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    Pinkerton’s Barbeque - Upper Kirby

    4.2 (64 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 10:00 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

    Pinkerton’s Barbeque - Upper Kirby Barbeque Restaurant Photos

    PINKERTON’S BARBEQUE - UPPER KIRBY ATMOSPHERE

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    Priscilla A.

    AMAZING! We went on Mothers Day and I sure enjoyed myself! To the call off the bone beef ribs, so flavorful! Brisket, mouth watering! Jalapeño cheese link, oh my gooooooodness! And the scrumptious sides- bacon Mac n cheese, beans rice and tallow fries!!!! Everything was to die for! Every single bite I was singing and dancinnnnn! Can't wait to go back!!!

    bread pudding
    Chloe L.

    So good I came here twice in the same week. Super clean interiors, you're greeted right away. Among the sides my favorites were the tangy cole slaw and beef tallow fries. For meats- I would recommend the lean brisket and unglazed pork ribs! Meats fall apart the moment you touch them. Bread pudding is very moist, blueberry compote was a great touch too. Brought my parents the second time and they were taking pictures of everything so we were kindly offered a tour of the grills! Fantastic service. Definitely coming back soon!

    Elsa C.

    Went to Pinkerton's new location on a cloudy Saturday. First let me say that it gets busy here at times causing parking to be street parking or looking for far and safe parking. The line goes slow as they have several people working, taking your order but they work slow and ask and repeat the same things several times. The brisket is very good, the boudin is great, the sausage is good the sides are just ok and the pork that they only serve on Saturday is just ok and very over price. I have gone and eaten here might return but not if I have to do street parking or circle around 4 times looking for parking. Go try it and make your on opinion,

    Menu
    Arshad H.

    Pinkerton's Barbeque was at the top of my list of BBQ places to visit when visiting Houston. This is their 2nd location and seating is spacious with cafeteria style service. I was surprised to see only 1 person in front of me when I visited for a weekday lunch. I went with some brisket, beef ribs, okra, cole slaw, and turkey. Beef ribs ($38 a lb.) - I beef rib weighs about 1.5 lbs. It's so flavorful and fall of the bone tender. It was definitely the best thing I ate here and the best beef ribs I have tried. They have 2 kinds of bbq sauce here : regular (mustard based) and a sweet one (regular bbq sauce). Both were great and complemented the meats. Brisket - ($35 a lb.) - The brisket was good, although not as tender as the beef ribs and I've had better brisket elsewhere. Flavor wise it was a little plain but still not bad. Turkey - ($24 a lb.) - The turkey had so much smoke flavor and was juicy. It was definitely a surprise for me and I really enjoyed it. Cole slaw (large is $6) - The slaw here is slightly creamy and complements all the meats nicely! Okra (small is $4) - Prepared with tomatoes this is more of a stew and provides a nice earthy taste that goes well with BBQ. Overall I was impressed with all the meats here, especially the beef ribs! Service was so friendly and accommodating. All the staff were helpful and helped to clean up after one finished eating. I didn't have any issue with parking as they have a large lot.

    $53 worth of food
    Thuy P.

    Glad to find out their 2nd location is by upper Kirby closer to where I work. I ate at the Heights location and loved it. They surely didn't disappoint me on this location. The pork glazed ribs was so good. I actually like it more than their brisket. It's a bit pricey but worth it

    Mac and cheese, sweet potatoes, brisket, chicken, apple cheesecake
    Christine G.

    Order by the slice! order by the pound! Whatever you do get to Pinkerton's and enjoy it!! The meat is very good, I understand. I get it. However, I'm a sides gal. The macaroni and cheese is so creamy and full of flavor I can taste it now as I'm writing this review. The sweet potatoes were topped with chips? Or some delicious crispy topping I need to replicate. And that apple cheesecake has restored my love for cheesecake. The line moves fast and the staff all works super hard to make it a smooth operation. Much appreciated. This location is super cute kind of an old dinner kind of vibe and lots of seating for big and small groups.

    Chicken and Brisket plate (creamed spinach, baked beans, jalapeño cheddar rice, potato salad)
    Mia M.

    What better food to try to assist in my transition into becoming a full-blown Texan than some nice quality barbecue? Because of this Pinkerton's had been on my list for a while. Now with this being Michelin star BBQ, you can imagine that this place is in such high demand. Although there was a bit of a wait when getting into the restaurant, the line moved swiftly and tables were readily available and cleaned after the food was ordered, which made the process seamless. Staff were super efficient and polite no service complaints whatsoever. The barbecue was so delicious. Flavorful and moist yum yum yum yum. My sides were pretty good and paired perfectly with my food. I think my favorite had to be the potato salad. The macaroni could use a little work but it doesn't take away from the fact that it was a great experience. Can't wait to come back.

    bread pudding
    Ellen K.

    oh how incredibly happy I was to hear that they opened a new location! From what I've been told, the meat at this location is little worse than that of the original locations, but if you are like me and not exactly a bbq connoisseur, it's hard to tell the difference. For the beef brisket, I recommend getting half lean and half fatty. The desserts at this location are also allegedly better, especially that Bread Pudding! There was always a line when I went, but service is fast and it went by in minutes. On your way out, don't forget to grab the free Blue Bell Ice Cream to wrap up your meal!

    Texas Beef Ribs and Brisket
    Dave S.

    In town for work and stopped by Pinkertons as recommended by a local friend. Let me tell you, We were not disappointed at all!!! Walked in and were greeted by friendly staff who guided us to the line to order our food. They explained the process. I ordered a beef rib. The employee opened a fresh butcher paper wrapped 3 beef rib rack and it hard a bark crust! He cut thru the ribs and I saw the juices drip from the rib meat. I could see the smoke ring. Next I ordered brisket which was also removed from butcher paper and he sliced 2 slices for me. Again as He sliced it, I seen how juicy the slices were. I also ordered Jalapeño Cheddar Link. The sides I chose were Texas Bean and Brisket Jambalaya! The Beef rib just fell off the bone. The meat easily pulled/shredded apart. The bark had great flavor and complimented the juicy meat. The brisket was so tender it pulled apart yet held together. PERFECTLY smoked! Moist and flavorful! The surprise was the Jalapeño Cheddar Link, which had a creamy cheddar flavor and a little heat from the Jalapeño. The beans were some of the best BBQ beans Ive had. Not flavor with alot of Brown Sugar, rather it had a light flavor with Texas BBQ spice. I was told Texas BBQ is quite expensive and they werent kidding. Two of cost over $200! But I must say, I will be back! The BBQ was that good!!! If you want legit BBQ thats freshly smoked, tender and juicy, then head to Pinkertons!!!

    Bar Area
    Anthony L.

    This is the spot! I'm so glad Pinkerton's decided to open this new location. I've had the privilege of visiting a few times and the experience was great on every occasion. My normal go-to order is brisket and glazed ribs. I could eat those every day, they are a must try. I've brought a few non BBQ eaters here and they loved the brisket! I've also had the pork shoulder and sausage and those cuts were tasty too. They make a biscuit here that is phenomenal, especially if you pair it with the brisket. My favorite sides are the beef tallow fries and potato salad, but the meat is the star of the show in my opinion. There are plenty of tables inside, a bar, and the ordering line is cafeteria style. Desserts are at the front of the line, so be sure to check those out while you decide on your order. The traffic for the tables seems to filter out as you get through the line, I haven't had trouble finding a seat even during peak times. There is a nice window in the restaurant so you can see the pits going without being near the heat and smoke, I thought that was a nice touch. The staff has been excellent every time I have visited, and they even come by the tables and make sure you have fresh refills or any add-ons you might need. They have a decent amount of parking onsite and so far I haven't had much trouble finding a spot, not sure if that will change once more people know they are here. I have really enjoyed my meals here and definitely plan to be back!

    Was I hungry going through the line? It would appear so.
    William L.

    Five star, or in michelin's case one star, bbq. For most readers the meats are what matter, and in my case--pork ribs, brisket, and turkey--all were excellent. The brisket was tender but cohesive with the crust properly black with seasoning and the inside pink. The ribs had a similar crust and meat situation, which in this reviewer's opinion is why you go for the ribs if you're only getting one meat. I would normally never choose turkey but did so here based on some of the other Yelp reviewers reports. It is tasty and reminiscent of a fried turkey where the meat is preloaded with seasoning. Now on to the sides. Some BBQ places, even some with talented pit Masters, don't prioritize sides or even serve them at all. The sides here are good enough to warrant a stop for those seeking a veggie plate. Tangy slaw is a chopped red cabbage preparation that's not all that tangy but it is delicious. The potato salad is as expected. Jalapeno cheese rice is not spicy hot, but it is full of both cheese and jalapeno flavor. I would recommend it to anyone curious about jalapenos but wants to skip the burn. If you like your aunt's sweet potato topped with marshmallow and served in a CorningWare dish at Thanksgiving, bourbon sweet potatoes are for you. The bourbon flavor is subtle but present in every bite. Food is served in the cafeteria style line where you can choose how much of any meat you want either by count (as a numbers of ribs) or weight. All barbecue should be sold like this, even if dining in. Sometimes you want two ribs and a pound of brisket. Another time you might want more ribs anf couple of slices of turkey. Or both kinds of ribs. It's your choice. Sides come as small or large. Small is still a pretty decent sized serving and for some shareable among two or three people. The counter staff is helpful and friendly, and there are managers and possibly even owners wandering among tables and checking in with diners. With both excellent core meat items and as far as I can tell no loser sides, this is what five star barbecue looks like.

    Jarek M.

    The highly acclaimed, Michelin-rated Pinkerton's BBQ just opened its second Houston location! Service and atmosphere: Very good service. All staff members were very welcoming, polite and friendly. They were also food knowledgeable and advised us on our food choices. The restaurant is big, well decorated and maintained. There is separate area for an open bar where you can order your favourite beverage. Food: They are known for their amazing BBQ, Pork, and links. Let's not forget turkey. We ordered brisket, turkey and sausage. All meats were moist and well seasoned. The sausage casing wasn't tough which we normally discover in other BBQ places. They have great selection of cold and warm sides. I highly recommend beef tallow fries, okra and tomato's, as well as southern style beans. To say the least, everything was delicious. Pricing: $$/$ - the meats are sold per LB and vary from $26-38. Links $6. Sandwiches cost $12-16.

    1 Jalapeño sausage, 2 pork rib, 2 sliced brisket, potato salad, and tangy slaw
    Erfan K.

    I eat at a lot of barbecue spots around Houston, so I wanted to give a fair and honest review based on experience. My main concern, and the reason I likely won't return, is the pricing. The barbecue here is significantly more expensive than most comparable spots in the area, and I feel the value doesn't match the cost. To break it down, everything here is à la carte ordered three meats and two sides, which is fairly standard 1 jalapeño sausage, 2 slices of moist brisket, 2 pork ribs, potato salad, and tangy slaw. Starting with the positives, the restaurant is very clean and the theme is great! The brisket was outstanding easily a 10/10!! One of the BEST I've had anywhere in the United States. The sides were also excellent. Both the potato salad and tangy slaw were very flavorful and well executed. The pork ribs, however, were fairly average compared to other top barbecue spots in Houston and didn't stand out. The jalapeño sausage was very disappointing for me. The casing was quite thick and tough, which made it difficult to enjoy, and I ended up not finishing it and had to keep spitting the casing out. On a positive note, the staff was very friendly and attentive. A team member even checked in on my table, and service overall was solid. That said, the total came out to about $43!!!! for three meats and two sides. In my experience, similar meals at other barbecue restaurants typically range closer to $25-$30 At this price point, I personally don't feel the overall experience justifies the cost, especially given the inconsistency in some of the meats. While the brisket and sides were excellent, the pricing is the main reason I would not return.

    Man Bear Pig and Thick and Hearty sandwiches with Mac and cheese, tangy slaw, jalapeño cheese rice, and potato salad.

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    Grace's - The Maw Maw's Pork Pot Roast

    Grace's

    4.2(1.6k reviews)
    0.5 miUpper Kirby
    $$$

    I can't believe it. It's been 10 years since I reviewed Grace's. I've probably been here 35 or 40…read moretimes since then. I bring family and friends here all the time along with business partners. This is one of my favorite restaurants in Houston, Texas. You will experience the best food and the best service here every single time! Today was the first time I decided to get some food to go. Bradley was an absolute professional. While I was leaving, Johnny Carrabba came out and talked to me for a second. What a nice guy. Full of natural charisma. Reminds me of an old wise guy from casino or Goodfellas. We had a great conversation. I told him how my grandmother was born in Bryan Texas in 1927. He told me about his family that migrated there in 1905. He also mentioned his family had a store on Canal Street. I had no idea. An exceptional person, a legend in the restaurant industry here in Houston, Texas. It was great to meet you today Johnny. Thank you for your professionalism and hospitality and also thank you for serving some of the best food in Houston, Texas! Food: as you can see from all my pictures of the food is simply amazing. The best cornbread in the world. The best pot roast. The best sticky ribs. The best desserts. Everything here is phenomenal. Lunch dinner brunch you cannot go wrong. It was an absolute pleasure to meet Bradley and Johnny today I've been coming to this location for years and I will continue to come and support this restaurant.

    Food was really good! I got the grilled chicken breast with…read moretwo sides. The complimentary cornbread at the table -top tier. I definitely would dine in again. No complaint's.

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    Grace's - Chef's seating

    Chef's seating

    Grace's - The Pot Roast

    The Pot Roast

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    Adair Kitchen - Skillet with extra goat cheese

    Adair Kitchen

    4.1(107 reviews)
    1.1 miWest University

    To go mostly here, there is also outside patio Casual…read moreambiance Service has only been for to go orders - I think I have picked up brunch here before Pluses 1. Easy to go when app is working and there's rewards Areas to improve 1. There is a 5% included to go fee just FYI 2. This mashed potato here is very bland and salty compared to San Felipe location. We could not finish our individual servings and did not even give it to the dogs today. It tasted like the dry flakes you buy at the supermarket and mix with milk and the texture was not right. 3. Very boring and bland cheeseburger, very forgettable. The patty was very slim. 4. Helpful to have quality control with the two restaurants, it acts like two different restaurants even though menu is the same! Also I just saw the health report listed. 5. Salmon was raw in the middle when we asked for medium well. 6. Not sure we will eat the chicken and green beans for tomorrow... I prefer their San Felipe location of which I am a regular patron, and came here due to Galleria construction, but given today's very bland or salty food, which was not satisfying at all, I must head back there. This was the worse to go and pick up experience I can think of in a while. My order was $100 plus today for several meals...

    Ordered takeout and had a seamless pickup experience…read more Got a couple of salads to go and a soup. Very very good for a quick snack. Lemon artichoke soup always hits. Only problem that I have is that the salads don't provide enough toppings in my taste. Mostly lettuce. Will dine again, Bob B.

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    Adair Kitchen - Moscato

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    Eunice - Chicken and sausage gumbo with added shrimp

    Eunice

    4.3(694 reviews)
    1.0 miUpper Kirby
    $$$

    I've been here a few times before, and being a sucker for second chances, I wanted to see if things…read morehad improved from my last visit, thankfully, they have. Feels good when an establishment takes pride in their customer's feedback and puts a plan into action. Honestly, part of me was hoping that last time was just a fluke or an off day. This time around, everything from the service to the food was great. We had a 12:30 Sunday reservation for two and opted to sit inside this time. We ordered the cast-iron cornbread, chargrilled oysters, and a cup of gumbo each to start. For entrées, I had the Gulf Fish, while my husband went with the crawfish Florentine. Everything came out beautifully timed, almost like a perfectly paced three-course meal, which obviously made the whole experience feel elevated and relaxed. Our waiter was knowledgeable, attentive, and on top of everything without being overbearing. I also tried the prickly pear aid (non-alcoholic), and it was super refreshing, definitely worth ordering if you like a little tartness to cleanse your palate. Overall, this visit felt like a completely different experience than last time. It delivered the elevated experience a place like Eunice promises and what I was used to originally. Looking forward to celebrating my birthday here in June!

    I visited yesterday with a few friends for the first time. The restaurant itself was very…read moreimpressive and clean, well decorated, and welcoming. Unfortunately, the overall dining experience was disappointing due to both the service and the food quality. Our server was very slow throughout the evening. After ordering cocktails, it took approximately 20 minutes for them to arrive. We then ordered our meals... I had the burger and fries, while my girlfriend ordered the shrimp and grits. Both dishes were noticeably over salted. After finishing our meals, we waited an additional 15-20 minutes just to receive a dessert menu. Eventually, we decided not to wait any longer and went to Dessert Gallery down the street instead. While the atmosphere and appearance of the restaurant were excellent, the slow service and food issues negatively impacted the experience. Based on this visit, I would likely not return.

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    Eunice - Private Event

    Private Event

    Eunice - Cajun Duck Poppers

    Cajun Duck Poppers

    Eunice - Main Dining Room

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    Main Dining Room

    State of Grace - Texas Blue Crab Hushpuppies

    State of Grace

    4.4(1.1k reviews)
    1.1 miRiver Oaks
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    Wow! I'm not sure what I expected when booking a resy for brunch on a Sunday at State of Grace, but…read moreit completely exceeded my expectations. Extremely kind service from the hosts through the entire team. The best balance of conversational and storytelling without being overbearing. We never felt rushed and they made the experience feel personal, and felt we truly got to know the restaurant and reasoning behind a few of the dishes just through their excitement. We ordered coffees along with the crab hush puppies, gumbo, avocado toast, and ended with their massive cinnamon roll. It was the perfect spread and everything was so flavorful! (My only critique was I wish the cinnamon roll was warmed up and served with a bit more icing). The interior was fabulous with an amazing aroma. I would highly recommend for anywhere from an intimate date to a group brunch! Beautiful bar as well, I cannot wait to come again another night for dinner. Upon exit, we were also departed with a complimentary cookie - super cute touch!

    Celebrated a special occasion at State of Grace. Mainly valet parking…read more Jamilia was an AWESOME waitress. Appreciated her humor and talking to her! She provided excellent service along with her assistant, Jonathan. Enjoyed an espresso martini & tried some of the carajillo! Appetizers were the highlight of this meal (minus the hamachi crudo; sauce was super weird). Enjoyed the woodfried oysters (6pc) & gulf crab hushpuppies. Oysters from Texas & Alabama were delicious! Faves were Key Allegro, Mermaid Tears, & Matagorda Pearls. Capo Hugo was alright. Sides: pommes puree (whipped potato) & wood grilled asparagus - these were good Got a bite of the overpriced burger and that was the best entree out of the ones that were ordered. Fries were delicious and addicting too! Classic blackened redfish was ok; nothing special. Le Entrecôte (steak frites) was also ok; some steak pieces were hard to chew. Was NOT a fan of the lobster fettuccine. Surprisingly bland and barely any lobster meat for the cost of that dish. Ended the night with dessert. Basque cheesecake tasted great! Banana foster was pretty good. Grab a cookie on the way out of the restaurant! Don't see myself coming back here for dinner, but I'm open to trying their brunch menu.

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    State of Grace - Beautiful bar area with great lighting for selfies

    Beautiful bar area with great lighting for selfies

    State of Grace - Hushpuppies

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    State of Grace - Interior of restaurant

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    Interior of restaurant

    Pinkerton’s Barbeque - Upper Kirby - bbq - Updated May 2026

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