our hearts and stomachs set on that, especially after discovering that their dinner menu does not feature a lot of bbq options. However, our waiter said that - for us - they would honor the same lunch menu, including at the same price -- $21 for two meats (6 oz portions each) plus 2 sides (see pic). He properly advised that the sides are a little smaller than the ala cart sides mentioned in the dinner menu (which also costing $5-8 / each). Entrees arrived about 20 minutes later and they were by most accounts everything we were hoping for. The "lean" brisket was indeed lean but barely lukewarm. Ditto for the pulled pork. Both were tasty but would have been substantially better at true serving temps. We sampled one another's meats and sides and I have to say the mac/cheese is one of the best ever... neither too thick nor too creamy and with a nice baked crust on top and around the small bowl's edges. The brussles sprouts were soggy/limp and also lukewarm and, like the brisket, could have been excellent if freshly fried and served (the proper flavors were all there). The lone disappointment was the spinach salad ($16). It came absolutely drenched in a creamy dressing that made the salad inedible. The salad has terrific potential - with its sliced strawberries and candied pecans - just order the dressing on the side! One very annoying practice was that the restaurant does not split bills more than 4-ways. Whaaaat? So the eight of us each paired up to generate 4 bills and one person charged that tab while the other person in the pairing zelled/venmo'd their share back to the payor. The tip was also automatically included at 20% which was perfectly ok. Plenty of private parking in their lot. read more
2 years ago
I visited several restaurants on a recent trip to Houston, but few could compare to this place. The brisket spring rolls were spicy and delicious. I hope that they are bumped up as a regular menu item. The deviled eggs were okay, but the real star appetizer was the pork belly. It's the sauce of the pork belly that makes it a must order item. The chicken pot pie was enormous. I split it with someone and we still had to take half of it to go. Their BBQ Plate is a good way to have the famous Killeen Barbecue without a visit to Pearland and the long lines! I can't wait to return. read more
1 year ago
2 years ago
I had high hopes, but always do for friend chicken and mashed potatoes. It was good, don't get me wrong but no wow factor. The side dishes were pretty pricey too, and too much for one. The very berry smash was tasty for sure. I wish I tried the chicken pot pie, but I don't know if I'll make the trip back to do so. I'm an out of towner always looking for a great review on Yelp! read more
Weekday lunch and I almost couldn't find it because there wasn't a visible marking on the outside of the building. Decent sized parking lot next to the restaurant for the area... Apps We got the pork belly (5/5 unhealthy goodness) and queso (3/5, meh, with some meat pieces inside) Entree 3 meat BBQ plate with potatoe salad and cole slaw (4/5). Decent BBQ. Dessert Strawberry cake (4/5, super sweet but definitely a good southern dessert) Overall a solid experience; however I feel for straight up BBQ, go for Truth or Pinkertons but this is also a good traditional dine in option. read more
2 years ago
I walked through the doors surprised of how wonderful the inside looked. The waitress and hosts were kind and treated my party with care. The waitress answered all of our questions about the menu and made sure we were fully knowledgable on portions to order. Brisket, sausage, pull pork, and turkey were great. The corn here is a MUST TRY. Top barbecue spot here in Houston. read more
5 years ago
Loved the kitchen view. We ordered the blue cheese bacon which was amazing if you like blue cheese and the pork belly for appetizers, which were also quite tasty. For the entrees, we ordered the fried chicken, pork chops and the cafeteria hamburger and a side of Mac and cheese, and collards for the fried chicken. There was a slight up charge but not much. We chose mashed potatoes and black eyed peas to compliment the pork chop. I have to say the main entrees were good but unfortunately the sides were lacking flavor. I give the sides a 5 out of 10 and the entrees a 8 out of 10. And for portion size they get a 10 out of 10. Now as for service, they were initially slow, but in their defense it was super crowded, however they tried their best to continuously let us know that someone would be there with us soon. So for service I give them a 9 out of 10 because they recognized that we were waiting and didn't just leave us hanging. We also ordered an old fashion and tequila drink. They both were good. Nothing spectacular just good. I'm not sure if I would return but if I do I'm definitely going to try the fried shrimp because they were mini lobster sized but tonight I was in the mood for a burger. read more
I wasn't super sure of what to expect from the outside but don't let it deceive you inside was welcoming and the ambiance was great. The lighting was flattering, there's a great view of the open kitchen. The service was great, even though it was getting busy with lunch on Father's day weekend. My server was attentive and super polite. If you're by yourself or just with another friend I would suggest sitting at a hightop table or at the bar. They have a full bar with special cocktails and a bunch of whiskey and bourbon on display. I had a craving got BBQ and Killen's BBQ in Pearland was too far to make that trek but this has the same level or quality as it's sister restaurant. I got the brisket and pork ribs plate with potato salad and pack beans. It also had come with pickles and onions. These portions were huge you definitely will get a bang for your buck here since the BBQ location in Pearland will charge you slightly more and their portions were smaller. I got three thick/large slices of moist brisket and three large pork ribs. They were both fall apart tender, melt in your mouth. The only downside is that they don't offer the 3 BBQ sauce selection but it's definitely worth it. This plate is definitely enough to share and everything I've seen come out of the kitchen looked good. Potato salad good, baked beans had bits of brisket meat in it I think as well. read more
5 years ago
I was looking forward to eating here because I've heard such good things about the location in Pearland. I ordered the chicken fried steak which came with country gravy and a side of cream corn, and collard greens. I also got banana pudding. The only things that tasted good where the chicken fried steak and white gravy along with the banana pudding. This place really needs to work on their side items. The creamed corn tasted sour... and the collard greens tasted sour... I am not sure if they put sour cream in the corn and vinegar in the greens, but it was not good. And they are not cheap so I wasted quite a bit of money and the sides are still sitting in my fridge days later, I will toss them today. I can tell that this restaurant can cook quality food, but those side items definitely need some work. The chicken fried steak was delicious and tender and the white gravy was amazing. But it did not all come together because of how unpleasant the side items were, I didn't have a full meal which was disappointing. I will try them again in a few months, and update my review. read more
4 years ago
Killens bbq plate is soooo good! The ribs and brisket got me in a headlock. I've been there 2 times this week and I'm already planning my next visit. I tried the chicken the first time I went but ended up eating most of my friends bbq plate when we went back we both got the bbq plate. Lol I want to try other things on the menu but when I walk in and smell that brisket it just do something to my spirit. The beans are so good too. Im not saying the other stuff isn't good, but the ribs and brisket gone make you forget about everything else. The service is okay, they gone come by every so often, but I don't care that they forget stuff because the ribs and brisket still good. read more
1 year ago
I wanted the Texas Brisket Burger but the waiter said it's usually cooked for lunch so I ordered the Cafeteria Burger. Overall everything was good. read more
Dined in on a Thursday at 6:45 pm and only the bar area was available. Bar staff is extremely friendly and tentative! Kudos to management! I ordered: Salty dog drink: I like grapefruit and this was very tasty. Even the pink salt on the glass tasted like grapefruit. Killen's BBQ plate: I asked for fatty brisket and it was some what fatty, but I was given the end pieces and some of the brisket looked shredded and dry. The sausage is handmade and it was a tad gamy. I asked what meat is used and was told pork and beef. Not my favorite. Pork rib was good and fell off the bone. The sides that came with it was beans and potato salad which were very good. Chicken fried chicken: I will definitely come back for this dish! Perfectly seasoned and it came with mashed potatoes and white gravy (I requested the gravy on the side) with a side of beans. Creamed corn: I always need this side when eating BBQ. it was very good and went well with both dishes. Peach bread pudding: It came out pretty watery and did not have a crispy top layer. It could use some candied pecans and more peaches! The waitress said we can request that next time. It was not too sweet and I will order this again. Overall great dining experience and I will definitely be returning. read more
2 years ago
We were in the area and decided to try this spot. We arrived during there brunch hours, which I wasn't mad at. I had their steak and eggs. The steak was cooked well, would've liked a little more flavor. But the hash brown and eggs were good. My husband has the chicken and waffles, which he rated 7 out of 10. Due to the typical waffle. Also the environment was more for adults. Would love to go back for a date night and try the bbq. read more
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Do they offer halal or kosher like their Pearland location?
I don't remember seeing any halal or kosher food in their menu.
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Killen's - southern - Updated August 2026
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